Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 2-8, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 2-8, 2019

Writer's note: At around this time next week, July 9, Walt Disney World will open the new 545 room Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, marking the substantial completion of the resort's reimagination. I have been invited to be on hand for the two-day media preview of the reimagined resort and the tower's grand opening ceremony, so keep an eye out on MousePlanet social media channels throughout the day next Monday, July 8, for the latest.

Of course, Disney's capital projects keep rolling right along these days around Walt Disney World Resort. Less than five weeks later, on August 12, the NBA Experience opens at Disney Springs (and, yes, I have been invited to be there too). Just over two weeks after that, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge makes its East Coast debut. So far, the crowds at its West Coast counterpart have not caused the chaos many had feared. Between the plans Disneyland put in place and its marketing messages, that resort has not yet been put under the “very large crowd” stress tests many of us here in the East thought (hoped?) would provide Disney Parks valuable learning experiences ahead of the Disney's Hollywood Studios August 29 opening. So, right now, we still really do not know what to expect around here as Labor Day weekend rolls around and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival also gets underway.

In just under two months, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In the meantime, Disney has been busy this past week quashing concerns that Magic Kingdom classic attractions were going to disappear as the Resort heads towards its 50th Anniversary in 2021. In the News and Views, we start with that immediately below, share the news of the changes coming to the quick casual food options at The American Adventure at Epcot, remind you of the major American Independence Day entertainment coming up this week, and have a few new details about both Epcot's Candlelight Processional and Food & Wine Festival. So celebrate safely, and let's get to it.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Don't Trust Rumors: Tiki Birds and Country Bears Continue to Entertain

This week the folks at Disney Parks Blog took the unusal but very welcome step of knocking down two rumors swirling around Walt Disney World Resort in recent days and weeks. On Wednesday, DPB recognized that “unscrupulous sources” were feeding “incorrect information” about the future of the Magic Kingdom's Tiki birds. Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director wrote:

we deal in facts here at the Disney Parks Blog. Although we won't address every rumor, we want to set the record straight: there are no plans for our feathered friends to fly the coop any time soon. We're constantly evolving our stories, but these birds will continue entertaining our guests at the Magic Kingdom Park just as they have done since 1971.

Then, on Friday, Thomas Smith was author of another post, this time confirming that the Country Bears will be around to celebrate Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary on October 1, 2021. He wrote, “Our Imagineers are always looking at ways to bring more magic to our guests through experiences and stories they know, but contrary to rumors, Country Bear Jamboree is not going into hibernation any time soon.” (Emphasis added.)

Here, in the MousePlanet weekly Walt Disney World Resort Updates, we try pretty hard to stick to news and views and avoid the rumors. Sure, we hear rumors too, but if we do not see evidence like permits, construction walls, official statements from Disney, or news publications of record like Orlando Sentinel, we are not inclined to include them here. Our mission is to tell you what you can expect when you visit the Resort, hopefully provide you with useful advice, and to tell you about events and “things” around the Resort that you may not have been aware of before.

At least in this Writer's view, sites that trade in rumors and click-bait are in a whole different kind of Fantasyland than what I am interested in and will cover in the Update space as long as I'm at the keys.

Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue Replacing Liberty Inn

On July 8, Liberty Inn at Epcot's The American Adventure pavilion will close to be reimagined as Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue. Disney Parks Blog says:

The new location will be a modern barbecue smokehouse, with all the accompanying sights, sounds, smells and flavors you love – including a large smoker preparing fine food every day right on the pavilion’s promenade. There will also be a redesigned patio for you to enjoy, so get ready to grab a brew, some barbecue, and relax inside Epcot.

Folks that have visited Epcot during several of the park's Festivals over the past few years have probably already gotten a preview of the kinds of foods that will be served in the new restaurant, as a barbecue smoker has often been parked next to the festival food kiosk set up on the pavilion's plaza which was used for quite a few menu items. The new restaurant will be “fast-casual” and will feature several craft brews on tap. No specific date “later this year” has been given for the restaurant's debut, and we have not yet seen whether some other venue will offer the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix foods that Liberty Inn has been serving to accompany the concerts on the nearby America Gardens stage.

During recent Epcot Festivals, an on site wood-fired smoker has been located on the plaza at The American Adventure pavilion. File Photo by Donald Fink.

REMINDER: American Independence Day Celebrations

Magic Kingdom and Epcot will both celebrate American Independence with special fireworks and entertainment again this year.

Magic Kingdom will present Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky on both July 3 and 4 at 9:15 p.m. We expect that, as in past years, this show will include perimeter fireworks, as well as a launch location from a Seven Seas Lagoon launch location that mirrors the one behind Magic Kingdom to the north. If you cannot make it out to Walt Disney World, Disney Parks Blog will present the July 4th fireworks by live stream starting at 9:13 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time (and we will provide a link on our social media). Disney says it would “love to share some of your favorite Disney Parks vacation pics as part of [its] live stream. To have your photo considered, share it … on Twitter now using the hashtag #DisneyParksLIVE.”

Also on both nights, DJs will host a Hoedown Throwdown in Frontierland and at a Galactic Gathering in Tomorrowland throughout the night. As with any other day, The Muppets Present … Great Moments in History will present the Muppets' take on American history several times on July 3 and 4 too.

At Epcot, on July 4, Voices of Liberty will perform a cappella concerts of American music inside the rotunda at The American Adventure pavilion at 2 p.m and 3 p.m., and then they will take the stage at America Gardens Theatre for concerts at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Nearby, Disney characters will appear in their Spirit of '76 patriotic attire nearby at The American Adventure as well (usually near the gift shop and restrooms on the west side of the pavilion; they also make appearances in the Voices of Liberty shows at America Gardens). After the 9 p.m. presentation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, guests will have their final opportunity to see “The Heartbeat of Freedom” fireworks tag; it is the final opportunity because, of course, Illuminations end its run on September 30, 2019. Throughout the day, there will be special food and beverage options, including special dining packages, available around the park as well.

Epcot Candlelight Processional & Concerts News and Calendar

This past week, Disney announced that both Neil Patrick Harris and Gary Sinise will return to narrate Epcot's Candlelight Processional this coming December. They join the previously announced roster of Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman), and Edward James Olmos. Held at the America Gardens Theatre, the Candlelight Processional combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story three times per night (5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m.) during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November 29-December 30). Guaranteed seating is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages will begin on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages starting July 3 (or call 407-WDW-DINE). Early booking opens today, July 2, for Annual Passholders at (407) WDW-DINE and Disney Vacation Club Members at (800) 800-9800.

In the meantime, Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! continues its run on the America Gardens stage with five performances scheduled daily through August 18 (except, only four on July 4 to make room for Voices of Liberty). Star-Lord and Gamora, along with an “alien” band, take the audience on a “musical journey” that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes. It is the same show that was performed last summer, and each live performance includes the same set list. Check the Times Guide and the My Disney Experience app for the daily schedule.

Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! is scheduled on the American Gardens stage five times daily.

As a one time resident of Earth, Star-Lord attempts to teach an alien band music appropriate for Epcot (from the 1970s and 1980s, like on his “Awesome Mix Tapes, Vols. 1 & 2,” of course).

Gamora flies through her performance with the band (at least, when she is not annoyed with Star-Lord).

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Cindy Wilson, Show Director & Choreographer discusses the return of Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! Video ©Disney.

As Labor Day weekend approaches, this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will debut on August 29 (yes, the very same day that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios). NEW this week, Disney Parks Blog provided more details about some of this year's marketplaces, noted that bookings are now open for the Tailgate Tastings hosted by ESPN's Monday Football (on select Sundays Starting September 8), listed some of the Radio Disney headliners coming to this year's edition of the Disney du Jour Dance Party, and noted that the calendar is continuing to filling up for the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series which runs until November 19. Concert showtimes on Sundays through Thursdays will be the usual 5:30 P.M., 6:45 P.M., and 8:00 P.M., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the showtimes shift an hour later to 6:30 P.M., 7:45 P.M., and 9 P.M. The Concert Series wraps up on November 19 to allow the America Gardens stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional. Get even more details and make reservations by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407)939-3378.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers and announced Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. All of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! dates are noted as well. You can add the whole 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

We have just a few views of and near Disney's Hollywood Studios this week.

With “Toy Story 4” now playing in theaters, Forky has made his way to a spot in Toy Story Land near Woody's Lunchbox. No, we are not entirely sure how he ended up in Andy's backyard. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction around the entrance of Disney's Hollywood Studios is likely entering its final phases with less than two months to go until the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

On Hollywood Boulevard, refurbishment continues in the retail shops on the left side of the street (from Mickey's of Hollywood all the way to the center of the park).

New construction walls surround some of the courtyard outside the Chinese Theatre.

On closer inspection, it appears that the ramps that connect the area next to the Theatre with the pathway to Walt Disney Presents and Toy Story Land and Municiberg beyond are being worked on, as nearby cast members were directing strollers and guests with ECVs and wheel chairs to the Studio Arch as a detour.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Buzz Lightyear stands in Andy's backyard looking toward Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With two months until opening of this entrance to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this part of Grand Avenue can still be rather quiet from time to time. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This past weekend, we spotted lots of Disney Skyliner gondolas stopped on the cables between the Epcot International Gateway station and the turn station near Disney's BoardWalk.

Spaceship Earth at Epcot appears closer to the Disney Skyliner gondolas on the cables between the International Gateway and the turn station than it actually is.

The colorful gondolas of Disney Skyliner are spaced on the cables from the turn station back toward the station at the future Disney's Riviera Resort in the distance.

The sign at the Disney Skyliner station at Disney's Hollywood Studios is still under wraps.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Congratulations to the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort on the celebration of its 45th anniversary. Since June 30, 1974, one of the longest-running dinner shows in American history has been serving up comfort food and “corny” interactive family fun (yes, Disney Parks Blog uses that term in talking about the history of the show and says that, “at Disney, 'corny' is a compliment, established by Walt Disney himself”). Tom Vazzana, Show Director at Walt Disney World Resort says, “Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue exemplifies everything that Disney stands for.”

The Pioneer Hall Players are the stars of the “Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue” File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location coming to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on August 6 is now accepting appointments. Like other locations of the boutique for guests 3-12 years old, Fairy Godmothers-in-Training “will help make the fairytale dreams taht you wish come true” by offering makeovers with hairstyling, nail polish, accessories, gowns and more available in different packages transforming a child into “an elegant princess or a gallant knight.” Starting August 6, all boutique locations will start offering a new “Carriage package” that includes a specially-themed T-shirt; they will also offer four new hairstyles and additional accessories which can be purchased separately from other packages. Reservations can be made up to 180 days in advance online or by calling (407)WDW-STYLE.

…With Disney's Animal Kingdom's on-going celebration of the 25th anniversary of the release of the original version of The Lion King and the up-coming release of the new “live-action” version of the film, Disney Parks Blog is showing off the newest line of merchandise available in the park at Mombassa Marketplace, Island Mercantile and Discovery Trading Company. Also, coming soon is a new Funko Pop collection featuring Rafiki, Simba, Scar, Pumba and Timon. Starting July 19, the day of the new film's release, there will also be a new MagicBand available around Walt Disney World Resort too.

…And, while focusing on The Lion King, Disney's Animal Kingdom is also emphasizing its focus on conservation of lions and other wildlife across Africa. On a Disney Parks Blog post Dr. Mark Penning, Vice President, Animals, Science and Environment, Disney Parks, announced that for every guest who rides Kilimanjaro Safaris during the new film's opening week, July 19-25, 2019, Disney Conservation Fund will donate $2 (up to $350,000) to the Wildlife Conservation Network in support of the Lion Recovery Fund. Disney has already donated more than $1.5 million to the fund and its partners, and through The Lion King “Protect the Pride” campaign intends to make additional grants and invites fans to make the total contribution up to $3 million as part of the effort of doubling the number of lions in the wild by 2050. Only about 20,000 lions live in the wild in Africa today.

The cast of the upcoming film “The Lion King” discuss conservation efforts. Video ©Disney.

…Walt Disney World Resort recently hosted “The Piano Guys” featuring pianist Jon Schmidt and cellist Steven Sharp Nelson in Pandora-The World of Avatar for a performance of “Jake's First Flight” from the movie Avatar. Disney Parks Blog shares the story and a link to the video that showcases the land at Disney's Animal Kingdom inspired by the film.

…As we continue our countdown to this year's D23 Expo in Anaheim, this week Disney announced that the event will include an exclusive Disney on Broadway Celebrates its 25th Anniversary concert on August 24. Some of the same Disney on Broadway talent that has performed Epcot the past several years during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, will perform in a 75-minute concert with a six-piece band led by musical director Jim Abbott. Gavin Lee (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast) is scheduled to host the concert featuring Heidi Blickenstaff (Freaky Friday, The Little Mermaid), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins, Beauty and the Beast, On The Record), Kissy Simmons (The Lion King), Josh Strickland (Tarzan) and Alton Fitzgerald White (The Lion King).

…REMINDER: Give Kids the World Village has announced its next two speaker series events featuring legendary Disney Cast Members and Voice Actors. On Disneyland's 64th anniversary, July 17, Disney veterans Tom Nabbe, Bill Sullivan and Bill Hoelscher will share stories of their fabled careers, stretching from the Disneyland's launch to the opening of Walt Disney World. On August 3, Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Linda Larkin, voice of Jasmine from Aladdin, will share stories of the magic behind the scenes of these loved Disney characters. Details:

• Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Give Kids The World Village, 210 S Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
• July 17: Legendary Disney Cast Members: General Seating $35; Preferred Seating $50
• August 3: Disney Voice Actors O'Hara & Larkin: General $50; Preferred $75; VIP Package $150

Advanced ticket sales are now available for the July 17 event on this eventbrite.com webpage. Advanced sales tickets are available for the August 3 event on this eventbrite.com webpage. For more information about these and other GKTW events, visit GKTW.org. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 165,000 families to its 84-acre storybook resort in Central Florida. Children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations, complete with accommodations, donated attraction tickets, meals and more.

…Off Disney property in Central Florida, the area's newest themed water park, Island H2O Live! opened in Kissimmee, Florida, with the start of summer. It is located just a bit south of US-192 and west of Irlo Bronson Memorial Highway (not a very long drive off-property from the Disney's Animal Kingdom resort area). For more information, visit its website: IslandH2OLive.com. Of course, be careful to not confuse this new non-Disney venue with the hard ticket H2O Glow Night events at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon.

…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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New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

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). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

Morimoto Asia

NEW “Sea. Salt. Sake. Sharpen.” A new immersive culinary experience will be held at Morimoto Asia on Sunday, July 21, 2019, from 1-3 p.m. This seafood-driven educational seminar and tasting will feature demonstrations and food stations highlighting fish preparation. Attendees will be taught “to master the elements of maximizing the bounty of the whole fish, gain insight into the proper technique for sharpening kitchen knives, and sample a variety of flavors from Mackerel and Hamachi to Madai Snapper.” The event will also include beverage pairings like beers, sakes, and shochus to complement the style and texture of each dish. Guests must be 21 or older to attend. Tickets are $50 (excluding ticket fees, tax and gratuity). For more information and tickets, visit this page of the Patina Restaurant Group's website.

Pizza Ponte

NEW The counter service Pizza Ponte restaurant wants you to know that its $5.95/slice Big Roman is the largest slice of pizza available at Disney Springs, measuring 12-inches long. The Big Roman is a classic Margherita-style pizza made made with tomato, mozzarella, and arugula on roman pizza bread. The same team behind Epcot’s Via Napoli restaurant at Italy pavilion is responsible for the food at this venue. “At Pizza Ponte, we're dedicated to using fresh ingredients and signature cooking methods that deliver results that are on par with the traditional characteristics found in the style of pies served on the streets of Naples,” says Patina Restaurant Group Marketing Director Kyle Collins.

NEW The restaurant has also partnered with a local Orlando-based company to offer Pop Fusion's gourmet ice and wine pops. Hand-crafted, colorful, and made with fresh, locally-sourced fruit, there are $5 non-alcoholic and $9 alcoholic flavors available (well, for those of appropriate age, of course). The handheld treats are also available at Epcot's Italy pavilion.

Maria & Enzo's

NEW On Sundays from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the restaurant now offers A La Carte Brunch featuring southern Italian cuisine from Nutella Stuffed French Toast to Italian breakfast skillets. For those 21-and-over, brunch can be paired with midmorning cocktails from the “Garden to Glass” menu of Bloody Mary drinks. “Our Garden to Glass options use fresh ingredients and garnishes that Maria & Enzo would have grown in their own backyards, bringing together the restaurant's origins and our guests' appetite for a beverage lineup at Disney Springs that stems from the similar and coveted farm-to-table concept,” said Patina Restaurant Group Marketing Director, Kyle Collins.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

The Smuggler's Series is offered at Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar monthly through October. Based on our hosted media-invited experience, for those interested in learning a bit about the beverages they drink, these sessions can be quite informative and the restaurant's culinary team works hard to prepare dishes to compliment the beverages served.

►Bourbon – Tim Hiesler, Bourbon ambassador for Jim Beam, Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Scotch, WM Grants – Balvenie & Glenfiddich, Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Crooked Stave, Wednesday, September 18, 7 p.m., $45 per person

►Tito's Vodka, Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m., $60 per person

The Edison

The Edison at Disney Springs hosts Havana Nights beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays: July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 2, and October 16. The no additional charge nights feature a five piece band from 8 p.m. to midnight (trading the spotlight with a DJ from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) playing Latin renditions of musical styles from instrumentals to pop. Complimentary salsa lessons will be available at any skill level, 7:30-11:30 p.m. and Havana-inspired specialty craft cocktails will be available to order during the entire night.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George recently introduced its new Wine Country Brunch, which is now offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. See the menu online here or download a PDF of the menu here. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

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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. More runDisney event information

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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.

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Current Discounts and 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.

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