Walt Disney World Resort Update for February 9 – 15, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort Update for February 9 – 15, 2016

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions

News and Views

2016 Flower and Garden Festival concert lineup | Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen to offer same-day reservations | Beach Club restaurant debuts afternoon tea offering | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

2016 “Garden Rocks” concert lineup finalized

With under a month before the 2016 EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival begins, Disney has released the final lineup of performers for the Garden Rocks concert series at the America Gardens Theatre. Four new groups join the expanded concert series, which now runs 13 weekends in March, April, and May.

The dates and performers (subject to change without notice) are:

• March 4-6 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
• March 11-13 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
• March 18-20 – Little River Band “Reminiscing”
• March 25-27 – Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
• April 1-3 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
• April 8-10 – The Guess Who “American Woman”
• April 15-17 – NEW! Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
• April 22-24 – NEW! Bad Company, former lead singer BRIAN HOWE “Can’t Get Enough”
• April 29-May 1 – NEW! Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”
• May 6-8 – Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
• May 13-15 – NEW! Darlene Love “Wait 'Til My Bobby Gets Home”
• May 20-22 – Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
• May 27-30 (Monday) – The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”

Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday of the Festival and included with park admission.

There is no word yet if visitors can book FastPass+ reservations for these concerts.

Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen to offer same-day reservations

The new Jungle Navigation Co. Ltd. Skipper Canteen at the Magic Kingdom will begin offering same-day dining reservations for lunch and dinner starting this Friday, February 12.

The restaurant usually opens for lunch at 11:00 a.m., and transitions to dinner service at 3:00 p.m., though the menus (and pricing) are currently the same for both meals.

Make reservations online through the Disney website, or call 407-993-1933. Disney has not said what time the reservations system opens each day.

Beach Club restaurant debuts afternoon tea offering

The Crescent Solarium at Disney's Beach Club Resort is now accepting reservations for a new afternoon tea. This new dining option is offered only select dates from February 11 through September 5.

There are four different tea services to choose from, including a children's tea service. Descriptions from the Disney Parks blog:

Sea Side Park Tea – $45 per person

First course featuring a selection of Artisan cheeses and seasonal accompaniments; second course petit sandwiches and canapés on house-made breads; third course scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam; finale of house-made pastries and tea cookies. Accompanied by your choice of loose-leaf tea.

Sandy Cove Tea – $30 per person

First course featuring petit sandwiches and canapés on house-made breads; second course features scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd, and seasonal jam; finale of house-made pastries and tea cookies. Served with your choice of loose-leaf tea.

Prince Cove Tea – $40 per person

First course featuring house-made charcuterie and cheese plate; second course scones served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam; finale of house-made pastries and tea cookies. Accompanied by your choice of loose-leaf tea.

Short Sands Beach Tea – $17 per person

Guests ages 3 – 9 can enjoy a first course of assorted tea sandwiches (shaped like Mickey Mouse); second course scone served with clotted cream, lemon curd and seasonal jam; finale of chocolate chip cookies. Accompanied with special “dark tea” (chocolate milk).

Reservations are available only by calling 407-WDW-DINE. You can book up to 180 days in advance, so the September dates are not yet available. Tables in Wonderland discount does not apply to this meal.

Views From Around the World

Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka visited Disney Springs and Epcot to get a look at the construction in both parks this week.

Magic Kingdom

Central Plaza construction is nearly complete and the holiday dream lights have nearly all been removed from Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs

The Orange Garage provides an overview of the Disney Springs construction that continues the transformation of Pleasure Island into the Landing. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A new artist's rendition of Planet Hollywood Observatory hangs on the construction wall in front of the restaurant, which is closed for renovations that are scheduled to be completed this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Disney-made waterways of the soon-to-be-completed Town Center area of Disney Springs now have the color of natural Florida springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The pedestrian bridge across the Disney-made “springs” connecting Raglan Road to the new Town Center nears completion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction of the new Marketplace area garage continues between the World of Disney Store and Buena Vista Drive. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The entry to the Town Center area of Disney Springs nears completion just off Buena Vista Drive next to the new Marketplace area parking garage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Attention to detail appears to be a hallmark of the construction of the new Town Center area of Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction of STK restaurant continues. It was originally scheduled to have opened in 2015, but is now expected to be open “early” this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New outdoor stairways appear to lead from the entrance area of the still-under construction STK restaurant toward a new pedestrian bridge next to Planet Hollywood. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

After a number of months without obvious activity, new construction is taking place at the former site of The Adventurers Club. New reddish color steel supports can be seen in this photo. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New vertical construction is apparent at the site of the former Adventurers Club. The artist's rendering at this site is the previously announced “The Edison” which Disney has described as being “Themed to a 1920s-period electric company,” and “dedicated to a resurgence of old-world style, sophistication and romance.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Work lights continue to shine behind the construction scrim after dark at the Frozen Ever After attraction, which is expected to open this spring at the Norway Pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On a night with a light crowd at Epcot's African Outpost, the drums were quiet and I had an opportunity to check out these Coca-Cola themed props that I usually hurry past. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular, the Star Wars themed fireworks at Disney's Hollywood Studios, lights the sky above the United Kingdom pavilion's Rose & Crown Pub along the World Showcase Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot is celebrating African Heritage during February. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The artwork throughout the lobby of The American Adventure pavilion at Epcot has been replaced with images saluting historical Americans with African heritage during February's Tapestry of America exhibit. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A display in the lobby of The American Adventure salutes Thurgood Marshall, the first African American Associate Justice to sit on the Supreme Court of the United States. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Ronald Ervin McNair, an African American NASA astronaut, is remembered in this display in the lobby of The American Adventure. He flew on the Space Shuttle Challenger in 1984 and was among the crew that perished in the Challenger disaster in 1986. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…The Orlando Sentinel reports that a pair of suspected burglars were arrested at Disney Springs last month, and are suspected in a string of burglaries at the Saratoga Springs and Old Key West resorts. The article states, “There have been more than 20 cases of electronics stolen since late December, according to a sheriff's report. Often, the burglars obtained access through rear sliding-glass doors.”

…Kylo Ren, leader of the First Order, has replaced Darth Vader in one of the scheduled meet-and-greet opportunities at the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Like Darth Vader, Kylo Ren is a masked character with pre-recorded interactive dialog. He also does not sign autographs. He is present in the Dark Side meet-and-greet, as well as the exclusive Disney Visa Cardholder meet-and-greet offered each day. Darth Vader still appears in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple show at Hollywood Studios.

…There is still no official confirmation from Disney, but Coca-Cola signage on the as-yet-unnamed brick building under construction next to Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs lends credibilty to the rumors that this will be a new World of Coca-Cola location.

Rumors persist but remain unconfirmed that this building next to Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs will be a World of Coca-Cola experience. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Club Disney at Disney's Hollywood Studios is “temporarily closed,” and the gates to the Sunset Showcase venue are closed.

…Kali River Rapids reopens on February 12 following refurbishment.

…Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin reopens on February 12 following refurbishment.

…Fulton's Crab House filed a notice with the State of Florida that it intends to layoff over 200 employees in April ahead of what is rumored to be an extensive six month renovation, according to the Orlando Business Journal. The Disney website does not yet reflect this closure, and is currently accepting reservations for the restaurant into August, 2016.

Fulton's Crab House closes in April for renovation. 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 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

Join Our Networks

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 – December 1, 2015 – March 20, 2016 (tentative end date)
• 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – March 2 – May 30, 2016
• Dapper Day at the Magic Kingdom (unofficial event) – Saturday, April 16, 2016. More information at the event website.
• Gay Days at Walt Disney World (annual unofficial event) – June 2–5. More information on the event website. To whatever degree there are “organized” events, the schedule calls for attendees to visit the parks on these days:
  • Thursday, June 2 – Animal Kingdom
  • Friday, June 3 – Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Saturday, June 4 – Magic Kingdom (the busiest day of the event)
  • Sunday, June 5 – Epcot
• Night of Joy – dates to be announced
• 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – dates to be announced.
• Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – dates to be announced.
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – dates to be announced.
• “Jersey Week” – November 6 – 13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
• Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
• Holidays at Walt Disney World – dates to be announced.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – dates to be announced.
• Holidays Around the World at Epcot – dates to be announced.
• Candlelight Processional at Epcot – dates to be announced.

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

• 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. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
• 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.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Events

Check here to see if a sporting competition might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. We don't list all events here, but focus on the larger sport and cheer events that might result in extra visitors to the theme parks, and make it harder to secure a hotel room. The All-Star and moderate resort hotels are often the home base for these larger events, so it's worth avoiding those properties if possible.

2016 ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events

• AmeriCheer / AmeriDance International Championships – February 27-28.
• 2016 Atlanta Braves Spring Training – March 4 – April 4. See website for game schedule. Tickets, including season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are now on sale.
• Contest of Champions – March 4-6.
• International All Star Championship – March 12 – 13.
• ICU Cheerleading and Dance Worlds Championship – April 21 – 22.
• USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds Championship – April 23 – 25. This event draws over 12,000 participants.
• Varsity All Star’s Cheerleading Championship – April 29 – May 1.
• Special Olympics Florida Summer Games – May 20 – 21.
• AAU National Club Championship – June 30 – July 3.
• Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11 – 12.
• 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl – dates to be announced, but likely either December 3 – 10, or 10 – 17, 2016.

Merchandise Events

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin in Tomorrowland is closed for refurbishment, scheduled through February 11, 2016. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

2016

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 – February 11 for refurbishment.
• Mad Tea Party – closed February 22 – 26 for refurbishment.
• Jungle Cruise – closed March 1 – 3 for refurbishment.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 – July 15 for refurbishment.
• Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15 – 21 for refurbishment.
• “it's a small world” – closed August 22 – September 15 for refurbishment.

Epcot

2016

• Soarin' – closed as of January 4, 2016. Reopens sometime in “summer of 2016” as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film.
• Circle of Life – closed February 7 through April 2 for refurbishment.
• Maelstrom – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

2016

• 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.
• Pizza Planet restaurant – closed January 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
• Studio Catering Co. – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
• Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids – closed through February 11 for refurbishment.
• Flights of Wonder – show dark January 25 – March 17
• The Boneyard play area – closed February 22 – March 17 for refurbishment.

Blizzard Beach

• None scheduled

Typhoon Lagoon

• Entire park closed January 3 – March 13, 2016 for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

• Fulton's Crab House – closes April, 2016 for refurbishment.
• Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 – 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

• Art of Animation – Schoolyard Sprayground closed through March 11 for refurbishment.
• Bay Lake Tower – Bay Cove Pool closed February 1 – March 18 for refurbishment.
• Boardwalk Inn
  • Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
  • Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 – September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
  • Seashore Sweets – closes February 1 as part of the Flying Fish refurbishment.
• 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.

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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