Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 10–16, 2018
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: Yes, this will be a rather brief Update, especially compared to last week.
I hope you enjoyed a safe and fun celebration of American Independence on and around the Fourth of July. There were plenty of ways to celebrate around Walt Disney World Resort, and I will take you through some of them below in this week's Views Around the World. Strong thunderstorms rolled into the area just as the sun was setting on July 4, so the fireworks (and #DisneyParksLive broadcast from Magic Kingdom) were all delayed by more than an hour.
Following my own One Passholder's Tip advice about keeping an eye on good weather apps (and a good sense of which direction the clouds were moving), I got back to my car in Epcot's parking lot just minutes ahead of the July 4 deluge rather than sticking around for the special Independence Day fireworks finale. As I have mentioned before, I do live within sight and sound of Magic Kingdom's fireworks, and the (delayed) showing of Disney's Celebrate America! was quite a sight to see.
Enjoy my view of Disney's Celebrate America! sped up so you can enjoy it in just 3 1/2 minutes accompanied by the patriotic John Philip Sousa tune “Liberty Bell March” performed by The U.S. Army Field Band (the tune and performance are in the public domain). Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
News and Views
'Tis the Season (to Plan for the Holidays) | New Ticket Options for Florida Residents | Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
'Tis the Season (to Plan for the Holidays)
Okay, it is July, but lots of folks start planning their winter holiday vacations now. Given the Disney Vacation Club booking windows, many DVC Members began planning probably days after getting home last year. In any event, you will be seeing more Christmas in July information from us in coming weeks. For now, Walt Disney World Resort has started releasing more of the details for this year's winter holiday celebrations around the property. The Resort officially starts the season this year on November 8 (which, not coincidentally, is also the first night of Magic Kingdom's hard ticket Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party).
Candlelight Processional returns to Epcot
From previous announcements, we already knew that Epcot will celebrate the season with the second annual Epcot International Festival of the Holidays starting November 18 (yes, 10 days after the start of the “holidays” at Walt Disney World Resort), with Candlelight Processional debuting, for the first time ever, on Thanksgiving Day, November 22. We now know some of the celebrity narrators who will share the traditional Christmas story along with a 50-piece orchestra and massed choir. Returning narrators include Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Neil Patrick Harris, Chita Rivera, Gary Sinise, Blair Underwood, Edward James Olmos, and Jodi Benson, voice of Ariel in Disney’s animated classic The Little Mermaid. Our Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar section below is updated with the latest schedule along with phone numbers and links for booking dining packages (which go on sale today for Passholders and tomorrow, July 11, for everyone else). Package prices start at:
- Breakfast: $38 plus tax/adult; $22 plus tax (ages 3-9)
- Lunch: $50 plus tax/adult; $16.99 plus tax (ages 3-9)
- Dinner: $55 plus tax/adult; $16.99 plus tax (ages 3-9)
Like last year, in addition to table service restaurants inside Epcot that offer lunch and dinner packages (note, not every location offers both lunch and dinner packages), breakfast, lunch, and dinner packages are available at Ale & Compass at Disney's Yacht Club, and breakfast and dinner packages are available at Trattoria Al Forno at Disney's BoardWalk.
The Candlelight Processional will debut at Epcot this year on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and is scheduled to run three times nightly through December 30. Pat Sajak is scheduled to return as a celebrity narrator again this year. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Flurry of Fun returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios
The holiday festivities at Disney's Hollywood Studios (which, like last winter, I keep accidentally typing Disney's Holiday Studios), are called the “Flurry of Fun.” It is both a play on the seasonal weather that afflicts most of North America during winter and the copious amounts of “Disney Snow” produced around Disney's Hollywood Studios during the winter celebrations (sometimes dubbed “snoap” due to its main ingredient).
Flurry of Fun returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios in November. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Sunset Seasons Greetings show on Sunset Boulevard will return to transform the exterior of the Hollywood Tower Hotel with projections of Disney characters like Mickey, Minnie, Olaf, and more. Disney promises “impressive new laser effects” this year and, of course, some of that “Disney Snow” we were just talking about. Also on Sunset, guests will again be able to meet Santa at the Once Upon a Time shop (November 10 – December 24), and Santa Goofy will step in on December 25.
In the Chinese Theatre area, the nighttime spectacular Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will return for its third seasonal run. Over in the brand new Toy Story Land (which is already filled with some year-round Christmas lights), the Alien Swirling Saucers attraction will have some holiday songs in its playlist.
Disney's Animal Kingdom to celebrate Diwali
The new show, UP! A Great Bird Adventure, which debuted back in April at the Caravan Stage featuring Russell, Dug, and their bird friends, will receive a “holiday touch” by including the celebration of Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, during the holiday season. So far, no word on other new holiday elements coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom. Pandora-The World of Avatar did not receive any special holiday overlay during its first winter last year, and it seems unlikely that the Na'vi or the Ex-Pats from Earth living there will this year either, but stay tuned.
UP! A Great Bird Adventure will celebrate Diwali during the winter holiday season this year. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
New Ticket Options for Florida Residents
As Walt Disney World Resort enters the second half of 2018 with Toy Story Land now open, and gets that much closer to the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (both new lands at Disney's Hollywood Studios), some new ticket options are now available to Florida residents. Like one of the California resident changes introduced at Disneyland Resort in recent months, one option reflects different blockout calendars for different parks. All of these changes likely reflect just another small step in the pricing changes Disney announced (without any specificity) when the current ticket price increases went into effect this past winter.
Disney Theme Park Select Pass
The new “Disney Theme Park Select Pass” is priced the same way as the Disney Silver Pass, but offers a completely different blockout scheme. As of publication, the Select Pass is $439 plus tax (or $28.55/month after downpayment) for all guests ages 3 and up. It offers park “admission during certain times of the year to select theme parks.” According to the currently published blockout calendar, Theme Park Select Passholders are blocked at Magic Kingdom Park on Saturdays; Epcot on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival; and multiple theme parks during RunDisney events.
Looking forward to the rest of this year: the Theme Park Select pass is also blocked at Magic Kingdom from now through and including August 11, November 17-24, and December 20-January 5, 2019; at Epcot from December 20-January 3, 2019 (and, again, for the runDisney events January 9-13); at Disney's Hollywood Studios from now until August 9, September 1-3, and December 20-January 3, 2019 (plus, again, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day weekend, January 19-21); and at Disney's Animal Kingdom now through August 9, and December 20-January 3. The Silver Pass, on the other hand, is blocked at all parks from now through August 9, December 20-31, and January 2-3, 2019.
Summer Add-On Available
Now, if all of those blockout dates make a Silver, Theme Park Select, or even a Weekday Select Passholder feel like they are missing out on all of the Incredible Summer activities at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Animal Kingdom, they can now purchase the new “Summer Add-On” for $89 plus tax per passholder to unblock those parks (and, not surprising, leave Disney's Hollywood Studios blocked). Interestingly, the Add-On includes Saturday and Sunday access even for Weekday Select Passholders who, the rest of the year, are always blocked on weekends. Of course, the Add-On does not permit access to any separately ticketed event (like DVC Moonlight Magic or Disney After Hours).
More Changes to Come
While we have no specific details, we are certain that the ticket options will increasingly become more complicated for all guests. My standing advice writing this Update has been “do your homework” before arriving at the Resort, and that is becoming more important with each change: stay current. Keep reading the Update for the latest information!.Note, of course, that Disney stresses that the various Passes and Add-Ons do not guarantee admission when parks reach capacity, so be governed accordingly.
Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar
As mentioned above, a partial listing of Candlelight Processional narrators is now available. Guests can now book dining packages for Eat to the Beat Concert Series during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and, as of today, Passholders can book Candlelight Processional dining packages during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. Returning celebrity narrators, so far include: Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Gary Sinnese, Pat Sajak, and Jodi Benson. For Food & Wine Festival bookings, visit TasteEpcot.com or call (407) 939-3378 for reservations and information. For Passholder early booking for Candlelight dining packages, call (407)WDW-PASS. Tomorrow, July 11, everyone can visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for Candlelight dining package information and reservations.
As the “Incredible Summer” continues, through August 19, the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! concert series continues daily, with published showtimes at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m., at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Passholders can get wristbands for Incredible Summer preferred seating at a podium just inside the entrance to The American Adventure (while supplies last and, as always, be prepared to show your Pass and photo ID).
America Gardens Theatre is the Incredible Summer home to the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live concert series, five times daily through August 19 (only four scheduled performances on July 4). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
For the convenience of our readers, we list all of the scheduled acts in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. You can also add it or any events on it to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link. When additional Candlelight Processional celebrity narrators are announced, we will those to our calendar as well.
The calendar is provided as a courtesy “as is, where is” without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it, 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
As always, the captions tell the story and include bits of news along the way. This week, see a bit of Magic Kingdom's and Epcot's celebrations of American Independence, some of the latest construction at Disney Springs, and take a long look at the ongoing construction around Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, including the new Disney Vacation Club property to be named Disney's Riviera Resort, and the Disney Skyliner.
Magic Kingdom viewed from Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
Disney's Celebrate America! fireworks spectacular was shown on July 3 and (though a bit delayed by weather as noted above,) on July 4. Along with seeing the Electric Water Pageant floats lit with the stars and stripes, the beaches at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort is a great viewing location for the show. July 3 Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Disney's Celebrate America! fireworks spectacular included fireworks launched from all around Magic Kingdom, from around Cinderella Castle, from the usual launch location behind the park, and from a mirror launch location in the middle of Seven Seas Lagoon. July 3 Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
On July 3, Magic Kingdom fireworks viewing from the beaches at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort was less crowded than the park itself. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
The building for the Guardians of the Galaxy themed roller coaster coming to the park by 2021 seems to be bigger by the week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Views of the “Ratatouille”-themed attraction under construction between the Morocco and France pavilions are increasingly obscured by trees. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
For the Fourth of July, Goofy, Mickey, and Pluto greeted guests outside American Adventure in American Colonial Era attire. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney characters wearing American Colonial Era attire march out to greet guests on July 4 outside American Adventure. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Voices of Liberty performed patriotic 4th of July Concerts on the America Gardens Theatre stage. HDR Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Donald, Mickey, and Goofy joined the Voices of Liberty on stage during their 4th of July concerts. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Voices of Liberty sang patriotic songs in their 4th of July concerts and then, as they do during their performances in the rotunda of American Adventure, invited guests to see The American Adventure stage show. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Inside the American Adventure Lobby, the American Heritage Gallery is still closed for installation of “Creating Tradition: Innovation and Change in American Indian Art”. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Presented in conjunction with Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, and the Museum of Indian Arts & Culture, some of the new exhibit could be spotted last week through the window of the American Heritage Gallery. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
It seemed especially fitting to visit American Adventure on July 4. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
You can find the schedule for performances of The American Adventure in the My Disney Experience app. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Skyliner construction continues at Epcot's International Gateway, further narrowing the walkway open to guests. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
Construction of the additional parking structure across Buena Vista Drive from Disney Springs now appears pretty far along. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As the “re-imagining” of World of Disney store at Disney Springs enters its final phase ahead of a “grand reveal” in fall, the eastern end of the store has reopened. While Stitch was removed during refurbishment, he has been reinstalled (and, yes, he still “spits”). Photo by Donald Fink.
The new interior of World of Disney has an industrial look. MousePlanet's Donald Fink reports that a cast member in the store explained that the new backstory for the building is that it once was the offices of the famous “Nine Old Men,” Walt's core animators from back in the day; when Hollywood Studios opened as Disney-MGM Studios, their offices were moved there, and the original building here in the Marketplace became World of Disney. Photo by Donald Fink.
The cashier stations continue the new backstory for World of Disney. Continuing with the account heard by Donald Fink, the counter is intended to look like desks used by Walt's “Nine Old Men” (animators) before they moved to their new offices at the studios. Photo by Donald Fink.
Through August 11, several Disney Springs locations are offering discounts to shoppers that have made a $50 minimum purchase at World of Disney or Disney Corner stores. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Another of the north-facing entrances of World of Disney has reopened with a new sign but is no longer decorated by Mickey and Minnie Mouse (at least for now). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The western end of World of Disney is now closed for refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The windows of the closed western end of World of Disney direct shoppers to the open eastern side of the building. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The west-facing entrance of World of Disney is now closed as well. The restrooms immediately to the right of this photo (across from the entrance to Amorette's) were still open this weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction of the new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill continues near the Disney Springs bus loop (next door to the Coca-Cola store). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The new Jaleo restaurant continues to take shape on the West Side, and the NBA Experience rises on the former site of DisneyQuest. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
NBA Experience increasingly is taking on the shape of the concept art on the construction walls. It is expected to open in 2019. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
For a change of pace outside the AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theatres, the photo backdrop promoting Marvel Studios' “Ant-Man and the Wasp” was hand-created by artist Apexer during a recent visit. Disney Parks Blog says that Jock Lindsey's Hanger bar has some menu items “available in shrunken down or giant-sizes for a limited time” to celebrate the movie too. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Dusk at Disney Springs can be quite colorful. HDR Photo (with no other filters or edits) by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Riviera & Caribbean Beach Resorts
The next addition to Disney Vacation Club, Disney's Riviera Resort, rises on some of the “campus” of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. The main entrance road passes the back of the new DVC tower. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The new DVC tower appears to be approaching its highest point. One of the announced features of the new tower will be a roof-top dining area which will have views of fireworks at both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The new DVC tower stands at the eastern edge of the lake in the center of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A station for the new Disney Skyliner is under construction near (but not immediately next to) the northern side of the new DVC tower. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction of the Disney Skyliner station near the future Disney's Riviera Resort is underway. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Skyliner gondolas departing this station near Disney's Riviera to the left (which is to the southwest) will travel over Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort toward the next station (see below). Based on published maps, gondolas will also depart from this station in another direction toward Epcot's International Gateway entrance along Buena Vista Drive to the turn in front of Disney's BoardWalk Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The future Disney's Riviera Resort rises at the eastern end of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, east of Centertown and Old Port Royale. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
At Centertown at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, most of the services are still provided by temporary facilities, though some of the permanent facilities are expected to be completed here this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Concept art on one “wall” of the temporary main dining tent at Center Town depicts the reimagining of the resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From outside Centertown's temporary facilities, some of the tallest towers of Disney SKyliner now stand between the Riviera station (not shown here to the northeast on the right) and the transfer station on the southwest. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Heavy construction continues to Old Port Royale at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Skyliner towers cross through much of Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This particular Disney Skyliner tower appeared to be the tallest around. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Across the water from Trinidad North and South at Caribbean Beach Resort is the Disney Skyliner transfer station under construction that will serve gondolas traveling toward Disney's Hollywood Studios, toward Disney's Pop Century & Art of Animation Resorts, and toward Disney's Riviera Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Disney Skyliner transfer station is quite a distance away from even the closes rooms at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. HDR Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That
…On a personal note, I pause to salute Deb Wills, founder of AllEars.net, on her retirement from the ranks of the Disney Fansite media (announced on July 4). Along with the founders of MousePlanet itself, Deb was one of the very first names I remember encountering in the early days of the world wide web (and the rec.arts.disney and AOL message boards) in the 1990s. Since I have gotten to know her these past few years (since I moved to Central Florida and became a “regular” member of the Disney Fansite media), I have found her to be a class act all the way, with an integrity beyond reproach in a social media world where that is not always the case. Indeed, Deb has long used her leadership skills and charisma to raise hundreds of thousands of dollars and awareness in the fight against breast cancer; she, herself, is a decades-long survivor in that battle too. I wish her well on her future endeavors, as I am sure many of my fellow MousePlanet colleagues do as well as those of you who know her or her work. Hopefully, my path will continue to cross Deb's from time to time in the neighborhood.
…Chef Rick Bayless will personally prepare meals for guests at Frontera Cocina at Disney Springs on July 17, from 6-8 p.m. Reservations are first come, first served. Check Open Table for availability.
…Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings announced its newest venue available to couples getting married at Walt Disney World Resort: in front of Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom, the iconic center of the park. Of course, there are lots of other locations around the Resort to choose from, given the right budget, from Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground, to the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or other places in the parks, Disney's Wedding Pavilion, numerous ballrooms, restaurants, and beyond. For more information, visit disneyweddings.com or call (321)939-4623.
…Paddlefish at Disney Springs will host an interactive mixology course featuring Prohibition Era drinks (and some original concoctions by the Paddlefish mixologist) on its rooftop deck on Saturday, July 21, from 12-2 p.m. Attendees will sample each cocktail and enjoy light bites from the Paddlefish kitchen. For more information and tickets, visit PaddlefishRestaurant.com. All guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.
…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.
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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 email.
2018 Resort Events
- Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Every Thursday and Saturday, now through August 11; 8–11 p.m.
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom:
- July 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11; 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- August 30, September 20; 9 p.m.– midnight
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom:
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 30 to November 12
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 26–27
- Sunday Bubbles Brunch – October 28
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 1–4
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – begins November 8
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom:
- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
- December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 18 to December 30
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 22 to December 30
- Disney's Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun – begins November 8
- Includes nightly presentations of Sunset Seasons Greetings and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
- Toy Story Land gets special holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more
- Disney's Animal Kingdom – begins November 8
- Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, celebrated as part of the UP! A Great Bird Adventure show.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom:
- MouseAdventure Remix (unofficial event) – November 10
- Dapper Day (unofficial events)
- November 17 – Disney's Animal Kingdom (until 3-5 p.m.) & Magic Kingdom (evening);
- November 18 – Epcot
2019 Resort Events
- 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–13, 2019.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–24, 2019.
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 4–7, 2019.
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. For current information on runDisney registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board. |
2018 Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events (including event reservation opening dates)
- Moonlight Magic at Epcot – July 16, August 15
All members (filled to capacity, but check for additional availability due to cancelations) - Moonlight Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios – September 19, 26; October 3
Members with resort reservations – August 30
All members (pending remaining availability) – September 13
Introduced in 2017 as part of Membership Magic Ever After, complimentary Moonlight Magic events invite Disney Vacation Club Members (that are eligible for the Membership Extras benefits) and their guests to visit Disney Parks at the end of their regular operating hours and after the park has closed to the public. Members (and their parties) with reservations find shorter-than-usual wait times on popular attractions, meet rare characters, enjoy complimentary refreshments, have dance parties, and more. Please note that, in order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy Moonlight Magic, only one event date for each participating park is available per Membership. Visit disneyvacationclub.com during specified reservation windows to (attempt to) secure access to the event as well as to find additions to the Moonlight Magic event slate, updated party hours, and transportation information. |
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.
Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment (cast say reopening possibly late July).
- Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as “available seasonally throughout the year.”
Epcot
- American Heritage Gallery at The American Adventure – closed for refurbishment
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway pavilion – closed for refurbishment through summer 2018.
- Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster-type attraction opens in approximately 2021. - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – closed February 3, 2018. Theater to be repurposed.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
The new “Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway” attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2019.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flights of Wonder (Caravan Stage) – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
“UP! A Great Bird Adventure” starring Russell and Dug and their bird opened in its place on April 22, 2018.
Blizzard Beach
- No known closures at this time.
Typhoon Lagoon
- No known closures at this time.
Disney Springs
- World of Disney – phased store closings for refurbishment underway.
The Disney Corner now open in Town Center offering select merchandise during refurbishment.
DisneyStyle now open on the West Side offering additional Disney-themed merchandise. - DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
The NBA Experience expected to open Summer 2019. - Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017.
Terralina Crafted Italian has opened in its place. - La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
A new Cirque du Soleil show is now in development with its premiere date to be announced. - Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed August 1, 2017.
Location is being transformed into Jaleo, a restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine, expected to open 2018.
A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction next door to the Coca-Cola Store, expected to open 2018.
Wolfgang Puck Express continues to operate in its existing location in the Marketplace.
Resorts
- Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2018, with the overall project completed 2019–20.
- Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
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.
Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.
Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.
Travel Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com. Ultimate Disney Fall Into Magic Package Disney Parks Blog announced details of a limited time deal for guests planning to visit during the week of Labor Day, September 3, and departing on September 8. The package includes a five-night stay at a select Disney Resort, four-day Magic Your Way tickets, plus a special “welcome dinner party inspired by” the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, a nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris Adventure, exclusive Rivers of Light viewing, two hours of exclusive evening access at Toy Story Land, and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. The deal must be booked by August 19. The full details are on this page of DisneyWorld.com or you can call (407)939-5268 and ask about the “Ultimate Disney Fall Into Magic Package.” |
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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Passholders should be “on the lookout for an event invitation with registration details in email” for “exclusive” access to Toy Story Land at specific times on select dates in September. Eligible passholders that want to attend will need to follow the email instructions to register for an event date and time in advance and, if they would like to register a guest, that guest also must have a Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, or Premier annual pass and be listed on the Friends & Family list sharing “All My Plans” in My Disney Experience. Attending the event will require the valid pass and a matching photo ID, but there will be no additional charge. For the most up-to-date list of locations offering dining discounts to Annual Passholders, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Many dining locations offer Passholders 10 percent discounts during some or all meal periods (also excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity). The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort. The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Strollers, “a Disney featured stroller provider,” offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP18 to arrange your rental. It is listed on the “Passholders Extras” page of the Passholder website. Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone. Additional information about available “Passholder Extras” are available here, including specially priced 1-Day Water Park Tickets for $49 plus tax (must be purchased in-person at the water parks and not available online; must be used on or before December 31, 2019), a new $35 Sunrise 9 golf offer (including nine holes of golf, a hot breakfast and two beverages between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., subject to availability, at Disney Golf courses), a new $29 Sunset 9 golf offer (including nine holes of golf, a light snack and a beer or soft drink, subject to availability in the late afternoon at Disney Golf courses), an Orlando Magic Jersey Offer for purchasing or renewing an Annual Pass at Amway Center in Orlando, a 15 percent discount on the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Spa & Salon Discounts around Walt Disney World Resort, Amphicar Tour discounts at Disney Springs, runDisney Early Registration discounts, Best Friends Pat Care discounts, Children's Activity Centers discounts, and more. Away from the Resort, Passholders can use code DANCEPARTY to get 20 percent off of tickets to the new Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour in Jacksonville, Melbourne, Clearwater, and Sarasota Florida, for house seats while supplies last. Visit disneyjuniortour.com for more information and tickets. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information. 20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs. 10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount does not apply to the following dates: 12/31/17, 1/1/18, 2/14/18, 4/1/18, 5/13/18 and 7/4/18, and may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions. 10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the this page of disneyrewards.com. Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin, Basin White, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions. 10 percent off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website). Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios Present your Disney's Premier Visa card or Disney Rewards Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website). |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2018 Armed Forces Salute Tickets January 1 through December 19, 2018
NOTE: Tickets must be used by December 19, 2018. U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members (as defined on Disney World.com) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2018, for stays most nights from April 6 through December 19, 2018. Offer excludes moderate and deluxe resorts. Call (407)939-5684 for information and reservations. Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
Disney Select TicketsWhile the Discover Disney ticket offer ended on June 24, still available at a higher price (but including flexibility), Florida residents can still save quite a bit with the 4-Day Disney Select Ticket (compared to the price of a 4-Day Magic Your Way ticket). There is a smaller discount available for a 3-Day Select Ticket, and there is also a discount for 1–Day Tickets with the Park Hopper Option only. For more information visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Florida residents can check out the latest hotel package offers on this page of DisneyWorld.com. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
All adults using Canadian resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canadian residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions. Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. It currently includes an offer for UK and Ireland guests: 2018 Disney's 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket when purchased pre-departure by July 31, 2018, for arrivals up until December 31, 2018. Memory Maker is included with every 2018 Adult Ultimate Ticket purchased. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |