Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 20-26, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 20-26, 2019

Writer's note: It was a busy week for me around Walt Disney World Resort this week, with a preview of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party of 2019, the first Annual Passholder Preview of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and planning for what will occupy many of our calendars later this week: Disney D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, California. As Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix and Todd Pickering reported in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update there were some hiccups in the new Showpass reservations system the Expo will use, like FastPass and FastPass+, to try to cut down on the wait times to get seats for presentations at the biennial ultimate and official Disney fan celebration. Of particular interest to those planning future visits to Walt Disney World Resort at this year's Expo, Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, will be announcement more details of the planned tranformation of Epcot that he first began publicly discussing at Disney D23 Destination D back in the Fall of 2016.

For those planning to attend D23 Expo, be sure to follow our separate Twitter account, @MPatD23Expo for our updates about the Expo itself (from crowd tips to MousePlanet meet-ups and more). Be sure to say hello! For all of our followers, Todd Pickering and I will be getting the major Disney announcements out on our usual @MousePlanet social media channels (Twitter for breaking news, Facebook for recaps and summaries, Instagram and Facebook for videos, and all three channels for photos).

With Disney's Hollywood Studios holding its media events for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge thousands of miles away immediately after D23 Expo, it is possible that our Update publishing schedule here on MousePlanet.com will not be its usual routine (or time of day), but we will strive to get you the news and views as quickly as we can. As has been especially true lately, until you see folks on the internet citing official Disney sources, be very skeptical of rumors. Here at MousePlanet, we are just going to report news.

News and Views

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New Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass Debuts Along With the First 2019 Event

Last Friday, August 16, saw the debut of the 2019 edition of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, the hard ticket, after-hours event that runs in the Magic Kingdom on 36 nights through November 1. I was part of a large contingent of media invited to the debut of this year's Halloween celebration. The buzz amongst the local media during the night: Disney's introduction earlier on Friday of a new Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Pass which allows attendees to attend every night of the party except Halloween (October 31) itself for $299 plus tax. The Passes are limited in quantity and Disney reserved the right to cease sales of them at any time (so, in fact, it is possible they are already sold out)! For information or to purchase (if still available) call (407)939-4295 or visit any Walt Disney World Theme Park Ticket Window.

Guests entering Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party are directed down the passageway behind Main Street U.S.A. on the east side (right when facing the Castle), for their first photo opportunities and candy. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As I have written in several recent Walt Disney World Updates, theme park after-hours parties (both hard tickets like Villains and complimentary reservations like DVC Moonlight Magic) are increasingly becoming crowded events. The first Halloween Party of the year was no exception. Frankly, I cannot really give you an impression of the overall event because between conducting media interviews, viewing the new fireworks and additions to the parade, and visiting Cruella's Halloween Hide-A-Way (the up-charge food, beverage and character experience inside Tony's Town Square Restaurant), I only had time to visit one trick-or-treat location and ride one attraction. More on all of that below.

At 12:30 a.m., after the conclusion of the first 2019 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Main Street U.S.A. was very crowded. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The biggest change to the Magic Kingdom Halloween party this year is the debut of a brand-new fireworks show, “Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular” which is hosted by Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. Indeed, Jack, himself, appears in three dimensional physical form in front of Cinderella Castle during the show and lots of other Disney characters (and Halloween elements) are projected on the Castle requiring a Central Plaza Hub-view to take in all the detail. Of course, fireworks fill the sky and are accented by numerous search lights and laser effects.

Jack Skellington is the host of the new Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular; to get a good look at him, guests must be fairly close to Cinderella Castle. (This photo was taken from the west lawn, handheld, with nearly 40x optical zoom.)

The new show includes many favorite Disney characters projected on the castle.

Fireworks accompany many of the projections as well.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like at last year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, this year, the Halloween Party includes an up-charge party-within-the party opportunity. Cruella's Halloween Hide-A-Way at Tony's Town Square Restaurant offers guests, for $99/person plus tax (and, of course, Halloween Party ticket required and not included), an opportunity to meet Cruella De Vil, enjoy a buffet of hors d'oeuvres, savory samplers, and desserts, and sip included beverages (including some beer and wine selections for those 21 years old and up). Check-in for the Hide-A-Way opens at 9 p.m. and seating is first-come, first-served, and guests may come and go as they please from Tony's until 12:30 a.m. (half an hour after the official end of the Halloween Party). Cruella's guests also enjoy reserved viewing of the 11 p.m. running of Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade. For more information and booking, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.

Cruella herself appears and mingles with guests at her Hideaway inside Tony's during the Halloween Party (but an extra charge is required to visit the Hideaway) Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Weather permitting, Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade is again presented twice during each Halloween Party this year. Lead off by the ride of the Headless Horseman, the parade has been enhanced with new costumes for Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse, a new Haunted Mansion unit that adds the “Spectral Bride” and “Waltzing Spirits all representing Liberty Square” (and, the gravediggers and Hitchhiking Ghosts still appear too), and a new Tomorrowland unit that includes The Incredibles with Edna Mode followed by Buzz Lightyear and some “Alien explorers.”

The Ride of the Headless Horseman precedes Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Ride of the Headless Horseman precedes Mickey's Boo-to-You Halloween Parade (weather permitting).

The parade returns this year with several enhancements, including new costumes for Mickey and Minnie Mouse.

The Spectral Bride is the star of the newly expanded Haunted Mansion unit of the parade.

Ghostly ballroom dancers accompany the Spectral Bride along the parade route.

The Incredibles lead a new Tomorrowland unit in the parade.

Buzz Lightyear and several Aliens aboard an alien planet float that seems to resemble Pride Rock travels the parade route.

As with past editions of the Party, a new exclusive Sorcerers of the Kingdom is available at the Party.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Space Mountain is again offered in total darkness, but with a new soundtrack, and, like last year, Mad Tea Party has added lighting and a special soundtrack. I did not have time during the media event at the Halloween Party to experience either of these enhancements.

Pirates of the Caribbean once again adds live pirates to the queue and the attraction itself. Indeed, there are several more live pirates in the attraction this year with a bit different storyline than last year's Halloween Party and the Disney Villains After Hours events. Cast members at the exit of the attraction provided Gold Coins (chocolate) to guests coming off the ride.

Live pirates appear along the ride during the Halloween Party at several points. Since this was a location pirates appeared last year, we will keep the “surprise” of the additional new locations for a future Update. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Gold coins (chocolate) were handed out by cast members after exiting the attraction.

Trick-or-treating opportunities are also available around the park (and, yes, there are allergy-friendly options as well). The Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is again one such location, but, this year, from time to time, some of its usual performers appear on screen and interact with guests in the audience making Halloween jokes. It is not a full-fledged new show in the venue. During my visit, some guests chose to sit and await Monster appearances while others seemed either oblivious to the Monsters or were more interested in getting their candy and moving on.

Some of the usual cast of the Laugh Floor interact with guests trick or treating through their usual venue. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Guests looking for allergy friendly treats can get tokens to redeem at the end of the evening; guests entering the party seeking whatever candy is being distributed get their first treats after stepping through the Happy Halloween archway. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The highly entertaining Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular stage show at Cinderella Castle also returns unchanged this year. The Sanderson Sisters from the film Hocus Pocus take the stage several times during each Party (again, weather permitting) and interact with a number of Disney Villains in a musical show punctuated by pyrotechnics. Based on past years' visits to the Party, this show is best enjoyed from up close to the Castle stage; unfortunately, during the media event at the Halloween Party, time did not permit a close-up viewing of the show.

Disney Parks Blog provides a full “Foodie Guide” to the party, and shows off the specialty novelties, like the Mickey Pumpkin Balloon and Oogie Boogie popcorn buckets, the Hitchhiking Ghosts (a sipper and two buckets, each sold separately but they do connect together), and a Jack Skellington sipper. There are also more than 30 Disney PhotoPass photo opportunities around the park, including the return of the Headless Horseman and poison apple magic shots and more which are detailed in this Disney Parks Blog post.

Quite a few of the special merchandise offerings relate to “Hocus Pocus”.

Special novelties are available at popcorn and other vending carts during the Party (with or without food), though supplies are limited.

Special foods are available at many locations during the Party, including the Main Street Bakery (Starbucks).

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Steven Miller shows off highlights of the special merchandise during this year's editions of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Adults (as well as kids) wishing to get made up for the Party can purchase professional make-up services and accessories at salons at Disney's Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge, Saratoga Springs and Coronado Springs.

Looking Ahead to Fall, Food & Wine, and More

With Central Florida schools back in session, and, as noted above, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events underway on select nights at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World Resort is already looking ahead to Fall. Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge debuts on August 29 at Disney's Hollywood Studios, of course, but the annual kickoff of Fall at the Resort is that same day: the opening of the longest Epcot International Food & Wine Festival yet. The Festival runs August 29 through November 23, and is “included with admission” with many additional aspects offered for extra charges (like, of course, the food and beverages, merchandise, special parties, special dining and tastings, seminars, and so forth).

Disney's Steven Miller provides an overview of Fall at Walt Disney World Resort. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Food & Wine Festival includes “Marketplaces” around World Showcase and in Future World where you can purchase bite-sized foods and beverage samples from around the world. Pick up a free Festival Passport at the park gates or at the Marketplaces to see all of the options. Returning Marketplaces bring back some past favorite dishes and introduce new ones. Like the Holiday Cookie Trail introduced at last year's Festival of the Holidays (and returning this year), the Food & Wine Festival is introducing a Cheese Trail where, by purchasing five specified cheese-featured dishes around the Festival and receiving the appropriate stamps in your Festival Passport, guests get a free cheesecake dessert (you do not have to make all of the purchases in a single visit to the Festival but you do have to get all the stamps to get the free item). One of the new Marketplaces this year, The Donut Box, will not debut until October 1. Your source for all the details and planning is the official TasteEpcot.com website.

Learn about the new marketplaces and catch a “surprise” appearance by Joey Fatone who will perform in Eat to the Beat Concerts during this year's Festival. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Alps is one of the new Marketplaces debuting this year.

The Alps Marketplace will offer foods from the region.

As usual, there is a wide assortment of Festival merchandise, including Passholder exclusives. Remy's Hide and Squeak scavenger hunt returns as well.

Flavors from Fire returns this year, along with a favorite dish.

A new vegan offering will be available at the Africa Marketplace.

A flight of mimosas will be available at Shimmering Sips Marketplace

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Our Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar section below, has the details about this year's run of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series that accompanies most of this year's Festival (the concert series ends before the Festival to make way for preparations for Candlelight Processional). Passholders should be sure to visit our Current Discounts and Promotions section and view the Annual Passholders tab for details about the complimentary magnets and coasters available for visiting the Festival multiple times. As the Fall gets underway, be sure to keep an eye on our Social Media channels and future Updates for more details of this year's Festival.

Though many races during the upcoming Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, October 31 – November 3, 2019, are sold out, there are still opportunities to partipate and earn completer medals through charities. Also, many of the parties associated with the races are open to all guests who wish to purchase tickets to attend whether or not participating in a race. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New Mid-Day Magic Tickets Available

For those that prefer visiting Walt Disney World theme parks after 12 p.m. (noon), the Resort unveiled a new “Mid-Day Magic Ticket” category. The new 2-, 3- and 4-Day Mid-Day Magic Tickets must be used on or before December 15, 2019, and can be used in one park per day. As you might expect, guests using these tickets will not be admitted to morning Extra Magic Hours and any FastPass+ reservations made for entry times before 12 p.m. will not be valid.

Like all Walt Disney World theme park tickets, the exact price of the ticket will vary based on the selected start date. The two-day ticket (from $88/day) expires four days after its selected start date; the three-day ticket (from $84/day) expires after five days; the four-day ticket (from $79/day) expires after seven days. Prices shown are for ages 10 and up and do not include tax.

For more information and to purchase tickets online, visit Disneyworld.com/MidDayMagic.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

This week the Guardians of the Galaxy–Awesome Mix LIVE! concert series concluded its summer run, and the American Gardens Theatre will now be prepared for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series that begins along with this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, on August 29. As we reported on our social media channels last week, the entire schedule has now been announced for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Its showtimes are scheduled Sundays through Thursdays will be at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later, at 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. Get even more details and make reservations by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407) 939-3378. Note, that while the Food & Wine Festival runs until November 23, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes on November 18 to allow the stage to be prepared for the 2019 performances of Candlelight Processional during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

Grace Kelly performs at Eat to the Beat Concerts on September 4 and 5, 2019. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Joey Fatone made a surprise appearance at the media preview to announce he will be appearing “With Friends” from November 12-14, 2019, Eat to the Beat Concerts. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Candlelight Processional combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story three times per night (5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m.) during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November 29 to December 30). Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, and Lisa Ling are all scheduled as celebrity narrators. Guaranteed seating is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages opened on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages (or call 407-WDW-DINE).

Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers and announced Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. 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 the first day of Passholder previews of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and more this week.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Construction walls are down and nearly the entire entry plaza for Disney's Hollywood Studios is open again.

Annual Passholder previews for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge began on Saturday, August 17, 2019, for registered Platinum-and-above Passholders.

One of the Resistance on Batuu is Vi and she was appearing during Passholder Previews.

Kylo Ren was walking around Batuu near his ship with Stormtroopers as escorts.

In Oga's Cantina, unfortunately, DJ-Rex had a bad motivator on Saturday. Music still played without him.

Unlike California's Batuu, Florida's has glimpses of the nearby Slinky Dog Dash Coaster in Toy Story Land.

When animatronic Hondo is not working inside Millenium Falcon: Smugglers Run, he is covered by a tarp and appears on the video screens, as he did during the first day of Passholder Previews.

An interesting corporate symbol makes occasional appearances inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (or is it just a coincidence?).

Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run has a Single Rider queue which is lightly themed compared to the main queue.

Another difference from the California version of the land: guests may need ponchos quite often in summer.

Cast members guard the entrance to the Rise of the Resistance attraction queue; it is due to open on December 5, 2019.

On Grand Avenue, construction continues just beyond BaseLine Taphouse across from Star Tours.

In Toy Story Land, construction walls have been replaced by shrub walls where it borders Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge; through the hedge walls “Exit Only” signs can be seen.

With the construction walls down on this side of Toy Story Land, we get our first full look at the entry sign for the land here.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Construction walls now surround the Leave a Legacy monuments on the east side of the park's entry plaza and continue all the way around the entry fountain.

Construction walls will become a common sight around Future World as its transition gets into higher gear starting in just a few weeks (see the closings listed in the refurbishments section).

Odyssey has received yet another change of paint color.

Construction continues in the International Gateway area ahead of the scheduled September 29 opening of the nearby Disney Skyliner transportation system.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Kilimanjaro Safaris' tower of giraffe has grown by several calfs this past year.

Early evening safaris may get to see awake lions.

Construction of the park's assumed location for Club 33 continues along the pathway from Africa to Pandora-The World of Avatar.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…This morning at Magic Kingdom, Major League Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Cal Ripkin Jr. will be in the park along with Disney Sports Vice President Faron Kelley for a formal announcement of a strategic relationship between ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and Ripken Baseball to bring “revolutionary training and tournaments” to the complex at Walt Disney World Resort in 2020.

…ESPN's “College GameDay” will be broadcasting live from Magic Kingdom this Saturday, August 24, ahead of the college football game between University of Miami and University of Florida. The broadcast location will be on Main Street U.S.A., and you can expect to find taping locations in all four parks in the days ahead of the broadcast. You can tune in to ESPN to see the show from 9 a.m. until noon Eastern on Saturday.

…The newest Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has opened at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. All locations of the boutique have introduced new merchandise, including a spirit jersey, ear headbands, MagicBands and accessories. Reservations for any location can be made up to 180 days in advance online or by calling (407)WDW-STYLE.

…Mobile Order from the My Disney Experience app continues to be rolled out to new Disney Resort Hotel food and beverage locations. Disney Parks Blog reports that the latest venues include Sassagoula Floatworks and Food Factory at Disney's Port Orleans Resort–French Quarter, the World Premiere Food Court, the End Zone Food Court and the Intermission Food Court at Disney's All-Star Resorts, as well as Everything POP Shopping & Dining at Disney's Pop Century Resort, The Mara at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Contempo Café at Disney's Contemporary Resort. These locations are in addition to Centertown Market and Spyglass Grill which recently added the service at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and more than 20 other locations throughout the theme parks and Disney Springs. More locations at the hotels are planned to be added soon.

…As of yesterday, the Draft Horse Barn and Pony Farm at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground have become inaccessible to guests, as a new barn is prepared for the equine residents. The redesigned Tri-Circle-D Ranch will offer a modern stable and updated outdoor spaces while maintaining “the history and spirit of the original Tri-Circle-D, welcoming guests to explore exhibits of classic Disney equestrian artifacts, some of which date back to the 1950s!” Until the new barn is completed in Spring 2020, Pony rides will continue to be available at Trail Blaze Corral near the campground's entrance, and trail rides and carriage rides will continue to operate as usual.

…REMINDER: Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios on August 29, but reservations are already open for three of its venues: Droid Depot, Savi's Workshop, and Oga's Cantina. If you have been following along our Disneyland coverage of the opening of its version of the new land, you know that these three venues sported quite the wait times out West with same day reservations schemes and then advanced reservations programs being rolled out as the situation warranted. While limited walk-up availability may be available, Disney recommends reservations if you wish to build your own droid or lightsaber, or to visit the Cantina (which will have a 45 minutes and 2-drink per guest limit maximum). The My Disney Experience app or DisneyWorld.com are the places to go for the reservations (which have deposit requirements). Spots for the opening day and many others filled when reservations became available, but, like all advanced reservations, it never hurts to check more than once in advance of your planned visit to see if there have been cancellations or added availability.

…Speaking of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, more than 140 Wish families staying at Give Kids the World Village have been provided the opportunity to visit the new land over the past week. Give Kids the World Village, which we often write about in this Update and which invites us to some of its events to further raise awareness of its mission, is a nonprofit resort in nearby Kissimmee, Florida, that provides weeklong, cost-free vacations to children with life-threatening medical conditions and their families. You can read more about the organization on its website.

…REMINDER: Lots of restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort will again participate in Visit Orlando's Magical Dining 2019. Including more than 120 restaurants around the Orlando area, the program in its 14th year, runs from August 23 through September 30, 2019. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe dinners for $35 per person, and $1 for each meal served benefits local charities. Visit the official website for Magical Dining 2019 for the list of participating restaurants and more details.

…The 2020 Disney Parks Moms Panel Search will open at noon Eastern on September 5, and will run through noon Eastern on September 12. Entering its 13th year, the “Search” seeks folks with personal experience with Disney Destinations and evaluates applicants based on their ability to communicate that knowledge to prospective guests in “easy-to-understand and friendly ways.” As Disney Parks Blog says:

the Disney Parks Moms Panel is the “official” digital forum for Guests to ask detailed personal questions about planning a variety of Disney vacations. Helpful tips, heartfelt advice and unique insights are provided from real guests who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. The panel also offers tips in four languages – English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. To find out more, visit momspanelsearch.com.

…Disney Parks Blog showed off the new costumes cast members working at the Disney Skyliner will be wearing when the new transportation system debuts on September 29. Walt Disney Imagineering partnered with Disney Creative Costuming to create a mid-century modern look evocative of 1960s-era air travel with color schemes borrowed from the new transportation system's passenger cabins and lots of modern touches to attempt to make the costumes comfortable.

Disney Parks Blog provided a sneak peek from Walt Disney Imagineering of the new Disney Skyliner cast costumes. Video ©Disney.

…With Disney's Coronado Springs Resort having completed its reimagining and having opened its new Gran Destino Tower last month, Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings & Honeymoons showed off the new wedding venues at the Resort in a post on Disney Parks Blog.

…Disney Vacation Club has posted an online “first look” at the creation of Disney's Riviera Resort. Entitled, “The Art of Inspiration,” the online, on-demand show available through October 8, 2019, at ArtofRiviera.com, includes an opportunity after viewing the video to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Disney vacation including a five-night stay at Disney's Riviera Resort. The material, of course, is a timeshare solicitation, so there is more fine print to see when you visit the site and we at MousePlanet are not responsible or connected to the sweepstakes in any way.

…REMINDER: Those special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests begin September 1 and are scheduled daily through November 2 at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios (including, of course, its Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area).

…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 email in the box below.

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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.

Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill

NEW Wolfgang Puck is expected to be at Disney Springs today, August 20, debuting a new sparklingly wine and signing copies of his cookbooks available for purchase. This is not a ticketed dinner, so diners may encounter him during regular lunch and dinner service at the restaurant.

Beatrix

Longtime readers of this Update know that I was a long-time Chicagoan before moving to Central Florida and taking over the digital ink in this space. As a long-time Chicagoan, I was well-familiar with the many Chicagoland restaurants (and some in other cities, including Las Vegas) owned by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and have often dined at several of them. This past week, Disney Parks Blog announced that the group's Beatrix restaurant will open a new venue at Disney Springs West Side (at an unspecified date or location).

Beatrix is your neighborhood restaurant, coffeehouse and grab-and-go market featuring healthy food options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan along with fresh-squeezed juice cocktails. The restaurant will also offer a bakery and full-service bar with a selection of all-American beer and wine.

There are several existing Beatrix restaurants in Chicagoland which you can read about at Beatrixrestaurants.com.

Wine Bar George

Master Sommelier George Miliotes leads a Champagne toast to the start of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Wine Bar George featuring samples of five different sparkling wines including Ruinart Rosé, Dom Pérignon and more alongside cheese and charcuterie on Thursday, August 29, from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $75/person (must be 21 or older) plus $4.22 EventBrite fee. Visit this EventBrite webpage for more information and tickets.

NEW The Basket, the grab-and-go location, has introduced its newest frozen beverage: Friezling made with DOLE Whip Lime, Selbach Riesling, and Vodka. It is also available inside the the Wine Bar.

NBA Experience

As we noted in the News last week, the new interactive venue held its grand opening Monday, August 12, 2019. You can visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for the official venue description and for ticket sales, which are $34 plus tax for ages 10 and up; $29 plus tax for ages 3-9. The NBA Store is also open next door.

Inside the NBA Store, a large overhead piece of decor now spells with basketballs. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

These samples of merchandise available at the NBA Store were displayed for media invited to cover the Grand Opening of NBA Experience on August 12, 2019. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

The 8th annual Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley boutique music festival will run Friday, August 30 through Labor Day, September 2. Headliners this year include Billow Wood, Strings & Things, High Time, TradGad, Maca, The Rolling Wave, and Atlantic Bridge. Of course, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will appear throughout, and the event has no cover charge. NEW Watch our social media channels in the afternoon and evening on Friday, August 30, for a preview of this year's Hooley, as we have been invited to attend.

Jaleo

Jaleo offers “Sangria Hour” each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sangria Hour includes happy hour-style discounts on selected tapas and $6 beverage specials on draught beer, draft wine (white and red), and sangria roja.

ALMUERZO RÁPIDO is Jaleo Disney Springs' new lunch offer available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is lunch in an hour the José way, choosing one item from four sections on a special menu, for $25 per person. Add a glass of Red sangría for an additional $5 or a Cava sangría for $7.

The Edison

The Second Annual “A Gatsby Evening at The Edison” will be held on Sunday, September 1. Guests are invited to get “dolled up in your best flapper attire, donning your 1920s style suits” to celebrate the great novel by “dancing the night away in style.” A few glasses of complimentary Moet Champagne will be served and a selection of passed signature appetizers will be available for attendees. The evening's entertainment includes a red carpet arrival, live music, stilt walkers, an aerialist, dancers, a crystal balancer, a magician and a complimentary photo station. Doors open at 7 p.m. but only to guests 21 or older. Tickets are $79/person (plus tax and gratuity) with more information at this Patina Restaurant Group web page.

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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

Just click the year you want to expand (or close).

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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