Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 20-26, 2015

Update for October 20–26, 2015

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

News and Views

Soarin' grounded starting January 4 | Candlelight Processional narrator list finalized | The dish on dining changes | Disney Vacation Club hosts exclusive holiday meals for members | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Soarin' grounded starting January 4

Epcot's Soarin' attraction will halt service as of January 4, 2016, the Disney Parks Blog announced last week. The ride will reopen sometime in “summer of 2016” as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film that will “take guests on a journey to far-flung lands.”

Soarin' is the twin to Soarin' Over California at Disney's California Adventure, and opened in 2005. The 5-minute simulated hang glider ride currently offers a tour of California destinations, from Big Sur and Monterey to Palm Springs and Disneyland. The current film features a score by composer Jerry Goldsmith.

The new Soarin' Around the World film is expected to be similar to the Soarin' attraction created for Shanghai Disneyland, and include both domestic and international destinations.

Candlelight Processional narrator list finalized

Four new celebrities join the previously-announced list of narrators for the 2015 Candlelight Processional at Epcot. The new narrators are journalist and television host Meredith Vieira; actress America Ferrera; actress Chandra Wilson; and actor Daniel Dae Kim. All four have ties to Disney and/or ABC – Vieira hosted “Who Wants to be a Millionaire;” Ferrera starred in the show “Ugly Betty;” Wilson stars in “Grey's Anatomy;” and Kim starred in “Lost.”

The full list of dates and narrators is below. Performances are at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. nightly, with the exception of December 6. The 5:00 p.m. performance that evening is a private event, and not open to the public.

Dining Packages:

Reserved viewing for the Candlelight Processional is available to people who book a Candlelight Dining Package, with breakfast, lunch and dinner options. Any remaining seats are filled on a first come, first serve basis, though you can usually snag a spot in the standing-room-only viewing area.

Lunch packages are $37.99-$60.99 ($14.99-$21.99 for children) and dinner packages are $51.99-$79.99 ($17.99-$33.99), with price depending on meal and restaurant. The package includes an appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic drink at table service restaurants, or a full buffet at The Garden Grill. Each member of the party will also receive access to the reserved Candlelight Processional viewing area, and also reserved viewing for the Illuminations fireworks show.

Restaurants, meals and pricing is detailed below. Call (407) 939-3463 to book, or visit the Walt Disney World website to book online.

The dish on dining changes

Tortuga Tavern – Magic Kingdom

Following a menu update at Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn & Café, which replaced the former burgers-and-fries fare with TexMex staples, it seemed unlikely that Tortuga Tavern would continue to offer its own Mexican menu. As expected, Tortuga Tavern last week debuted a new selection of sandwiches and salads, with the sandwiches built on thick Texas Toast.

• Barbecued Pork Sandwich on Texas Toast with Coleslaw and Baked Beans. – $10.99
• Barbecued Chicken Sandwich on Texas Toast with Coleslaw and Baked Beans. – $10.99
• Barbecued Beef Brisket Sandwich on Texas Toast with Coleslaw and Baked Beans – $11.99
• Roasted Corn and Vegetable Salad topped with Red Wine Vinaigrette. – $7.99
• Roasted Corn and Vegetable Salad with Barbecued Beef Brisket with Barbecued Beef Brisket, topped with Red Wine Vinaigrette. – $11.99
• Roasted Corn and Vegetable Salad with Barbecued Chicken with Barbecued Chicken, topped with Red Wine Vinaigrette. – $11.99

Hollywood and Vine – Disney's Hollywood Studios

Starting January 4, Minnie Mouse and friends will host Minnie's Seasonal Dine at Hollywood and Vine. This follows on the popularity of Minnie's Holiday Dine, which runs November 7, 2015 – January 3, 2016. According to Disney, Minnie's seasonal dinner parties will each feature seasonal music, decor, costumes, and menu. While no specific characters were listed, the holiday dinner includes appearances by Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck, Daisy Duck, and Goofy.

The Spring dinner party is offered January 4 to March 20, 2016. Reservations open October 27. Pricing has not been announced, but for comparison, Minnie's Holiday Dine is $52.99 per adult and $31.99 per child age 3 to 9 (plus tax and gratuity).

Disney Junior Play ‘n Dine is still offered during breakfast and lunch. Reserved seating can be added to Minnie's Seasonal Dine, based on availability.

In 2015, Disney offered Jedi Mickey's Star Wars Dine during Star Wars Weekends. Disney has not said if that offering will return in 2016.

To make reservations, visit the restaurant's web page or call (407) 939-3463.

Disney Vacation Club hosts exclusive holiday meals and member mixers

Disney Vacation Club members can attend a series of holiday Member Mixers at Epcot, and book two exclusive holiday meals at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

Disney Vacation Club Thanksgiving Feast

This Thanksgiving dinner offers a choice of carved turkey or pot roast, with traditional side dishes and desserts.

Special entertainment is planned, including character meet-and-greets and themed photo opportunities with a souvenir photo for each family.

Price:

• Adult: $68.60 (plus tax and gratuity)
• Child (3 to 9): $30.50 (plus tax and gratuity)

The meal is served Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom of Disney's Contemporary Resort hotel. Reservations are required, and can be made now through Friday, November 20, 2015, or until the event reaches capacity. Call (800) 800-9800 to book through member services—the Disney Dine Line cannot make reservations for this meal.

Disney Vacation Club Tale as Old as Time Holiday Dinner

Belle and the Beast host this Christmas Eve event, which features a holiday buffet menu with traditional entrees, side dishes and desserts, plus a kids buffet and a create-your-own hot chocolate station. Diners will receive a souvenir family photo with Belle and the Beast. The event will include live musicians and magicians.

Price:

• Adult: $68.60 (plus tax and gratuity)
• Child (3 to 9): $30.50 (plus tax and gratuity)

The meal is served Christmas Eve, Thursday December 24, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the Fantasia Ballroom of Disney's Contemporary Resort hotel. Reservations are required, and can be made now through Thursday, December 17, 2015, or until the event reaches capacity. Call (800) 800-9800 to book through member services—the Disney Dine Line cannot make reservations for this meal.

Merry Member Mixers

DVC members and their guests can attend special holiday mixers in Epcot throughout the season. The free events include character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, crafts, and refreshments. They are hosted from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the World Showcase at Epcot (entrance is between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions).

• Tuesday, November 24, 2015
• Tuesday, December 1, 2015
• Tuesday, December 8, 2015
• Monday, December 14, 2015
• Tuesday, December 22, 2015

Members do not need tickets or advance reservations, and can bring up to 6 guests per membership card.

Views Around the World

Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares more images from the Food & Wine Festival, and visits Disney's Hollywood Studios this week to catch up on the latest construction projects.

Epcot

Like most of the food kiosks at the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, portion sizes at one of this year's new kiosks, the Chew Lab, are merely “tastes” but tend to be rather tasty. Pictured here is the New York Strip Steak. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Vanilla panna cotta with fresh figs and pistachio brittle is one of the tastes offered at the Sustainable Chew kiosk. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth lights the sky beyond the Cranberry Bog at the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

A slightly raised area that is guest-accessible is now open in front of the Chinese Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A new display of changing images promoting Turner Classic Movies has been added just after the movie montage on The Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A preview promoting the upcoming album release of “We Love Disney” is presented in the ABC Sound Studio at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A theater-style lobby sign has been added to one of the walls near Rock 'n' Roller Coaster for the newly constructed Sunset Showcase flexible space theater next door at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney recently announced that “Club Disney” will open in the theater in December. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A billboard promoting the upcoming Disney Pixar film “The Good Dinosaur” is in the backlot area of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As the holiday season approaches, the final presentation of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights installation nears completion on the Streets of America at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

During the day, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights lose some of their impact, but after dark this hydrant will spring to life. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Osborne Family Christmas Stockings adorn a building on the Streets of America for the last time. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Hopefully, the holiday season will bring another run of the Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special at The Premier Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios. After the holiday season, it is likely the theater will be torn down for the construction of the Toy Story and Star Wars Land expansions at the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Gertie the dinosaur (ice cream stand) at Disney's Hollywood Studios contemplates what changes may come to this area of the park after the holiday season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though some miss the Sorcerer's hat, its removal has given Disney's Hollywood Studios more of the appearance of “The Hollywood That Never Was But Always Will Be.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular is closed October 20–23 for refurbishment.

…Catalina Eddie's and Rosie's All-American Cafe are closed at Disney's Hollywood Studios through November 19.

Parts of the Sunset Ranch Market on Sunset Blvd. at Disney's Hollywood Studios are now behind construction walls. Food items from the closed locations are available at other locations and Fairfax Fare and Hollywood Scoops Ice Cream remain open. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…To encourage multiple visits to the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by Passholders, a commemorative port wine glass is available (while supplies last) to each Passholder who returns three separate days and collects specific stamps in his or her Food & Wine Passport. (Pass, Passport, and photo ID required for each stamp and gift.)

Passholders can pick up a commemorative port wine glass by making repeat trips to the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. 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 MouseAdventure 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

2015

• 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – October 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31; November 1. As of publication, only Halloween night is sold out.
• 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – September 26 to November 16.
• 2015 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18. As of publication, all nights are still available.
• 2015 Epcot Candlelight Processional – November 27 to December 30
• Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 27 to December 30

2016

• Season of the Force – January 8 – March 20, 2016

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.

2015

• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. All races are sold out.

2016

• Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. The 5K, 10K, half marathon, Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge events are sold out. Registration is still open for the full marathon and runDisney Kids Races. The deadline to submit for these events has passed.
• Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit Proof of Time for these events is November 17, 2015.
• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14–17, 2016. The 10K and Dark Side Challenge are sold out. Registration is still open for the half marathon, 5K and runDisney Kids Races. Proof of Time must be provided between October 27, 2015, and January 19, 2016.

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.

Merchandise Events

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Diamond Horseshoe – closed through November 19 for refurbishment
• Liberty Tree Tavern – closed through November 19 for refurbishment
• Walt Disney World Frontierland station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
• Walt Disney World Main Street U.S.A station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
• Walt Disney World Fantasyland station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
• The Magic Behind the Our Steam Trains Guided Tour – not offered during Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
• Peter Pan's Flight – closed November 2–7 for refurbishment.
• Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover – closed December 7–10 for refurbishment

2016

• Splash Mountain – closed January 10–15 for refurbishment.
• Space Mountain – closed January 11–15 for refurbishment.
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 to February 11 for refurbishment.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18–22 for refurbishment.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 to July 15 for refurbishment.
• Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 to September 24 for refurbishment.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
• “it's a small world” – closed August 22 to September 15 for refurbishment.

There is still no external evidence of the Frozen ride to come at Epcot's Norway pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

• Soarin' – additional screen under construction. Work has no impact on the existing theaters.
• Innoventions West – Think, presented by IBM; The Great Piggy Bank Adventure; and Where's the Fire? closed. The Disney Visa character experience remains open.
• Maelstrom – ride permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
• Innoventions East – Glidden's Colortopia under construction replacing the Test the Limits exhibit. Expected to open late 2015.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Catalina Eddie's – closed October 11 – November 19 for refurbishment.
• Rosie's All-American Cafe – closed October 11 – November 19 for refurbishment.
• Walt Disney: One Man's Dream – closed October 16 – December 5 due to The Good Dinosaur sneak peek.
• Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – closed October 20–23 for refurbishment.
• Jedi Training Academy – on hiatus until the Star Wars Launch Bay opens, expected to be in December. The new show is titled Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
• Toy Story Midway Mania – second ride track is under construction. Work has no impact on the existing ride.
• Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. The space will be used for the Star Wars Launch Bay.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• Primeval Whirl – closed through November 13 for refurbishment.

Blizzard Beach

• Entire park closed from October 25, 2015 through January 3, 2016 for refurbishment

Typhoon Lagoon

• Entire park closed from January 3 to March 13 for refurbishment.

Disney Springs

• Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 to April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
• Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 to June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
• Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
• Downtown Disney Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
• Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
• Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
• Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.

Resorts

• Polynesian – ongoing refurbishment of the lobby and pool area.
• Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
• Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 to September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
• Disney's Coronado Springs – La Vida Health Club and Casitas pool closed for refurbishment through October 12. An alternate fitness center is available for guest use.
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins begins October 2015. Expect construction-related closures and noise during the project.
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit close October 26, 2015. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 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.

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