Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 18-24, 2019
Writer's note: This week, there were just a few new items of note around Walt Disney World Resort as the calendar and property continues their steady pace toward the August 29 opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival too. One of the bigger items of interest to Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Annual Passholders was even buried inside a long Disney Parks Blog post describing a whole host of summertime Passholder perks (we will talk about them in the news below and will add them to the Discounts & Promotions section while valid starting next week). Oh yeah, maybe you wanted to know about this interesting item. Here is the total of what Disney Parks Blog shared (and we have no further information on the subject):
In addition, we're excited to share that Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Annual Passholders will be among the first to experience Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, with complimentary special preview opportunities planned before the land's opening on Aug. 29. Capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. More information and registration details for previews will be shared at a later date.
A few more scheduled acts are now listed on the TasteEpcot.com website for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series during the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, and a whole lot of additional dates have been scheduled for Disney After Hours at Disney's Animal Kingdom (through the end of September), Magic Kingdom (resuming after Disney Villains After Hours in mid-August through the end of September), and Disney's Hollywood Studios (through July). We have added all of those dates to the appropriate sections below too.
And, with Toy Story 4 opening this Friday, June 21, 2019, in theaters, I appeared on Episode 499 of The Garry Meier Show Podcast to provide my spoiler-free review and commentary following the screening and press conferences I attended earlier this month with the producers, director and voice cast stars including Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Annie Potts, Christina Hendricks, Keanu Reeves, and Tony Hale. I loved the movie so much that when an another opportunity to see a screening courtesy of Disney Vacation Club came up at the last moment this past weekend, I went to see it again (and I expect to see it at least once more in the theater). As of last night, the movie's score on Rotten Tomatoes was 100% fresh based on 111 critical reviews! We'll have more about the movie coming up soon here on MousePlanet.com too!
News and Views
Headlines are auto-generated here
Platinum and Above Passholders To Get Chance to Preview Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge; Additional Passholder Summer Perks Announced
Talk about burying the lede!
Yesterday, Disney Parks Blog published a lengthy post about the many perks Annual Passport holders can enjoy this summer. Mixed in toward the middle of the post, Disney noted that guests with Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Annual Passports (those annual passes with no blockout dates at any of the four Walt Disney World theme parks) will have an opportunity to attend “complimentary special preview opportunities” to visit Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios before the land's August 29 opening. Other than that capacity is limited and will be available on a first-come, first served basis, no information has yet been announced for how to register. Prior “V.I.Passholder” events, like the after-it-opened exclusive time to enjoy Toy Story Land last year, and the Passholder Previews of Pandora-The World of Avatar back in 2017, involved having Passholders visit specific registration webpages in response to emails. Problems have cropped up with those email-triggered registration processes in the past and, indeed, as one commenter on the Blog noted, some Passholders never seem to receive the official emails that permit registration.
In any event, those top-tier Passholders interested in the possibility of attending a preview ought to keep a careful eye on their email and, perhaps, the Disney Parks Blog (and its tweets done as @DisneyParks) too! If you have a lower-tier Passport, it is possible to pay for an upgraded passport to Platinum or above, but, even then, there may not be guarantee that whatever notice is given will include last-minute upgrades or purchases. Certainly, acting sooner would increase your chance of getting notice, but from prior times we have written about Passholder event registrations, by the time you read this Update on Tuesday (or later), more registration details may already be out on an official channel. Caution, as always: try to avoid the “rumors” out there that do not point readers to an official source of Disney information on a Disney website!
Ticket Deals
Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus and Premier Passholders can take advantage of the return of the “Bring-a-Friend” offer starting today, June 18, 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, will have the option beginning July 5 to purchase the new “Summer Slash 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 hard ticket, after hours event at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon includes an exclusive experience with Bo Peep from Toy Story 4 during parties held through June 29.
Lunch Table Service Dining Discount Through July 2
Several table service restaurants in each park and several at resort hotels are offering Passholders 20% off lunch through July 2, 2019. Lunch is offered 11:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. but hours of opperation may vary by location; special events and dining packages are not included. The discount applies for the Passholder and up to 3 guests and the Passholder must present their Annual Pass card and matching photo ID. The following locations are included (though, as always, you should ask at the time of booking to confirm):
Magic Kingdom |
Jungle Navigation Co. LTD Skipper CanteenLiberty Tree Tavern |
Epcot | Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Biergarten Restaurant Coral Reef Restaurant Rose & Crown Dining Room The Garden Grill Restaurant |
Disney’s Hollywood Studios | Hollywood & Vine Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano The Hollywood Brown Derby |
Disney’s Animal Kingdom | Tiffins Restaurant Tusker House Restaurant |
Resort Hotels | Ale & Compass Restaurant at Disney’s Yacht Club Resort ESPN Club at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Grand Floridian Cafe at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Kona Cafe at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Olivia's Cafe at Disney’s Old Key West Resort Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge The Wave… of American Flavors at Disney’s Contemporary Resort Whispering Canyon Cafe at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge |
The other usual Passholder discounts and benefits continue as well. The updated list is at DisneyWorld.com/PassBenefits.
Toy Story Drop! Pop-Up Experience at Disney Springs
In our Disney Springs New Views section last week, we spotted some clouds added to one of the kiosks near Paddlefish restaurant that looked a lot like those depicted in the Toy Story films. Well, last Tuesday, that kiosk opened as the Toy Story Drop! pop=up experience. Toy Story Drop! is a new mobile game themed to the Toy Story universe. Through August 9, guests can play the game on stations at the kiosk for free.
Last week, we noted that this kiosk near Paddlefish had roof decor that reminded us of the clouds and sky of the “Toy Story” movies. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Mickey and Minnie Mouse were on hand last week for the ribbon cutting at the Toy Story Drop! pop-up experience at Disney Springs. Photo ©Disney.
Guests that download the game on their mobile device and show it to cast members at the kiosk can receive a limited-edition Toy Story Drop! pop socket for their device. The game is available for iOS, Google Play and Amazon. The game features the Toy Story characters like Woody and Buzz, plus elements as current as Toy Story 4, and is played by matching and dropping puzzles.
Also at the kiosk, guests can take a selfie with The Claw. Sometimes guest may also find Disney PhotoPass photographers on-hand as well (as we did this weekend).
Guests take photos with a human-sized version of The Claw inside the Toy Story Drop! kiosk. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar
Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! has returned to the America Gardens stage five daily performances scheduled 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.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Cindy Wilson, Show Director & Choreographer discusses the return of “Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! Video ©Disney.
Liberty Inn is offering up some themed food during the run of the “Awesome Mix” show. The nearby Fife & Drum has some themed beverage and snack offerings too. Photo 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). As we reviewed the TasteEpcot.com website this week, we spotted a few more NEW additions to the list of scheduled acts, including returning performers Taylor Dayne and Kenny G, and new to the Festival, India. The Festival runs a record 87 days this year, through November 23, but the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series will only run until November 19. This year, 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 (before the Festival's end) to allow the America Gardens stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional.
So far, Disney Parks Blog has announced just the first four returning Celebrity Narrators for this year's edition of Candlelight Processional: Whoopi Goldberg (12/6-7), Pat Sajak (12/16-8), Steven Curtis Chapman (12/22-4), and Edward James Olmos (12/25-6). 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).
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
This week's views are just from Epcot. Some new views around Disney Springs and Disney's Saratoga Springs are included in the Disney Springs news section.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Skyliner gondolas can be spotted testing behind World Showcase pavilions on their route from Disney's Riviera Resort to Epcot's International Gateway. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
By this past weekend, the gondolas testing on the Epcot route had been uncovered. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That…
…The Walt Disney Company launched a global campaign to raise awareness of the crisis facing lions and to support the Lion Recovery Fund and its partners that help advance conservation across Africa by achieving goals including doubling the number of lions in the wild by 2050. Tied to the upcoming July 19, 2019, release of the Disney’s new “live action” version of The Lion King, there are now Special Edition Simba and Nala plush that are available at Disney's Animal Kingdom (and, starting July 1, at additional Walt Disney World Resort locations, Disneyland Resort, North American Disney Stores and online shopDisney.com (U.S. customers). Each of the 40,000 plush available during this campaign represents one of the lions whose future Disney and the Lion Recovery Fund are working to ensure. For more information on the Lion Recovery Fund and Disney’s conservation efforts, visit this page on Disney.com.
Special Edition “The Lion King” plush support The Wildlife Conservation Network’s (WCN) Lion Recovery Fund (LRF) are now available at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Photo ©Disney.
…Disney PhotoPass has published a guide of locations where you can capture “Your Summer Story” around Walt Disney World Resort. Download the PDF version of the guide here.
…With Illuminations: Reflections of Earth ending its nearly two decade-long run at Epcot this Fall, the park has begun offering special, limited-time themed merchandise (while supplies last). The first items went on sale yesterday and you can see a preview of the line on Disney Parks Blog.
…Starting August 18, on select nights, Restaurantosaurus at Disney's Animal Kingdom will offer a new Burger and Sundae dinner experience. For $22.99 plus tax for adults and $14.99 plus tax for children 3-9 (or one quick-service meal entitlement on the Disney Dining Plan), guests can select an entrée and side dish plus build their own sundae. The menu includes gourmet burgers, a chicken sandwich, a veggie burger and a salad; sides include fries or onion rings with “house-made” dipping sauce. When the entrée and side dish are served, guests receive a token that may be redeemed later that evening for two scoops of ice cream which can then be made in to a sundae at a toppings bar. Dinner includes a non-alcoholic beverage and age-appropriate adults may also purchase alcoholic beverages at the restaurant. This experience will have a designated register and guests will be escorted to a table in a separate dining room; the regular quick service menu will also be available. Reservations are available and walk-ups are subject to availability.
…Beyond the Resort, Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream sailings now include a Tiffany & Co. store aboard the ship, joining the brand's store on Disney Fantasy. A silver necklace developed exclusively for DCL is available only aboard Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.
A silver necklace developed exclusively for DCL is available only aboard “Disney Dream” and “Disney Fantasy.” Photo ©Disney and Tiffany & Co.
…Speaking of DCL, Disney Wonder will debut new enhancements during its four-night sailing from Vancouver to San Diego on September 30, 2019. A New Orleans-themed lounge will complement Tiana's Place Restaurant, furthering the ship's The Princess and the Frog nods with additional French Quarter-style live music and themed activities. The ship has also updated its teen-exclusive space, Vibe, and redesigned its adults-only Cove Café.
…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.
…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.
|
||
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.
NEW Views Around Disney Springs and nearby Disney's Saratoga Springs
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Raglan Road
Raglan Road recently welcomed its new Irish executive chef, Mark O'Neill. He previously worked with some of Europe's top chefs in several Michelin-Star restaurants. In Raglan Road's most recent newsletter, he shared a bit of his vision for the venue: “I'd like to do really great gastro-pub food, to have our team creating really nicely executed dishes like we have back home in Ireland. We'll be developing fresh, made-from-scratch food that's vibrant to the palate. It's important that we stay in front of the modern Irish food trend and keep our guests excited about great new dishes on the menu.”
Strings & Things, the Irish Folk/Trad crossover four-piece band from Tipperary and Galway returns in mid-June for a yearlong residency. The band last performed at Raglan Road from June through September last year and during the pub's Great Irish Hooley.
Bongo's Cuban Café
Orlando Sentinel reported that the restaurant will close in August and quotes its owner, Cuban-American pop icon Gloria Estafan as saying as its twenty-two year lease draws to an end this summer, “They are growing in a different direction, and we are growing in a different direction.” Gloria and her husband and business partner, Emilio Estefan, announced that they will open a new restaurant, Estefan Kitchen at the Margaritaville Orlando Resort.
Bongo's will close its West Side restaurant and shop in August. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka
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.
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.
►Terrapin Brewing Company, Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m., $45 per person
►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 is hosting “Havana Nights” beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays: June 26, 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.
Join Our Networks
On Facebook:
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.)- June 20 & 27
- July 1, 11, 18 & 25
- August 1 & 8
…at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.):
- NEW August 22 & 29
- NEW September 5 & 12
…at Magic Kingdom (9 p.m. to midnight):
- NEW September 19 & 26
…at Disney's Hollywood Studios (9:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.):
- June 21 & 28
- NEW July 5, 12, 19 & 26
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom (9 p.m. to midnight; 7 p.m.):
- June 18
- NEW July 2, 8, 15, 22 & 29
- NEW August 5, 12, 19, & 26
- NEW September 3, 9, 16, & 23
- Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic:(registration required)
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom- July 18, August 8 & 22, 2019
- Registration filled
…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
- 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
- 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
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- 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
- Rivers of Light: We Are One – an update to the nighttime show debuted Memorial Day Weekend
- Conservation Station – Rafiki's Planet Watch – Wildlife Express Train – Closed – announced reopening July 11
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 scheduled to open 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. - Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – Closed August 1, 2017.
Location has been transformed into Jaleo, a restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine.
A new restaurant, Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, is now open next door to the Coca-Cola Store.
Wolfgang Puck Express continues to operate in its existing location in the Marketplace.
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.
- Coronado Springs –The new 15-story “Gran Destino Tower” overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will open in July, 2019, adding 545 rooms, including 50 suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility, Toledo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The Gran Destino Tower will serve as the new main entrance point for the resort. Reservations are now open. The resort's more than 1,800 existing rooms have been fully updated with new fixtures, furniture and lighting. A second new restaurant, Three Bridges Bar & Grill, will also open on an island in the middle of Lago Dorado with new walkways across the water.
- 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.
Just click the category you want to expand (or close).
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 “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.
When booking for arrivals between May 28 and June 30, 2019, guests also receive a Disney Gift Card at check-in for a daily amount per room night based upon Resort Category:
- Deluxe Villas: $25 per room per night
- Deluxe Resorts: $20 per room per night
- Moderate Resorts: $15 per room per night
- Value Resorts: $10 per room per night
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
.
Quick Service Meal Vacation Package Offer
If you are considering a Walt Disney World Vacation Package that includes a room for four nights at select Moderate or Value Resorts and a 5-day theme park ticket, you can receive one free quick-service meal per person in your party (ages 3 and up) for each night of your stay at more than 90 quick-service dining locations around Walt Disney World Resort when you buy the otherwise non-discounted Walt Disney World Travel Co. package. Offer excludes campsites, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort. Meals include soft drinks; at many locations, adults 21 and over may opt for certain alcoholic beverages included in the offer. Children ages 3-9 must order from children's menus where applicable.
Packages for other lengths of stay may also be available. Read more information and check availability this page of DisneyWorld.com, or call (407)939-2745 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. |
For the most up-to-date list of locations offering dining discounts to Annual Passholders, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. (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.
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. |
NEW 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.
Florida Resident Discover Disney Ticket
Walt Disney World Resort continues to offer other Florida resident discount ticket programs. The Discover Disney Ticket offer has returned. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information and purchasing options. Proof of Florida residence will be required at park entrance
- 3-Day Discover Disney Ticket – $175 plus tax
- 3-Day Discover Disney Park Hopper – $207.50 plus tax
- 3-Day Discover Disney Park Hopper Plus – $232.50 plus tax
- 4-Day Discover Disney Ticket – $195 plus tax
- 4-Day Discover Disney Park Hopper – $232.50 plus tax
- 4-Day Discover Disney Park Hopper Plus – $257.50 plus tax
Discover Disney Tickets are valid for admission to one park per day (unless Park Hopper is added) and can be used anytime through June 30, 2019, with no blockout dates. Tickets must be purchased by June 27, 2019. Proof of Florida residency required. Tickets exclude activities and events separately priced (i.e. “hard ticket” events and such).
The Park Hopper Plus Option permits visits to Disney Water Parks, select Disney Golf courses, and select other opportunities. The 3-Day Plus Option permits 3 visits; the 4-Day Plus Option permits 4 visits.
All tickets and options expire June 30, 2019. A wholly unused ticket can be applied to the purchase of a new ticket with an equal or higher price after the expiration date of the original ticket.
NEW Resort Offers
Florida residents can save up to 35 percent on rooms at select Disney resort hotels for stays most nights now through June 30, 2019, when you book through June 30, 2019, with the Florida Resident Sun & Fun Offer.
Florida residents can also 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.
NEW Walt Disney World Golf now offers a Golf Membership program, exclusively for eligible Disney Vacation Club Members as a part of Membership Magic benefits.
For $99, plus tax, per year, the program provides:
- Specially priced rounds of golf at Walt Disney World Golf courses throughout the year. These will be available at an average additional savings of $15, in addition to already discounted green fees as a Disney Vacation Club Member.
- A special-edition Callaway DVC Member logo golf shirt
- Access to special DVC Member-only events throughout the year
- Access to special DVC instructional programs with PGA of America golf professionals.
- A companion pass for 1 DVC clinic, when paying for a clinic session
- A FootGolf pass for 2 players, one round for each player
- One complimentary round at Disney's Oak Trail golf course
- One guest pass for a free round of 9 holes, when purchasing a 9-hole round (Certain terms apply)
The included benefits represent $199 in total value. For more information, call (407)WDW-GOLF or (407) 939-4653. Be sure to mention that you are a DVC Member when you call.
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.
Share, Links, Comments & More
/* First collapse sections that are to be closed on page load */
var y = document.getElementsByClassName("content");
var i;
for (i = 0; i < y.length; i++) {
y[i].style.display = "none";
}
var z = document.getElementsByClassName("tabcontent");
var i;
for (i = 0; i < z.length; i++) {
z[i].style.display = "none";
}
/* Next Auto Generate the News Headlines */
/* The script creates a list of #JumpLinks | #JumpLinks etc. */
var ListOfHeadlines=";
var JumperIDs=[];
var JumperNews=[];
var BlueJumps=document.getElementsByClassName("jumpNews");
var GreenJumps=document.getElementsByClassName("Jump");
for (i=0; i
// When the user clicks the button, open the modal btn[0].onclick = function() { modal[0].style.display = "block"; }
btn[1].onclick = function() { modal[1].style.display = "block"; }
// When the user clicks on (x), close the modal span[0].onclick = function() { modal[0].style.display = "none"; }
span[1].onclick = function() { modal[1].style.display = "none"; }
function testThoseClicks(obj) {
if (obj == undefined) NextID="#TOPTOP";
else {
for (i=0; i