Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 12-17, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 12 – 17, 2016

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News and Views

Matthew misses, but WDW still takes the hit | Farewell to the Main Street Electrical Parade | More Muppety goodness | 2017 Early Spring discounts available | Disney Springs to get third parking structure | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Matthew misses, but WDW still takes the hit

Had Hurricane Matthew not made a sudden turn away from Central Florida last week, we could be writing a very different story about Walt Disney World operations today. Fortunately the storm was considerably less severe than originally forecast, and there was very little damage to any of the Disney theme parks or resort hotels. More importantly, none of our Orlando-based staff, friends, and family suffered any notable damage or injury from the storm, which is the best outcome we could have wished for.

Throughout Walt Disney World, some of the flags and banners that were removed or secured before Hurricane Matthew reached the region had not been reinstalled as of this weekend, including the flag atop Main Street Station at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Still, had the original forecast held, things could have been much worse. It's been more than a decade since a major named storm threatened Orlando, but Disney was prepared for the worst.

In preparation for Matthew, last Thursday Disney relocated guests who were staying in the Fort Wilderness Campground, as well as those in the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs and the bungalows at the Polynesian Hotel, to rooms at other resort hotels. The company closed all of the theme parks at 5:00 p.m. Thursday night, and cancelled Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom for both Thursday and Friday nights.

Local news reported that the Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort were evacuated ahead of Hurricane Matthew's arrival in Central Florida; the day after the Hurricane passed, there was no visible damage to them. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The decorative shade panels that usually hang on the rings over the queue for The Barnstormer in Fantasyland were removed ahead of Hurricane Matthew and had not been replaced by this weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For just the fourth time in its 45-year history, Disney made the decision to close the entire resort Friday, including all parks, restaurants, shopping, and attractions. Guests staying at the Disney hotels were asked to remain in their rooms and obey the mandatory curfew issued by county safety officials. Most hotels had very limited food service available for guests, and a photo of a $13 lunch box offered quickly went viral after it was posted on Twitter. The user later reported that Disney issued a refund when she complained about the box, and that the hotels offered all guests 50 percent off the menu prices of breakfast items the following day.

#WDW taking advantage of ppl stranded. Hurricane boxes 12.99. U don't see inside till after you buy. No drink. pic.twitter.com/T7TTnvmPsd

— Oni Hartstein (@onezumi) October 6, 2016

Once it was clear Matthew would not hit Orlando, the curfew was lifted Friday afternoon, though the theme parks remained closed. Disney Springs stores and restaurants were given the option to reopen if they could, and at 5:00 p.m., Walt Disney World resort guests were welcome to visit Disney Springs for a change of scenery. All theme parks resumed their normal operating schedule on Saturday.

The banners usually at the entrance to the Storybook Circus area of Fantasyland were taken down and secured in advance of Hurricane Matthew. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some of the flags on Main Street USA were removed due to Hurricane Matthew. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Our Alan Dalinka, having experienced the first major hurricane since moving to Florida last year, ventured into the theme parks over the weekend to take a look at the aftermath. With the exception of some missing flags, banners, and decoration, he said there was very little sign of the storm that had passed by.

ABC-TV's “The Chew” altered its production schedule ahead of Hurricane Matthew and completed filming its full week of episodes on Tuesday and Wednesday last week. The stage for “The Chew” on the shore of World Showcase Lagoon was quickly removed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The purple martin birdhouses in Future World East have been lowered to weather Hurricane Matthew. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

We want to take a moment here to recognize the Disney employees who reported for work on Thursday and Friday to care for visitors who were hotel-bound until the storm passed. We also want to acknowledge the “ride out” teams, tasked with staying inside the theme parks during the storms to monitor the situation. Animal Kingdom has an especially large team to monitor and care for the animals during the storm. Their unseen efforts are part of how Disney was able to reopen so quickly once Matthew cleared out of town.

Very minor technical post-Hurricane Matthew glitches appeared in New Fantasyland; here, for example, the standby time sign at Under the Sea – Journey of The Little Mermaid was not operating, and, across from the entrance to the attraction, some of the cashiers at the food kiosk calculated guest totals with a calculator and could only accept cash. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In front of Cinderella Castle, some of the banners were still rolled up and attached to their support poles this weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

If you had a ticket to the October 6 or 7 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, you can call Disney and choose one of the following options:

• You can exchange your ticket for a ticket to another Halloween party this year
• You can exchange your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket for a ticket to this year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
• You can exchange your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket for a one-day, one-park theme park ticket
• You can receive a refund of the price paid for your Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party ticket

Pumpkins had decorated the Mickey Mouse floral display before Hurricane Matthew arrived in Central Florida. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Farewell to the Main Street Electrical Parade

Some feared that Hurricane Matthew might shorten the farewell tour of the Main Street Electrical Parade, but the park reopened, and fans had Saturday and Sunday nights to see the parade before it “glows back to California.” If you couldn't make it in person, here are some photos from the very final Florida performance.

Tinker Bell leads the final Magic Kingdom scheduled performance of Main Street Electrical Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Goofy waves goodbye in the final scheduled Magic Kingdom performance of Main Street Electrical Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom guests cheer for the performers and floats of Main Street Electrical Parade for the final time. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey Mouse waves goodbye to Magic Kingdom guests in the final scheduled Magic Kingdom Main Street Electrical Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As midnight approaches on Sunday night, the parade make its way around the Magic Kingdom's Central Plaza hub. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mr. Smee stands up in front of Cinderella Castle in his Main Street Electrical Parade boat (vehicle) and waves goodbye to guests. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Elliot with Pete aboard make their final scheduled trip past Cinderella Castle on Sunday night in the Main Street Electrical Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The final Main Street Electrical Parade unit, the salute to America, makes its way around the Magic Kingdom Central Plaza for the final (scheduled) time on Sunday night. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As the last Main Street Electrical Parade float enters Liberty Square for the final time of this run, the parade guest-control cast members who had joined behind the procession along Main Street as the parade passed, all turn on their green flashlights and begin cheering. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

More Muppety goodness

Muppet fans have even more to look forward to during their next trip to Florida. In addition to the new “Muppets Presents…Great Moments in History” show at the Magic Kingdom, the Muppet Mobile Lab has returned to Epcot. Alan Dalinka had a chance to see both the Paul Revere version of the Muppets show and the Muppets Mobile Lab in action last week.

The newest version of the “Muppets Presents…Great Moments in History” show recounts the ride of Paul Revere and, unlike the story of the Declaration of Independence, has no live actor. Sam Eagle joins the other Muppets above Heritage House in Liberty Square rather than above Hall of Presidents. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Miss Piggy tries to insert herself in the story of Paul Revere, appearing first as Paula Revere. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Fozzie Bear hangs two lanterns as part of telling the story of Paul Revere's ride. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A Muppet stick horse is a new character introduced in the story of Paul Revere's ride. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Unsuccessful as Paula Revere, Miss Piggy sings “By the Light of the Silvery Moon” because she is, after all, a star. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The version of “Muppets Present…Great Moments in History” that tells the story of the ride of Paul Revere may be presented several times per day; to see both versions currently presented, ask cast members working crowd control when each version is scheduled to be performed that day. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

We don't know how long the Muppet Mobile Lab will be on hand in Epcot, so enjoy it while you can.

The Muppet Mobile Lab made appearances this weekend at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

After the Muppet Mobile Lab completes its show, the characters continue to talk to each other and those around them, as they return to a backstage area inside the former Innoventions West building. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

2017 Early Spring discounts available

Travel agents tell us that their busiest season for booking Disney travel starts right after the Christmas holidays, when vacation planners start looking ahead to their summer getaways. If you want to get a jump start on planning for 2017, there are four different offers to take a look at.

Each is tailored to a specific demographic and has different inclusions and restrictions. As always. we recommend working with a knowledgable travel agent that specializes in Disney travel to help you find the best deal for your specific situation. All of these packages can be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today.

Early Spring room-only offer

Save 15–25 percent off the published rate for stays most nights January 1 through April 8, 2017.

• Save up to 25 percent off Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
• Save up to 20 percent off Disney Moderate Resorts
• Save up to 15 percent off Disney Value Resorts

The offer excludes the following hotels and room types:

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

You must book by December 21, 2016.

Early Spring Kid-sized Vacation offer

This package includes hotel and park tickets. The sample offer advertises a 2-day/3-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney's All-Star Resort, with one park per day Magic Your Way base tickets for $1,032 for a family of three.

Valid for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights from January 2 through February 16 and February 20 through April 6, 2017. As with the room-only offer, you must book by December 21, 2016. and the following room types are excluded:

Campsites, three-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Early Spring Family Magic offer

This package is targeted towards families with older children. The sample package is based on two adults, a teen and a 'tween, and includes a 4-day/4-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney's All-Star Resort with one park per day Magic Your Way base tickets for $1,896.

Valid for arrivals most Sunday through Thursday nights, from January 2 through February 16 and February 20 through April 6, 2017. As with the other offers, you must book by December 21, 2016. and the following room types are excluded:

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Magical Vacation Package offer

This is a version of the Family Magic offer, but adds the Disney Dining Plan to the mix. Instead of giving a package price, this offer tells you that you can save from $300 to $500 or more on a 5-night, 6-day package for a family of 4. This offer also has different valid dates, from January 1 through March 7, 2017.

You must book by December 21, 2016. and the following room types are excluded:

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Disney Springs to get third parking structure

The Orlando Sentinel reported last week that Disney has begun designing a third parking structure for the Disney Springs retail and dining complex. According to the report, the new structure would have approximately 2,000 spaces, and will be constructed across Buena Vista Drive from the Lime parking structure. The two structures could be connected via pedestrian bridge. MousePlanet contributor Donald Fink spotted some workers on the land expected to be the site of the new lot, and said he believes they were taking core samples of the site.

Workers take core samples for a new parking structure across from the Lime Garage at Disney Springs. Photo by Donald Fink.

This appears to be a floating drilling rig sitting in the pond between Casting and the Speedway gas station. The purpose of the rig is unclear, but it could be taking core samples in preparation of the new parking structure that may be built on this site. Photo by Donald Fink.

Views Around the World

TTC and Magic Kingdom

The ongoing monorail automation project is likely responsible for the increasing downtime for the monorails. Much of this past weekend, bus service was added from the TTC to Magic Kingdom in addition to the ferries. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some exterior refurbishment is also underway at the Magic Kingdom monorail station on the Express Monorail side of the platform. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

There is a new sign in front of Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress; it is in the same graphic style as the new paint on the building. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse refurbishment continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom 45th Anniversary merchandise is available in the Main Street Emporium. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walt Disney World 45th Anniversary merchandise is displayed in some of the Emporium windows on Main Street USA. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With refurbishment complete on the Fantasyland buildings to the northwest of Cinderella Castle, scaffolding now surrounds some of the buildings on the northeast side behind the parked crane used for dream lights installation. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

A new construction wall has been installed along the World Showcase Promenade between the Mexico pavilion and the bridge to The Odyssey building. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

It appears that some of the area behind the construction wall next to the Mexico pavilion has been cleared; whether this will become a much-needed widening of the Promenade or something else is not yet known. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The retractable video screen on the Center Stage at Disney's Hollywood Studios now is sometimes used to welcome guests to the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Green Army Men occasionally gather kids to play some games under the Army's direction near Toy Story Mania. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Just one remaining Streets of America building facade is visible over the Toy Story Land construction wall near Toy Story Mania. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Very little of New York Street remains visible from the current dead-end near Toy Story Mania. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka

The Writers Stop just off Commissary Lane (next door to the Sci Fi Dine In) is now closed behind construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The elimination of the New York skyline at the end of Streets of America provides a partial view of what has not yet been demolished. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A few of the New York facades remain visible from in front of MuppetVision 3D. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Hall of Fame (the plaza with the busts of inductees) is surrounded by construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Gonzo's Royal Flush has opened. The newly named, recently refurbished bathrooms are near MuppetVision 3D next door to the soon to open PizzeRizzo (formerly Pizza Planet) Restaurant. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New light fixtures and ceiling fans now hang in the new upper level outdoor seating area of PizzeRizzo Restaurant, suggesting that its opening may be close. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Resort Hotels

At the Walt Disney World Dolphin, construction work is underway to expand its convention center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Yacht Club is also expanding its convention center into some of its parking lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

An expansion of Disney's Yacht Club's convention center rises over some of its parking lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As a result of construction to expand the neighboring Yacht Club's convention facilities, Disney's Beach Club's bus stop area is also closed for construction and has been relocated in some of the Beach Club Villas' parking lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…A reader alerted us that we had been reporting the wrong dates for the Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic. The event is Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29. More information available on the event website.

…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).

2016 Resort events

• Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
• 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 14 through November 14, 2016.
• Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – Friday and Saturday, October 28 and 29. More information available on the event website.
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30; October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
• “Jersey Week” – November 6–13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
• Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
• 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

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.