Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 30 – May 6, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 30 – May 6, 2019

Writer's note: I would like to take a moment to thank Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, Todd Pickering, and those of our readers that extended birthday wishes to me. As a long-time Disney Vacation Member that knew that scheduling would preclude another visit to Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i this year, I decided to book a Magic Kingdom view one bedroom villa at Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, get some Chicago pizzas shipped from Lou Malnati's which was, like Walt Disney World Resort, established in 1971, and still has its flagship restaurant near my childhood home (and no locations in Florida), and invite a bunch of local friends to enjoy them with me while watching the nightly presentation of “Happily Ever After” fireworks. Granted my house here in Central Florida is pretty close to the resort, having a view of Cinderella Castle from my pillow for a night was quite “Magical” and I recommend it!

Lou Malnati's and Magic Kingdom both debuted in 1971 (I did before that). I used to live about as close to the original location (which is still in business) as I now live to Magic Kingdom. No compensation was received for this plug; in fact, I paid for all of the pizzas and the room! Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, the Disney Vacation Club property, is the closest guests can stay to Magic Kingdom without being invited to stay in the Cinderella Castle suite. As advised by a letter in the room, exterior painting is underway at the Tower.

Cinderella Castle can be seen from the pillow of the bed of this one bedroom vacation club villa.

The colors of the sky beyond Magic Kingdom at sunset seem even more vibrant from the balcony at Bay Lake Tower.

The best cooking arrangement in the oven for cooking Lou Malnati's pizzas in my villa formed a familiar shape.

I captured quite a few close-up shots of the Castle-area fireworks from the balcony (with the assistance of some optical zoom).

Happily Ever After fireworks are launched from near Cinderella Castle and from north of the park which, from Bay Lake Tower, look like they are behind Space Mountain.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

My latest podcast chat with National Radio Hall of Fame inductee Garry Meier was posted yesterday, Monday, April 29, 2019. Starting at 10:05 in the show, we discuss Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary, the new solar facility, the upcoming Epcot festivals and its new fireworks show, and more! Thanks for listening!

Remember, the Disney Parks smoking ban inside the parks goes into effect May 1, as do the new rules regarding stroller sizes (and banned styles like wagons)! Be governed accordingly. The newest Summer Resort Discount Offers are now included below too!

News and Views

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Disney's Hollywood Studios Celebrates 30 Years on Wednesday

With Disney's Hollywood Studios celebrating on Wednesday the 30th anniversary of its May 1, 1989, opening (originally named The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park), the park today is holding an invited media event to focus on the park's ongoing tranformation which takes its next major leap forward with the August 29 debut of the first phase of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge's 14-acre area and will culminate with next spring's debut of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Today, April 30, we have been invited to media briefings in the park, so keep an eye out on our social media channels for breaking news which may include some new details about the new land and Mickey & Minnie's first-ever ride-through attraction.

Mickey and Minnie appear on the official logo for the 30th Anniversary of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Image ©Disney.

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is now expected to open in Spring 2020 inside the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios (rather than later this year as previously announced). Concept Image ©Disney.

We also expect to get a preview tonight of the all-new “Wonderful World of Color” show that officially debuts tomorrow on the facade of the Chinese Theatre. Disney says the “cinematic nighttime experience … leverages state-of-the-art projection mapping technology and other effects to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation.” The show starts with Mickey and will cover the Disney and Pixar library up to Ralph Breaks the Internet

Disney Parks Blog provides a behind the scenes look at the new “Wonderful World of Animation” show that debuts tomorrow, May 1, 2019. The video suggests the show also may have some images representing the upcoming Disney-Pixar animated feature, “Toy Story 4.” Video &coppy;Disney.

Tomorrow morning, May 1, we will be back at the park to celebrate its anniversary. A “Star-Studded Cavalcade” is scheduled to step off at 10 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time and head down Hollywood Boulevard. There will be #DisneyParksLIVE streaming coverage of the event on Disney's official social media channels, and Disney has provided the embedded YouTube video below which is scheduled to go live at 9:55 EDT on May 1 with complete coverage (so you can just bookmark our page or keep it open on your device)!

The #DisneyParksLIVE stream is scheduled to begin right here at 9:55 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time tomorrow, May 1, 2019, and will include a “star-studded cavalcade starring Mickey and friends” at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Video ©Disney.

As we mentioned last week, for those in the market for the special edition merchandise, though the park's gates officially open on May 1 at 9 a.m., the special 30th anniversary merchandise goes on sale at 8 a.m. The merchandise will include a new adult T-shirt, baseball cap, Tervis 24-oz tumbler, MagicBand, and an ornament. There will also be Passholder-exclusive merchandise.

At 9:05 p.m. on May 1, the park will officially debut the Wonderful World of Animation show. We expect that it will replace the Disney Movie Magic projection show, and will not alter nightly showings of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular, which is scheduled to follow at 9:30 p.m.

For those that want to celebrate even more, tomorrow night, the park hosts a special edition of its Disney After Hours (separate admission required) event. In addition to the event's usual offering of little to no-wait for many park attractions, the Chinese Theatre Courtyard will host “beloved Disney characters” for meet and greets, and more will be available at Star Wars Launch Bay. After Hours attendees will also be able to catch an encore performance of “Wonderful World of Animation” during the event.

Coverage note, correcting from last week: we have been invited to a media preview of the 30th Anniversary Celebration TODAY, April 30, and to the Celebration itself, TOMORROW, May 1. Since the preview is today, for those looking for the lastest information about the Celebration, be sure to follow @MousePlanet on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We will provide live streamed and near-live coverage as technology and the events permit.

U.S. Navy Blue Angels to Fly Over Spaceship Earth at Epcot

Yesterday, Disney Parks Blog announced that the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are scheduled to make two flight passes over Epcot this coming Thursday morning, May 2, 2019, on their way to the Fort Lauderdale Air Show. Disney Parks Blog advises that optimal viewing will be between Spaceship Earth and the entrance to World Showcase; it is expected that the jets will fly over Spaceship Earth as they make their pass.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels are expected to fly over Spaceship Earth on Thursday, May 2. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The U.S. Navy Blue Angels flyovers honor Military Appreciation Month. In 2015 and 2017, the Blue Angels flew over Magic Kingdom. In 2017, we presented those flyovers over Cinderella Castle live on our Facebook page including their “Delta Break” maneuver (shown in the video cover screen below). As Thursday gets closer, we hope to get more specific time information which we will share on our social media channels. With some luck and technology cooperation, we will attempt to share the flyovers live on Facebook again (so follow us).

On April 6, 2017, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels flew over Cinderella Castle and Main Street U.S.A. They are scheduled to return to Walt Disney World on Thursday, May 2, 2019. File Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Villains and Halloween Party News

As of yesterday, tickets are now on-sale for the new, limited admission Disney Villains After Hours Event. On select nights from June 6 through August 8, guests that buy tickets may enter Magic Kingdom as early as 7 p.m. on event night and then enjoy the same sort of low or no wait times for at least 20 park attractions (down from the prior versions of the event's “at least 25” open attractions) from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. as the previously offered Disney After Hours events at the park along with complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties, and select bottled beverages. The new Disney Villains After Hours Event also debuts the new event-exclusive “Villains United the Night” 20-plus minute stage show starring Hades, Meg, The Queen, Maleficent, Jafar and more on the Cinderella Castle stage. Additionally, Space Mountain and Pirates of the Caribbean will add “villain-inspired surprises” during event hours, and Maleficent the fire-breathing parade float from the daily Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade will make its first nighttime appearances.

Given the live entertainment offering, not surprisingly, the Villains Event caries with it a higher advanced purchase price tag than previous Disney After Hours Events: $139/person plus tax ($30 discount for Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members). The Event will not include Villain meet and greets, however—and that has been a source of some of the complaints we have seen on social media. But, as we wrote after our media-invited opportunities to visit one of Magic Kingdom's previous After Hours events last July, and again in December after being invited to the inaugural editions at Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom editions, may miss the point of these hard ticket events: an opportunity to experience the parks closer to the way they were designed in absence of the operational realities of crowds with the freedom to ride and re-ride the attractions to allow you to discover all their details or just for the fun of it. To that end, I have purchased a ticket (at the DVC Members discounted price) to attend the inaugural Disney Villains After Hours event on June 6 and will report on it soon thereafter!

Also new to the Disney Villains After Hours events: specialty food and beverage options available for purchase only during the event inspired by The Queen, Cruella de Vil, Maleficent, Hades, Dr. Facilier, and Emperor Zurg. Disney Parks Blog has a foodie guide complete with photos of the “treats.” The Central Plaza hub will also host a dance party during the event that Disney Parks Blog describes as “a killer club scene” that will make way for the arrival of Hades, Lord of the Dead, in a burst of blue flames as he is the “Caretaker” for the evening and the new “Villains Unite the Night” show.

If meeting Disney Villains is what you are interested in, Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will return to Magic Kingdom on select nights starting August 16, and that hard ticket event always brings with it a number of such opportunities. Attendance on those nights, of course, is capped at a much higher level, but attendees are drawn to different things: some to trick-or-treat stations around the park; some to the usual attractions because they have a lower wait time or, like last year, to attractions with special Halloween enhancements. For the youngest attendees, this year's party will include Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam with characters like Doc McStuffins and Vampirina, and the Frontierland Costume Promenade led by Cactus-Flower Cate will encourage youngsters to show off their costumes for candy ahead of each of the twice nightly showings of Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade.

The Sanderson Sisters and Disney villains will again take the Castle stage several times in the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular.” And, of course, the night will include fireworks. For this year's edition of the Party, the “Hallowishes” show will be replaced by a brand-new Halloween fireworks show at the Party. It has been 14 years since the show has received a complete refresh, and, indeed, with the retirement of the “Wishes” fireworks show a couple of years ago and its replacement with “Happily Ever After” and all of its new lighting and digital projection mapping effects, Hallowishes had been showing its age in the past couple of years. The new show will tell the story of Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy's visit to a mysterious haunted hause where they encounter dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and other “troublemaking” Disney villains. The show will employ state-of-the-art projection effects plus lasers and other lighting effects to mix with the fireworks to tell the “not-so-scary” Halloween night story.

With a higher capped attendance level than After Hours, tickets for the Party start at a lower advanced purchase price point too, $79, but vary by date (and with some discounts available on most dates). Tickets are on sale now with more information and purchasing options on this page of DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407)827-7350. We will have more information about this year's edition of the Party later this year as the specialty merchandise, food and beverage and other treats are announced.

Finally, of note, if you are interested in the most intimate Disney one-of-a-kind Halloween celebration, Disney Parks Blog posted a reminder that you can book a Halloween on the High Seas voyage this fall aboard a Disney Cruise Line ship. If you have ever been aboard one of those specialty sailings, we would love to hear about your experience!

World Wish Day Begins #FriendLikeMe Challenge

Yesterday, April 29, was World Wish Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the incredible impact a wish come true can have on a child battling a critical illness. Walt Disney World Resort honored the more than 8,400 wishes granted at its parks and resorts every year by investing $20,000 in Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida to make more children's dreams a reality. Nearly half of the children eligible for wishes through wish-granting nonprofit organizations in the united States choose a Disney-inspired wish, including visits to Walt Disney World.

Walt Disney World Resort has also supported Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit vacation resort for critically ill children and their families (which we have written about before), since the resort doors opened in 1986. With the help of nearly 40,000 Disney VoluntEARS hours annually, Give Kids the World Village provides unforgettable experiences to 7,000 families each year. Wish families staying at the resort receive expedited attraction entry to Walt Disney World Resort attractions, complimentary stroller and wheelchair rentals, and have exclusive access to the Disney Wish Lounge at Magic Kingdom Park. Families staying at the resort also enjoy weekly visits from Disney VoluntEARS and Disney character favorites.

Further in honor of World Wish Day and its upcoming live-action movie Aladdin, The Walt Disney Company and Make-A-Wish Foundation launched the #FriendLikeMe Challenge. For every public post on Twitter and/or Instagram with #FriendLikeMe from April 29—May 24, 2019, Disney will donate $5 up to $1 million to Make-A-Wish to help grant life-changing wishes all over the world. For more information, visit FriendLikeMe.org. Bob Chapek, chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Consumer Products, sits on the national board of directors for Make-A-Wish.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, an extended preview of the upcoming live-action “Aladdin” is shown in the Walt Disney Theater inside Walt Disney Presents.

Banners outside Walt Disney Presents promote the movie as well.

One of Princess Jasmine's costumes from the new movie is on display in the lobby outside the Walt Disney Theater.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Celebrating Mother's Day

With Mother's Day coming up on May 12, Walt Disney World Resort has a host of ways to celebrate moms on their special day. Some of the highlights the Resort wants you to know about this year include special offerings like floral gift packages, holiday menus at several restaurants, Mother's Day-themed events at select Disney resorts and more. The Resort's suggestions include:

Floral Arrangements

Moms will know how much they're loved with beautiful floral arrangements from Disney Floral and Gifts. Guests can choose traditional roses, an arrangement inspired by a favorite Disney character or work with a Disney designer to create a custom bouquet.

Disney Floral and Gifts also has special gift packages just for Mother's Day. The Mother's Day Family Treats Tote includes an assortment of snacks moms will love.

To learn more, visit DisneyFloralAndGifts.com.

Special Delectable Bites

Special Mother's Day dining options will be available at select restaurants across Walt Disney World, including Terralina Crafted Italian and Paddlefish at Disney Springs, Trail's End Restaurant at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort, Olivia's Café at Disney’s Old Key West Resort, The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Whispering Canyon Café at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Rose & Crown Dining Room at Epcot. Specialty desserts will also be available at select resort hotels and dining locations within the theme parks.

As always, Walt Disney World has numerous brunch options to appeal to many tastes. Or, for the more adventurous, Boma – Flavors of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge offers traditional African choices such as Cape Malay Lamb Stew or Couscous alongside American favorites. Character breakfasts options include Bon Voyage Adventure Breakfast at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney's BoardWalk Inn with characters from Disney's Tangled and The Little Mermaid. On the “fancier” side, the Grand Floridian Café at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa serves American classics or, nearby, guests can enjoy a classic Afternoon Tea at Garden View Tea Room featuring international teas with sandwiches, scones and other tasty delicacies.

For all Walt Disney World dining information, visit DisneyWorld.com/dining or call (407)WDW-DINE.

Special Disney Resort Offerings

Select Disney resort hotels will host special events for Mother's Day. Minnie's Mother's Day Chocolate Party at Disney's Beach Club Resort offers decadent desserts including chocolate fondue, chocolate ravioli and a milkshake station. At Disney's BoardWalk Inn, moms and their families can create a special Mother's Day painting with an Alice in Wonderland theme from 10 a.m. to noon.

As always, for reservations and additional information about Disney resort hotels, call (407) W-DISNEY, your travel agent, or visit DisneyWorld.com/resorts.

And, of course, whether or not staying at one of Disney's resorts that has a full-service spa, moms (or anyone, really) can get massages, facial treatments, body therapies, manicures, pedicures and more at Senses – A Disney Spa at both Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.

Recapping from last week's update…

As we noted in last week's “This and That…” section, Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort's Garden Grove will present a special brunch buffet featuring Disney character dining. The Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Garden Grove's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet is priced at $38.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3-9. Themed after the tranquil gardens of Central Park, guests who step into Garden Grove will immerse themselves under a beautiful 25-foot oak tree adorned with twinkling lights and paper lanterns. For reservations and more information on Garden Grove, please visit https://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/gardengrove/index.html or call (407)934-1618.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

There is just over a month left to catch the Garden Rocks Concert Series on the America Gardens stage, three times nightly through the June 3 conclusion of the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. For more information or for reserving dining packages with guaranteed concert seating, call (407) WDW-DINE or visit FreshEpcot.com. Passholders can save 10% on food and beverages (except alcohol and excluding tax and gratuity) on dining packages for themselves and up to three guests.

This summer, Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! returns to the stage. From June 14 to August 18, Star-Lord and Gamora (along with an “alien” band) will take the audience on a “musical journey” that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes. The show will be performed multiple times daily; check the Times Guide and the My Disney Experience app for the daily schedule.

With Groot remotely patching “Awesome Mix” music into the headphones of of an alien band, Star-Lord tried to teach them how to become the “Galaxy's greatest cover band” during last summer's edition of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! Concerts. Gamora seemed unimpressed. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As the summer approaches fall, this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will debut on August 29 (yes, the very same day that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios). It runs a record 87 days this year, through November 23, but its the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series will only run until November 19, to allow the America Gardens stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional which debuts November 29 with the return of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (through December 30). Three times each night, a celebrity narrator will retell the traditional Christmas story along with a mass choir and live orchestra.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the remaining scheduled Garden Rocks Concert Series performers at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. All of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! dates are noted as well. Performers for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series and celebrity narrators for Candlelight Processional have not yet been announced, but those dates are noted on our calendar too. You can add the whole Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well.

While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events lists announced performers, it is still always best to check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting any last minute changes. The calendar is provided as a courtesy “as is, where is” without any guarantees. We do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

We have views from all around Walt Disney World this week, though some are in other places in the Update, and, as is often the case, there are new ones in the Disney Springs section below too.

Walkways around the eastside of the Epcot parking lot have been reconfigured due to the “entry experience” changes underway at the park.

The tramway closest to the park is no longer served by the trams, as the tram loading and security areas are reconfigured.

The entire center walkway from the parking lot under the monorail station is now closed as part of the current construction project at the park.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

As Disney continues its elimination of single-use plastic straws, the new “Earth Friendly Paper Straw” has started appearing around Epcot, including the Disney Vacation Club Member Lounge.

Infrastructure construction on the World Showcase Lagoon islands appears to be complete, as the islands have had their landscapes restored. Flower and Garden Festival, of course, continues through June 3.

Pavement renovations are underway at the entrance to The American Adventure.

At Japan pavilion, beyond the Flower & Garden Festival Bonsai garden, construction continues on the new signature restaurant.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

As the park's 30th Anniversary Celebration is about to get underway, Mickey Mouse once again stands atop the globe just inside the park gates.

Zoomed in, Mickey Mouse looks all shiny and new for the park's celebration.

Like the park's name itself which has changed, the park's “icon” has changed a number of times too. This sign along Hollywood Boulevard is one of the few remaining that includes the former Earful Tower.

The park's dedication plaque shows its original name, Disney-MGM Studios, but is surrounded by a newer frame with the park's current name.

Disney PhotoPass photographers have several different style props featuring the park's name and Mickey.

A new permanent rideshare pickup zone sign has been installed near the future Disney Skyliner station and “Medical Parking.”

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

With the Party for the Planet just lasting the weekend leading up to Earth Day (April 22), the park replaced the 20th Anniversary banners around this 21 year old park.

The 20th Anniversary banners are again over the park gates.

As a cold blooded animal, the nile crocodiles may try to cool their bodies by opening their mouths.

Some of the foliage has been removed and some earth-moving equipment can be seen along the berm that is next to the walkway from Africa to Pandora-The World of Avatar as it approaches Satu'li Canteen.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

From the ascent of Expedition Everest, some of the extensive construction between the park and Epcot can be spotted – here, including the Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Resort and the blue building a bit further in the distance to its left is the future Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster in Future World. More careful examination of the photo will reveal other bits of ongoing projects. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Disney Parks Blog shared a photo of the first white Shetland pony ever born at the Tri-Circle-D Ranch at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Born in March and named Lilly after Walt Disney's wife, her parents are Cinderella's ponies that pull her pumpkin coach for Disney's Fairytale Weddings and some Magic Kingdom parades. Lilly will begin training to pull the coach when she turns two and then could make her debut as part of the coach pulling team a year later. She currently makes appearances in the show pasture near the barn at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground for a few hours daily.

…Fancy Nancy from Disney Channel, Disney Junior and DisneyNOW app, now has a new character greeting location at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Animation Courtyard. Starting today, April 30, she also joins the roster at Disney Junior Play 'n Dine at Hollywood & Vine during breakfest, along with Disney Junior's Vampirina, Doc McStuffins, and Roadster Racer Goofy.

…Looking to try the smoked brisket with chorizo-cheese fondue that is sold at The Smokehouse Outdoor Kitchen during this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival but can't get to Epcot? Disney Parks Blog published the recipe that you can try at home whether or not you own your own smoker.

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New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

The VOID

NEWCelebrating “May the Fourth” which has become known as #StarWarsDay, The VOID at Disney Springs is offering a one day only promotion on May 4, 2019: Groups of four traveling to Mustafar to experience “Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire” can play for the price of three by using the promo code VOIDMAY4 when booking in person or on The VOID website. In fact, the offer is also good for the journey to Mustafar at The VOID in Anaheim, Glendale, Santa Monica and Las Vegas.

More Parking Now Available at Disney Springs

The new Grapefruit Garage on Buena Vista Drive opened to the public April 16, 2019. It is located on the south side of Buena Vista Drive, across the street from the Lime Garage (and, according to Reedy Creek Improvement District Cast Members, Disney Springs Cast Members are required to park in the new garage). The two older Disney Springs garages, Orange and Lime, have been undergoing technology work relating to the systems used to indicate where spaces are available, and, at least, as of last week, both still had some work ongoing that could still interfere with traffic flow and limit the number of spaces available in those garages. We have a few new photos of some of the views available from the new garage's skybridges below the photos we shared last week from Bonnie & Donald Fink.

The stairway to the Grapefruit Garage may seem a bit longer than the stairs to the Lime or Orange garages. That's because it is. Entry to the Grapefruit Garage is on level three. On the other garages, it's on level two. Of course, if you're not interested in the extra climb, there is an elevator just behind the stairs. (BF)

There are two right turn lanes on Buena Vista Drive into the Grapefruit Garage. These lanes are in front of the Racetrack gas station and approach from the west, in the eastbound traffic. There are no left turn lanes from westbound Buena Vista into the garage. The left-most of the right turn lanes will take you into the garage on Level one. The right lane will proceed to the upper levels of the garage without first driving through level one. (BF)

The pedestrian walkway from the Grapefruit Garage crosses Buena Vista Drive and enters Disney Springs near the World of Disney. Guests enter the walkway from the third level of the garage which is different from the Lime and Orange garages. (DF)

Grapefruit Garage is equipped with elevators and escalators. Like the Lime and Orange garages, escalators and elevators service all levels except level five. Level five is accessed by elevator. And of course, all levels can be accessed by stairs. (DF)

The Grapefruit Garage has four charging stations. They're on level three. One of the EV stations is also a Disabled Person parking spot. According to a Reedy Creek Cast Member we spoke with, you can park in the Disabled Person EV charging station whether or not you have a vehicle that needs charging, but if you intend to park there and charge your vehicle, you'll also need a Disabled Person sticker. (DF)

File Photos and Captions by Bonnie Fink (BF) & Donald Fink (DF).

The pedestrian bridge that runs paralel to Buena Vista Drive provides a nice view of the Casting building.

From the Grapefruit Garage, guests first take a long pedestrian bridge paralel to Buena Vista Drive that also provides a view of World of Disney Store in the distance (specifically, the distance the guest must walk before arriving at Disney Springs from the Garage).

With the opening of the Grapefruit Garage, construction around the entrance of World of Disney Store facing toward Buena Vista Drive has concluded and the Mickey Mouse topiary (at right) is no longer surrounded by walls.

NEW Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George recently introduced its new “Wine Country Brunch,” which is now offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. See the menu online here or download a PDF of the menu here. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Terralina Crafted Italian

For Mother's Day, May 12, Terralina's menu will have Maine lobster and sweet corn ravioli with mascarpone and chives in a saffron cream ($36).

For Father's Day, June 16, Terralina's menu will include braised osso Bucco in a rich spicy tomato and fennel ragu ($34).

Paddlefish

For Mother's Day, May 12, Paddlefish's menu features Lobster Ravioli ($33) paired with a blush mimosa ($13).

For Father's Day, June 16, Paddlefish's menu includes rib eye, shrimp skewer, bearnaise, whipped potato ($47), and bourbon daddy's ($15). Just ahead of Father's Day, on June 15, the venue is hosting a Father's Day Scotch/Bourbon Tasting and Cigar Rolling event from noon to 3 p.m. ($75) with more details coming soon.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

The Smuggler's Series is offered at Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar monthly through October. Based on our hosted media-invited experience, for those interested in learning a bit about the beverages they drink, these sessions can be quite informative and the restaurant's culinary team works hard to prepare dishes to compliment the beverages served.

►Hendricks Gin, Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m., $60 per person

►Terrapin Brewing Company, Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m., $45 per person

►Bourbon – Tim Hiesler, Bourbon ambassador for Jim Beam, Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Scotch, WM Grants – Balvenie & Glenfiddich, Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Crooked Stave, Wednesday, September 18, 7 p.m., $45 per person

►Tito’s Vodka, Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m., $60 per person

NEW More Views Around Disney Springs

The blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame” from Marvel Studios is the current photo backdrop outside the AMC Dine-In Theatres at Disney Springs.

The new Disney Ticket Center is now open near the Welcome Center and Blaze Pizza. The Welcome Center continues to serve general Guest Relations issues, while the Ticket Center can assist with nearly all ticket issues, from picking up tickets ordered online to purchasing new theme park tickets or adding additional days or options.

The former Something Silver store on the West Side is now an “Amazing Photos” location.

This week, we noticed a subtle change to the concept art for City Works (which is in the same building as the NBA Experience which is scheduled to open August 12, 2019): it now says the venue is “Coming Winter of 2019” rather than this summer.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an email. More runDisney event information

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2019 Resort Events

2020 Resort Events

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

Current Discounts and Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.

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For Everyone

For Annual Passholders

For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

For Military Personnel

For Florida Residents

For Disney Vacation Club Members

For New England Residents

For Canada Residents

For U.K. Residents

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