Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 19 – 25, 2016
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News and Views
2016 Food & Wine Festival – menus and more details | Food & Wine Festival premium event registrations begin today | Disney Early Morning Magic expands to Hollywood Studios | Chef Art Smith opens Homecoming Florida | PizzeRizzo coming to Hollywood Studios | This and That | Crowd Forecast
2016 Food & Wine Festival – menus and more details
It's a new week, which means a new announcement regarding the 2016 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival. This Disney has made what is possibly the most eagerly-anticipated announcement, the full menu details for the 30 different Festival Marketplace booths. We also have a few pieces of information important to event-goers.
Back this year is the Tasting Sampler, a package good for eight food or beverage selections from the Global Marketplace booths. The voucher is $59 per person, plus tax, and comes with a limited edition lanyard and trading pin. When the program debuted last year, the Tasting Sampler also included reserved seating at the 6:45 p.m. Eat to the Beat concert on the day it was purchased, but that benefit is not listed for 2016.
The Tasting Sampler may provide a value to visitors, but be sure to do the math before you buy it, and only use the entitlements for menu items that cost $7.40 or more.
Chase confirmed Monday that the Chase Lounge will return to the American Adventure Pavilion. The lounge will be open from 11:00 a.m. to park closing daily, and will offer limited seating, charging stations and complimentary soft drinks, water and coffee.
The full list of all 30 Global Marketplace kiosks is available on the Disney website, but keep in mind that menus are still subject to change without notice. Here are what you'll find at the 2016 Festival's three new Marketplaces:
Chocolate Studio
Food:
- Red Wine Chocolate Truffle
- Ghirardelli® Chocolate Raspberry Torte
- Liquid Nitro Chocolate-Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Caramel
Beverages:
- Fonseca Bin No. 27 Port
- Justin Cabernet Sauvignon
- Rosa Regale Sweet Sparkling Wine
- Blandy’s Alvada 5yr-Old Madeira
Islands of the Caribbean
Food:
- Jamaican Beef Patty
- Mojo Pork with Black Beans, Cilantro Rice and Pickled Red Onions
- Pescado con Coco: Seared Grouper, Pigeon Peas and Rice with Coconut Sauce
- Quesito: Puff Pastry with Sweetened Cream Cheese and Guava Sauce
Beverages:
- Presidente Pilsner
- Frozen Mojito
- Caribbean Sangria
Wine & Dine Studio
Food:
- Pork Tenderloin with Cannellini Bean Ragoût and Zinfandel Reduction
- Seared Scallop, Truffled Celery Root Purée, Brussels Sprouts and Wild Mushrooms featuring Melissa’s Produce
- Trio of Artisan Cheese
- La Bonne Vie Goat Cheese served with toasted Craisin Bread
- Karst Cave-aged Cheddar Cheese served with Fig Compote
- Statesboro Blue Cheese served with Spiced Candied Walnuts
- Artist Palette of Wine and Cheese
- Trio of Artisan Cheese paired with Conundrum White Blend 25th Anniversary, Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Goldie” Chardonnay and Robert Mondavi Maestro Red Blend
Beverages:
- Round Pond Estate Sauvignon Blanc, Rutherford
- Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Goldie” Chardonnay, Sta. Rita Hills
- Conundrum White Blend 25th Anniversary, California
- Vinum Cellars Pinot Noir, Monterey
- Kurt Russell’s GoGi “Tiger” Pinot Noir, Sta. Rita Hills
- Michael David Winery Seven Deadly Zins Zinfandel, Lodi
- Robert Mondavi Winery Maestro Red Blend, Napa Valley
Food & Wine Festival premium event registrations begin today
Disney Vacation Club members, annual passholders, and Disney Visa cardholders can make reservations for all of the Food & Wine Festival premium events starting today, July 19. The events go on sale to the general public starting Thursday, July 21.
Here is a rundown of some of the premium events you can reserve starting today:
What's Cookin' With… – select Fridays and Sundays. Celebrity chefs host these events, where you start the day with a plated breakfast and a live cooking demonstration. $129 per person. The schedule is as follows:
- Friday, September 16 – Elizabeth Falkner
- Sunday, September 18 – Bryan Voltaggio
- Friday, September 23 – Andrea Robinson
- Saturday, September 24 – Robert Irvine
- Friday, September 30 – Graham Elliot
- Sunday, October 2 – Buddy Valastro
- Friday, October 7 – Jamie Deen
- Sunday, October 9 – Cat Cora
- Friday, October 14 – Emily Ellyn
- Friday, October 21 – Andrew Zimmern
- Sunday, October 23 – Rock Harper
- Sunday, October 30 – Geoffrey Zakarian
- Friday, November 4 – Alex Guarnaschelli
- Sunday, November 6 – David Guas
- Friday, November 11 – Sarah Fioroni
- Sunday, November 13 – Jehangir Mehta
Mix It, Make It, Celebrate It! – daily September 14 through November 14. A twist on the culinary demonstrations and beverage seminars, these sessions offer a hands-on approach to learning a variety of culinary topics. Select from 8 pages of sessions, offering to teach you everything from cupcake decorating to sushi rolling, wine and chocolate pairing to cocktail blending. $49 per person.
Rockin' Burger Block Party – September 30; October 14; November 11. A different celebrity chef hosts each of the three burger bashes. Tickets are $99-$199 per person. Book this one first, as it will fill quickly.
Party for the Senses – October 1, 8, 15, 22, 28, 29. The ultimate “Taste of Epcot” event offers more than 50 tasting stations, plus live entertainment. Three of the events are theme nights, with the Disney Springs chefs showcased on October 8, and a Yelloween Masquerade on October 28 and 29. $169 – $329 per person.
Specialty Dining & Pairing events – various dates and restaurants. These multi-course meals and wine and beer tasting opportunities offer everything from a Saturday breakfast experience at Chefs de France, to a tequila-spiked luncheon at La Hacienda de San Angel, to a hibachi dinner at Teppan Edo.
Culinary Demonstrations. Pick from 8 pages of presentations by chefs from all across Walt Disney World and beyond. Each seminar is $15 per person, and includes a tasting-size portion of the featured dish or beverage.
Beverage Seminars. Pick from 9 pages of presentations by winemakers, brewers, sommeliers and spirit masters from dozens of wineries, cellars and distilleries. Each seminar is $15 per person.
Cheese Seminars – select Saturdays. Guest cheesemakers present seven Saturday sessions on cheeses of the world, focusing on one country or production area each week. $89 per person.
Disney Visa cardholders can call 407-939-1870 to book reservations starting Tuesday, July 19. Reservations must been paid with a Disney Visa Credit Card. Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can call (407) 939-3378 to book reservations for most events. Some events can also be reserved online.
There are still events which have been announced, but for which Disney has yet to provide details or open reservations. Among these are the new Disney Resort dining events, which include Brunch with a Twist at Disney’s Grand Floridian, The Secrets of Flavor and Behind the Scenes at Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto. There are also no details yet for the Beverage Boot Camp sessions.
Disney Early Morning Magic expands to Hollywood Studios
In April we wrote about the then-new Disney Early Morning Magic program at the Magic Kingdom, an added-cost event which offers admission into Fantasyland two hours before the park opens to the general public, breakfast at Pinocchio Village Haus in Fantasyland, and access to a handful of rides before park hours. The offering has been popular enough that Disney has extended it through September 30, 2016.
Disney also announced plans to expand the program to Hollywood Studios starting August 1. This event offers admission into the park starting at 7:45 a.m., a little more than one hour before the park opens to the general public. A buffet-style breakfast is served at at the ABC Commissary from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
Star Tours – The Adventures Continue and Toy Story Mania will be open during this period, as will three meet-and-greet locations: Pixar Place Greetings (Woody and Buzz); Celebrity Spotlight (Olaf); and Mickey and Minnie on Commissary Lane. Since the theme park opens to the general public at 9:00 a.m., the smart plan would be to take advantage of the exclusive ride and character access for the first hour, then eat breakfast once the park opens.
Like the Magic Kingdom version, Disney Early Morning Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios is $69 for adults and $59 for children ages 3-9, plus tax.
This offering may be slightly less compelling than the Magic Kingdom version for families with very young children, as one of the rides has a 40″ height requirement. The additional character meet-and-greet opportunities may compensate for that.
And as before, Disney Early Morning Magic will be offered on different dates than the Extra Magic Hours program, which offers Walt Disney World resort hotel guests the benefit of extra time in the theme parks one hour before they open or three hours after they close to the general public. Early Morning Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios is currently scheduled Mondays and Wednesdays through September 28.
Chef Art Smith opens Homecoming Florida
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka is on vacation this week, but before he left he paid a visit to the newly opened Chef Art Smith's Homecoming in Disney Springs. The name of the restaurant has a double meaning when you note that Chef Smith sharpened his culinary skills as a Walt Disney World cast member during a stint in the college program. The Disney Springs location is both a return to his home state for the Florida-born celebrity chef, but also a return to his Disney roots.
Chef Art Smith's Homecoming is now open in Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
Diners are greeted by a chicken as they enter the restaurant. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
The restaurant is decorated with murals by a Florida artist. See if you can spot the hidden Mickey. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
Patio seating offers a view into Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
The Shine bar has its own entrance and seating area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
The Shine bar offers a selection of grab-and-go items from the Homecoming Florida menu. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
The decor at Homecoming Florida Kitchen highlights the locally-sourced ingredients. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
The Shine bar offers counter and table service on an enclosed patio. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
PizzeRizzo coming to Hollywood Studios
It's out with the pizza, in with the pizze at Disney's Hollywood Studios when Pizza Planet official reopens as PizzeRizzo later this year. The renovation and name change is part of the Muppets Courtyard makeover. No word on how much, or even if, the menu will change from the Pizza Planet iteration.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…Both of the D23 events scheduled in October—the Sip and Scream event, and the Midnight Soiree at the Tower of Terror—sold out shortly after ticket sales opened last week. Tickets are still available for the Destination D event November 19-20 at Disney's Contemporary Hotel.
…The 2016 Sounds Like Summer concert series wraps up this week with DSB, a tribute to Journey. Show times are 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. each day through July 23.
The roof of the Orange parking structure at Disney Springs provides a unique view of the Star Wars fireworks from Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…The Polite Pig is slated to open in Disney Springs in spring 2017. Disney says the new restaurant. a sister location to the Ravenous Pig in Winter Garden, “will feature a variety of wood-fired smoked and grilled items as well as an innovative beverage program that serves all drinks on tap, including locally-brewed Cask & Larder beer, wine and cocktails.”
…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 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 – Opened December 1, 2015
- Night of Joy – September 9 & 10
- 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival –September 14 – November 14, 2016.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30; October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
- D23's Sip & Scream – Wednesday, October 5. The event is sold out
- D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Midnight Soirée at the Tower of Terror – Wednesday, October 5. The event is sold out.
- “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.
- Destination D – November 19-20, 2016. D23 Members are invited to join the excitement of D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, a celebration of Disney adventures of the past, present, and future. More details at the event website.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot –November 25 – December 30, 2016
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –November 25 – December 30, 2016
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 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–5. All races are sold out, with the exception of the runDisney Kids races. Proof of time must be submitted by August 2, 2016
2017
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 4–8, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, April 26. Proof of time must be submitted by October 4, 2016.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, July 12. Proof of time must be submitted by November 15, 2016.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, August 9. Proof of time date has not been released.
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.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events
2016
- AAU National Club Championship – June 30 – July 3.
- Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11–12.
- 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl –December 3–10.
2017
- Pro Bowl week festivities – take place the week prior to the 2017 game on January 29. Additional schedule information to be released.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 29 – July 5 |
Disney Springs
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| July 7 – 8 |
Epcot
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
2016
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
- Carousel of Progress – closed for refurbishment July 25 – 28.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed August 8 – November 18 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
- None scheduled
Disney's Hollywood Studios
2016
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- One Man's Dream theater – an expanded sneak peek at Alice Through the Looking Glass began May 6.
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closed for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – permanently closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – permanently closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Studio Catering Co. – closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America – closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- One Man's Dream theater – closed July 16 – 19 for refurbishment.
- MuppetVision 3*D – closed August 15 – 22 for refurbishment.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur – closed for refurbishment July 25 – October 16.
Blizzard Beach
- None scheduled
Typhoon Lagoon
- None scheduled
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed for refurbishment. Scheduled to reopen in Fall 2016 as Paddlefish
- Planet Hollywood – closed for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016.
Resorts
- Boardwalk Inn
- Flying Fish Cafe closed through September 30 for refurbishment. Will reopen simply as “Flying Fish.”
- Seashore Sweets – closed permanently. Will reopen as the “AbracadaBar” later this year.
- 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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Discounts for Everyone |
Thanks to Sue Pisaturo from Small World Vacations for the details. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. Fall Free Dining offer
Back to School room-only offer
Kid-sized Vacation offer
Late Summer Family Time offer
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 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 $149, a $20 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. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
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. Tours included:
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). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
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 Disney Visa website. 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 listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free character photo 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. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free character photo download per day. Star Wars meet and greet at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Launch Bay Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a character meet and greet at Star Wars Launch Bay for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
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Discounts for Military Personnel |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 – 2016 April 1, 2016. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2016. 2016 Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40%, based on room category. The new offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid March 20, 2016 through April 1, 2016. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. |
