News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: For the next several weeks, I will be filling in as the writer for the Walt Disney World Resort Update to lighten the workload for Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix over the Holidays Season. As a regular or occasional reader over the past two years, you likely have seen many of my photos and (occasionally) videos from all over Walt Disney World Resort on this site. You can read a bit more about me in my MousePlanet bio.= If there are public places around the Resort that you would like to see that I have not yet covered and that a Four-Parks Annual Passholder and DVC Member can visit, please do not hesitate to click on the envelope icon next to my name above and let me know. Also, I hope you are following our MousePlanet Facebook and Twitter feeds, where I have been helping provide Live and near-Live coverage around the Resort from time-to-time with more to come. Feedback in those forums and on MousePad is always welcome.
Now, no matter what you celebrate, have a happy and healthy season. With that, on with the Update….
News and Views
'Tis The (Peak) Season | More Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants Add Alcohol to the Menu | Star Wars Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios Now Includes Elements from Rogue One | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
'Tis The (Peak) Season
Historically, we are entering the busiest time of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort. As you can see below from the Crowd Forecast from TouringPlans, the forecast for this week is for the largest crowds (10 out of 10), and, based on our experience in past years, we can expect that forecast to be in place through the rest of 2016. A few changes Disney implemented over the past year may put an ever-so-slight damper on the crowd levels in some places, but there is little doubt that the Parks and Resorts are going to be busy, so plan accordingly.
If riding certain rides with the shortest waits possible is important to you and your fellow visitors, remember to use your Disney FastPass+ reservations. All park guests with valid admission media can book up to three (with “tier” limitations at Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios) in advance, so it is a good idea to buy your tickets and set up your My Disney Experience account ahead of your visit.
Of course, be aware, that since it opened, Disney's FastPass+ service “sells out” of reservation capacity for some attractions like Epcot's new Frozen Ever After ride at the Norway pavilion during the 30-60 day advance window open only to Resort guests, so if you are planning only a few days out, your choices will be limited—and even more so at this time of year. As of yesterday afternoon, several attractions were still offering FastPass+ reservations throughout the week, at least for a party of one.
Expect that Table Service dining reservations bookings will also be limited and walk-ups at many locations are turned away. Check the MyDisneyExperience App, 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463), Guest Relations, and/or Disney Resorts Concierge Desks for the latest availability.
Disney Vacation Club has long-designated the last weeks of the year the “Premier Season” at its resorts at Walt Disney World. This year, it runs from December 24-31, meaning DVC Members staying on property (or those staying as guests of DVC Members) are “spending” the most points per night to stay in their accommodations.
This year, the new “Peak” 1-Day Park ticket pricing again goes into effect starting Thursday, December 22, and it stays in effect until the resumption of “Regular” season on January 4. During “Peak” days, Magic Kingdom 1-Day 1-Park Tickets are $124/adult ($118/ages 3-9), and the other Disney Theme Parks are $114/adult ($108/ages 3-9); 1-Day Park Hopper Tickets are $144/adult ($138/ages 3-9). Be aware that a 1-Day Ticket purchased at the “Regular” or “Value” price points cannot be used on a “Peak” day.
In addition to the “Peak” pricing that may reduce crowds a tiny bit, Disney introduced several new tiers of Annual Passes this year that have blockout dates that began over this past weekend and run throughout the rest of 2016 (and into the first days of 2017). The past couple of weekends and several weekdays saw crowds of soon-to-be blocked Annual Passholders visiting the parks one last time for the holiday season.
The best advice at this time of year around Walt Disney World is to remain patient, especially with other guests, and, most of all, the Cast Members. The parking lots can fill up; I personally have seen the Magic Kingdom parking lot closed, and cars backed up along World Drive from the toll plaza all the way the two miles to the ramps from Epcot one recent Christmas Day afternoon. The parks can reach capacity and close: remember that Disney's Hollywood Studios is operating with reduced capacity because of the closure of the Streets of America and Backlot areas to make way for Star Wars and Toy Story Lands; Disney's Animal Kingdom again has limited nighttime hours (it is scheduled to close at 7:30 p.m. every night this week; 8:30 p.m. on Christmas Day and December 26); Epcot tends to have the most breathing room, even on days the Park sets attendance records.
More Magic Kingdom Table Service Restaurants Add Alcohol to the Menu
As had been widely rumored over the past several days, the Orlando Sentinel reports that Disney has confirmed that beginning this Friday, December 23, four more Magic Kingdom Table Service restaurants will begin serving select alcoholic beverages. Joining the Be Our Guest Restaurant, which began serving wines back in 2012 with its dinner service, are Tony's Town Square Restaurant, Liberty Tree Tavern, Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen, and Cinderella's Royal Table. Each location is expected to offer a selection of beverages that compliment their food offerings. For example, Skipper Canteen is expected to have a more “global” beverage menu, with drinks such as a riesling to pair with Trader Sam's head-on shrimp, while Liberty Tree Tavern is expected to serve beer, cider, and domestic wines that pair with its Americana food items.
At this time, there will not be any standalone bar or to-go options for alcoholic beverages in Magic Kingdom. Unlike the other Parks, the alcoholic beverages are not expected to be sold at kiosks or any quick service/counter locations in Magic Kingdom.
Star Wars Experiences at Disney's Hollywood Studios Now Include Elements from Rogue One
With last Friday's opening of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in U.S. theaters, Disney's Hollywood Studios drew on the latest film to add several elements to its Star Wars Experiences. In the Center Stage show, “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away,” Advanced Weapons Research Troopers in black stormtrooper armor now appear. (Disney promotional materials refer to these characters as AWR Troopers and not “Death Troopers” as they are referred to elsewhere.)
The show, now reportedly two minutes shorter than before, is performed numerous times daily but, as we have reported before, sight lines are challenging and made even more so when children are hoisted on to parents' shoulders. It does not seem that any story points from the film are given away by the AWR Troopers in the show.
Photos and a brief video provided below do not contain any spoilers for the new film.
Advanced Weapons Research Troopers now appear in the stage show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
AWR Troopers respond to some pyrotechnics during their stage appearance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away” stage show includes characters from all of the Star Wars movies, now including “Rogue One.” Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
In the Star Wars Launch Bay, several changes have been made to celebrate the opening of Rogue One. Above the entrance to the building, banners now create an image of the Death Star. Inside, the new video presents a spoiler-free, behind-the-scenes type documentary of the making of the new movie. It includes interviews with the filmmakers, including some of its producers and stars, and presents vintage, behind-the-scenes clips from the original Star Wars film now referred to as Episode IV: A New Hope, as Rogue One portrays events relevant to that film. For someone mildly-or-more interested in the Star Wars saga, it is a worthwhile watching experience (at least in my opinion). There are no new character experiences (Chewbacca and Kylo Ren are still available), but replica props and art from the new movie are now on display.
A new video is now showing at Star Wars Launch Bay's theater. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Star Wars Launch Bay now includes a model of the Death Star. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As previously announced, a new Star Wars Guided Tour is coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios starting January 2. Reservations recently opened for this brand-new, seven-hour tour which includes reserved viewing for “Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away;” a ride on Star Tours – The Adventures Continue; an opportunity to participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple (for children age 4-12); a guided tour and character greetings at Star Wars Launch Bay; dinner at a quick-service restaurant featuring Star Wars-themed items; the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party; fireworks viewing; and more. The tour costs $129 per person (tax & gratuity included) and will be offered Mondays and Saturdays. Reservations are made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY.
Views Around the World
This week, I visited Epcot (where Disney invited me to share a closer look at Candlelight Processional, and, thus, my photos and video are from literally the front row), and I also visited Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney Springs.
Epcot
The huge live orchestra, choirs and Celebrity Narrator make Candlelight Processional a special Holiday tradition. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
The lion-tailed macaque is native to the southern tip of India. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Santa Goofy greets guests in Chester and Hester's Dino-Rama. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
Town Center now has a Starbright Holidays photo backdrop. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…Several sites are reporting that starting on December 21, all four parks will have designated Annual Passholder park entry lanes since, presumably, those with Annual Passes are more familiar with the TouchPoint/Finger-readers and will move through more quickly. Cast Members at the entry to Disney's Animal Kingdom that I asked about this over the weekend were unaware of any upcoming park entry changes.
…Stitch's Great Escape in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom is open for the holiday season. The future of the attraction is unknown beyond the end of 2016.
…Restaurantosaurus in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom is offering a breakfast service daily until 10:30 a.m. through the end of the year.
…Construction projects are underway along World Drive which likely include the previously announced lane reconfigurations and fly-over to enable Magic Kingdom area resorts guests to bypass the toll plaza.
…With holiday shopping well underway, be aware that the Disney Character Warehouse on International Drive—the Disney-operated location for discounted (and, often out-dated like 2016 Food & Wine Festival and 2015 Halloween) merchandise—now occupies a store that is only about half as large as it used to be. Also note that parking is surprisingly limited at the Premium Outlets Mall, though valet may be available.
…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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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.
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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! |
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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:
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. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). 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. |
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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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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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! |
