Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 14–20, 2016
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News and Views
We Are Orlando | Soarin' Around the World takes flight Friday | New ride planned for Typhoon Lagoon | Inside the DVC Member Lounge | Awaken and Relax offer at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
We Are Orlando
Author's Note –
As a Disney travel guide, we rarely need to address something like the horrific mass shooting committed this weekend at an Orlando nightclub. There is absolutely nothing that I can say about this attack that hasn't been said much more eloquently by someone else, no new information to add to the story, no profound insight to share.
I am profoundly grateful that none of our MousePlanet family were involved. I mourn for our Orlando-area colleagues who can't say the same about their own friends, family, and coworkers.
The attack has naturally raised questions about safety of gathering places like the Walt Disney World Resort, and some readers have asked how or if Disney has changed security practices since Sunday. These concerns were heightened by a People.com report that the shooter may have considered Downtown Disney (now Disney Springs) as a possible target. The Orlando Sentinel reports that the shooter may have visited Walt Disney World in the months before the attack, but that officials are not sure of his intentions.
For their part, Disney provided the Sentinel with a statement reading:
Unfortunately we've all been living in a world of uncertainty, and during this time we have increased our security measures across our properties, adding such visible safeguards as magnetometers, additional canine units, and law enforcement officers on site, as well as less visible systems that employ state-of-the-art security technologies.
Based on social media reports and observations from MousePlanet readers currently visiting Walt Disney World, there are no noticeable changes to the security screenings conducted outside the theme park entrances. We've seen sporadic reports of increased “secondary screening” using metal detectors, but it seems pretty consistent with what we've observed before this attack. Whatever steps Disney is taking are happening in ways not obvious to the casual observer, which is perhaps how it should be.
A verified Go Fund Me campaign has been set up to help the victims and families of the Pulse shooting. If you wish to help, follow the link to make a donation.
Update: The Walt Disney Company announced Tuesday morning a $1 million donation to the OneOrlando fund, and also committed to match donations made by Disney employees. Thomas Smith, Editorial Content Director, Disney Parks, released the following statement regarding the pledge:
Today, the Walt Disney Company is announcing a $1 million cash commitment to the OneOrlando Fund, established by Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer to assist those affected by the tragic events in Orlando. Also, eligible donations from Disney employees will be matched dollar for dollar by Disney Employee Matching Gifts: A Program of The Walt Disney Company Foundation.
“We are heartbroken by this tragedy and hope our commitment will help those in the community affected by this senseless act,” said Bob Chapek, chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “With 74,000 Cast Members who call Orlando home, we mourn the loss of the victims and offer our condolences to their families, friends and loved ones.”
OneOrlando Fund will provide funds and other services to individuals affected by the tragedy. The website for the new fund is www.oneorlando.org.
Walt Disney World Resort has also been working in coordination with other Central Florida agencies and leaders to provide support to those in need. In coordination with OneBlood, cast members and other employees working at Walt Disney World Resort wishing to donate blood to help victims may donate at five designated locations across the resort property.
Through an effort led by the City of Orlando and the Central Florida Hotel & Lodging Association, Walt Disney World Resort is also providing complimentary accommodations for the families and friends of the victims.
Our hearts are with everyone impacted by this horrific event.
Soarin' Around the World takes flight Friday
Soarin' Over California will have its final flight at Epcot park this Thursday, June 16. When the ride reopens on Friday, it will present the new Soarin' Around the World film. The new film debuts as part of the Shanghai Disney Resort grand opening Thursday, and then opens at both Walt Disney World and Disney California Adventure on Friday. Don't look for a soft-opening on Thursday—we've heard Disney is sticking firmly to the Friday opening date, giving Shanghai rights to an exclusive premiere.
New ride planned for Typhoon Lagoon
The Orlando Business Journal reported last week that Walt Disney World has filed plans to add a new “family raft ride” west of the current Crush N Gusher ride at the Typhoon Lagoon water park. The Journal shared both a satellite view of the proposed site and a site plan for the new construction; a Twitter follower merged the two into a graphic giving a better sense of the project:
@RichOBJ pic.twitter.com/XWZLzOSTIB
— Tony Adler (@Truecoat) June 8, 2016
Disney did not detail when they expect the new ride to open, but the Journal speculates the project could be finished by next summer.
Inside the DVC Member Lounge
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka paid a visit to the new DVC Member Lounge inside Epcot this week. The Lounge is now open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., subject to capacity limits.
Inside, members (and up to five guests) have access to a seating area with free Wi-Fi, free soft drinks from Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, and free coffee from a self-service Keurig station. There is a small play area for children, and plenty of places to plug in and recharge personal electronic devices.
The lounge is staffed by DVC member services staff, and during Alan's trip also by a representative of RCI, one of DVC's timeshare trading partners.
This is one of the Membership Extras created to celebrate DVC's 25th Anniversary, and the lounge is currently scheduled to be open only through the end of 2016.
The new Disney Vacation Club Members Lounge opened last week inside Epcot's Imagination pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The entrance to the DVC Member Lounge is in the gift shop area of Imageworks inside the Imagination pavilion. The Lounge is on the second level within the pyramid. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
DVC 25th Anniversary merchandise is displayed near the check-in podium for the DVC Member Lounge. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
After checking in at the podium on the first floor, DVC Members and their guests either climb the stairs or ride the elevator to the second level of the Imagination pavilion where they are first greeted by a desk staffed with Disney Vacation Club cast members and a representative of RCI, one of DVC's timeshare trading partners. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The elevator shaft rises inside the center of the DVC Members Lounge under one of the Imagination pavilion pyramids. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The DVC Members Lounge boasts views of Epcot that have not been available to the public since Imageworks was remodeled and moved exclusively to the first floor. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
One side of the DVC Member Lounge overlooks the fountains outside the Imagination pavilion's Magic Eye Theater. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Several iPad Pro tablets are available for use in the DVC Member Lounge, and there are numerous device charging stations, include some in tabletops. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Charging stations are also located under some of the seats in the DVC Member Lounge. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The DVC Member Lounge includes complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle machines and a Keurig coffee station. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The DVC Member Lounge's small business center includes a couple of computers and a printer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Awaken and Relax offer at Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel released a new discount offer last week, with rates starting at $165 per night. The package also offers a 20% discount on services booked at the Mandara Spa. The Swan and Dolphin Hotels are located between Disney's Epcot and Hollywood Studios parks, near the Boardwalk and Beach Club properties.
Offer details are available online at www.swandolphin.com/offers , or by calling 1-800-227-1500. Use offer code “AWAKEN” to receive this discount. Full terms and conditions available on the hotel website.
Views from around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares his photos from around Epcot this week. He also took a side trip to the Orlando Eye observation wheel some five miles from Walt Disney World, and shares some photos from that unique vantage point.
Epcot
The topiaries of Chip 'n' Dale and Park Ranger Mickey have been replaced with a summer floral arrangement. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Flower and Garden Festival's Sorcerer Mickey topiary display remained in place until last week and was then replaced with a simple summer flower garden. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot's World Showcase promenade no longer displays any topiaries. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Fresh sod has been planted along the banks of the Future World reflecting ponds. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The scaffolding visible above the walls around the “Frozen”-themed Royal Sommerhus has been removed next to the Norway pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The construction scrim has been removed from the entrance to the upcoming new Frozen Ever After attraction at the Norway pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Among the details revealed last week at the entrance to the Frozen Ever After attraction is a carving of Kristoff and his reindeer companion, Sven. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Anna and Elsa topiaries no longer stand in front of the Norway pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The only remaining temporary kitchen from the 2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival stands near the Mexico pavilion; the nearby Margaritas kiosk (adjacent to the Royal Sommerhus construction) has been closed and surrounded by construction walls over the past week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Orlando Eye
The Characters in Flight balloon at Disney Springs can be seen rising above the trees all the way from the Orlando Eye observation wheel on International Drive. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From the Orlando Eye observation wheel on International Drive, Magic Kingdom's Cinderella Castle and Space Mountain can be seen amongst the trees, with Disney's Contemporary and Grand Floridian Resorts nearby. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From nearly 400 feet up and more than five miles away, Epcot's Spaceship Earth and The Tower of Terror at Disney's Hollywood Studios appear fairly close together. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
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This and That
…Canada's Mill Stage has a new act, as Les Parfaits Inconnus began a summer run last week in Epcot. Disney describes the group as a blend of “music, circus art and comedy.”
Yet another new act has begun its run at the Canada pavilion's stage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…We shared last week that the Jungle Skipper Canteen had moved fully onto the Advance Dining Reservation system, and now allows visitors to book reservations up to six months in advance. Now Touring Plans reports that the Magic Kingdom's Plaza Restaurant has made the opposite move, and will only allow visitors to book an advance reservation for the first hour the restaurant is open each day. For the rest of the day, tables will be offered on a walk-up basis only.
This change applies only to ADRs made for July 17 and beyond, but ADRs made prior to the change will still be honored as scheduled.
…The 2016 Sounds Like Summer concert series continues this week with Hotel California, A Salute to the Eagles. Show times are 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. each day through June 18. Rumours – A Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band continues the series starting June 19 through 24.
…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
- “Jersey Week” – November 6 – 13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
- Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – 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 – dates to be announced.
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – dates to be announced.
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2016
- Disney 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 15–19 |
Disney Springs
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| June 24 |
Epcot
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| June 25 |
Epcot
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| June 26 |
Epcot
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| 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.
- 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
- Soarin' – Reopens June 17 as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film. The ride is showing the original Soarin' Over California film from May 27 to June 16, giving fans one last chance to see the original attraction.
- Maelstrom – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open June 21.
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.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- None scheduled
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. |
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