Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 14-20, 2017

Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 14–20, 2017

Writer's note: The “This and That” section this week has quite a few news items, including a few more passholder discounts we have spotted (in addition to those mentioned in other sections). I only had a chance to visit Walt Disney World once since last week's Update was published, but it was a great (and long) day that began as the sun rose over Seven Seas Lagoon as I approached Magic Kingdom, and it extended well into the night with a visit to Trader Sam's at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. But before we get into this week's news and views and a new edition of One Passholder's Tip that was reinforced (at least in my mind) by my very early Sunday morning visit to Magic Kingdom, have a look at another “streetmosphere” group of entertainment cast members that make visiting Walt Disney World just that much more magical than your average park.

Citizens of Main Street are a vital part of creating a magical atmosphere for guests entering Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | runDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions

News and Views

Miss Adventure Falls Now Open At Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | Closer Elephant Encounters Now Available at Disney's Animal Kingdom | Pandora Promotional Efforts Picking Up Steam | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Miss Adventure Falls Now Open At Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park

Miss Adventure Falls, the new family raft attraction, is now open at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Riders board 4-person rafts to ride, though, as Orlando Sentinel's Dewayne Bevil reports, that does not seem to mean four (or even three) adults can ride comfortably together. The attraction officially opened on Sunday with the completion of Typhoon Lagoon's seasonal refurbishment.

The new attraction's story line is tied to many other attractions in Disney Parks and Resorts around the world—like the World Famous Jungle Cruise, Skipper Canteen, the late lamented Adventurers Club, and an increasing number of others—through the (imagineered) Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A). We included quite a bit of additional information about S.E.A. in my article following last fall's Disney D23 Destination D event.

Located near the “pineapple fields” of Crush 'n' Gusher, as the story goes, the new family-raft attraction is owned by Captain Mary Oceaneer, a member of S.E.A., who is a world-famous oceanographer. As a “sea-faring treasure hunter,” Captain Mary “made it her goal to sail the seven seas and collect treasures to share with the rest of the world.”

Typhoon Lagoon is where Captain Mary's ship ended up after a “rogue typhoon swept it and some of her artifacts to shore, where the locals then repurposed the goods and statues to create this family raft adventure.” An “aquatic conveyor belt” carries the rafts into the water slides, carrying riders past some of Captain Mary's artifacts and Duncan, her “old diving partner—a talking parrot who's still hunting for treasures.”

The new family raft attraction, Miss Adventure Falls, is now open at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon. Video © Disney.

Numerous Disney water park ticket purchasing options are available on DisneyWorld.com, including one day adult admission for $62 plus tax. As Disney Parks Blog notes, admission to Typhoon Lagoon includes water park hopping admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach when both water parks are open. Through October 1, passholders can get a 1-day water parks ticket for only $45 plus tax per person for themselves and for up to three additional guests at any Guest Relations or vacation planning booth.

Note: as of very early Tuesday morning, Orlando Sentinel reports that the forecast of colder weather in Central Florida on Wednesday and Thursday will keep both Disney water parks closed on those days.

Closer Elephant Encounters Now Available at Disney's Animal Kingdom

On Sunday, Disney's Animal Kingdom debuted a new behind the scenes experience named “Caring for Giants,” which gives guests an up-close look at the park's African elephants and what it takes to care for them. The 60-minute, $30/person experience is led by dedicated animal specialists who provide for the care and wellness of the herd. African cultural representatives also discuss Disney's relevant conservation efforts in their homelands.

Guests on this experience get approximately 80 to 100 feet away from the elephants, closer than other existing in-park experiences. Like other experiences, during portions that take place backstage, cameras and cell phones may not be used. Photography is allowed and “encouraged” in other areas. On other tours, guides typically make it clear when photos are and are not allowed, and we expect that is true with this experience too.

Groups are scheduled at several times every day between 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Reservations are available by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. Guests check in 15 minutes prior to the start of the experience at the Animal Experiences booth across from the entrance to Kilimanjaro Safaris. Late arrivals may not be allowed to join the experience.

Be aware, of course, as an outdoor experience, weather may be a factor (published information does not specify whether the experience will be cancelled for rain; if lightning is in the vicinity, we expect that delays or cancelation of specific groups may occur). Comfortable shoes and appropriate attire are strongly recommended. Guests must be at least 4 years old to participate and those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a participating adult who is 18 or older. Guests must walk by themselves, or be assisted by a member(s) of their party in a courtesy wheelchair to participate.

Note: the experience visits outdoor areas containing common allergens such as dust and hay, as well as biting/stinging insects. Additional accessibility accommodation information and applicable service animal policies are available by calling the park's Guest Animal Experience team at (407) 938-1487.

Pandora Promotional Efforts Picking Up Steam

As the May 27 official opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom's new land, Pandora–The World of Avatar, approaches, Disney's promotional efforts are moving into high gear. Florida television increasingly shows different commercials for the new land. This week, Disney-owned ABC-TV programs got on board too with ABC-TV's The View's week of episodes from the park.

Specifically with regard to Pandora, The View sent Whoopi Goldberg into the new land with its co-creator James Cameron in a segment that aired on Thursday's show and which can be seen in its entirety here (though, until March 16, login with a participating television provider is required; the site indicates that login will not be required after that date but it does not say how long past episodes will be available). The View also posted a video clip on Twitter later in the day which is embedded below.

Floating mountains, glowing forests and more! @JimCameron gives @whoopigoldberg an exclusive look at @VisitPandora in @WaltDisneyWorld. pic.twitter.com/OLBuFw5sOf

— The View (@TheView) March 9, 2017

Promotion of Pandora also is underway on ABC's Good Morning America. In part promoting Thursday's episode of The View, GMA tweeted its own clip about Pandora.

WATCH: INSIDE LOOK: @VisitPandora the world of Avatar only at @WaltDisneyWorld! #VisitPandora @DisneyParks @OfficialAvatar pic.twitter.com/uFqamUfuLa

— Good Morning America (@GMA) March 9, 2017

As of at least this Monday, the new (so-called E-Ticket Attraction) Avatar Flight of Passage now appears in the My Disney Experience App under the “Attractions” heading. Of course, it is listed as “Temporarily Closed.” Whether its inclusion means unannounced, unscheduled “soft openings” are rapidly approaching or that Fastpass+ reservations may soon be available (subject to the usual rules or otherwise) one can only hope.

At least as of earlier this week, a new (albeit closed) attraction is listed in the My Disney Experience App. Screenshot by Alan S. Dalinka; content ©Disney.

Views Around the World

As I wrote in the “Writer's note” atop this week's Update, I was away from Walt Disney World for most of this past week. However, on Sunday, a non-local friend who wanted to to get to Magic Kingdom in time for its rope drop opening was in town with one free day, so I finally got to see the new “Let the Magic Begin” welcome show in front of Cinderella Castle that debuted back in January. Also, perhaps as a result of reading fellow MousePlanet writer Roan Poulter's article, I again dined at Skipper Canteen (which, by the way, did provide a 20% passholder discount at lunch) and I even took it a step further by revisiting Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Enjoy this week's Views Around the World with a bit more news sprinkled within.

Magic Kingdom

A rare sight for me (assisted by changing the clock for Daylight Saving Time): the sun rises over Seven Seas Lagoon while the Resorts monorail approaches Magic Kingdom at 7:45 a.m. EDT. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Main Street Station finally came out from under wraps by this past weekend and the Walt Disney World Railroad resumed its circle tours. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the sun just rising at 8 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Main Street's lights still outline the shops, many of which are open before the park's official 9 a.m. opening. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As the early morning sun rises, the east side of Cinderella Castle and the Partners statute are bathed in golden light. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

About five minutes before the park's opening, one of Fantasyland's Royal Majesty Makers takes the stage in front of Cinderella Castle to start the welcoming “Let the Magic Begin” show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey Mouse greets guests to the Magic Kingdom in the pre-park opening “Let the Magic Begin” show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Lots of Mickey's friends welcome guests to the park in the “Let the Magic Begin” show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Fairy Godmother is called upon to grant a guest's wish that the park opens during the “Let the Magic Begin” show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A few daytime fireworks mark the finale of the “Let the Magic Begin” show and the time for the “rope-drop” opening of the lands of Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Spring flowers are in bloom all around Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Next door to Hall of Presidents and below the windows where The Muppets Present Great Moments in History, a new Guest Services desk has opened just this past weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like the one tested last year in the exit area of Space Mountain that is now closed, this Guest Services location provides the same services as City Hall including ticket upgrades, express transportation add-ons, and answering other guest inquiries. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though some changes have been made to Skipper Canteen's menu, some items have remained unchanged. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

My personal favorite dish at Skipper Canteen is “Tastes Like Chicken” Because It Is! To my memory, it is just as spicy and exotic as it was when the restaurant opened. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though he has been making appearances in the tent in the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland for quite some time, I finally met The Great Goofini. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Amazing Donaldo is right next to Goofini and you get to meet him after waiting in the same queue. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As we reported last week, the new Joffrey's Revive kiosk opened in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain. It seemed to have a longer queue on Sunday than I have typically seen at Joffrey's Epcot and TTC locations. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some new t-shirt designs are available in the Toy Story themed kiosk in Tomorrowland near Buzz Lightyear. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though themed to Haunted Mansion, this new t-shirt is sold in the Toy Story themed kiosk in Tomorrowland near Buzz Lightyear. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On the World Famous Jungle Cruise, this scene seems to be missing its point (as in the rhino) and is now a laughing matter (possibly just temporarily). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort

With the S.E.A. theming for the new attraction at Typhoon Lagoon, and my visits to Skipper Canteen, Jungle Cruise and even the Tiki Room all in one day, a visit to Trader Sam's seemed appropriate. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For those that are not familiar with this tiny bar located on the lower level of the Grand Ceremonial House at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, it ties in to the S.E.A. story and is filled with related artifacts: it is “owned” by Jungle Cruise's Trader Sam, the “Head Salesman.” Artifacts and scenery are brought further to life by a highly entertaining bunch of Cast Member servers and bartenders depending on what drinks guests order. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Several beverages are available in souvenir “cups,” including Captain Nemo's Nautilus from “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One Passholder's Tip

This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World annual passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (hopefully weekly) tip at a time.

One Passholder's Tip: Week 8
Arrive before park gates open rather than when the park opens to avoid the biggest lines at security.

As I mentioned in the Views Around the World, I made a very early visit to Magic Kingdom on Sunday. Indeed, I believe it is the earliest I have entered the gates of a Florida Disney park as an adult (media-invited events excluded)! And its earliness was made all the earlier by the fact that just a few hours before my arrival, we moved our clocks ahead an hour for the start of Daylight Saving Time.

Having said all that, I have been at Disneyland, Disney California Adventure, Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios (Paris) when their respective gates opened in the morning. I have also seen “rope drop” (that moment when Cast Members allow guests to enter the lands where the attractions are located) at Epcot.

The one thing I have observed on all of these mentioned early occasions is that arriving before the gates and turnstiles (or the more recent Florida TouchPoints) open results in much smaller crowds and waits to get in to the park. Sure, once you get in to the park, you then need to wait until you can actually visit an attraction, but, of course, the crowd is spread out and you may actually find you have some room to breathe.

Magic Kingdom opened on Sunday at 9:00 a.m. and by 9:30, very large crowds backed up behind the security screening tables and park gates. Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Particularly during that hour after the official park opening and rope-drop, the security lines and park gates can be quite crowded, as they were this past Sunday. My friend and I had the luxury of being the only two guests aboard the Walt Disney World Railroad as it pulled in to Main Street Station from Fantasyland at about 9:30 a.m. The crowd on the Seven Seas Lagoon side of the berm was much, much larger. Of course, as I like to say, your mileage may vary.

This and That

…Following up on a recent Update, the new Tangled-themed luminous lantern Disney PhotoPass photo opportunity near Rapunzel Tower in Fantasyland (also known as the Tangled bathrooms) has been extended indefinitely (weather permitting). It was previously scheduled to conclude March 15.

…St. Patrick's Day is coming up this Friday, March 17, and in addition to the Raglan Road at Disney Springs Might St. Patrick's Day Festival we previously told you about (March 16-19), around Walt Disney World Resort there are a number of other ways to celebrate.

• Casey's Corner at Magic Kingdom debuted a new gourmet hot dog that is topped with traditionally celebratory corned beef, Swiss cheese, and sauerkraut (along with whole grain mustard) this past Sunday. (We do not know whether this item will continue beyond St. Patrick's Day.)
• On St. Patrick's Day, Fountain View at Epcot and Main Street Bakery at Magic Kingdom (both are Starbuck's locations) will sell a cupcake topped with a leprechaun hat made of chocolate sandwich cookie and a marshmallow with three “gold nuggets” (from the mythological “pot of gold at the end of the rainbow” of course).
• Disney's Contemporary Resort will offer its own Leprechaun's Pot of Gold Cupcake in Contempo Café.
• Epcot's Rose & Crown Pub at the United Kingdom pavilion will have green beer available, and its restaurant also serves corned beef and cabbage.

…Even more details of the (so-far one night only) Star Wars: Galactic Nights Event scheduled for April 14 at Disney's Hollywood Studios have been announced on Disney Parks Blog. With the announced addition of Vanessa Marshall, the voice of Hera Syndulla from Star Wars Rebels as host of the “Inside the Saga: Celebrity Chat Show” the event is increasingly resembling a separately ticketed, miniature version of the “Star Wars Weekends” that the park held for the final time in 2015. Tickets (which appear to still be available) are $129/person plus tax on WaltDisneyWorld.com. Passholders can take advantage of a $10 per ticket discount on the event.

…At Epcot's United Kingdom pavilion, Rose & Crown Dining room has added “Sunday Roast” to the menu but, as its name suggests, only on Sundays. Sunday Roast is a traditional British meal, typically consisting of roasted meat, potatoes, vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. At Rose & Crown, the dish will alternate weekly among roasted pork, turkey, or lamb with mint sauce. Customary sides such as roasted potatoes, peas and carrots, sage and onion stuffing, Yorkshire pudding, and gravy accompany the roast.

…Brunch With a Twist returns to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa on May 6. Again hosted by Cítricos, the five-course brunch features the award-winning chefs at Disney's Grand Floridian: Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef Dominique Filoni, Chef Noah Estabrook, Chef Nick Mussara, Chef Lawrence Searl and Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek. The menu represents Victoria & Albert's, Cítricos, Narcoossee's, Grand Floridian Cafe and the Grand Floridian Bakery. Cost is $169 plus tax (gratuity and valet parking included). For reservations, call 407-939-3463.

…Passholders can save 40% on the Wonderland Tea Party through June 30, 2017, at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The crafts, games, storytelling, and cupcakes party for kids ages 4-12, is held Mondays through Fridays from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at 1900 Park Fare at Grand Floridian. The non-discounted price is $49 plus tax. Call (407) WDW-Dine or (407) 939-3463 for reservations. Children must be potty-trained and a parent or guardian must sign a waiver/consent for the child to participate.

…Speaking of ABC-TV's The View (as in the Pandora promotions), your friendly (and then sunburned even though you would think he would have known better) Update Writer had a few brief orange t-shirted appearance on the show that was broadcast on Friday, including behind some of the food being prepared by Chef Morimoto. No breaking Disney Parks news was revealed during the episode, but it can be viewed in its entirety here (subject to the same login discussed above). You can see a wrap of of The View's week at Disney's Animal Kingdom, including a “behind the scenes video,” on Disney Parks Blog.

…And finally, Walt Disney World Resort's annual “March Magic” bracketed battle for the “Ultimate Disney Attraction” begins today on its Facebook page. Merchandise featuring the graphic logos of the competing attractions will also be available on DisneyStore.com. Full details and all the appropriate links can be found at Disney Parks Blog.

…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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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).

2017 Resort events

• Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 – November 13, 2017
• Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – Dates TBD
• Holidays at Walt Disney World – Dates TBD
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party– Dates TBD
• Holidays Around the World at Epcot – Dates TBD
• Candlelight Processional at Epcot – Dates TBD

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.

2017

• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time deadline has passed.
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration opens January 17, 2017. Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.

2018

• 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Registration now open. Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
• 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2017. Registration opens May 2, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 18–22, 2017. Registration opens May 23, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBD

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.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. 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.

Magic Kingdom

2017

• The Hall of Presidents – closed January 17, 2017 to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. Expected to reopen July, 2017.

The Hall of Presidents is closed until this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Permanently closed:

• Sum of All Thrills
• Storm Struck

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Permanently closed:

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
• Studio Catering Co.
• Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America
• Magic of Disney Animation
• The Writer's Stop
• Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• No known closures at this time

Blizzard Beach

• Runoff Rapids. Expected completion: TBA.

Typhoon Lagoon

• No known closures at this time

Disney Springs

• Disney Quest – scheduled to close July 3, 2017 to make way for The NBA Experience.
• La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil ends its run on December 31, 2017. Next use of the theater on the West Side TBA.

Resorts

• Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. As construction gets underway, it is possible some existing venues will close. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
• Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
• 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 Disney Vacation Club's Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge which is officially scheduled to open July 17, 2017.

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.