Walt Disney World Resort Update for December 13–19, 2016
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News and Views
Last call before holiday blockouts | Walt Disney World test drives Express Transportation | Update to My Disney Experience app | Disney After Hours is back | Disney Vacation Club annual meeting report | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Last call before holiday blockouts
Starting next Monday, December 19, all Walt Disney World annual passports except the Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Pass are blocked out for the remainder of 2016. The looming blockouts mean this coming week may be extra busy with passholders hoping to get their one last look at the holiday decorations for the year.
Gold and Silver Annual Pass blockouts begin after this Sunday; Weekday Select Pass blockouts begin after this Friday. Crowds were definitely larger in Magic Kingdom on Saturday night as a result. Non-expired blocked passes are next valid on January 3, 2017. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Walt Disney World test drives Express Transportation
The latest added-charge service from Walt Disney World debuted last week, and promises to transport park-hopping visitors between theme parks faster and easier than ever before. Express Transportation is an upgrade available to customers with park hopper tickets, and to annual passholders. The service offers direct, non-stop bus transportation among each of the four theme parks, with new dedicated bus stops in backstage areas inside each of the parks.
Disney's new “Express Transportation ” may be purchased for a single day at $15/person (age 3-up) or for $24/person for multiple days (up to 7 consecutive days) and provides direct, in-park to in-park transportation. Shown here is the Epcot in-park location near the restrooms on the east side of Spaceship Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
You read that correctly, rather than merely adding a dedicated bus and route to the collection of buses already queued outside each park, Disney is for the first time using buses to deliver day guests inside the theme parks. Express Transportation kiosks are located inside of each theme park, with the bus stops just offstage in areas normally not open to park visitors. In each park, the locations are:
- Magic Kingdom park: Near exit of Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- Epcot: East side of Spaceship Earth
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Courtyard in front of Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom park: Near entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris
Disney fans who have taken backstage tours may recognize these locations, as they are some of the bus-accessible stops used on various tours.
At first glance, this offering seems a bit unusual, because park-to-park transportation is not really something we hear people really complain about. The interminable wait for a bus to and from hotels, absolutely, or the gridlock outside the Magic Kingdom on busy nights when the wait for a Monorail nears 30 minutes, but park to park? The most common complaint is from people annoyed that there's no direct service between Epcot and Hollywood Studios.
The Magic Kingdom in-park Express Transportation location is immediately next to the exit to the Buzz Lightyear attraction. Of course, as Magic Kingdom's operating hours are often later than other parks (as was true this past weekend when the park was open until midnight on Saturday), it will close when other parks are closed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Not only does this service offer direct transportation between parks, but it also allows passengers to skip the main entrance lines and security screening as you arrive at the new park. Since visitors will be picked up inside a theme park—hence, inside a secure zone—and taken directly to another secure zone with no stops, there's no need for security. There's also no need to wait at the entrance gates—a cast member with a handheld scanner will read your MagicBand or ticket, and you're on your way.
The price for this convenience is surprisingly low as Disney perks go. A one-day pass is $15, but the person who already paid $164 for a one-day park hopper ticket is probably willing to spend a little more to help them get the most out of their limited time.
But from there, a 7-day pass is just $24, and that is less than the cost of an Uber between any two Disney theme parks. Some super-planners might just chalk that up to vacation insurance, and willingly add the extra cost to their package.
Express Transportation tickets can be purchased at all of the theme park ticket booths; from the Disney Springs ticket booth; from the concierge desk at all Walt Disney World Resort hotels; at the ticket desks at the Swan and Dolphin Resorts; and, if you're in a rush to park-hop immediately, directly from the check-in kiosks in the parks.
Update to My Disney Experience app
The My Disney Experience app received an update last week, just in time for the holidays. While many of the changes in the release notes are operational in nature to improve speed and performance, there's one update that will be popular with people who like to customize their digital photos. Disney PhotoPass photos that you've purchased will appear in the app, and can be cropped and customized with stickers and frames.
As a word of caution, any changes you make to your photos using the app will not be saved to your Disney PhotoPass account, and will not be available for use in PhotoPass products. Be sure to save your creations to your phone's camera roll so you can share them later.
Disney After Hours is back
Back in March we wrote about the Disney After Hours event, a premium event offering exclusive access to the Magic Kingdom park for three hours after official park closing. The event was $149 per person, $40 more than a ticket to visit the same park during normal business hours.
The first event apparently sold so poorly that hundreds of members of the Disney Vacation Club who were staying on property that night received an invitation to attend the event—with up to three guests—at no charge. Sales of subsequent events did not seem to pick up, with a number of Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests reporting that they had received complimentary tickets to some of the six remaining events from the concierge staff at their hotel.
Eventually, Disney extended a 50% discount offer to Walt Disney World Resort annual passholders and to members of the Disney Vacation Club for the final four dates of the original seven events in the series. When no additional dates were announced beyond the initial offering, we assumed Disney considered the event a bust, and had moved on to other extra-cost offerings.
Surprisingly, Disney After Hours is back for 2017, though with a slightly lower price and up-front discounts for Walt Disney World Resort annual passholders and to members of the Disney Vacation Club.
The 2017 dates announced so far are:
- Fridays, January 20 and 27 from 9:00 p.m. to Midnight
- Thursdays, February 2, 9 and 16 from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m.
- Thursdays, March 2 and 9 from 9:00 p.m. to Midnight
Tickets are now $119 per person, still more than the cost of a one-day ticket. Walt Disney World Resort annual passholders and members of the Disney Vacation Club pay $89 per person. There is no discount for children.
Guests who purchase the ticket have access to the Magic Kingdom starting at 7:00 p.m., three or four hours (depending on date) earlier than the park's posted closing time. The “after hours” portion runs until three hours after the theme park closes to the public, so 11:00 p.m. or midnight, depending on date. The event includes select attractions and character experiences, along with ice cream novelties and bottled soft drinks from vending carts around the park.
Reservations are available by calling (407) 827-7185, or via the Walt Disney World website.
Disney Vacation Club annual meeting report
The various condominium associations making up the Disney Vacation Club held its Annual Board of Directors and Members meetings at Disney's Coronado Resort Convention Center on December 8, 2016. MousePlanet contributor and DVC owner Alan Dalinka attended the meeting, and shared the few tidbits of news that came from the presentation.
The various condominium associations making up the Disney Vacation Club held its Annual Board of Directors and Members meetings at Disney's Coronado Resort Convention Center on December 8, 2016. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
While DVC did release a few additional details about the expansion of the DVC villas at Wilderness Lodge, there was no mention of the rumored DVC development at the Coronado Springs resort, the site of the annual meeting.
The theme of Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Copper Creek is based on the historic western expansion of the railroads. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
DVC unveiled the name and logo for the new Villas and Cabins expected to be completed in 2017 at Disney's Wilderness Lodge: Copper Creek. The new areas are themed to the historic western expansion of the railroads and, while renditions of the near-final concept art were shown to Members, photographs were not allowed because the units are not yet fully registered or for sale.
The DVC Board of Directors showed photographs of some of the extensive damage Hurricane Matthew caused at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. While there were no reported injuries, the Resort was evacuated ahead of the Hurricane and remained closed for three weeks; Members that own points at the Resort will see higher dues over the next five years to repay a low-interest loan Disney Development (the DVC managing agent) received to pay the approximately $750,000 insurance deductible.
The DVC Board of Directors showed photographs of some of the extensive damage Hurricane Matthew caused at Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Wintery attired Mickey and Minnie greeted DVC Members in the post-Annual Meeting reception. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Views Around the World
Alan catches us up on the latest happenings around Walt Disney World
As we have shown at many other locations around Walt Disney World this year, Disney's Coronado Resort also has installed netted fences at its beach fronts and snake and alligator warning signs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Show times for the Fountain of Nations Stage in Future World (which faces the Christmas Tree at the entrance to World Showcase) are posted for the daily showings of American Music Machine and Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Numerous construction walls surround landscaping areas at the northern edge of World Showcase Promenade where it meets up with Future World. The west pathway is open but seems increasingly like a narrow (albeit open air) hallway rather than an outdoor path. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The shore of the World Showcase Lagoon from the western Travel Port shop to the Mexico food marketplace is also behind construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Landscaping between the World Showcase Promenade and the Odyssey building's reflecting pond is behind construction walls, from the Christmas Tree to the bridge to the east. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Odyssey building remains open during Holidays Around the World, with a slightly modified sign from the Food & Wine festival to reflect the season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Separate from the daily bridge lifts to accommodate the main barges of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the extensive fireworks Holiday Finale is brought out from backstage separately, in numerous barges, which also result in temporarily closing the bridge between China and the African Outpost for safety. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The three-times nightly through December 30 presentations of the Candlelight Processional continue this week. Robby Benson, voice of Beast in Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” was the celebrity narrator on Sunday and Monday. This week, Meredith Vieira is the scheduled narrator Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday; Jim Caviezel is scheduled Friday and Saturday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
Several colors illuminated Space Mountain this week, even on nights when there was not a Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party in progress. The white “cabana” tents in the foreground are the newly available rentals which are now partially screened by a temporary hedge wall. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Death Star-shaped suitcases are available for sale in Tomorrowland. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
A new “Rogue One – A Star Wars Story” photo backdrop is located at the AMC Disney Springs Theater's Dine-in Theaters entrance next to the escalators to the Orange Garage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
In the AMC Disney Springs Theater lobby, Star Wars themed items on sale at the nearby Curl store are displayed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
An Intel Shooting Star show drone is on display in the lobby of the AMC Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
An artist rendition of Wine Bar George, under construction in the Landing area of Disney Springs, is now on one of the walls facing Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Signs in the Disney Springs parking structures now make clear that overnight parking is prohibited after 3 a.m. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…A new Pass to China contest offers Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resort annual passholders the opportunity to win a vacation to China with Adventures by Disney. The contest began December 6, and ends on February 28, 2017. You must have a valid DL or WDW annual pass as of December 6, 2016 to enter. You may enter once per day. Visit the contest website for complete rules, terms and conditions.
…Stitch's Great Escape will reopen for the holiday season from December 17 to 31, but will close again on January 1, 2017. The ride was designated a “seasonal” attraction earlier this year, and is strongly rumored as slated for replacement.
Disney's Coronado Resort is the most recent location at Walt Disney World to get automated kiosks for purchasing or renting Fuel rod portable device chargers. 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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Crowd Forecast
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MousePlanet
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).
2016 Resort events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – November 7 through December 31, 2016
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 25 through December 30, 2016
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 25 through December 30, 2016
2017 Resort events
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts – January 13 through February 20, 2017
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017.
- MouseAdventure – Saturday, March 4, 2017
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 through November 13, 2017.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – Dates TBD
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –Dates TBD
- Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party–Dates TBD
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates TBD
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates TBD
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
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 4–8, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time deadline has passed.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time deadline has passed.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by January 17, 2017.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration opens January 17, 2017. Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.
2018
- 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3–7, 2018. Registration opens February 14, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2017. Registration opens May 2, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 18–22, 2017. Registration opens May 23, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- 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
Magic Kingdom
2017
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 3 – 12, 2017 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed January 9 – March 2, 2017 for refurbishment.
- The Magic Behind our Steam Trains guided tour – closed January 9 – March 2, 2017 during the Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
- The Hall of Presidents – closes January 17, 2017 to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. Expected to reopen July, 2017.
Epcot
Permanently closed:
- Sum of All Thrills – closed permanently on September 14.
- Storm Struck – closed permanently on September 14.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Permanently closed:
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Studio Catering Co.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America
- Magic of Disney Animation
- The Writer's Stop
- Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Kali River Rapids – closed January 3 – February 13, 2017 for refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach
- Closed October 23 – December 24 for seasonal refurbishment.
Typhoon Lagoon
- Closed December 24 – March 11, 2017 for seasonal refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed for refurbishment. Scheduled to reopen in Early 2017 as Paddlefish
- Planet Hollywood – closed for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2017.
Resorts
- Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. 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.
- Disney's All-Star Sports – the Grand Slam Pool closed October 10 for refurbishment, and is expected to reopen by December 2. The Surfboard Bay Pool will remain open.
- Disney's Pop Century Resort – the Computer Pool closed October 31 for refurbishment, and is expected to reopen by December 23. The Hippy Dippy Pool will remain open.
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.
Travel Discounts for Everyone |
All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. Early Spring room-only offer
Early Spring Kid-sized Vacation offer
Early Spring Family Magic offer
Magical Vacation Package offer
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 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 $149, a $20 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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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
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 most days 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 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 character photo download per day. Star Wars meet and greet at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Launch Bay Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a character meet and greet at Star Wars Launch Bay for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount 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 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 – 2016 April 1, 2016. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 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 percent, based on room category. The 2016 offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. 2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 19, 2017, 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 1 through December 19, 2017, except that the tickets may not be used April 9–23, 2017. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017. 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 percent, based on room category. The 2017 offer is valid most nights from January 1 through December 19, 2017. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid April 9–23, 2017. |
Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
MousePlanet reader Scott S. alerted us to a new offer for Canadian residents. Canadian residents receive a 25% discount on 4-day or longer tickets purchased by February 28, 2017. The discounted rate for a 4-Day adult base ticket is $244.00 USD, compared to $325.00 USD when purchased at the gate. A 10-day adult base ticket is $300 USD, a savings of $100 from the main gate price. This offer is only good for Canadian citizens with valid passport, or residents of Canada with valid proof of Canadian residency. The tickets are sold as an exchange certificate, and must be exchanged for park ticket upon arrival. There is no expiration date on the unused tickets, but once activated the tickets must be used within 14 days of first entry. You can see the full details on the Walt Disney World website. Thanks Scott for the heads up! If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |