Walt Disney World Resort Update For January 14-20, 2020

Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 14 – 20, 2020

Writer's note: The 2020 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend came to a conclusion on Sunday. Nick Hilton won the Marathon on Sunday with a time of 2:22. It was his second win at the 26.2 mile event through all four theme parks. The first woman to complete the race was Giovana Martins; the five-time winner completed the course in 2:54.

Disney Springs was decorated with runDisney and Marathon banners over the weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As Sunday continued, near-record high temperatures resulted in Disney shortening the race. Oddly, as of our publication time, we have not seen press releases from runDisney about the weekend, which also included 5K, 10K, half marathon, and kids races. Local TV station, WFTV-9, provided some live coverage of the Marathon on Sunday, and you can read more about this year's race on this page of WFTV.com.

With tens of thousands of guests attending the race weekend (as participants or supporters), the Resort was quite crowded over the weekend. But now, with the conclusion of the winter holidays and the Marathon, we traditionally enter one of those brief slightly more quiet periods. Of course, pricing changes over the years and the upcoming fourth edition of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts may get things busier again. Yesterday, I attended the media preview for the Festival, and it promises to build on the foundation built over the past four years and has the added draw of the new movies opening at The Land, Canada, and France pavilions. It all starts this Friday, January 17, while our friends out on the West Coast get their first rides on Disneyland's Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Three New Movies Debut at Epcot on Friday

As regular readers may recall, Epcot will mark the opening of the Fourth Annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts with the debut of three new movies in venues that have operated in the park since day one. Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald was on-hand at a park-hosted media event yesterday that gave us the opportunity to get a first look at the completed “Canada Far & Wide” Circle-Vision 360 and “Beauty & The Beast Sing-Along” movies (last month, we saw and reported on a “work-in-progress” but nearly-complete version of the sing-along). Along with “Awesome Planet,” which we were told was still being finalized ahead of its debut, the three new movies will continue to be shown after the February 24 conclusion of the Festival, as they are part of the on-going transformation of the park.

Tom Fitzgerald explained that digital movie technology allows the park more possibilities. To create the new Canada Circle-Vision 360, some of the old O Canada film footage was restored and digitized, a new digital Circle-Vision camera rig was built and used to shoot 15 new sequences, and multiple other new images were added on the nine screens in the theater with new narration by Canadians Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy, a Canadian-composed score, and, yes, the “Canada” song from the prior versions of the film but with new orchestration. Creating the upcoming “Awesome Planet” for The Land pavilion, the team sought out cinematographers from around the world with 4K digital video footage views of the planet, and combined that with scenes produced by (Disney-owned) Industrial Light and Magic, and some in-theater effects. (We were told to expect a classic “Epcot-style” film, narrated by Ty Burrell (of TV's “Modern Family”) with a call to action, and with links to Disney Conservation Fund efforts to bring our planet into balance.) For France, the conversion of the theater there to digital now allows the park to use a single venue for multiple shows which, in Tom Fitzgerald's words, allows the pavilion to further Epcot's goal of showing “real countries and the fantastic stories they inspire.”

Tom Fitzgerald, Portfolio Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering talks about the highlights of the three new movies opening at Epcot on January 17, 2020 along with the Festival of the Arts: “Canada Far & Wide,” “Awesome Planet,” and “Beauty & The Beast Sing-Along.” Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

While Canada and The Land pavilion's theaters will show the same movies continuously during published operating hours, the France pavilion will be unique. The initial plan for the theater is that it will show the “Beauty & The Beast Sing-Along” during the day and the newly digitally restored and upgraded to 4K projection “Impressions de France” film in the evenings. A new sign above the theater entrance will indicate the next show (though it was not in use yesterday during our preview). Since the shows are now digital, we were told, depending on guest demand, the show schedule may change over time, so always be sure to check the new sign, Times Guides, and My Disney Experience for the latest information.

The lobby of the Palais Du Cinema, the theater at France pavilion, has been refurbished to include a new museum-quality display named “Tales as Old as Time” featuring items relevant to French storytelling on stage and screen. It includes pieces from Disney productions, as well other famous productions and local Orlando-area theater companies.

The “Palais Du Cinema” is the building that contains the theater at the France pavilion. It has a new digital sign over the entrance that will indicate the next scheduled show.

Inside the theater lobby, a new display named “Tales as Old as Time” features items relevant to French storytelling on stage and screen including, of course, Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” in its several productions.

One of the “Theater” display cases includes items related to “Hunchback of Notre Dame” among other famous French stories.

British theatrical producer Cameron Mackintosh's production of French stories on the stage are also featured in one of the display cases. Mackintosh co-produced Disney's stage version of the English story, “Mary Poppins.”

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

#ArtfulEpcot Opens Friday—Epcot Festivals News & Calendar

Festival of the Arts

Starting this Friday, January 17, and running through February 24, 2020, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns for its fourth annual celebration of Disney-inspired visual artists, culinary artistic creations by Walt Disney World chefs, and the performing arts, including Disney's Broadway songs and artists. This year, the new “Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine” debuts with food creations “that make you look twice and delight all your senses.” Based on the description on the Festival's website, ArtfulEpcot.com, the Walk is like the Holiday's Cookie Trail, if you purchase 5 menu items from the Cuisine locations and receive stamps in your Passport, you can bring the completed Passport to Decadent Delights for a “colorful culinary prize offered exclusively at the Festival.” Passport stamps do not have to be collected on the same day; the Passport may be completed at anytime before the end of the Festival. The menus for all the Festival's “Food Studios” (kiosks) are also on the Festival's website, ArtfulEpcot.com.

During the media preview, we saw and tasted samples of some of the specialty food and beverage available at this year's Festival. Some items return from prior years and some are new to this year's Festival. Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Painted Panda at China Pavilion is one of the Food Studios that will be part of the Festival of Arts. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Workshops and hands-on experiences are again a part of this year's Festival. Some are included in the price of admission, and some have additional costs. The event Passport and the ArtfulEpcot.com website provide specific information. One of the returning free activities is the paint-by-number mural which, this year, will be located in the center of Future World near where the Fountain of Nations previously stood (and is now surrounded by construction walls). Arribas Brothers at Germany pavilion will offer an opportunity to build your own Festival souvenir from pieces of glass that will be fired in its off-stage ovens and mailed to you (prices range from $25 to $55 including shipping). Near Japan pavilion will be the opportunity to create “Spin Art” (aboard a stationary bike or a turntable) for a nominal you-keep-what-you-make fee; at a kiosk near Imagination! artists will create painted creatures from your handprints (also for a fairly nominal fee).

At yesterday's Media Preview, Walt Disney World Ambassador Marilyn West describes some of the experiences available during this year's Festival. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The America Gardens Theatre will again host the Disney on Broadway Concerts Series, three times nightly: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. The performing duos scheduled to appear this year are: Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White, Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee, Kara Lindsay & Kevin Massey, Liana Hunt & Adam Jacobs, Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland, and Syndee Winters & Michael James Scott. Each duo is scheduled to perform several times, and three evenings over the course of the Festival (January 25, February 9 and 24), two duos combine for three concerts. More information about both the whole Festival and the shows themselves is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. Booking for dining packages and workshops is also now open for the entire 2020 Festival; Passholder discounts are available.

At the media preview, Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White sat down with us to discuss what to expect from their upcoming performances and what they especially enjoy about performing at the Festival every year. They were also joined on stage by Gavin Lee & Heidi Blickenstaff in an abbreviated version of their upcoming January 25 performances at America Gardens Theatre. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Other artists perform on stages around the park during the Festival as well. With the Fountain Stage razed as part of Epcot's on-going transformation, a new stage will be located on the shore of the Lagoon at World Showcase Plaza. Trevor Carlton returns to the Festival and will perform on that stage with his rapid create-to-music paintings of Disney characters. Art Defying Gravity will also return to the Festival this year. Check Times Guides for published schedules.

In less than 15 minutes, visual artist Trevor Carlton creates Disney Fine Art to a lively musical soundtrack (though here, we show it in even quicker hyperlapse with stock music). Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Art Defying Gravity also returns to the Festival this year with its very physically demanding routines also performed to appropriate soundtracks (though here, too, we show it somewhat sped-up with stock music). Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Merchandise offerings during the Festival, as usual, give Figment a large role. Figment's Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt returns (guests purchase a map from designated merchandise locations, hunt around World Showcase, and return the completed map to a designated location for a “prize”). This year, the theme of much of the merchandise is the Figment Color Co. Passholders can purchase an exclusive Figment t-shirt during the Festival, and there will also be a complimentary “Artful Mickey” magnet “painted” by artist Will Gay distributed at a designated pickup location for Passholders with a valid Annual Pass and matching photo ID.

Passholders should look for signs leading to complimentary magnet distribution (limit one per Passholder while supplies last during the Festival). Image ©Disney.

Flower & Garden Festival

The longest running Epcot festival—the one that started them all back in 1994 as “a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries”—the 2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, runs 90-days from March 4 to June 1, 2020. The 27th edition of the Festival includes the Garden Rocks Concert Series three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre, and, the list of scheduled performers so far includes both returning and new names including: Peabo Bryson, STARSHIP, Sister Hazel, Rick Springfield, Plain White T's, Don McLean, Herman's Hermits, Daughtry and Survivor. As the Festival gets closer, we expect we expect we will increasingly see the gaps in the schedule filled. The official website for the festival, FreshEpcot.com.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Packages are now available. Booking a breakfast, lunch or dinner package at select Epcot restaurants provides guaranteed concert seating for a 5:30, 6:45, or 8 p.m. show.

If you are new to the Festival, you may not otherwise know that this is the one that features the most topiaries around the park. New this year will be a Remy topiary that will be unveiled as the centerpiece of Ratatouille Garden at France pavilion. The garden will include vegetables that make up the traditional ingredients of a ratatouille recipe. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure attraction opens at the pavilion during the summer, with a specific date not yet announced.

Other topiary displays that have been announced so far are the return of Anna & Elsa, Buzz Lightyear, Miss Piggy & Kermit the Frog, Tinker Bell, Snow White, and Bambi. The Goodness Garden Butterfly House will also return, as will the “Play Full Garden” where “families can celebrate spring at a unique playground experience.” The Floating Gardens, Flower Towers, and more bedded blooms will be planted as well. Behind the scenes tours are available during the Festival from the no-additional-charge 20 minute English Tea Garden tour to the Spring edition of the 3 hour Gardens of the World tour ($85/person plus tax).

Like the other Festivals, Flower & Garden Festival will include food and beverage kiosks. This year, 16 “Outdoor Kitchens” and other “stops” will include three Florida-centric locations: The Honey Bee-stro, The Citrus Blossom, and Florida Fresh.

Food & Wine Festival

The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival concluded back in November. Disney Parks Blog lists the 25th anniversary edition of the Festival among the 20 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2020, but the park has not yet announced its specific dates. It is a very safe bet that the hugely popular festival will return for a near 90 day run in the late summer/fall of 2020. The official website for the festival is TasteEpcot.com. The runDisney Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend which traditionally takes place during the Festival has been scheduled for November 5-8, 2020.

Festival of the Holidays

2019 Performances of Candlelight Processional, wrapped up on December 30, along with the park-wide Festival of the Holidays. The celebrations, no doubt, will return late in 2020, and, as in recent years, we will probably start getting specific details to share in the summer, probably with a Christmas in July media event or promotion.

Festivals Calendar

For the convenience of our readers, the scheduled performers for this year's Disney on Broadway Concert Series are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We have also added the announced Garden Rocks Concert Series performers announced so far for this year's Flower & Garden Festival. You can add the entire Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well.

While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events lists announced performers, it is still always best to check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting any last minute changes. The calendar is provided as a courtesy “as is, where is” without any guarantees. We do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

Magic Kingdom

Holiday decorations were still in the parks early last week, but will likely will have seen their last days until the 2020 Winter Holidays arrive in early November.

Though the audio from “Mickey's Friendship Faire” stage shows cannot be heard in New Fantasyland, the show's pyrotechnic finale can be heard and seen during its many performances.

At the Fantasyland Railroad Station, we can see the exterior walls being built around some of the TRON Lightcycle Run track. The Walt Disney World Resort Railroad remains closed due to the construction of the new attraction expected to open in Tomorrowland in time for the park's 50th anniversary celebration in 2021.

From the PeopleMover in Tomorrowland, we can get a different view of the construction of TRON Lightcycle Run.

The cranes towering over the TRON Lightcycle Run construction can be seen from the Central Plaza (Hub). Scrims surround some of the building to the left of the entrance to Tomorrowland, but the PeopleMover remains in operation along and through the second floor.

In Liberty Square, the sign that previously displayed showtimes for Muppets Present Great Moments in History now has a new story of its own.

Splash Mountain has closed for its usual winter refurbishment.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Reconfiguration of the tramway at the Transportation and Ticket Center continues.

New permanent bag check and security stations are nearing completion at the TTC near the “Vacation Planning Booths” (also known as ticket booths).

South of TTC along Floridian Way between the golf courses and the Speedway Gas station, extensive land-clearing is underway on the west side of the road and some construction is also underway on the other side of the road which is the east side of the Magic Kingdom parking lot and some of the land that was formerly part of the Walt Disney World speedway race track.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Construction walls again surround the center entry plaza planter all the way to the fountain and now extend to through the western side of the plaza for its transformation.

As demolition of Innoventions West continue, only some if its suppor beams remain south of the breezeway.

The Fountain of Nations has been demolished as the center and west side of Future World's transformation is now well-underway.

The east side of Future World near the former Wonders of Life/Festival Center pavilion and extending to the former Universe of Energy pavilion (at left) are a staging ground for construction.

The former Universe of Energy pavilion is being transformed into the entry for the new Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction expected to open in time for the resort's 50th anniversary celebration in 2021.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Yesterday, Disney Parks Blog posted photos of the installation of the sign for Gusteau's Restaurant at France Pavilion. The “restaurant” is the setting for the upcoming “Remy's Ratatouille Adventure” attraction opening this summer. Photo ©Disney.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Much of Disney's Animal Kingdom remains a lush green all winter, not just the Disney-construction Tree of Life.

Doppler, the baby eland born just after Hurricane Dorrian passed Central Florida's eastern coast back in September, now can be spotted on the savannah during rides aboard Kilimanjaro Safaris.

At Kilimanjaro Safaris, the warthog habitat is not far from the lion habitat and, at least on a recent ride, the driver's spiel referenced how that should be expected given Disney's “The Lion King.”

When exiting Kilimanjaro Safaris trucks, you may be able to spot some of the bachelor group of silverback gorillas lounging around the “backside” of their Gorilla Falls habitat.

Along the Gorilla Falls Trail, it may be possible to spot an underwater hippo.

One of the tigers at Maharaja Jungle Trek rests in the shade, some distance from the trail's viewing platform (but well within the range of a good optical zoom camera).

Primeval Whirl is listed in My Disney Experience as “Operates Seasonally” and it was not operating on Friday, January 10, and there are no Fast Pass+ reservations available for the attraction this winter as far as can be searched as of publication.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction at McDonald's near Disney's All Star Resorts

Construction is progressing at the McDonald's restaurant near Disney's All-Star Resorts which closed for remodeling back in October. It is expected to reopen later this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…On a sad note, Disney Parks Blog shared news of the passing of “Aunty Kau'i,” an Opening Day cast member at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort whose original three-month assignment turned in to her decades-long presence at the Resort. In recent years Anake was the Cultural Ambassador at Disney's Polynesian Village, greeting guests and teaching them (and cast members) how to do the hula dance. (If my memory is correct, she also attempted to teach those of us attending D23's 2016's Destination D: Amazing Adventures the hula as well.) As Disney Parks Blog wrote, she was “a peaceful woman who lived a life of balance and harmony” and she “encouraged everyone she met to embrace the joy in life.”

…FINAL REMINDER: For a chance to dine at Space 220 Restaurant in Epcot, Patina Restaurant Group’s latest signature table-service restaurant and lounge expected to open this Winter, the non-profit Give Kids the World Village has an opportunity for you to win a package for two including roundtrip airfare to Orlando, lodging for two nights at a Walt Disney World®Resort, 2-day Theme Park Tickets with Park Hopper option and dinner for two at Space 220 at Epcot. Chances to win start at as little as $10. No purchase is necessary. To participate visit www.gktw.org/space220 to enter to win by January 15, 2020. Guests will be able to redeem the package following the opening of the restaurant and the availability of the resort. Donors help Give Kids The World provide life-changing wish trips to critically ill children and their families while getting a chance for an out-of-this-world experience. As we have mentioned many times before, Give Kids The World Village is an 84-acre, nonprofit “storybook” resort in Central Florida where critically ill children and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations, complete with accommodations, donated attraction tickets, meals, and more. For more information, visit givekidstheworld.org.

…Ashley Eckstein, voice of Ahsoka Tano in Star Wars and founder of Her Universe has released her newest collection of Star Wars-themed apparel at Disney Parks. The collection features t-shirts, joggers, jackets, and other items in “a striking black and white look.” At Walt Disney World, the collection is available at Tatooine Traders and Launch Bay in Disney's Hollywood Studios, at Bayview Gifts in Disney's Contemporary Resort, and at World of Disney, Star Wars: Galactic Outpost, and Star Wars: Trading Post at Disney Springs. You can read more and see some of Ashley's poses in the new collection on Disney Parks Blog and, after January 27, at ShopDisney.com.

…Disney Parks Blog released another look at one of the digital posters that will appear inside the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios when it reopens with the March 4 debut of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. Each poster pays tribute to an actual Mickey Mouse short; you can even watch this week's “Three-Legged Race” short here on Mickey Mouse's official You Tube channel. As we mentioned last week, when we were invited for a media preview in December, new digital posters appear on the video screens throughout the queue – the same screens that used to show posters for classic movies and The Great Movie Ride. The new attraction includes a brand new short, “Perfect Picnic” and the digital posters in the halls leading up to the “premiere” (the pre-show for the ride) set the scene.

Posters inspired by Mickey & Minnie cartoon shorts have been created for the lobby of Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios to set the scene for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway which opens March 4. Image ©Disney.

…Back on the subject of runDisney, last week, it introduced a new membership opportunity for runners named “Club runDisney” that will feature benefits available from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. All members will receive a welcome package including “an exclusive jacket, and will have access to the lowest level registration pricing all year,” a new exclusive Virtual 10K, and special Club designation on race bibs. The Club will feature three levels, and those baseline benefits apply to Silver level. The Gold level adds early registration access with a guaranteed spot in the half or full marathon distance during each race weekend. The Platinum Membership also adds a guaranteed spot in one distance each race weekend, upgraded corral placement, “an exclusive Expo experience with early admittance to the runDisney Merchandise Shop,” a character meet and greet, and access to a Lounge with expedited race packet pick-up. Memberships go on sale Tuesday, February 18, 2020, at 10 a.m. Eastern. For more information and details visit rundisney.com/club-rundisney. Published Membership pricing is: $265.43-Silver; $478.63-Gold; and $798.43 Platinum. runDisney says that only a limited number of each level of membership will be available.

…A reader, Sandra, alerted us that she was unable to make dining reservations at Epcot's Rose & Crown Restaurant after July 4. We took a look in My Disney Experience and saw no availability published after that date within the 180-day reservation window either. We checked at the restaurant yesterday, and the cast we spoke to there were unaware of any scheduled closing, but further investigation is necessary and we will follow-up when we learn more.

…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 email in the box below.



Join the MousePlanet Newsletter Email:

Disney Springs News & Views

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Some items are repeated week to week until they occur, while other items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

Raglan Road

NEW Later this year, Raglan Road celebrates 15 years since it opened at Walt Disney World Resort. Serving up authentic Irish entertainment along with its menu by Irish chef Mark O'Neill (accompanied by lots of locally crafted beers, Irish gin and more) everyday, Raglan Road's Might St. Patrick's Festival will run Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17, 2020. It is complimentary March 13-16 (and reservations are accepted); on March 17, seating is first-come, first served, and there is a $10 cover charge for guests 18 years old and above. The full Festival entertainment schedule will be posted at RaglanRoad.com, and the highlights will include: Strings & Things, TradGad, MACA, Fia Rua, Mike Waters, and Emily Furlong.

Raglan Road is located in the Landing Neighborhood of Disney Springs and has been in the same place at Walt Disney World for nearly 15 years (dating back to when the area was Pleasure Island). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

NEW On January 25, National Irish Coffee Day, Raglan Road will introduce its newest brew: BushTail Nitro. Working with local coffee maker Foxtail Coffee and with Bushmills (which claims to be the oldest licensed distillery in the world), the Raglan Road beverage team created the new Nitro Cold Brew Irish coffee which will be available on draft. The adult beverage is 70% Foxtail Cold Brew coffee (Winter Park, FL), 22% Bushmills Irish Whiskey, 8% Homemade Brown Sugar Syrup, and is topped with lightly sweetened whipped cream.

The Edison

NEW On February 22, 2020, from 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., The Edison will host its inaugural Masquerade. According to the announcement, guests ages 21 and above will enter “a fantasy world of electrifying mystique” where they should “be prepared to be surprised and delighted around every corner as all party goers will be dressed incognito during a magical evening shrouded in an air of secrecy.” Tickets are $65/person (plus tax and gratuity) and includes “power-house trays of gourmet passed appetizers”. There will also be a dedicated menu of themed cocktails available. Masks are mandatory (but full face masks are prohibited). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this page of Patina Restaurant Group's website.

The Masquerade Event will be held for guests 21 years old and above at The Edison, Saturday, February 22, 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. $65 Tickets are required (plus tax and gratuity) and guests must wear “Festive Masks.” Image courtesy Patina Restaurant Group

NEW Views of Disney Springs

With Bongo's razed on the West Side, the view from the elevator landing and staircase at the western end of Orange Garage now extends all the way across Village Lake to Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort.

The former site of Bongo's will become the next location of Beatrix Restaurant by Chicago's Lettuce Entertain You group.

Inside World of Disney, the large, flexible space inside the store's western entrance, has removed all of its holiday decor and now is generally themed to Walt Disney World Resort itself.

Amorette's Patisserie, next door to World of Disney, now has an R2-D2 dome cake among its offerings on display.

At the eastern end of the Marketplace, the Christmas Tree Trail and its decor has been removed, and the area is once again operating as a ride share pick-up and drop-off location.

Outside the Disney PhotoPass location in the Marketplace, there is now a Disney Springs backdrop featuring oranges. The Orange Bird mural remains near Paddlefish.

Chicken Guy restaurant will soon expand into the former merchandise retail space of Planet Hollywood Observatory.

The Erwin Pearl store has closed. According to ErwinPearl.com, its website and stores in New York, Atlantic City, Boston, Chicago, and Sacramento remain open.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Join Our Networks

On Facebook:

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 email.

Just click the year you want to expand (or close).

2020 Resort Events

Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…at Magic Kingdom:
- January 17, 20, 23, 27 & 31
- February 3, 10, 17 & 24
- March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
- April 5, 13, 20 & 27
- May 5, 11, 18 & 25
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- January 16, 22, & 30
- February 6, 13, 19, & 27
- March 5, 12, 19 & 26
- April 1, 7, 14 & 22
- May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
Epcot International Festival of the Arts – January 17 to February 24, 2020
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (Eligible Member reservations required for wristband entry)
- Disney's Animal Kingdom: January 21, February 11 & 25, 2020
  Registration closed.
- Magic Kingdom: March 3, April 21 & 28
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: January 8, 2020
  General Member Registration: January 15, 2020
- Epcot: May 4 & June 29, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: March 11, 2020
  General Member Registration: March 18, 2020
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: July 27 & August 10, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: June 17, 2020
  General Member Registration: June 24, 2020
- Disney's Hollywood Studios: September 15 & 22; October 6, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: July 15, 2020
  General Member Registration: July 22, 2020
Disney Villains After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date)
- February 7, 14, 21 & 28
- March 6, 11, 18 & 27
- April 3, 10, 17 & 24
- May 1, 8, 14, 22, 29
- June 5, 12, 19, 26 & 29
- July 6 & 10
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 20 to 23, 2020
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 4 to June 1, 2020
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway debuts at Disney's Hollywood Studios – March 4, 2020
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 16 to 19, 2020
Earth Day 50th Anniversary & 25th Anniversary of Disney Conservation Fund – April 22, 2020
As Earth Day is also the 22nd Anniversary of Disney's Animal Kingdom, there will likely be special events TBA.
Dapper Day – Spring Weekend (unofficial events) May 1 to 3, 2020
♦ May 2 – Disney's Hollywood Studios ♦ May 3 – Epcot
Gay DayS #RedShirtDays (unofficial events) – June 4 to 7, 2020
♦ June 4 – Disney's Animal Kingdom ♦ June 5 – Disney's Hollywood Studios
♦ June 6 – Magic Kingdom ♦ June 7 – Epcot
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 5 to 8, 2020
D23 Destination D: Fantastic Worlds – November 20 to 22, 2020

2021 Resort Events

Coming Soon!

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

Magic Kingdom Epcot Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney Water Parks Disney Springs Resorts WDW Golf