Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 26 – February 1, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 26 – February 1, 2016

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

News and Views

Lights, Motors, Farewell | New Spring / Summer “Free Dining” offer released for Walt Disney World | California Grill debuts new brunch offering | Lion Guard Adventure coming to Animal Kingdom | Kylo Ren to replace Darth Vader at the Star Wars Launch Bay | Two chances to preview Zootopia at Walt Disney World | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Lights, Motors, Farewell

April 2, 2016 is your last chance to see the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the company announced earlier this month. The stunt show theater, the Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure, the Studio Catering Co. eatery, and some merchandise locations around the Streets of America will close at the same time to allow for construction of the new Star Wars Land and Toy Story Land expansions.

Disney has said that Muppet*Vision 3D will remain open, and that no additional closures are planned. The Orlando Sentinel also reports that the park's iconic Earffel Tower will be removed.

We also expect the Watto's Grotto shop, the Monster's Inc. meet-and-greet, and Youse Guys Moychindice to be shuttered, along with the High Octane Refreshments bar adjacent to the Studio Catering Co. If the closures extend all the way up the Streets of America, the Writer's Stop will probably also be included.

New Spring / Summer “Free Dining” offer released for Walt Disney World

Sue from Small World Vacations shared a new offer that is a twist on the traditional “free dining” offer.

This really isn't a great offer if you have access to any room or ticket discounts that would save you more than the $10-$15 per person, per night this offer represents. As with all deals, it's worth crunching all of the numbers to find your best options, or working with a travel agent who can make sure you're getting the best value.

Enjoy one FREE quick service Meal per person, per night at quick-service locations when you book a non-discounted 4-night/5-day Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package in select room categories at a Disney Value Resort for arrivals at Walt Disney World most nights May 29-Jun. 30, 2016 and Jul. 5-Aug. 13, 2016 when you book Jan. 19-Feb. 29, 2016.

Offer Booking Dates:
Jan. 19-Feb. 29, 2016

Travel Dates:
May 29-Jun. 30, 2016 and Jul. 5-Aug. 13, 2016
Minimum Length of Stay: 3 nights (and minimum 2-day Magic Your Way® Base Ticket)

Subject to availability in select room categories at Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's All Star Sports, Disney's All Star Movies, and Disney's All Star Music Resort.

• The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
• Tickets valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
• Cannot be combined with any other Disney discount or promotion.
• Offer excludes campsites and is not valid at Disney's Art of Animation – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms.
• Everyone in the room must be on the same package.
• Excludes alcoholic beverages and gratuities.
• Children ages 3-9 must order from children's menu, if available.

California Grill debuts new brunch offering

The California Grill is getting into the brunch game with Brunch at the Top, a pricey offering at the Contemporary Resort's signature restaurant.

Brunch begins with a Signature brunch cocktail, French press pot coffee, or non-alcoholic sparking mimosa for each person at the table, alongside a basket of fresh pastries.

From there, diners are invited to select from a buffet presentation that includes house-made charcuterie; Greek yogurt with mixed berries; smoked salmon; shrimp tempura; deviled eggs; and salads, among other offerings. This array is served near the show kitchen, where diners can chat with the chefs as they work.

Back at the table, each member of the party can select an individual entree from a menu that includes poached lobster Benedict, sweet potato pancakes, shrimp and grits, or grilled flat iron steak.

Dessert is served family-style, and includes miniature desserts, chocolate truffles, and macaroons.

Brunch at the Top runs $80 for adults and $48 for children ages 3-11. This brunch requires two table service entitlements from the basic or deluxe Disney Dining plan, or one table service entitlement from the Premium or Platinum Disney Dining plan.

Reservations are available online up to 180 days in advance via the Walt Disney World website, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.

Lion Guard Adventure coming to Animal Kingdom

A limited-time offering based on the new Disney Junior show “The Lion Guard: Return of the Roar” debuts February 7 at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The Lion Guard Adventure will send younger visitors on a search of the theme park to find five statues representing the five main characters of the show: Kion, Bunga, Fuli, Beshte, and Ono.

As with most offerings at Animal Kingdom, the Lion Guard Adventure includes an educational environmental message. Visitors who complete the quest earn a Lion Guard button.

Disney says the adventure will be offered through late March. The Wilderness Explorers adventure will continue to operate at the same time.

Kylo Ren to replace Darth Vader at the Star Wars Launch Bay

Kylo Ren, leader of the First Order, will soon replace Darth Vader in one of the scheduled meet-and-greet opportunities at the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Starting in early February, Kylo Ren replaces Vader in the Dark Side meet-and-greet, as well as the exclusive Disney Visa Cardholder meet-and-greet offered each day. Like Darth Vader, Kylo Ren is a masked character with pre-recorded interactive dialog. He also does not sign autographs.

Darth Vader still appears in the Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple show at Hollywood Studios.

Kylo Ren appears at the Star Wars Launch Bay at Disneyland, and will soon make an appearance at Disney's Hollywood Studios. MousePlanet file photo.

Two chances to preview Zootopia at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World visitors have two limited-time opportunities to get a sneak peek at the upcoming animated feature Zootopia.

At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the One Man's Dream film has again been temporarily displaced to present an extended trailer for the new movie. The extended preview is set to Shakira’s single “Try Everything” from the film, and includes footage not previously released. (But it does include the hysterical sloth scene from the already-released trailer).

Starting Friday at Disney's Animal Kingdom, a new exhibit at Rafiki's Planet Watch gives visitors a look at the 18-month study the animators made into the animals they would bring to the giant screen. The Animal Kingdom exhibit will be on display at least through Earth Day, April 22. Zootopia opens in theaters March 4.

Views From Around the World

Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka returned to the parks last week, and shares construction photos from around the Resort.

Epcot

Soarin' at Epcot is closed until Summer for the installation of the ride's new film and completion of the third theater. Major portions of Disney's Hollywood Studios soon will be closed for the Toy Story and Star Wars Lands construction. Around the same time, the new Frozen attraction is due to open at Epcot and Rivers of Light will make its debut at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Just how often all of those new parking spaces recently added to Magic Kingdom's parking lot will be filled this year remains to be seen. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The entrance area of Epcot has a simple floral display this winter. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Soarin' has closed for refurbishment; installation of new projection equipment and new destinations; and additional ride capacity coming this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The crowds usually filling the Soarin' queue area have been replaced by temporary construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The seating and shaded areas that had been installed during the Food & Wine Festival in the area between Innoventions West and the Imagination Pavilion have been removed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction scrims cover parts of Epcot's China pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Additional vertical construction rises from behind the construction walls surrounding the “Frozen” themed Royal Sommerhaus addition to the Norway pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The “Frozen Ever After” attraction at the Norway pavilion is expected to be completed this spring. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Behind Epcot's Canada pavilion, work has begun inside the sky-blue Soarin' buildings connected to the Land pavilion. Disney has not said whether any effort will finally be made to make the ride's theater buildings blend in with the Canada pavilion when viewed from across the World Showcase Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

The floral display at Magic Kingdom's Main Street Station has a fresh new look for post-holiday winter. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom has its classic non-holidays look (with the addition of the crane assisting in removal of Cinderella Castle's “Dream Lights”). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With one of the two ramps to Cinderella Castle once again open to guests, it is now possible to get an overview of the Magic Kingdom's Central Plaza (“Hub”) area expansion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A crew suspended by the crane parked behind Cinderella Castle work in a golden basket to remove the holiday “Dream Lights”. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The holiday-themed “Jingle Cruise” overlay has been removed from the Jungle Cruise. For now, there are snow more holiday puns. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Swiss Family Treehouse is scheduled to undergo refurbishment this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Outside areas of the newly opened Skipper Canteen in Adventureland are no longer behind construction walls. The area appears as though it could be used for additional restaurant seating should there be sufficient demand. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Animal Kingdom

Still more than a year away from its expected opening, construction continues on Pandora: The World of AVATAR at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Tiffins Signature restaurant is expected to open later this year in Disney's Animal Kingdom as construction of Pandora: The World of AVATAR is expected to continue just beyond it into 2017. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the recent opening of the Riverside Depot next door, most of Disney Outfitters at Disney's Animal Kingdom is now behind construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction of the seating areas for the Rivers of Light nighttime show at Disney's Animal Kingdom continue ahead of the show's expected spring debut. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the expected spring debut of the new Rivers of Light nighttime show at Disney's Animal Kingdom approaching, quite a few construction workers ferry on- and off-site by boats via the Discovery River. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some viewing panels have been opened on the bridge near Expedition Everest, permitting views of the Discovery River area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The new Thirsty River Bar has opened near Expedition Everest immediately behind the seating area under construction for the Rivers of Light nighttime show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The newest residents of the savannah at Kilimanjaro Safari at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the African Painted Dogs, can be rather active during cool weather days in January. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The elephant habitat at Kilimanjaro Safari is surrounded by construction tarps as the area is prepared for nighttime safaris. Not shown in this photo is a nearby light tower that recently was constructed and themed to look like an over-sized palm tree. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs

Construction of the Town Center Bus Stops for Disney Springs appears well underway as the multi-level parking structure near the Marketplace approaches completion in the distance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs has closed for its several-month-long exterior and interior refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The refurbishment at Disney Springs' Planet Hollywood has been reported to include a complete remodel of the interior as well as a retheming of the exterior to fit within the look of Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A new pedestrian bridge has been built from near the front of Morimoto Asia across the Springs to one of the new districts under construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The newly constructed parking structure rising above the Marketplace at Disney Springs appears to have reached its final height. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The top level of the Orange Parking Lot at Disney Springs provides interesting views of Epcot's Spaceship Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…Nine Dragons Restaurant in Epcot has made some menu changes to celebrate the lunar Year of the Monkey, and added a prix fixe lunch special. You have a full year to try the new dishes, which will be offered until January 27, 2017.

…Cirque du Soleil has added two new acts to the La Nouba show performed at Disney Springs.

“TradNation” is the new musical act performing for a limited time on The Mill Stage at the Canada pavilion. 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

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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 – 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. The 5K, 10K, Dark Side Challenge and runDisney Kids Races are sold out. Registration is still open for the half marathon event. You must submit proof of time no later than January 19, 2016.
• 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

• National Dance Team Championship – January 29 – 31.
• National High School Cheerleading Championship – February 6 – 7. One of the largest events of the year.
• 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 which is scheduled through February 11, 2016. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

2016

• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 – February 11 for refurbishment.
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed January 25 – February 3 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.
• 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 – closed January 1 – April 1, 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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