Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 15-21, 2017

Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 15–21, 2017

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Writer's note: It's a World of closings, a World of construction; a World of sunshine, and a World of rain; there's so much that we share, that it's time you're aware, it's Walt Disney World after all! Okay, you're welcome (or I am sorry) for getting that tune in your head. Lots of news ahead, and our National Anthem too (well, it is in the video in our fourth news item).

Among the events around Walt Disney World Resort this week, the Magic Kingdom saluted the centennial anniversary of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division during the daily Flag Retreat on August 10. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

News and Views

Relaunched Mission: SPACE is a go! | Goodbye to Great Movies and Ellen | Food & Wine Festival Party Reservations Now Include Concert Seating | Saluting the 82nd Airborne | Jingle BAM! Dessert Party Reservations Open | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Relaunched Mission: SPACE is a go!

Mission: SPACE officially “relaunched” on Sunday, August 13, following a soft opening (test and adjust period) on Friday and Saturday. As we mentioned back during the Disney D23 Expo last month, the on-ride videos of both the Green and Orange Missions have been enhanced by the special effects team at Industrial Light and Magic (the team Disney acquired when it purchased LucasFilm Ltd.) during this recent refurbishment.

On Friday afternoon, the walls were down at the “Relaunched” Mission: SPACE and the attraction seemed to be operating with minimal wait times throughout the day. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Although much of the informational sign outside Mission: SPACE has been updated to reflect the new Earth-bound version of the “Green Mission,” the sign now incorrectly says that “BOTH OFFER THE SAME EXHILARATING TRAINING MISSION.” Do, however, pay heed to all the warnings.& Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The orange side remains the “Mars Mission” now with a new higher definition video, while the green side is the new “Earth Mission.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Green and Orange Missions have separate queues and wait times. Guests using Fastpass+ may choose either mission. Panoramic photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Green Mission is the less-intensive training adventure. It now includes a new (simulated) launch to a low-Earth orbit and landing at Florida's Kennedy Space Center on the Atlantic Ocean coast. To make this side of the attraction even more family friendly, the height requirement has been lowered for the Green Mission to 40 inches by providing booster seats to guests under 44 inches.

The Orange and Green Missions have different height restrictions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The posted warnings to riders on the Green Mission include enclosed dark spaces and simulators. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Booster seats are now available for riders between 40 and 44 inches tall to allow them to experience the Green Mission. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The pre-ride video demonstrates installation and removal of the booster seat for the Green Mission. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Guests are asked to return booster seats to positions along the wall of the attraction's exit. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

While the more aggressive training (namely, spinning that simulates g-forces) of the Orange Mission now has new higher definition video, the adventure is otherwise pretty much the same as before this refurbishment. The height requirement remains 44 inches and the warning signs and cast members often try to dissuade any rider who questions whether they can physically handle the more aggressive training version by suggesting they try the Green Mission instead.

As before the refurbishment, the Orange Mission posted warnings include motion sickness, enclosed dark spaces, simulators, and spinning. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The pre-ride host is no longer actor Gary Sinise, as it had been since the attraction's 2003 opening. It is now actress Gina Torres. Much as before, the pre-ride videos explain the mission aboard the X2 Deep Space Shuttle simulator at the International Space Training Center. On the Green Mission, the video also includes a demonstration of the installation and removal of the booster seats for riders between 40 and 44 inches tall.

Gina Torres is now the host of the attraction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Admittedly, before the refurbishment, I had not visited Mission: SPACE in quite a long time. While I have never become ill from riding and very much enjoy even rather extreme roller coasters, I have never enjoyed the physical sensations of the Orange Mission. Indeed, notwithstanding the introduction of the original Green Mission many years ago, the video displays always seemed to bother my eyes no matter which version of the attraction I visited.

During the soft opening on Friday, I visited both the Green Mission and the Orange Mission. After the official opening on Sunday, I again visited the Green Mission. Unfortunately, my reaction to this attraction has not changed. The new video is stunning and I very much enjoyed seeing the Earth from near-Earth orbit; the higher definition Mars adventure is nice too. But for me, the way the images are displayed through multiple layers of glass and, perhaps, reflected from mirrors, does not agree with my eyes and sense of balance.

As has been true for a long time, air sickness bags remain available on both Missions. Further to all the warnings provided at the attraction itself, I have to echo the caution to anyone to whom the signs advise against riding (medical conditions and the like, especially). If asked, I would go a step further by saying anyone who easily suffers motion sickness or whose vision or balance can be upset significantly enough to take away from enjoyment of any part of the rest of the day's visit to Epcot should consider skipping the attraction. Unless a friend or family member wants me to ride with them, I do not expect to ride again for quite awhile, if at all.

While the post-show has seemingly been thoroughly cleaned during the refurbishment, it has not been updated in any noticeable way. For example, the Post Cards from Space kiosks still allow you to send videos by email, but the email directs its recipients to a website that still shows the HP logo despite the end of its sponsorship at the pavilion, and the website itself does not work with many mobile devices (like iOS) nor without significant technical skill on Mac. This screenshot by Alan S. Dalinka is from the landing page on Safari on an up-to-date iPhone 7 Plus.

Guardians of the Galaxy's Star-Lord and Rocket Racoon have taken up residence in the gift shop at the exit of the attraction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Goodbye to Great Movies and Ellen

In all the excitement of the Disney Parks & Resorts announcements at the D23 Expo last month, we knew that some of the things-to-come would replace older, existing attractions around Walt Disney World Resort. This weekend, we saw the closing of The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios, an opening day attraction at that park in the Chinese Theatre, and Ellen's Energy Adventure in the Universe of Energy pavilion at Epcot, an attraction significantly modified in 1996 but, in some ways, an opening day attraction at that park.

As with many attractions, both had fans, and both had detractors. Many of the detractors' comments of late have been focused on how in need these attractions were of updates: The Great Movie Ride's only nod to films made since the attraction's 1989 debut came in its final montage; Ellen's Energy Adventure received no substantive updates after its 1996 debut (and, indeed, has slowly been losing elements, including the animatronic Ellen in recent years).

Universe of Energy closed due to technical problems several times over its final weekend including, according to numerous social media reports, during its final show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In between rain storms and technical difficulties, the queue for entering Universe of Energy varied in length throughout its final day. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For my final visit to Ellen's Energy Adventure on Sunday afternoon, I waited in the queue about the length of the pre-show before entering the building for the pre-show. This Facebook Live (recorded) video documents my final wait, some of the fun “Stupid Judy” t-shirts sported by fans of the attraction, the entire pre-show, and a few moments inside the filled theater before the start of the show. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Universe of Energy will be replaced by a new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction that the Resort hopes to have ready by Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021. The concept art does show the exterior of the Universe of Energy building will be largely preserved. All we know about the new attraction's story-line is that Star-Lord Peter Quill apparently visited Epcot as a child. He does now appear in the Mission: SPACE gift shop as we noted earlier.

But for some narration script changes, the Great Movie Ride has remained largely unchanged since its debut with the park (then called Disney-MGM Studios) in 1989. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Earlier this month, our Walt Disney World Resort Update included highlights of the walking tour through The Great Movie Ride I was able to attend thanks to Disney Parks Blog (and the super-quick reaction time of a friend that registered for it and invited me as a guest). This attraction will be replaced by the first ever Mickey Mouse-themed ride-through attraction at any Disney Park: Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. While the exterior of the Chinese Theater is expected to remain undisturbed, an all-new attraction is planned within the building using what Disney has called “two-and-a-half dimensional” scenes which it says will be akin to 3D without the need for glasses. No anticipated completion date for the new attraction has been announced.

For my final ride on The Great Movie Ride on Friday, I requested to be assigned to the car that included the “Western” bank robbery scene, which, like many folks, I had only seen rarely over my many visits to the attraction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Food & Wine Festival Party Reservations Now Include Concert Seating

The 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival is coming up quickly this year, starting its longest run yet on August 31. Reservations that include guaranteed Eat to the Beat Concert Series seating are now open for the Party for the Senses as well as the Food for all Tastes Dining Packages. Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix provides many of the finer details over on MousePad at the links in the previous sentence. Here are the highlights:

Food for all Tastes Dining Packages

The Food for All Tastes packages each include appetizer, entrée and dessert or one full buffet or family-style dining (depending on venue) along with a non-alcoholic beverage and one (1) guaranteed seat to the Eat to the Beat Concert held on the same day. The package is offered at 15 Epcot restaurants.

Party for the Senses

Party for the Senses is a premium event that will be offered on five nights this year in the World ShowPlace Events Pavilion (also known as the tent-like structure between the U.K. and Canada pavilions along the World Showcase Promenade): September 23, October 7, 14 & 21, and November 11. The Party includes a sampling of global cuisine prepared by master chefs themselves. Each Party has a different theme showcasing cuisine from Disney Springs chefs, Walt Disney chefs, and acclaimed chefs from around the world. There are multiple seating options, including the Wine View Lounge option, The Reserved Seating Option and The Guaranteed Seating option. Each option includes reserved admission into the Eat to the Beat Concert that evening.

For information about the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival visit the Festival's page on DisneyWorld.com which, of course, includes links to making reservations for special events like these. You can also call (407)WDW-DINE for information and reservations.

One of the newest Festival Marketplaces installed on World Showcase Promenade resembles Hawaiian and other Polynesian-style architecture. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Saluting the 82nd Airborne

On Thursday, August 10, Walt Disney World saluted the centennial of the founding of the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division with events around Magic Kingdom. The elite airborne infantry unit was established in August 1917, shortly after the United States entered World War I. As Disney noted in connection with the salute, both Walt and Roy O. Disney served during the War.

“As a company founded by two brothers who served their nation in uniform during World War I, Disney has always had a strong connection to the armed services and looks for ways to show our support of active-duty military, veterans, and their families,” said Dan Cockerell, vice president of Magic Kingdom Park.

The U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division, including veterans representing those who served from World War II to the present was honored during a special flag retreat ceremony at Magic Kingdom. Photo © Disney by Steven Diaz.

During the day, the division's 16-member chorus performed a concert in Liberty Square. Later in the afternoon, its brass quintet performed a concert in Town Square.

82nd Airborne's brass quintet performed in Town Square as Magic Kingdom saluted the centennial of the establishment of the Division. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

As evening approached, 130 veterans and soldiers were gathered before the Town Square flag pole for a special flag retreat ceremony, honoring the 82nd Airborne Division's centennial year. They were joined by the Dapper Dans, the Main Street Philharmonic Band, and an honor guard of Disney Security and other Cast Members. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the honored guests marched down Main Street U.S.A. toward Cinderella Castle.

The Flag Retreat Ceremony at Magic Kingdom on August 10 saluted the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Jingle BAM! Dessert Party Reservations Open

Though Disney's Hollywood Studios park's Chinese Theatre's interior will be closed for the construction of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway for the foreseeable future, its exterior will still be used for the projection surface it has become for nighttime projection shows and fireworks spectaculars. Starting November 9 through the end of the year (except, apparently, December 16), the Chinese Theatre courtyard will again host the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Holiday Dessert Party.

Food stations will serve “holiday-inspired sweet and savory” foods from warm cheese fondue with pretzel bread and flat bread, warm pumpkin pie and spiced-bread pudding with hand-dipped vanilla ice cream. There will also be a Liquid Nitro Station featuring chocolate mousse with various toppings.

Those over 21 can enjoy beer, wine, and specialty cocktails. All guests will find non-alcoholic beverages including, of course, hot cocoa.

The Party includes a “special VIP character” meeting. As in past years, party attendees also receive 3D HoloSpex® glasses to see illusions such as candy canes and gingerbread men when they look at bright lights.

Not including the required park admission, the cost for the Party on November 9-December 15 is $79/adult, $45/ages 3-9 (including tax and gratuity). The cost of the Party on December 17-31 is $89/adult, $49/ages 3-9 (including tax and gratuity). More information and reservations are now available at (407) WDW-DINE or DisneyWorld.com/dining.

Views Around the World

We have views from all four Walt Disney World Parks this week: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom. We start the views with the tribute along the Seven Seas Lagoon beach at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa to toddler Lane Graves who tragically was killed by an alligator last summer nearby. As is often the case, photo captions include more news along the way, including the announced transformation already underway of One Man's Dream into Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

At the end of the beach, which is now separated from Seven Seas Lagoon by a rope fence and rock wall to discourage guests from entering the water near where the tragedy occurred, a small lighthouse monument has been installed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The plaque reads: “Presented to the Lane Graves Foundation. A beacon of hope. A light of love.” The display is a memorial to the toddler that was killed by an alligator near the site. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Inside the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian, a few of the this year's Easter Egg displays remain in place under glass. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

Road construction continues all along World Drive next to the monorail beams between Epcot and the Transportation and Ticket Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Approaching Magic Kingdom's parking lot toll plaza provides a view in the distance of one of several flyover ramps taking shape amongst all the road construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Last week scaffolding surrounded some of the peaks of Magic Kingdom's Space Mountain which could be seen from across Seven Seas Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

By this weekend, the scaffolding atop Space Mountain largely was gone. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From the Concourse (pathway) between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland along the Tomorrowland Speedway, the current state of exterior refurbishment at Space Mountain was clearly defined this weekend.

Last week, we showed the upper levels of Adventureland buildings wrapped in construction scrims; this is the view from the Frontierland side of those buildings. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

At Walt Disney World in summer, always expect rain, no matter the forecast. This downpour on Saturday began well before predicted (and just a moment after the Liberty Belle steamboat departed the dock. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The upside of rain at Magic Kingdom is the rarely seen but often discussed Rainy Day Cavalcade (that I have now seen only twice). Video by Alan S. Dalinka (also includes more scenes from aboard the “Liberty Belle” during the rain storm).

Animatronics along the Rivers of America continue to operate notwithstanding a heavy Central Florida downpour. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The construction scrim at Sir Mickey's in Fantasyland is now themed. We expect the construction crane will soon be parked nearby for the seasonal installation of the Holiday Dream Lights on Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom shops' stock of Halloween themed merchandise (particularly “Nightmare Before Christmas”) is starting to increase with the start of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party coming in just a couple of weeks. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Many Halloween themed items are displayed with “New Arrival” signs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Child-sized Halloween themed merchandise is starting to appear as well. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

And, though summer has not quite ended, nor Halloween begun, Main Street Emporium shelves are starting to receive their first Christmas 2017 ornaments. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

World Drive provides a look into the construction of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. A little further north than this photo (to the left of the cranes), you can catch glimpses through the trees of the red Slinky Dog roller coaster track. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction dominates some of the views of the park from the Film and Minnie lots. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction continues beyond Muppet Vision 3D. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The path between Disney's BoardWalk and the park provides a view of the many construction cranes at work inside the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The path between Disney's BoardWalk and the park also provides a view work underway along the entry road leading from Buena Vista Drive into the bus loops and parking lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The area where Disney Theme Park buses previously picked up and dropped off passengers has been fenced-off as parking lot changes continue. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Theme Park buses and some of the charter buses now use a new (probably long-term but) temporary bus loop. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Guests looking for Disney Resort Buses to other Theme Parks and some Charters must now follow signs to their new (probably long-term but temporary) locations. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Charter Bus loop has changed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One Man's Dream is becoming Walt Disney Presents. Some of its historical artifacts are expected to remain, as well as its character meet and greet. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Models of Toy Story Land and part of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge are going to be displayed in the Walt Disney Presents attraction sometime in the next several weeks. One Man's Dream is expected to operate throughout its transition to Walt Disney Presents. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The “Florida Project” display is currently behind construction walls as the attraction transitions to Walt Disney Presents. Concept art for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway is coming to the attraction soon in addition to models of the new lands under construction at the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

While there are still no new food options available (which were announced last year), shaded tables and chairs have been added where the Television Hall of Fame busts once stood. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From the Animation Courtyard, you can catch a glimpse of the new blue paint scheme coming to some of the buildings that likely will be visible from inside the new Toy Story Land when it opens next summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Trolley Car Cafe (a/k/a Starbucks) has new park themed mugs (and ornaments) for sale. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

The paint scheme around the (mostly former) Innoventions buildings appears to be changing again; this time, shades of brown seem to predominate. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Inside Mouse Gear, you can already “Celebrate the Future” with the 2018 Attraction Poster calendar now for sale. (Writer's note: I have) Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

At least one of the prototype tram tractors in use at Disney's Animal Kingdom sports a new paint scheme. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Themed covers now decorate some of the speaker towers on Discovery Island between the entry bridge and the Tree of Life. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In Pandora, with 40x optical zoom, and following last week's One Passholder's Tip courtesy of Imagineer Joe Rohde, I discovered this detail high up on one of the floating mountains. It is a little larger than a nickel, but it does reach in the direction of Rohde's comment about finding Frederic Edwin Church painting-within-a-painting-type details when you slow down and look for them in the land and the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The expectant father tiger sits in the shade in one enclosure at Maharajah Jungle Trek while his “very pregnant” mate, according to cast members, enjoyed an air conditioned enclosure off stage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

An actual local resident of Disney's Animal Kingdom visits one of the park's flowers. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's BoardWalk

Refurbishment is underway along the Disney's BoardWalk Inn portion of the boardwalk. All of the food locations appear to be open. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One Passholder's Tip

This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (hopefully weekly) tip at a time.

One Passholder's Tip: Week 26
Engage friendly cast members and #CastCompliment!

Cast members at Mission: SPACE during the soft opening on Friday were more than happy to talk about changes to the attraction and then volunteered to be photographed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The hardworking cast members of Walt Disney World Resort deserve praise for enhancing your visit. We could spend a lot of time talking about the various responsibilities they are charged with to keep you safe, to add to the show, and so forth. Rather than do that after this long update, just remember that they are people too—and, more often than not, fun people who can provide you with a wealth of information and maybe even a bit of entertainment above and beyond the attraction you are there to experience. The crew working the soft opening at Mission: SPACE certainly fit that bill: they were a lot of fun.

When you see cast members going above and beyond, you can tweet a photo of them to @WDWToday with #CastCompliment and you may see them recognized by Disney in an official way. In fact, I will Tweet this Tip before our next Update with a #CastCompliment for these cast members.

This and That

…In our continued salute to just about everything has its own celebration day, for those looking to enjoy “Eat a Peach Day” on August 22 (or anyone looking for a peach treat this month while they are in their peak season), Vivoli il Gelato at Disney Springs can help you celebrate with its limited edition Peach Cobbler Sundae featuring peach sorbet, vanilla gelato, biscotto gelato, crushed graham cracker crumbles, carmel, and topped with whipped cream. Vivoli also features a number of other summer limited edition treats along with its regular menu.

…Paddlefish restaurant at Disney Springs (also known as the former Empress Lily steamboat and Fulton's), is hosting a special four-course wine dinner atop the boat's rooftop deck this Thursday, August 24, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. The event features old world wines paired with new world cuisine plus, of course, the upper deck's unique views of Lake Buena Vista and Disney Springs. An outdoor reception featuring passed skewers with grilled shrimp and lemongrass and Thai-glazed Louisiana broiler claws will be followed by the four-course feast served indoors featuring dishes such as Yellow-fin Tuna Cruda with an avocado mousse and sriracha emulsion as well as a Surf & Turf pairing of lamb loin with chargrilled octopus and bacon marmalade. Wine pairings selections will include Contratto Extra Brut, Gramona Gessami Blanco, Monte Carbonare Soave and Mocali Brunello di Montalcino. The evening will conclude with a glass of Poire Prisonniere (pear-infused brandy), alongside a white chocolate and passionfruit mousse and a Ginger Florentine Cookie. Tickets are $100/person (plus a $6.49/ticket fee and the site is unclear whether gratuity is included) from Eventbrite. More information is available at paddlefishrestaurant.com or by calling (407) 934-2628. Guests likely need to be over 21 years old to attend this event featuring wines.

…For those interested in the details about this year's Walt Disney World Halloween merchandise and (especially if you) are planning to attend this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (on select nights from August 25 to November 1), Disney Parks Blog provided some of the highlights this week, including some of the limited edition pins and passholder items that will be available. I have been invited to attend the Party on September 1, and will include merchandise photos in our MousePlanet coverage. Let us know if you are planning to attend on that or any other night!

…At Disney Springs, Morimoto Asia and Moët will present Bubbles & Brunch, on Sunday, August 27, from 12 noon until 2 p.m. The cocktail-style event will take place in Morimoto Asia's Forbidden lounge featuring a modern Pan-Asian inspired brunch menu created by Executive Chef Yuhi Fujinaga paired with a variety of vintage Moët. Tickets are $60 per person (not including tax and gratuity) and are available with more information on the Patina Restaurant Group website. All guests must be at least 21 years old to attend this event.

…The Great Irish Hooley Returns to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant at Disney Springs September 1-4. This music festival celebrates Irish song, dance, food, and drink. Performances begin daily at 3 p.m. and continue “into the wee hours.” Scheduled headliners include: Elevation, Lisa Canny Band, Gary O'Meara Band, The Raglan Roots Coalition, Jake Richardson, Over the Bar, Rollickin' Rua, and Aaron O'Sullivan. The Raglan Road Irish Dancers, as well as champion Irish dancer Ciaran Keating, are expected to appear. More information is available on the event's website.

…Keeping up with Disney's participation in Sea Turtle Conservancy, we have another TourDeTurtles.org update as of last night: the satellite trackers show Cruz has returned to near her release point at Disney's Vero Beach Resort, while Sally has rounded the southern tip of Florida and is nearing Key West.

Satellite tracking places Cruz the sea turtle, released at Disney's Vero Beach on July 29, again near the Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.

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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 e-mail (link).

2017 Resort Events

• American Idol open auditions at Disney Springs – August 17, 2017
• Disney PhotoPass Day – August 18, 2017
• Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
• Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events) – November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; November 19, 2017 at Epcot
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 – November 13, 2017.
• 35th Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – September 8 and 9, 2017
• Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29;
     October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1
• Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
     December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
• Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30
• Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30

2018 Resort Events

• Epcot International Festival of the Arts – “Early” 2018
• 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – “Spring” 2018

runDisney events

If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.

2017

• Virtual Running Shorts – June 1-August 31, 2017 (Virtual). Registration now open. No proof of time required.
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration open (some events sold out).
     Proof of time deadline has passed.

2018

• 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018. Registration now open (many events sold out).
     Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
• 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. All events sold out.
     The runDisney website says to check with Travel Providers and Charity Groups for additional registration opportunities.
• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 19-22, 2018. Registration now open (10K is sold out).
     Proof of time deadline is January 16, 2018.
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBD

For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. 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.

Magic Kingdom

• Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – had its final showing on May 11, 2017, and has been replaced by the new fireworks show: Happily Ever After.
• The Incredibles Super Dance Party – closed. The Rockettower Plaza Stage now hosts “The Cosmic Dance Party.”
• Stitch's Great Escape – often closed on a “seasonal” basis. As of this posting, it is again open for the peak Summer season.
• The Hall of Presidents – New show opening “Late 2017.”

Epcot

• Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Closed August 13, 2017, to make way for a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction in approximately 2021.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The Great Movie Ride – Closed August 13, 2017, to make way for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at a date to be announced.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• No known closures at this time

Blizzard Beach

• Runoff Rapids. Expected completion: TBA.

Typhoon Lagoon

• No known closures at this time

Disney Springs

• Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017. Will reopen as Terralina Crafted Italian in Fall 2017, a new concept from James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano and Chef Justin Plank.
• Disney Quest – Closed as of July 3, 2017, to make way for The NBA Experience.
• La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – ends its run on December 31, 2017. Next use of the theater on the West Side TBA.
• Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closes its West Side location on August 1, 2017. A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill has been announced for Town Center and is expected to open in 2018.

Resorts

• Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are closed:
  • Old Port Royale Food Court
  • Shutters at Old Port Royale
  • Banana Cabana Pool Bar
  • Calypso Trading Post
• Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.

Current Discounts & 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.