Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 23-29, 2019
Writer's note: This past week, Walt Disney World announced Fall and Holiday Resort discounts and a new free dining option for non-discounted packages. Be sure to jump to our Discounts section for overviews of each and links to Disney's offers.
Coming up later this week, I will be at a “Christmas in July” media event, which will provide more insights into what to expect this upcoming holiday season at Walt Disney World Resort. Keep an eye on our social media channels on July 25 for news, and we will have a summary here in the Update next week. On July 25, our Donald Fink will be at a tasting at Pepe, Chef José Andrés' quick-service concept inside Jaleo Disney Springs, so watch our social media channels for that, too!
I appreciate the comments received on last week's Update, and am still interested in hearing more folks' experiences with the various after-hours events around Walt Disney World. Last Thursday, I attended Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic at Disney's Animal Kingdom, scheduled from 9:30 p.m. until midnight. I was happy to have been able to get a reservation for the event when registration opened for members without hotel reservations, but I was very disappointed at the crowd size and the event itself (where even the Tree of Life Awakenings ended at least an hour before the time indicated by the Event Guide).
Since I have been fortunate to attend nearly every version of Moonlight Magic at the Walt Disney World parks offered by DVC (registering for one park per year's version), I experienced much better versions of this event in the past, which set my expectations for this “complimentary” event much higher. I am particularly glad that I did not try to plan a special trip around this Moonlight Magic event. I will skip further elaboration in favor of this week's news and views.
Flight of Passage still had an 80-minute standby time posted with only 45 minutes remaining at the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic event on July 18, 2019. Granted, that 80 is a whole lot less than the 180 that is posted on many busy days, but my party decided not to wait, as we have all enjoyed the attraction on other occasions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
News and Views
Headlines are auto-generated here
Celebrate Disney's The Lion King Even More at Disney's Animal Kingdom to #ProtectThePride
Disney's Animal Kingdom has been celebrating the 25th anniversary of the release of the animated version of Disney's The Lion King since January 18. With last week's release of the new “live action” film, the park has notched up that celebration. As we mentioned last week, through July 25, Disney's Animal Kingdom is participating in the “Protect the Pride” campaign to assist in the effort to help double the number of lions across Africa by 2050. For every guest that rides Kilimanjaro Safaris at the park, Disney Conservation Fund will donate $2 (up to $350,000 total) to the campaign (theme park admission is required. Disney invited me along with other members of the media for a ride early on July 19, when the campaign began). In-park donations to Disney Conservation Fund (by designated retail purchases in the park) will continue to support the Lion Recovery Fund into August. For more information visit Disney.com/LionKingProtectThePride.
Lions sleep up to 20 hours a day, so it is not surprising to see them sleeping during a ride on Kilimanjaro Safaris.. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Since the release of the original animated version of The Lion King 25 years ago, according to Disney Parks Blog, Africa has lost half of its lion population, and now has only about 20,000 remaining. The Wildlife Conservation Network's Lion Recovery Fund has been established with the hope of doubling the lion population in the wild by 2050. As Disney shared during the media event, lions are threatened by poaching, loss of prey, and destruction of habitats. Protecting lions also protects the health and well-being of the savanna, wildlife, and the communities that live alongside.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Veterinarian, Dr. Scott Terrell, Director of Animal Science & Operations at Walt Disney Parks & Resorts, is responsible for all of Disney's animal care programs around the world. Most of Disney's animals are at Disney's Animal Kingdom, where there are approximately 2,000 animals under Disney's care. Disney filmmakers were able to study the animals at the park in connection with creating “The Lion King.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
40,000 Special Edition Simba and Nala plush lions are available at U.S. Disney Parks and Disney Stores around the globe. Disney will donate U.S. $5 to the Wildlife Conservation Network in support of the Lion Recovery Fund and its partners for each sale. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney has already donated more than $1.5 million to the Wildlife Conservation Network's Lion Recovery Fund and its partners. It plans to make additional grants (along with fan contributions like the rides on Kilimanjaro Safaris and guest spending on specific items) that brings the total contribution up to $3 million. Disney Publishing Worldwide and Disney Cruise Line also participated in contributions commemorating the release of The Lion King.
Return of Darth Vader Encounters
When Disney's Hollywood Studios opens Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on August 29, the park's “Star Wars Experiences” will divide into those guests who experience in the new land on the planet of Batuu, and those experienced “off planet” in the rest of the park. We already reported earlier this summer that the March of the First Order—the mini-parade of Stormtroopers under the command of General Phasma—ended its run up and down Hollywood Boulevard, because the First Order will next be patrolling inside the new land when it opens.
Since we already know from our California counterparts that Kylo Ren makes appearances in Batuu (and, indeed, will be a part of the Rise of the Resistance attraction when it opens at the park in December), his meet-and-greet at Star Wars Launch Bay appears to be coming to an end. Instead, guests will again have the opportunity to encounter Darth Vader (as was the case when Launch Bay opened and during some special events like Galactic Nights).
Launch Bay also includes opportunities to meet Chewbacca and BB-8. It is unclear whether those meet-and-greets will change when the new land debuts, though Disney Parks Blog's post makes it sound like they will continue to meet guests there, too.
Likewise, the Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show, Jedi Training:Trials of the Temple, and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular are all expected to continue off-planet, as well. Not too far from Batuu, guests will also continue to be able to ride Star Tours – The Adventure Continues, with the newest sequences and characters from The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi continuing, as well.
Mickey's Latest Holiday Party Details
This past week, Disney provided more details for both sets of Mickey's upcoming hard ticket parties coming to Magic Kingdom. First up, starting on August 16, and on select nights through November 1, Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party returns the “Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular,” the ride of the Headless Horseman, “Mickey's Boo to You Halloween Parade,” the Monstrous Scream-O-Ween Ball, and “Storybook Circus Disney Junior Jam” (this year including Nancy Clancy from “Fancy Nancy” along with Vampirina and Doc McStuffins).
The new “Disney's Not-So-Spooky Spectacular” will make its debut as the replacement for Happy HalloWishes. As Disney Parks Blog describes:
Jack Skellington from Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas serves as the host of this all-new nighttime extravaganza, with state-of-the-art projection effects, lasers, lighting and dazzling fireworks filling the sky above Magic Kingdom Park. Jack has come to tell a not-so-scary story about how anything can happen on Halloween night. Jack's ghost dog, Zero, then flies off carrying everyone along on a trick-or-treating adventure, where four friends—Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy—find themselves drawn into a mysterious haunted house. Their journey takes them from one room of the house to another, encountering dancing skeletons, waltzing ghosts and a whole series of troublemaking Disney villains.
Like last year, live pirates will appear inside Pirates of the Caribbean, Space Mountain will be “completely dark” with “a new hard-rockin' soundtrack,” and Mad Tea Party will have special lighting and music. This year, the “treat trail” into the Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor will also include interactions with the attraction's cast “as they learn about the curious Human World holiday we call Halloween.”
For Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, which runs on select nights starting November 8 through December 22, Disney Parks Blog confirmed the return of Tony's Most Merriest Town Square Party. The $99-per-person (plus tax) add-on to the separate ticket to attend Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party gives attendees three hours to come and go from Tony's Town Square Restaurant starting at 9:30 p.m. (running to 12:30 a.m., which is after the Christmas Party ends) for an assortment of themed food and beverages (including adult beverages for those 21 and over), and entertainment by Tony himself. Most Merriest attendees also get reserved 11 p.m. viewing for Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade on Main Street U.S.A. (last year, it was pretty much right under the Christmas Tree in Town Square, providing an unobstructed parade view all the way to Cinderella Castle). Reservations are required and are now available online or by calling (407) 939-3463.
Later this week, we have been invited to Walt Disney World's “Christmas in July” media event. We expect that means we will have even more holiday planning information to share on our social media channels on July 25, and in next week's Update.
Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar
Less than a month remains to see the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! on the America Gardens stage. The show has five performances scheduled daily through August 18. 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.
File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
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). Recently, 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. Only the act(s) performing November 12-14 have yet to be announced. Concert showtimes on Sundays through Thursdays will be the usual 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the showtimes shift an hour later to 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 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.
Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Edward James Olmos are all scheduled to return as celebrity narrators for this year's Candlelight Processional. 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 to 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).
Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
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
Bonnie and Donald Fink had an opportunity to attend an invited media night at Magic Kingdom for Disney Villains After Hours last Thursday night.
Enjoy some highlights of Bonnie and Donald Fink's night at Magic Kingdom during Thursday's Disney Villains After Hours event. Video by Donald & Bonnie Fink.
The rest of the Views this week are from Disney's Animal Kingdom, with Disney Springs views in that area's news section below.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That…
…Registration is now open for the 2020 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend, April 16-19, 2020, including the 5K, 10K, half marathon, and kids races. The races through Walt Disney World Resort will include encounters with characters from both sides of the Force, and participants can choose their side. Registration for the Star Wars Virtual Half Marathon is also open. Visit runDisney.com for more information and registration.
…Congratulations to Disney Cruise Lines for the top honors it earned in the 2019 Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards. For the fourth consecutive year, Disney Castaway Cay has been named the “Top Cruise Line Private Island” in the Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Destination Awards. Disney Cruise Line was also recognized by Cruise Critic members as the “Top Cruise Line in the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas and Bermuda,” as well as “Top Cruise Line in the Western Caribbean and Riviera Maya”—both in the Large Ship Cruise Line category.
…The 12th annual Tour de Turtles “migration marathon” is kicking off at Disney's Vero Beach Resort this Saturday, July 27. The Sea Turtle Conservancy and Disney's Animals, Science and Environment team partner to study loggerhead sea turtles outfitted with satellite transmitters released from Disney's sea turtle-friendly resort located on one of Florida's most active sea turtle nesting beaches on the Atlantic Coast. Watch our social media channels for coverage this Saturday!
…On July 17, Disneyland's 64th anniversary, Give Kids the World Village saluted Disney Parks history with Disney veterans Tom Nabbe, Bill Sullivan, and Bill Hoelscher, who worked in many capacities for Disney Parks, starting with the earliest days of Disneyland's history and running well beyond the opening of Walt Disney World Resort. Each told stories of encountering Walt Disney himself in the park, starting with Tom Nabbe who has the distinction of having been the first person hired to play Tom Sawyer on Disneyland's Tom Sawyer island (after, what Nabbe described as his regularly making the request of Walt Disney when he was in the park—Nabbe started as a newspaper boy selling papers outside the park gates the day after it opened). I was an invited media guest of Give Kids the World for this event and expect to share more stories with MousePlanet readers when I visit Disneyland later this summer.
Disney veterans Tom Nabbe, Bill Sullivan, and Bill Hoelscher share stories of their fabled careers, stretching from the Disneyland's launch to the opening of Walt Disney World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…REMINDER: On August 3, Give Kids the World Village welcomes Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Linda Larkin, voice of Jasmine from Aladdin, to share stories of the magic behind the scenes of these loved Disney characters. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Give Kids The World Village, 210 S Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. Tickets are $35 for general seating; Preferred seating $50; $150 for the VIP package (all amounts require additional eventbrite fee) 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.
…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, and, this week, we start with some NEW views. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.
For the latest Disney film, “The Lion King,” the entrance of the AMC Dine-In 24 Theatres was decorated with banners and a “carpet.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
STK is now offering lunch service and has a posted special. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
NEW Disney DescenDANCE Party
Disney Channel launches Descendants 3 on August 3. Starting Thursday, from July 26 to August 11, 2019, Disney DescenDANCE Party will celebrate at the Marketplace Stage at Disney Springs. The venue will also include two photo opportunities and “on-screen shout-outs” from stars of the upcoming movie. Disney Parks Blog says:
In Descendants 3, after a barrier breach threatens the safety of Auradon during the VKs' departure off the Isle, Mal decides to permanently close the magical barrier, fearing Uma and Hades will do irreparable damage. But an unfathomable, unforeseen dark force threatens the people of Auradon, and it's up to Mal and the VKs to save everyone in the kingdom before it’s too late.
>For those that don't know, the VKs are Villain Kids, as in, the “Descendants” are the kids of Disney Villains. After the celebration's run at Disney Springs, DescenDANCE Party will take over the stage at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café during the hard ticket Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party event nights starting August 16.
NBA Experience
NEW While the new interactive venue's grand opening is scheduled for August 12, 2019, cast member friends and family preview testing is underway. Guests visiting during the preview are asked not to share photos until after the grand opening (and I have had the opportunity to visit as a friend of a cast member but, since it is not yet open, I refer you to this page of DisneyWorld.com for the pre-opening description of what to expect inside and for advance ticket sales which are $34 plus tax for ages 10 and up). The NBA Store has already opened its doors to the public, and we can share those photos.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant
NEW Planning is underway for the 8th annual Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley boutique music festival. It will run Friday, August 30 and through Labor Day, September 2. Headliners this year include Billow Wood, Strings & Things, High Time, TradGad, Maca, The Rolling Wave, and Atlantic Bridge. Of course, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will appear throughout, and the event has no cover charge.
Goofy's Candy Co.
Goofy's Candy Co. in the Marketplace area has made the gourmet cotton candy offerings from the Christmas Tree Trail a permanent offering in the shop. In addition to holiday flavors, this summer it also offers Sweet Mesquite, Root Beer, Sour Apple, Strawberry Banana, and Key Lime. On the colder side, Goofy's Glaciers are available in flavors that match Goofy's usual colorful outfit, and those guests 21 and older can order more expensive Frozen Glaciers that include Vodka, Rum, Whiskey, or Tequila.
Frontera Cocina
NEW Celebrate #NationalTequilaDay tomorrow, July 24, with the restaurant's drink specials, including $12 tequila flights (well, for those 21-and-older anyway).
Terralina Crafted Italian
NEW The restaurant celebrates #NationalWineandCheeseDay on Thursday, July 25, with 2 glasses of Prunotto Barbera D’Asti & a Charcuterie Board for $30.00.
NEW Kids ages 5-12 can learn how to make cheese raviolis with fresh ingredients. A cooking class for kids will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 11 a.m. to noon, for $25/person (plus $3.16 eventbrite fee). More information and tickets are available on this eventbrite.com webpage.
Jaleo
NEW Starting July 29, Jaleo introduces “Sangria Hour” each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sangria Hour includes happy hour-style discounts on selected tapas and $6 beverage specials on draught beer, draft wine (white and red), and sangria roja.
Pizza Ponte
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.
A photo of the pizza at “actual size” is outside the restaurant. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
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
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
Enzo's Hideaway introduced a new Late Night menu last week that we were invited to sample during an invited media event. NEW As promised in last week's Update, we have more details to share: the dedicated menu of “comfort food staples” is available Sunday to Thursday, 10 p.m. to midnight, and Friday & Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.
File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Edison
The Edison also debuted a new “Late Nights” menu last night that we were invited to sample during an invited media event. Available Monday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. until Midnight, its highlights are the $5 “bites”: Clothesline Maple Bacon, Philly Cheesesteak, and Bacon Cheeseburger. NEW As promised in last week's Update, a few more details: the “Late Nights” menu includes select beer and wine for $5-7, and Specialty Cocktails (“Now I'm Here, Now I'm There,” “Baby Patented,” “The Flying Phonograph,” “The Fluroscopy,” and “Electric Lizard”) for $7.
File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Edison at Disney Springs hosts Havana Nights on Wednesdays, beginning at 7:30 p.m.: 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.
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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.
Just click the year you want to expand (or close).
2019 Resort Events
- Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…Disney Villains at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.)- July 25
- August 1 & 8
…at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.):
- August 22 & 29
- September 5 & 12
…at Magic Kingdom (9 p.m. to midnight):
- September 19 & 26
…at Disney's Hollywood Studios (9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.):
- July 26
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom (9 p.m. to midnight; 7 p.m.):
- July 29
- August 5, 12, 19, & 26
- September 3, 9, 16, & 23
- Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (registration required but full)
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom- August 8 & 22, 2019
…at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
- September 18 & October 16, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: August 14, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: August 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
- Party with Pixar Pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios – January 18 – September 30, 2019
- 25 Years of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
- Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon (hard ticket required)
Thursday & Saturday nights from May 30-August 24, 2019. - Gay Days at Walt Disney World (#RedShirtDays – unofficial events) – August 15-18, 2019
Disney's Animal Kingdom: August 15; Disney's Hollywood Studios: August 16;
Magic Kingdom: August 17; Epcot: August 18 - Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
- August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
- September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
- October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
- November 1
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 29 – November 23, 2019
(Eat to the Beat Concerts end November 19) - Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) – November 16-17, 2019
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – October 31 – November 3, 2019
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 29 – December 30, 2019
(includes Candlelight Processional) - Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required) — Late Fall/Winter 2019
- November: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 & 24
- December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 & 22
2020 Resort Events
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 8-12, 2020
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 20-23, 2020
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 16-19, 2020
- MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.
View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.
Magic Kingdom
- Astro Orbiter – closed for refurbishment
- Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial – No longer listed in My Disney Experience (final show was September 29, 2018).
- Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as “available seasonally throughout the year”
Be aware that it is increasingly unlikely it will reopen; the attraction's lobby is usually used for greeting Stitch - Walt Disney World Railroad – Closed as of December 3, 2018 to accommodate TRON construction (reopening to be announced). Guests can visit a Walt Disney World Railroad train at Main Street Station.
Epcot
- Future World “transformation” to result in closings – With major details expected to be announced at D23 Expo in August, so far, My Disney Experience lists closings and relocations to come later this year:
- Innoventions East, including Colortopia and Nanooze Break will close on September 8, 2019
- Club Cool will close in its current location on September 8, 2019 (to reopen in “a new capacity at a future merchandise location”)
- Fountain of Nations will close on September 8, 2019
- Fountain View featuring Starbucks will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall, 2019
- Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will close on September 8, 2019 (meet characters at other locations throughout the park)
- Electric Umbrella will close in Winter 2019-20. (New dining options to be announced)
- Mouse Gear will close in its current location in Winter 2019-20. (It will move to a temporary home to be announced)
- Art of Disney will operate from a temporary location before eventually relocating to Heritage Manor at The American Adventure
- The SpectacuLAB presented by Murata (in Innoventions) – no longer open or listed in My Disney Experience
- 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. (New film entitled Awesome Planet announced.)
- Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Final performance: September 30, 2019.
Epcot Forever debuts October 1 for a limited run which will be followed by a new nighttime spectacular in 2020 - Liberty Inn – the fast-casual restaurant closed for reimagining starting July 8, 2019.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will open later in 2019 in its place.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- March of the First Order – Captain Phasma commanded her final parade down Hollywood Boulevard on July 6, 2019.
The First Order will “redeploy” inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge upon its opening in August - Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – Currently only available during Star Wars Guided Tours
- Disney Movie Magic (projection show) – final showing was April 30, 2019
Wonderful World of Animation (projection show) debuted May 1, 2019 - The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
The new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in Spring 2020.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- No known closures
Disney Water Parks
- No known closures.
Disney Springs
- Bongo's Cuban Café– Closing in August 2019.
- DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
The NBA Experience is now testing; it is scheduled to hold its grand opening on August 12, 2019. - 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.
Disney Resorts
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Mizner's Lounge closed for refurbishment; reopening planned for fall 2019 with a new Beauty & The Beast theme.
- Caribbean Beach – The overall construction project at the Resort is expected to be completed 2019–20. The resort's new lobby, restaurants and other amenities, including Sebastian's Bistro, Centertown Market, and Banana Cabana are all now open.
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Big Blue Pool will close for refurbishment beginning in Fall 2020.
Walt Disney World Golf
- No known closures.
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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For Everyone
Summer One World Ticket
Through August 23, you can purchase the Summer One World Ticket on DisneyWorld.com or from authorized ticket sellers including travel professionals. For $444/person plus tax, it provides one admission to each of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks and to each of the two water parks. It can be used on any days through August 28, 2019, but, unlike park hopper tickets, it allows only one admission to each park. If you would like to visit more than one park on the same day, that would use each park you visit's admission on that same day. The ticket does not provide admission to separately ticketed park events.
4-Park Magic Tickets
Earlier this year, Disney introduced a new four park ticket that provides one admission per theme park each day that must be used within 7 days of first use or by an expiration based upon price category, whichever comes first. To purchase, call (407)939-7646 or visit this page of DisneyWorld.com
Note that tickets are nontransferable and nonrefundable, do not include admission to hard ticket events and activities. If you purchase the 4-Park Magic tickets for higher-priced dates but use them on lower-priced dates, there will be no credits or refunds issued.
As further incentive to purchase park tickets in advance, for other ticket types, you can save $20 when you buy a 3-day or longer Disney Theme Park Ticket online compared to the price of the same ticket purchased at theme park ticket windows. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com official ticket purchasing options.
Enchanting Summer Room Offer
Save up to 25% for stays most nights in Deluxe Villas and Resorts and Moderate Resorts, or up to 15% for stays most nights in Value Resorts from May 28 through August 28, 2019 when you book through August 28, 2019.
The Enchanting Summer Room Offer varies by resort category and the savings depend upon dates which may also have length of stay requirements. The savings is based on the non-discounted price for the same room. In addition to the link, you can call (407)939-7534 for more information and availability, or you can contact your travel agent.
More offers may be available at DisneyWorld.com/save
NEW Fall & Holiday Season Resort Hotel Offers
Save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels in late 2019. Book through September 29, 2019 for stays most nights September 1 through September 28, 2019; and for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights September 29 through November 7, 2019. Also, book through December 24, 2019 for stays most nights November 10, 2019 through December 24, 2019.
Deluxe Villas and Resort rooms are offered at up to 20% off; Moderate Resort rooms up to 15% off; Value Resort rooms up to 10%. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for all the details, exclusions, dates and availability, or call (407)939-2727 or your travel agent.
NEW Meal Vacation Package Offers
If you are considering a Walt Disney World Vacation Package that includes a non-discounted 5-night/6-day stay, Disney dining plans are included in the package when include the hotel and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights September 1 to 18, November 17 to 27, and December 8 to 23, 2019. Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Resort packages include the free Disney Dining Plan; Moderate and Value Resort packages include the free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package and the theme park tickets must be valid for admission on the date of check-in and be used within a limited number of days (which varies by length of stay). Gratuities are not included. Kids between ages 3 and 9 must order from children's menu where applicable. The package does not guarantee access to any specific table-service restaurants.
Read more information and exclusions, and check availability on this page of DisneyWorld.com, or call (407)939-7216 or your travel agent.
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.
For Annual Passholders
Expect to be required to show your Passholder Card and matching photo ID to receive a discount and other benefits. |
Ticket Deals
Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders can take advantage of the return of the Bring-a-Friend offer through August 8, 2019. For $89 plus tax, qualified Passholders can buy one-day Park Hopper tickets at park ticket windows for same-day use. Each qualified Passholder can purchase up to six tickets at this price (either all at once or spread out cumulatively across the length of this promotion).
Passholders without Water Park admissions included that want to visit them this summer, now have the option to purchase the new Summer Splash Pass that provides unlimited visits to both Disney's Blizzard Beach and Disney's Typhoon Lagoon through September 7, 2019, for the same $69 plus tax cost as a non-discounted, one-day water park ticket. These tickets may be purchased at the ticket windows at the water parks.
H2O Glow Night tickets can be purchased by Passholders for $15 off ticket window prices by purchasing them in advance.
The other usual Passholder discounts and benefits continue as well. The updated list is at DisneyWorld.com/PassBenefits.(You may need to sign in to see the full list applicable to your pass.) Don't forget about the dedicated V.I.PASSHOLDER SUPPORT service for questions about Passholder benefits and recommendations. Call (407)WDW-PASS or on-line chat (via chat button on this page of DisneyWorld.com) daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, by email (via a web form), or in-person at Liberty Square Ticket Office in Magic Kingdom, Ticket Central at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Ticket Corner at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Many dining locations offer Passholders 10% discounts during some or all meal periods (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity).
Through August 31, Passholders save 15% off lunch or dinner at Maria & Enzo's, Enzo's Hideaway and The Edison (for the Passholder and up to 10 Guests).
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. Remember, not all merchandise locations at Walt Disney World are owned and operated by Disney, but some of the non-Disney participants (including restaurants) offer discounts between 10 and 20% to Passholders as well. Note, the current terms and conditions include, “Discount is for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the 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.
For the current list of Passholder Extras visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Passholder Extras include information about V.I.Passholder Perks, discounts on Disney After Hours events, Animal Encounter and tour discounts, Water Park discounts, Golf discounts, and more.
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 (last checked April 15, 2019).
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.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
Reminder to MagicBand users: You must still show your Disney Visa credit card to receive discounts and other benefits. Discounts are not automatically applied even if you have linked your Disney Visa credit card to your MagicBand. |
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.
Disney Resorts Cardmember Rates
Cardmembers may be able to book a Gran Destino Tower water view room at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort for $199/night plus tax from July 15 – September 28, 2019. Cardmember rates are also available at select Disney Resorts during that period for most nights. Call (407)939-1313 or your travel agent and ask about the Disney Visa Card offer. (Thanks to Stephanie Wien for a heads-up about this offer!)
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 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:
- Carriage Rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Horseback Trail Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot
Present your Disney's 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 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).
For Military Personnel
2019 Military Promotional Tickets
January 1 through December 19, 2019
- Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$241.00
- Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $291.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $257.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $307.00
Prices do not include tax and tickets must be used by December 19, 2019.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.
U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19, 2019.
For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members 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). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.
Special Rates at Resort Hotels
U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2018, for stays most nights through April 13, and from April 26 through December 19, 2018. Offer excludes suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Call (407)939-4249 for information and reservations. Eligibility details are listed on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
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.
For Florida Residents
Expect to be required to show proof of Florida Residency for discounts and benefits. |
Get Your Ears On Ticket
This special ticket provides Florida Residents (with proof of residency) 3- and 4-day park ticket options for as low as $55 per day (plus tax) for the 4-day ticket (total price $219 plus tax) and is available through August 25, 2019, and can be used any three or four days, depending on ticket purchased, through August 28, 2019. There are no block out dates.
3-Day Get Your Ears On Ticket
$199 (plus tax) – Less than $67 per day (plus tax)
4-Day Get Your Ears On Ticket
$219 (plus tax) – Less than $55 per day (plus tax)
The Get Your Ears On tickets include admission to one theme park each day. They do not include park hopping, water parks or any separately ticketed park events. Upgrade options are available. More information and tickets can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Resort Offers
Florida residents can save up to 30 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels for stays most nights July 1 through August 28, 2019, when you book through August 28, 2019, with the Florida Resident Summer Offer.
Other Florida Resident Offers
For special tickets, passes and offers available to Florida Residents, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Disney Vacation Club Members
Member Benefits and Discounts may be found on this page of DisneyVacationClub.com. Note: some benefits and discounts are only available to those with a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card which is only available to Members owning at least 75 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.
Call DVC Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to take advantage of most offers.
If you know of an offer that you think most Members do not know about, please drop us an email with the details.
For New England Residents
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrates February's big football game victory by the team from New England by offering the Champions Package to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. For stays through December 24, 2019 (minimum stay of three nights required), the Champions Package includes $100 meal credit, which can be used at Shula's Steak House (named for NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula) or any other restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. It also includes a “one category complimentary room upgrade that does not include suite upgrades.” Guests must have valid state identification at check-in from an eligible state. More information and details of the offer are available at this page of SwanDolphin.com. More information and reservations are available by calling (800)227-1500 and mentioning “CHAMPS.”
For Canada Residents
All adults using Canada resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canada 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. The offer itself requires advanced purchase; it is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows. 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.
For U.K. Residents
You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. It now features an offer where everyone on your booking dines for FREE during their entire stay when you book a Disney Moderate, Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort Hotel and Ticket package for a minimum of 5 nights in 2019; also enjoy FREE Breakfast if you stay in a Value Resort Hotel! Plus, enjoy speciality non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages during your stay!
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
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