Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 8–14, 2016
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News and Views
Flixels to fly over Disney Springs in drone-powered holiday show | Holidays Around the World | Three holiday specials taping at Walt Disney World this week | Dapper Days comes to Epcot Saturday | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Flixels to fly over Disney Springs in drone-powered holiday show
25 seconds of test footage released by Disney on Monday has become a top trending video on YouTube, and the buzz (pardon the pun) is all about how Disney will use unmanned drone aircraft to power a new nighttime show at Disney Springs this holiday season.
First Look: A New Holiday Experience Coming to Disney Springs. YouTube video © Disney.
The as-yet-unnamed “holiday experience” was announced just days after Disney received a waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration that will allow the company to use drones in restricted airspace over the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, and the Disneyland Resort in California.
The waiver allows for both daytime and nighttime operation of the drones, which Disney calls “Flixels,” for FLoating pIXELS. The application stated the devices would operate mainly over water, and we expect the Disney Springs show to take place over Lake Buena Vista at the center of the complex. This would provide for a large viewing area from walkways all around the lake.
The Halloween and Fall themed banners have all been removed around Disney Springs Marketplace ahead of the installation of this year's recently announced new Christmas Tree Trail of fifteen different trees. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney has provided no details about the new show, but the first annual Disney Springs holiday celebration begins this Friday, November 11 and runs through January 8, 2017. The Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail offers shoppers in the Marketplace neighborhood a chance to enjoy 15 custom-decorated Disney-themed Christmas trees.
There's also a nightly Festival of Toys holiday dance party at the Once Upon a Toy Fountain in the Marketplace. where toys “magically come alive” for an interactive event that include a nightly tree lighting ceremony.
Holidays Around the World
Epcot is well on its way to becoming a year-round food festival with the addition of the Holidays Around the World offering this year, a series of booths open from November 25 to December 30. Here's a look at the menu; we'll update pricing as we have it.
| Prost! Germany Pavilion |
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| American Holiday Table American Adventure Pavilion |
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| Alpine Haus Located between Morocco and France |
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| Seasonal Southern Delights World Showcase Plaza |
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| Feast of the Three Kings World Showcase Plaza |
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Three holiday specials taping at Walt Disney World this week
Disney and ABC television outlets are producing three holiday specials to air this season, and tapings are scheduled to take place throughout Walt Disney World over the next several days, from Wednesday November 9 to Sunday November 13.
“The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on the ABC Television Network (8:00–10:00 p.m. EST) and on the ABC app. Join Emmy Award-winners Julianne and Derek Hough as they host the magical two-hour special from the Walt Disney World Resort. They join “Descendants 2” star Sofia Carson to kick off the holiday season in a way only Disney can, showcasing extraordinary music performances, special appearances and some unforgettable Disney magic moments.
This show is hosted by Julianne and Derek Hough, joined by Sofia Carson. It will feature solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, along with Kelly Clarkson and additional performers not yet announced.
“Disney Parks Presents: A Descendants Magical Holiday Celebration” premieres on Disney Channel (8:00–9:00 p.m. EST) and on the Disney Channel app and Disney Channel VOD, beginning at 12:01 a.m. PST. The special will be available on-demand and will be featured in encore presentations on Disney Channel through Tuesday, December 20.
This special includes performances by “Decendants” and “Decendants 2” stars, including Dove Cameron, Cameron Boyce, Sofia Carson, Booboo Stewart and China Anne McClain. It will also feature performances by Trisha Yearwood, Garth Brooks, Kelly Clarkson and Forever In Your Mind.
“The Disney Parks' Magical Christmas Celebration” will air on the ABC Television Network (9:00–11:00 a.m. EST; airtimes vary, check listings) and on the ABC and Disney Channel apps. This Christmas, Disney Parks celebrates the joy of the holiday season, as hosts Julianne and Derek Hough take viewers on a magical ride down Main Street and beyond. The Christmas Day celebration will be bigger and brighter than ever before, bringing together the beloved Christmas day parade, magical musical performances, surprise celebrity guests and heart-warming family stories to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year.
Julianne and Derek Hough host this show, once again joined by Sofia Carson. This special will also feature solo and duet performances by Trisha Yearwood and Garth Brooks, along with Kelly Clarkson, Sofia Carson and Jordan Fisher.
Most of the stage performances, musical performances, and appearances by the hosts will be taped at Walt Disney World, while all of the parade segments will be taped at Disneyland.
Disney cast members were eligible to receive tickets to attend some of these tapings to be part of the background audience, but Disney has not made public a list of when and where the various spots will be filmed. Keep in mind that filming may be adjusted at any time due to weather or other production variables, and we never recommend making a trip to a Disney park just to see one of these performances.
However, if you're determined to head out there anyway, plan to arrive at park opening to scope out the stage and get a good position. While Disney has said that segments will be taped in all four parks, the Magic Kingdom is your best bet, and there is usually a stage set up in front of Cinderella Castle. The tapings don't usually take place until later in the day, when the sun is in the best position, but you'll want to grab a spot early. Be sure to bring sunscreen and water. The tapings can be tedious, with multiple rehearsals and takes to get everything just right, and it can get very hot waiting in the sun for hours. Wear holiday clothing or accessories, or at least solid red, white and green, and you're more likely to be selected if there's extra room in the reserved “audience” section.
Dapper Days comes to Epcot Saturday
The first unofficial fall Dapper Days at Epcot is scheduled to take place this Saturday, November 12. This event is very popular in California, where smartly-dressed crowds pack Disneyland for a day of fun and frolic. The East coast events are gaining a following as well, and it's well worth making a note of future events if you're a local and want to socialize with this sartorial set.
The event kicks off Friday night with DAPPER DAY EVE at The Boathouse in Disney Springs. This is an informal mixer, and no tickets are required.
The Epcot park outing is scheduled for Saturday, and attendees are encouraged to gather for one of the three scheduled performances of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at the American Gardens Stage as part of the Eat to the Beat concert series. Performances are 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m.
The Dapper Day group also booked a private event inside the Living Seas Lounge, but tickets are now sold out.
More information about this and future events is available at the event website. The next scheduled Dapper Day event in Florida is the Spring 2017 Outing to the Magic Kingdom and Epcot on April 29 and 30, 2017.
Views Around the World
Alan shares photos from his walks around the Walt Disney World resort.
TTC
Holiday decor arrived at the Transportation and Ticket Center just ahead of the November 7 debut of the 2016 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Mickey at the TTC is dressed with a scarf for the Season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Refurbishment continues in the plaza between the Magic Kingdom Ferryboat docks next to the Resort Bus Stop just outside the security bag check tables. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
Pinocchio rides past The Hall of Presidents in the daily Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. Given the United States Presidential Election of November 8, the Hall of Presidents is scheduled to be closed from January 17, 2017, to June 30, 2017, for installation of a new show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Magic Kingdom Christmas tree is in place in its traditional spot on Main Street U.S.A. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Candy Cane Garden, used for Santa Claus meet and greets during published times (like during the hard-ticketed Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party), is located immediately next to City Hall. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Jingle Cruise overlay is back at the Jungle Cruise, complete with plenty of holiday themed puns. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Trader Sam is now Trader Samta for the Season on the Jingle Cruise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
At night during the Holiday Season, the entry floral display is lit in green, red, and white. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
It is only the first week of November, but Main Street U.S.A. looks and sounds a lot like Christmas. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Frozen's Olaf, Princess Anna, and Queen Elsa are again on hand for nightly (often times, several times nightly) “freezing” of Cinderella Castle. Note, as shown in this photo, viewing of the characters is limited from a distance greater than the Partners Statue. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The recently upgraded Castle projection technology is also used extensively during Queen Elsa's winterizing of Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As Queen Elsa conjures ice and snow to cover Cinderella Castle (while singing “Let It Go!” of course), fireworks bursts punctuate the lighting. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Even the newest Castle turrets added to the Central Plaza hub area are covered in Holiday Dream Lights. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
In last week's Update, we showed the outside of the new location of the Disney Visa Photo Spot; this week we take you inside. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The characters inside the Disney Visa Photo Spot are not revealed until you reach the meet and greet area; your results may vary. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
“Joy From the World” is a World of Disney take on a classic Christmas carol. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Resorts
Some of the walkways and ramps around the main pool at Disney's Contemporary Resort are undergoing refurbishment. The pool remains open. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…This is “Jersey Week” at Walt Disney World, the week when vacation planners are warned to expect larger crowds as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
According to the MyDisneyExprience App, Alberta Bound continues to perform several times each day at the stage at the Canada pavilion, Wednesday through Sunday, until November 24, and they will be returning in January 2017 (but there is no mention of the changes or refurbishment to the Old Mill Stage sign). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…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
- 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 14 through November 14, 2016.
- “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.
- Destination D – November 19-20, 2016. D23 Members are invited to join the excitement of D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, a celebration of Disney adventures of the past, present, and future. More details at the event website.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – November 7 through December 31, 2016
- 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 – November 25 through December 30, 2016
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 25 through December 30, 2016
2017 Resort events
- MouseAdventure – Saturday, March 4, 2017
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 deadline has passed.
2017
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 4–8, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by October 4, 2016.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by November 15, 2016.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by January 17, 2017.
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
- 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.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
2016
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed August 8 – November 18 for refurbishment.
Epcot
Permanently closed:
- Sum of All Thrills – closed permanently on September 14.
- Storm Struck – closed permanently on September 14.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
2016
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closed for refurbishment. Will reopen in Fall, 2016 as PizzeRizzo
- Rock 'n' Roller Coaster – closed for refurbishment October 27 though November 9.
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
- Dinosaur – closed for refurbishment July 25 – Fall, 2016
Blizzard Beach
- Closed October 23 – December 24 for seasonal refurbishment.
Typhoon Lagoon
- Closed December 24 – March 11, 2017 for seasonal refurbishment.
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
- 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.
- Disney's All-Star Sports – the Grand Slam Pool closes October 10 for refurbishment, and is expected to reopen by December 2. The Surfboard Bay Pool will remain open.
- Disney's Pop Century Resort – the Computer Pool closes October 31 for refurbishment, and is expected to reopen by December 23. The Hippy Dippy Pool will remain open.
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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Travel Discounts for Everyone |
All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. Early Spring room-only offer
Early Spring Kid-sized Vacation offer
Early Spring Family Magic offer
Magical Vacation Package 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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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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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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Travel 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 percent, based on room category. The 2016 offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. 2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 19, 2017, 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 1 through December 19, 2017, except that the tickets may not be used April 9–23, 2017. 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, 2017. 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 percent, based on room category. The 2017 offer is valid most nights from January 1 through December 19, 2017. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid April 9–23, 2017. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
MousePlanet reader Scott S. alerted us to a new offer for Canadian residents. Canadian residents receive a 25% discount on 4-day or longer tickets purchased by February 28, 2017. The discounted rate for a 4-Day adult base ticket is $244.00 USD, compared to $325.00 USD when purchased at the gate. A 10-day adult base ticket is $300 USD, a savings of $100 from the main gate price. This offer is only good for Canadian citizens with valid passport, or residents of Canada with valid proof of Canadian residency. The tickets are sold as an exchange certificate, and must be exchanged for park ticket upon arrival. There is no expiration date on the unused tickets, but once activated the tickets must be used within 14 days of first entry. You can see the full details on the Walt Disney World website. Thanks Scott for the heads up! If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
