Update for December 1-6, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Star Wars Experience opens today | Entertainment notes | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Star Wars Experience opens today
As we were wrapping up this article Monday night, @BanksLee from the Attractions Show posted via Twitter that some eager visitors were already in line outside Disney's Hollywood Studios for the debut of the Star Wars promotion formerly known as the Season of the Force.
Just saw this on FB. People are ready for the new Star Wars stuff apparently! pic.twitter.com/OaLgvkHn62
— Banks Lee (@BanksLee) December 1, 2015
As we've previously reported, the renamed “Star Wars Experience” includes the addition of a new scene to Star Tours; the grand opening of the Star Wars Launch Bay; the debut of the Path of the Jedi film in the ABC Sound Studio; and the premiere of an update to the Jedi Training Academy show.
The Star Tours upgrade has already been in operation for over two weeks, with Imagineers adding the new footage to the Florida version of the ride at the same time the Season of the Force promotion kicked off at Disneyland. While the Star Wars Launch Bay and Path of the Jedi film are interesting to many Star Wars fans, they're certainly not worth sleeping out overnight for. The only truly “new” Star Wars experience for Florida visitors will be a look at the Jedi Training Academy show a week before it debuts in California.
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka will be at Disney's Hollywood Studios this week for the official Star Wars Experience media event, and will have a full photo update for us next Tuesday. If you can't wait that long to see the new additions, be sure to follow @MousePlanet on Twitter and Periscope for live updates during Friday's event.
Entertainment notes
Holidays Happen Here dance party
Disney's Hollywood Studios debuts yet another dance party this week, with the Holidays Happen Here dance party on Hollywood Boulevard. The new event takes place Tuesday through Sunday nights starting at 5:00 p.m., and happens around a newly-constructed Center Stage near the former location of the giant Sorcerer's Hat.
This is billed as a character dance party, so have your cameras ready, but leave the autograph books behind—the characters don't dance and sign at the same time.
With Club Disney also opening its doors Friday, there will actually be three dance parties at the Studios: Holidays Happen Here, Club Disney, and the Playhouse Disney Dance Party that is only offered on Extra Magic Hour evenings.
Canadian Lumberjacks get the axe
The world (showcase) may never know if Epcot's Canadian Lumberjacks show had such poor reviews from theme park regulars based on its own entertainment merits, or if the frosty reception was because the group replaced the much-loved Off Kilter band in the Canada Pavilion. Whichever the case, the log-chopping, -sawing and -rolling show ended its Epcot run last week.
The Orlando Sentinel reports the group has been replaced by the Canadian Holiday Voyageurs for the Holidays Around the World event, but will not return after the holidays.
Mickey and Minnie in Santa hats, along with Pluto are part of this year's holiday topiary display at the main entrance of Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Quickstep debuts
Now that the Paul McKenna Band has wrapped up their year-long stop at Walt Disney World, a new acoustical group called Quickstep has debuted in the United Kingdom pavilion. The quartet performs Wednesday through Sunday; check the Times Guide or Walt Disney World website for exact schedule.
American Music Machine and Joyful! begin holiday schedule
American Music Machine performs on the hour and Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season performs at 25 minutes past the hour throughout afternoons on the stage next to the Future World fountain at Epcot through December 29, 2015. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The American Music Machine, displaced from the American Adventure stage for the season due to the Candlelight show, has relocated to the Fountain Stage for the holidays. The a Capella group shares the stage with Joyful! a new Gospel group.
Captain EO farewell
Sunday, December 6 is your last chance to see Captain EO at Epcot. As previously reported, The Magic Eye Theater will reopen later in December to host the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival.
Belle bows out of Extra Magic Hours
Enchanted Tales with Belle is no longer one of the attractions that you can experience during your evening Extra Magic Hours. The interactive show and meet-and-greet will stick to regular park hours effective immediately, but will continue to operate during hard-ticket events like Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
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Views Around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares more images from around Walt Disney World.
Epcot
Topiary Bambi is among this year's Holidays Around the World display at the main entrance to Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Thumper and Flower from the Disney Classic “Bambi” are included in this year's holiday topiary display at the main entrance of Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Goofy “skates” amongst white-ice colored flowers as Topiary Donald looks on in Epcot's Future World between the fountain and the monorail beam. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot's Future World landscape includes plants shaped into giant snowflakes this holiday season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The top of the largest Christmas tree at Epcot at the point where Future World meets World Showcase includes an angel holding a miniature Earth globe. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot's largest Christmas tree includes globes similar in shape to the video globe used in Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The façade of the former Maelstrom attraction at Epcot's Norway pavilion is now under a painted tarp for its transformation into the new Frozen Ever After attraction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A glass blowing artist creates ornaments at Epcot's Germany pavilion this holiday season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Throughout Epcot's World Showcase, displays like this one at Germany celebrate Holidays Around the World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
At the American Adventure at Epcot, kiosks celebrating Holidays Around the World include a bakery along the World Showcase Promenade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Santa Claus makes scheduled visits to this area at the American Adventure at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Christmas tree at Epcot's American Adventure is located about half way between the entrance to the building and the Japan pavilion next door rather than in the fountain as it had been for many years. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Large ornament dioramas depicting scenes around Paris have returned again this holiday season at Epcot's France pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
The Walt Disney World Railroad rides the rails at Magic Kingdom again, returning from its brief Fall refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The details are emerging at the new Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom. No official opening date has been announced yet, but it is expected to open during the holiday season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This is a closer view of the signage at Magic Kingdom's new (coming soon) Skipper Canteen than we provided in last week's Update. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Beach Club Resort
The Gingerbread Carousel in the lobby of Disney's Beach Club resort is constructed of 2015 pieces of gingerbread this year and includes 16 silver hidden Mickeys. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That
…Disney Vacation Club members and their guests can attend a special holiday Merry Mixer in Epcot today, December 1. The free event includes character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, crafts, and refreshments. The mixer is hosted from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the World Showcase at Epcot (entrance is between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions). Members do not need tickets or advance reservations, and can bring up to 6 guests per membership card.
…The first of the Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party events to sell out is the final event of the year, December 18. Be sure you've purchased tickets if you plan to attend any of the remaining events, as dates will begin to sell out quickly from here.
…The Orlando Theme Park News blog reports a rumor that Sunshine Seasons will discontinue breakfast service in early January, possibly timed to the closure of Soarin' for refurbishment. According to the site, the restaurant will open at 11 a.m. daily. The Garden Grill would continue the breakfast service it debuted this summer.
…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 MouseAdventure 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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Crowd Forecast
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Resort Events
2015
- 2015 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18. As of publication, all nights except December 18 are still available.
- 2015 Epcot Candlelight Processional – November 27 to December 30. Performances are at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. nightly, with the exception of December 6.
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 27 to December 30
- DVC Merry Member Mixers – December 1, 8, 14, 22. DVC members and their guests can attend special holiday mixers in Epcot throughout the season. The free events include character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, crafts, and refreshments. They are hosted from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the World Showcase at Epcot (entrance is between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions). Members do not need tickets or advance reservations, and can bring up to 6 guests per membership card.
- Star Wars Experiences / Season of the Force – December 1, 2015 to March 20, 2016 (tentative end date)
2016
- 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – March 2 – May 30, 2016
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.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Most events are sold out. Registration is still open for the runDisney Kids Races. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14–17, 2016. The 10K and Dark Side Challenge are sold out. Registration is still open for the half marathon, 5K and runDisney Kids Races. Proof of Time must be provided between October 27, 2015, and January 19, 2016.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–4, 2016. Pre-sale begins March 8, 2016. General registration opens March 15, 2016.
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.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
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| Nov 30 – Jan 4 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
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| Dec. 4 |
Epcot
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| Dec. 5 |
Epcot
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| Dec 11 |
Epcot
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| Dec 12 |
Epcot
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| Dec 13 |
Epcot
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| Dec 21 |
Epcot
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| Dec 22 |
Epcot
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| Dec 23 |
Epcot
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
2015
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority – closed December 7–10 for refurbishment.
2016
- Splash Mountain – closed January 10–15 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed January 11–15 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 to February 11 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18–22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 to July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 to September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed August 22 to September 15 for refurbishment.
2015
- Soarin' – additional screen under construction. Work has no impact on the existing theaters.
- Innoventions West – Think, presented by IBM; The Great Piggy Bank Adventure; and Where's the Fire? closed. The Disney Visa character experience remains open.
- Maelstrom – ride permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
- The Sum of All Thrills – closed November 30 through December 4 for refurbishment.
- Magic Eye Theater – Captain EO permanently closes on December 6. Will be replaced by Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival sometime in December.
2016
- Soarin' will halt service as of January 4, 2016. The ride will reopen sometime in “summer of 2016” as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film
2015
- Walt Disney: One Man's Dream – closed October 16 to December 5 due to The Good Dinosaur sneak peek.
- Jedi Training Academy – on hiatus until the Star Wars Launch Bay open. The new show is titled Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
- Toy Story Midway Mania – second ride track is under construction. Work has no impact on the existing ride.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
2016
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closes January 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- None currently scheduled
- Entire park closed from October 25, 2015 to January 3, 2016 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed from January 3 to March 13, 2016 for refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 to April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 to June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.
Resorts
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 to September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed October 26, 2015. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
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.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free 5″ x 7″ character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5″ x 7″ character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Military Personnel |
2014-2015 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Discount Eligible Service Members can purchase 4-day Park Hopper passes for $177 until December 20, 2015 Tickets can be purchased through December 17, 2015. No more than 12 Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by an Eligible Service Member. 2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount From September 25, 2015 through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3, 2016, through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20, 2016 April 1, 2016. 2016 Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40%, based on room category. The new offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid March 20, 2016 through April 1, 2016. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
Cirque du Soliel's La Nouba is offering a Florida resident discount through December 18. Tickets prices range from $49 to $89. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
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