Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 10-16, 2017

News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions

Writer's Note: This is Alan S. Dalinka as your fill-in Update writer for the final scheduled week. Thanks to all the folks that helped me get these published for you over the last few weeks — particularly Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, Mark Goldhaber, Lani Teshima, Alex Stroup, Bonnie & Donald Fink, and Stephanie Wien. On with the Update….

News and Views

Walt Disney World Marathon Week Meets Florida Winter Weather | New One-Day Magic Kingdom Dining Plans Coming January 12 | Keep Going on Your New Year's Resolutions | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Walt Disney World Marathon Week Meets Florida Winter Weather

runDisney race facilities filled a large section of Epcot's parking lot for the Walt Disney World Marathon and its related races and events. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This past weekend, for the first time ever, runDisney had to cancel a race. While races had been delayed and/or shortened in the past (notoriously, the “Flash and Dash” Wine & Dine Half Marathon in 2015, which was delayed and then shortened to about half of its official length due to lightning), Saturday's Walt Disney World Half Marathon and Kids Races preemptively were cancelled on Friday night when the forecast showed an elevated risk of lightning in the area of the racecourse.

Large stretches of the race course have no immediate access to shelter, and limited shelter is available at the race start area. The possibility that large numbers of people would be assembling outdoors in largely unsheltered areas without an easy way to evacuate them in the event of lightning strikes meant waiting until race time to see how the weather held was not a viable option for runDisney. On Friday night, runDisney issued the following announcement:

In an abundance of caution, the Walt Disney World Resort has cancelled all running events on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017 due to weather conditions. This includes the Walt Disney World Half Marathon and the runDisney Kids Races. In addition, the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo will delay opening until 11 a.m. While we share our Guests' obvious disappointment, the safety of our Guests and Cast is most important. Weather tracking has indicated there is an elevated risk of lightning in the area of the racecourse. In addition, there are sections of the course that do not provide immediate access to shelter. Both of these factors have influenced this difficult decision.

All registered half marathon runners will receive their half marathon medal and may choose from one of the following options:

1. A full refund for their race registration in the form of a Disney gift card.
2. Two One-Day Park Hopper tickets.
3. Defer registration to another runDisney half marathon race in the U.S. within the next 24 months, subject to availability.
4. We can offer limited availability to run the full marathon on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2017 during the regularly scheduled race.

The first two options were available for redemption online rather than having to wait in line at the Race Expo, which opened late for the day. Children registered in runDisney Kids Races were also given medals and could get refunds in the form of Disney gift cards.

A number of runners took advantage of the option of trying to run the marathon, even though they had not trained for it, and many ran their first marathon without previously planning to do so. While disappointed, the runners were generally understanding of runDisney's need to cancel the race.

A number of runners at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort braved the weather Saturday morning despite the cancelation of the Walt Disney World Half Marathon. Photo by Alex Stroup.

Costumed runners at Disney's Saratoga Springs created their own race course Saturday morning despite the cancelation of the Half Marathon. Photo by Alex Stroup.

Some runners felt that it was not fair to receive their half marathon medal without “earning” it, so they set about running a half marathon around their resorts later Saturday, after the storm system had moved on. Reports had runners completing their 13.1 miles at just about every Disney resort, and some off property. Not only were runners out doing their miles, but many supporters were out cheering them, and unofficial water stops cropped up around the resorts. A cute “character photo stop” was located at Disney's Pop Century Resort near a water stop, as a child dressed in a Stitch costume posed for photos with runners. We also had reports of staff from the ESPN Grill at Disney's Boardwalk Resort and other Disney Cast Members helping to distribute water and/or Powerade.

Matt Marcella, of the unofficial “Team #runDisney” Facebook group, shot some video of the “Do It Yourself Half Marathons” at two Disney resorts. As the group is a closed Facebook group, we're unable to link to the original videos; however, with Matt's permission, we're sharing here some of the video posted from Facebook Live of runners and Disney's Pop Century and All Star Resorts. For higher definition video, longer clips, and additional clips, you can check out the “Team #runDisney” group on Facebook.

In the wake of the cancelation of the official Half Marathon, some runners held a “Do-It-Yourself Pop Century Resort Half Marathon.” Video by Matt Marcella.

Other runners held a “Do-It-Yourself All Star Resorts Half Marathon.” Video by Matt Marcella.

The 24th annual Walt Disney World Marathon was run on Sunday with wind-chill temperatures dropping to or below freezing. Nevertheless, more than 17,700 runners finished the race. Brazilian Fredison Costa (who lives in nearby Kissimmee, Florida), won his fourth Walt Disney World Marathon title in a row with a time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, 15 seconds. He finished more than seven minutes ahead of the second place finisher, Vanilson Neves, also of Brazil. Giovanna Martins of Salto, Brazil, won her second Walt Disney World Marathon title in three years with a time of 2 hours, 48 minutes, 5 seconds, more than three minutes ahead of second place finisher Kelsey Wiberley of Fenton, Michigan. The Orlando Sentinel provides a recap of the top 50 finishers in each division. Individual results can be searched on the runDisney website.

New One-Day Magic Kingdom Dining Plans Coming January 12

Disney has announced a new “Dine-on-the-Go” dining plan that will be available January 12 through February 22 at Magic Kingdom. Unlike the various dining plans that are open only to Walt Disney World Resort guests, the Dine-on-the-Go plan certificates may be purchased by all Magic Kingdom park-goers at the vacation Planning booths (often referred to as the ticket booths at the TTC). Valid park admission is required to utilize the certificates. Price is $29.00, and $12.00 for ages 3 to 9.

Each Dine-on-the-Go certificate includes one lunch quick-service entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage before 4 p.m., and one dinner quick-service entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage after 4 p.m. Dessert is not included.

Participating restaurant locations include Casey's Corner, Columbia Harbour House, Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café, Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe and Pinocchio Village Haus.

Keep Going on Your New Year's Resolutions

It is already that time of year when New Year's resolutions made in good faith as the last year wound down or the new year began first start to get put to the test. Commercial television is already full of advertising for diet plans, health clubs, and pretty much everything else that may possibly be related to your resolutions.

I just wanted to take a moment in this, the last of my scheduled fill-in assignments as writer of the Walt Disney World Resort Update, to encourage those of you with resolutions to get in better health in 2017 to keep going. Like many folks, I personally struggle with maintaining a healthy diet and weight. This past March, with the guidance of my physician and regular check-ups, I set upon a course of diet and exercise that resulted in my losing over 100 pounds by the end of the year. My resolution for 2017 and beyond is to keep going.

When Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix introduces my photos in weekly Updates by describing them as “Alan Dalinka's walks around Walt Disney World,” she actually does mean that literally. With a 10,000 steps or more goal every day since back in March, I now walk five to ten miles (or more) just about every day. I estimate that at least a quarter of my steps most weeks are taken somewhere around Walt Disney World Resort—laps around World Showcase Lagoon at Epcot; the lengthy walk from the farthest reaches of Magic Kingdom's main parking lot to the TTC and sometimes all the way over to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort; from Disney Springs to Disney's Saratoga Springs or Old Key West Resorts; or around Disney's Animal Kingdom. The steps add up quite nicely.

Along with the Chicago Cubs winning the World Series, my losing more than 100 pounds and about 12 inches around my waist in 2016 was something I did not really believe that I would see. But, using the Disney PhotoPass® service (included in my Platinum Florida Resident/DVC Member Annual Pass), I documented some of my journey. I hope my including my comparison photos here can serve to encourage any of you similarly struggling to overcome your self-doubt or at least know that you are not alone.

When Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix writes that the Updates contains photos from Alan Dalinka's “walks around Walt Disney World,” she is being quite literal. Photos by Disney PhotoPass® (used with permission).

Views Around the World

I took a few photos of that may be of interest from around Magic Kingdom and Epcot this week.

Magic Kingdom

This is likely our last view of Magic Kingdom decorated for Christmas until after Halloween. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

It will be around 300 days until we can expect to see the Santa Clause meet-and-greet return to Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walt Disney World Marathon week brought large crowds to Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Although the lengthy refurbishment of Big Thunder Mountain wrapped up back in November, we finally have an opportunity to bring you some photos of the renovated scenery. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Big Thunder Mountain rockwork again shows impressive attention to detail. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Big Thunder Mountain looks almost like new again. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The sulfur ponds show their vibrant colors. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the geysers creates a rainbow in the afternoon Central Florida sunshine. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Stitch's Great Escape is again closed, with the busy holiday season now concluded. Whether the attraction will reopen (during another “busy” season or otherwise) is uncertain. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The current “purchase” with a “purchase” items available at Magic Kingdom are a “Snowman Tote” for $19.95 plus tax after any $25 merchandise purchase and/or a “Walt Disney World Throw” for $19.95 plus tax after any $40 merchandise purchase (see posted details). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With a Florida “cold” spell this past weekend, the Emporium on Main Street USA was well-stocked with winter-weather gear. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

It is not unusual for Walt Disney World to dip to temperatures in the 35-40 degree-range for brief times in January. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

It is not unusual for Walt Disney World to dip to temperatures in the 35-40 degree-range for brief times in January. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Emporium on Main Street USA has a small selection of 2017 themed merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Remember, there is no guarantee that any particular style of in-park 2017 themed merchandise will be available throughout the year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As I did, you may have to ask a cast member to assist you in locating the section of the Emporium that stocks 2017 themed merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

With “Holidays Around the World” concluded, a simple floral display has replaced the seasonal topiaries. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The “Holidays Around the World” topiaries in Future World have also been replaced by a floral display . Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The stage at the Future World fountain installed for “Holidays Around the World” has been removed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Sunset often brings beautifully colorful skies to Epcot's World Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…Walt Disney World has rolled out its 2017 Florida Residents ticket options: the Discovery Disney 3-Day Ticket for $139 plus tax and the Discovery Disney 4-Day Ticket for $159 plu tax. The special category ticket allows admission to one park per day from January 4 through June 9, 2017 (Disney's Animal Kingdom is blocked out from May 27 – June 9). Proof of Florida residency is required. More information is available on Disneyworld.com.

…The Disney Parks Blog reports that an elephant calf born at Disney's Animal Kingdom named Stella is now exploring the savanna at at Kilimanjaro Safaris. Stella raises the number of elephants in the Disney's Animal Kingdom herd to 10, including three males and six females.

Baby Stella stands with her mother Donna on the savanna of Kilimanjaro Safaris. The three-foot-tall newborn is the newest member of the elephant herd at Animal Kingdom. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

…ABC-TV's “The View” announced that it will broadcast shows from Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World March 6th through 10th (11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. ET).

…Transportation delays between Magic Kingdom and the TTC/main parking lot seem to be becoming more frequent this winter. Between monorail testing relating to the on-going monorail automation project which is scheduled many weekdays between the morning and evening “rush” periods and more seemingly more-frequent breakdowns, it can take 45 minutes or more to go from a parking space to the main gate of the park. The recent reconfiguration of the sidewalks leading to and from the Ferryboat dock have added to pedestrian congestion in the narrow paths leading to the security bag check tables.

Express Monorail service is often closed for “testing” as the project to bring automation to the monorails continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The newly configured sidewalks leading to and from the Ferryboat dock often add to pedestrian congestion in the Magic Kingdom's gate area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The new Epcot International Festival of the Arts begins this weekend, on January 13. We will have expanded coverage of this new Festival next week. On Friday, January 13, be sure to keep an eye out for some “Live” broadcasts (or nearly live posts) from the Festival on our Facebook and Twitter pages.

One of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts kiosks will be located along the World Showcase Lagoon at the Canada pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Be sure to check the Times Guides or the MyDisneyExperience App (or website) if you are interested in seeing the Canadian band Alberta Bound performing at The Mill Stage at Epcot's Canada pavilion. While, as we reported last week, Alberta Bound is scheduled to perform some dates this January, on other dates, Bodh'aktan, a Québécois band that performs music fusing elements of traditional Irish, Celtic, Québécois, Maritime and Breton with hard rock, country, polka and punk is scheduled to perform.

Bodh'aktan, a Québécois band, performs on select dates at The Mill Stage at the Canada pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…If you think you have done everything at Walt Disney World, you might think again. One thing that our Donald Fink reminded me that has slipped my scrutiny is Dive Quest, at The Seas with Nemo and Friends. Dive Quest is a chance for certified Scuba divers to dive the park's 5.7 million gallon aquarium.

There are over 3,000 animls in the aquarium, including sea turtles, sting rays, sharks, and many others. Video from the comfort of the dining room at The Coral Reef Restaurant, by Donald Fink.

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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).

2017 Resort events

• Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
• 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

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is being refurbished. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Liberty Belle Riverboat is expected to be back in operation at its dock after January 12. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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.

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 Planet Hollywood Observatory to reopen soon.
• 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.

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.