Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 23-29, 2018

Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 23-29, 2018

Writer's note: I am back in Central Florida after a visit to my former hometown, Chicago. Of course, not only was it Walt Disney's (and my) birthplace, it always seems to have lots of Disney-related things to see and do too (and that was not even why I was there).

Through January 6, 2019, Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry is the home of the touring “The Science Behind Pixar” exhibit, featuring lots of interactive displays about all of the math and science that goes into creating the films that are so often capable of evoking strong emotional responses from audiences. I will write more about the exhibit in coming weeks if my time and schedule permit (notes of encouragement would help that too).

Coming up as the holiday season approaches, Downtown Chicago also welcomes Walt Disney World to the Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade on November 16. As they have for many years, Mickey and Minnie will help light the holiday lights along Michigan Avenue, which is already decorated with banners of the dreamlights-draped Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. And, of course, at any time of year, Michigan Avenue is also home to a very highly-themed flagship Disney Store.

The flagship Disney Store Chicago on The Magnificent Mile, on Michigan Avenue, is filled with themed nods to the city and lots of character. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Back here in Central Florida, Orlando International Airport has begun a refurbishment project of its B Terminal TSA Security Screening Area that has closed the Magic of Disney souvenir shop that was the last, “Oh, I forgot to buy that at Disney World!” place to go for guests returning home on that side of the airport. Fortunately, while a new shop is being built nearby, the A Terminal Disney's Ear Port Store in the Airport remains open near the Hyatt Regency Hotel, but be aware of the extra walking time required to get there if you are departing from the B-Side gates.

Due to changes planned for the TSA Security Screening area at the B Terminal at Orlando International Airport, the Magic of Disney souvenir shop on that side of the airport has closed and a new location is being built. Another Disney souvenir shop, Disney's Ear Port Store remains open near the Hyatt Regency Hotel at the other side of the airport. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Finally, over at Walt Disney World Resort, the new date-sensitive ticketing system rolled out while I was away (though we told you it was coming earlier this fall). For an overview, be sure to check out Disney Parks Blog where Disney even provides examples where ticket prices went down compared to previous ticket prices (as always, your mileage may/will vary)! The new system was accompanied by posted (but not announced) price increases for theme park parking (it is now $25 for cars/motorcycles and $50 for preferred, up from $23 and $45, respectively). Annual Passes also increased in price (for new passes, $45 increase for non-Florida residents and non-DVC Members; $20 increase for most Florida Resident categories and DVC Member new purchase ticket categories excluding tax); renewal discounts of up to 15% are still offered to those renewing between 60 days before expiration and 30 days after. Earlier this month, we also noted an increase in snack prices around the Resort and reports are coming in that many prices at quick service and table service restaurants increased as well.

Thanks to Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix (always, but especially) for filling in on last week's Update. Thanks also to Donald and Bonnie Fink for covering the Resort here on the ground while I was away. Let's get back to it, shall we?

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Reimagined World of Disney Store to Reopen Saturday

As Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported yesterday in the Disneyland Resort Update, the flagship World of Disney stores at both Walt Disney World's Disney Springs and Anaheim's Downtown Disney District have entered a “soft opening” period following their extensive refurbishments this year. Both have scheduled grand opening celebrations later this week: Disneyland's on Friday (October 26) and Walt Disney World's on Saturday (October 27). I have been invited to a media event at the Disney Springs store ahead of its 9:45 a.m. Eastern ribbon cutting and expect to provide some live (or near-live) coverage on social media with a full recap to follow in our next Update.

Disney says that the “reimagined World of Disney stores are being transformed into contemporary, distinctly Disney retail environments.” Since both East Coast and West Coast Resort's stores are similar, here is what Adrienne had to say about the storyline and theme of the stores:

As with all things Disney, the new store has a back story. In the updated story, the space was originally a bus depot, and was purchased by Walt Disney for use as an animation studio after the depot closed. When the animators moved out, the space was converted into the World of Disney store. The space is still filled with nods to both the bus terminal and the animation studio, with signs advertising Northern California bus tours painted above one archway, and cash registers created from reused Animation desks.

Many have complained that the new stores feel too generic, and lack the Disney charm and character of the original store. All of the large-scale character sculptures were removed from both interior and exterior of the stores, and the Disney-patterned wallpaper and carpeting was scrapped in favor of an industrial chic shell. You could be forgiven for thinking you had stepped into an Urban Outfitters or Gap store.

The Disney magic is not gone—it's just presented in a different way. The new World of Disney relies on digital wizardry instead of practical decorations, a move that allows Disney to refresh the decor with each changing season or release of a new movie. Animated displays, digital signs, video screens and special lighting effects are used throughout the store, and some is quite unexpected and charming.

Disney Parks Blog provides this look inside the Downtown Disney version of the store which is similar to the Florida version. Video ©Disney.

Cast members in the stores will have new costumes consisting of “modern-fit jeans” and plaid shirts with Mickey Mouse silhouettes. As Disney company-wide has embarked on an effort to reduce its use of single-use plastics by the middle of next year, the new World of Disney Store will also feature new specially designed, reusable merchandise bags featuring classic Disney characters. The environmentally friendly bags made from 80% recycled materials will be offered for $1 each.

As for the merchandise selection at the reimagined stores, Disney Parks Blog also provided a preview last week. Ahead of that preview, Disney invited media to a preview at the store here in Florida. Our Donald Fink attended and provided coverage on our Instagram feed. Some highlights and additional videos of the new Mickey Mouse Club collection and some of the holiday offerings are below (with more on Instagram).

The new Mickey Mouse Club collection available at World of Disney store. Video by Donald Fink.

Some of the new Christmas items available at World of Disney store. Video by Donald Fink.

More to come on Saturday and in next week's Update!

New Nature-Inspired Disney Resort Announced for 2022

Earlier this year, we noted (based on an Orlando Sentinel report) that Disney was planning to develop a new proposed Disney Vacation Club Resort on the former site of the long-shuttered River Country water park near Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. This past week, Disney confirmed that it will build a mixed-use resort there along the shore of Bay Lake between Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness. The new deluxe resort, expected to open in 2022, will include more than 900 hotel rooms and proposed DVC villas. The as-yet unnamed resort is slated to become the sixteenth DVC property, though the fifteenth, Disney Riviera Resort is not yet selling membership interests.

A new nature-inspired, mixed-use Disney resort is expected to be completed in 2022 along the shoreline of Bay Lake between Disney’s Wilderness Lodge and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. Concept Art ©Disney.

“This resort experience will be a celebration of Walt Disney's lifelong love and respect for nature, with some fun and even surprising accommodation types that families will find irresistible,” said Terri Schultz, senior vice president and general manager of Disney Vacation Club. “It will give our members and guests yet another opportunity to stay in close proximity to all the newest attractions and experiences in our theme parks, and with the flexibility, value and world-class service families expect from Disney.”

Peek at Ralph Breaks the Internet

The next Disney animated feature, Ralph Breaks the Internet, will be released in theaters on November 21, but guests at Disney's Hollywood Studios will get an advanced extended preview at Walt Disney Presents starting Friday, November 2. In this sequel to Wreck-it Ralph, Ralph and Vanellope leave the arcade and travel on to the internet in a quest to save Vanellope's game.

The latest trailer for “Ralph Breaks the Internet” is available now, ahead of its November 21 theatrical release. Video ©Disney.

In California, Disneyland visitors can see the preview in 3D at Tomorrowland Theater.

A New PinQuest at Disney's Animal Kingdom

Donald and Bonnie Fink visited Disney's Animal Kingdom this past week and report here on the new PinQuest that debuted at the park on October 18.

Pin Traders and Collectors! There's a new PinQuest at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It debuted last Thursday, October 18, and here's how it works:

PinQuest, in case you don't know, is a scavenger hunt style game where guests follow clues and explore around Disney's Animal Kingdom in search of six pins, using hidden clues that are discovered along the way. Pin Traders start by purchasing a Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park PinQuest Starter Kit, which includes a Disney PinQuest map, lanyard, and decoder medal. Using the decoder medal and your first clue, solve the destination where you'll be able to purchase another clue, which comes with a pin. One place we found the starter kits was Riverside Depot.

There are six destinations where you receive new clues and pins. Solve all six and you earn the title of Disney QuestEAR. Purchasing all the items necessary to play this game will cost over $75, but considering that you get a total of seven limited edition pins (six during the quest and one at the end) and a few hours entertainment, it might not be such a bad price. You can make a family event out of this activity and have some fun while seeing a good deal of the park.

The PinQuest scavenger hunt is back, this time at Disney's Animal Kingdom. You can pick up your PinQuest Starter Kit at many locations including Riverside Depot and start exploring the park in a new and fun way. Photo by Bonnie Fink.

Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar

Epcot's America Gardens Theatre stage is home of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series throughout the entire run of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, three times nightly through November 12. There is a new Quick Service dining package option that is available daily (no advanced reservations, limited availability) at Liberty Inn at The American Adventure pavilion: for $29.99/person plus tax, guests purchase a meal (entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage) and get a guaranteed concert seat. The usual Table Service dining packages that include guaranteed concert seats are available by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407) 939-3378.

Jim Belushi & The Sacred Hearts took the stage on October 1-2 as part of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Outside Liberty Inn, a sign advertises the Quick Service guaranteed concert seating packages remaining for the evening's performances of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series during this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Our Google Calendar of Epcot Events includes a list of the scheduled performers (but, as always, check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting last minute changes).

The Food & Wine Festival also includes a second concert venue on Friday and Saturday evenings in conjunction with the new Disney Du Jour Dance Party at the Fountain View Stage in Future World. Different pairs of Disney characters stop by each weekend (Remy and Emile from Disney-Pixar's Ratatouille, Nick Wilde and Judy Hopps from Zootopia, Lilo and Stitch, or classic favorites such as Chip 'n ' Dale or Clarabelle Cow and Horace Horsecollar). The Disney Du Jour Dance Party is highlighted by a special concert appearance by an up-and-coming artist from Radio Disney.

Alex Aiono will make special appearances on the Fountain View Stage in Future World this Friday and Saturday evenings during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays begins on November 18, with additional entertainment by storytellers and musical acts all around the park. Starting on Thanksgiving night, November 22, and running until December 30, the Candlelight Processional returns to the America Gardens Theatre for the traditional retelling of the story of Christmas with celebrity narrator, live orchestra and mass choir. This week, Disney announced four more narrators (which we have added to our calendar as well). Our Candlelight Processional at Epcot Guide lists the dining packages available for breakfast, lunch and dinner around Epcot and its neighboring resorts, and the up-to-date listing of celebrity narrators. You can also visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for Candlelight dining package information and reservations.

The Candlelight Processional will debut at Epcot this year on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and is scheduled to run three times nightly through December 30. Pat Sajak is scheduled to return as a celebrity narrator again this year. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the 2018 scheduled performances at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. With the recently announced dates for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series and Garden Rocks Concert Series in 2019, we have added entries for the expected daily schedule and we will update those as performance details are announced.

You can add the whole Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link. The calendar is provided as a courtesy “as is, where is” without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it, we do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

Magic Kingdom

With Halloween rapidly approaching, just weeks remain to see the fall decor around Magic Kingdom.

The holiday dreamlights on Cinderella Castle are only visible when up close right now, but in a few weeks, they will be lit nightly.

Through December 21, the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade is scheduled to step off at 2 p.m. daily. It then goes on a brief hiatus to make way for daytime showings of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade through nearly the end of the year.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Liberty Square Riverboat remains closed for refurbishment with nearby cast members saying that it may return by “late fall.” Tom Sawyer Island is now also closed for refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial show has ended, Jack still appears in Adventureland for Disney PhotoPass meet and greets. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

All that remains of the former signage for Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is a scar on the exterior of the attraction. Shows inside continue as usual.

The PeopleMover also provides a view of the newly opened facade of Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

A sign that appears (hopefully very) temporary stands in a planter box outside the entrance to Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor.

The Rockettower Plaza Stage in Tomorrowland currently has no scheduled programming except during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party nights.

Inside Tomorrowland Light & Power Co., the D-Tech On Demand area now has iPhone cases for models from the iPhone 5 through the recently released XSMax. If you would like to see the selection of Galaxy cases, let us know in the comments and we will show them in a future Update.

On the edge of the expansion of Tomorrowland that will become home to the Tron-themed coaster in 2021, work continues beyond the billboard sign near the Fantasyland station of the Walt Disney World Railroad.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Along with the new date-sensitive ticketing system implemented last week, parking prices increased as well. Regular auto and motorcycle parking is now $25/day and preferred is now $50/day.

Walking from regular parking through preferred parking can provide a nice view of the ongoing construction of the new building to house the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction expected to be completed in 2021.

On nights Magic Kingdom closes early for special ticketed events like Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, signs at the Epcot Monorail Station note the other park's early closure (and, yes, Epcot generally does get a bit more crowded with Park Hoppers as a result).

From the International Gateway, it is easy to see the ongoing work on the Ratatouille-themed attraction being added to the France pavilion which is expected to be completed in 2021.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The rock spires of Batuu in the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area of Disney's Hollywood Studios fill out the skyline of the park when approaching from the Epcot Resort Area.

Mickey still stands high above the park entrance atop the Crossroads of the World globe.

Hollywood Boulevard remains an active walkway, even during days with smaller crowds. The Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away Show at the end of the street is on hiatus with no shows scheduled until November 18 according to My Disney Experience.

With the seasonal “Flurry of Fun” scheduled to get underway in just a few weeks, the holiday stars already line Sunset Boulevard and the video billboard for Sunset Seasons Greetings has been installed.

Until the park starts celebrating Christmas, Hollywood & Vine features Minnie's Halloween Dine character dining with her friends.

A new theater-style sign advertises MuppetVision 3D.

The other side of the sign advertises the Frozen sing-along.

Outside Tatooine Traders, most of the tall trees that had been planted along this transition area to Grand Avenue have been removed. It remains unclear what the story line is connecting Star Tours with the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area of the park (which, for those that do not know the park's geography, are not contiguous areas).

Inside Tatooine Traders, refurbishment continues while the shop remains open and remains the exit to Star Tours.

The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular is the oldest still-operating show at the park.

The Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular still ends with pyrotechnics and a “boom!”

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

A holiday “purchase with a purchase” offer is available at the park.

After spending at least $40 (after all discounts and before tax), guests can purchase the Holiday Tote for $19.95 plus tax (no additional discounts available).

The Holiday Tote likely will be available at many locations around Walt Disney World Resort, but, so far, we spotted it inside Disney & Co. on Hollywood Boulevard (which is also Mickey's of Hollywood).

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios Transportation & Nearby Disney Skyliner Construction

The Disney Skyliner station outside the front gate of Disney's Hollywood Studios continues to take shape across the waterway from the Hollywood Tower Hotel (Tower of Terror).

Construction continues on the Disney Skyliner station outside Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Nearby, parking lot reconfiguration continues. Minnie Vans and transportation from Golden Oak currently have drop-off locations closest to the walkways that lead to the gates of Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Disney Skyliner towers cross the length of the parking lot of Disney's Hollywood Studios. The station at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort takes shape in the distance. An off-property hotel tower stands in the distance beyond.

Bus loop construction continues in the parking lot of Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Following the walkway from Disney's Hollywood Studios toward Disney's BoardWalk Resort, the Disney Skyliner turn station near Buena Vista Drive is still taking shape.

The Disney Skyliner turn station and towers stand just beyond the edge of Disney's BoardWalk Resort's parking lot.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

For those that may need a refresher on Disney Skyliner, Disney Parks Blog shared this video. Video ©Disney.

This and That…

…The Grand Reveal of the refurbished World of Disney store at Disney Springs will be held on Saturday morning, October 27. We have been invited to the event by Disney, so watch our social media sites for live or near-live coverage. At 9:45 a.m. Eastern there will be a public ribbon cutting and the store's doors will open at 10 a.m.

…Disney Junior Dance Party! featuring Doc McStuffins, Vampirina, Timon and Mickey is now scheduled to debut at Disney's Hollywood Studios on December 22, 2018.

Disney Junior Dance Party! will take up residence in the refurbished theater in the Animation Courtyard File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort host its Food & Wine Classic and Bubbles Brunch events this weekend. Tickets are required (see Resort Events (below).

…Saturday is also guests' last chance to visit Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park before it closes for its seasonal refurbishment (scheduled through January 5, 2019).

…On October 18, Disney Parks Blog celebrated World Okapi Day by posting about the October 1 birth of an okapi at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

…Disney Parks Blog also showed off the special Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom game card inspired by Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room available only to guests attending editions of this year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

…And foodies can catch up on all the latest fall treats around Walt Disney World Resort courtesy of Disney Parks Blog.

…Away from the Resort, Orlando Sentinel reports that the National Economic Council, a unit of the Bahamas government, approved Disney Cruise Line's proposal to develop the 700-acre privately owned Lighthouse Point Development on the south end of the Bahamian island of Eleuthera as a second destination for Disney's ships to visit as the line expands to seven ships between 2021 and 2023. Additional negotiations between DCL and the government are necessary before construction can get underway. Orlando Sentinel says that “[t]he end result of the destination will be something similar to Disney's Aulani resort in Hawaii, which pulls from local culture and history.”

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

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New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place. Items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. Looking for Thanksgiving dining options? We have a bunch of announcements from Disney Springs restaurants below too.

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

NEW Cooke's of Dublin, the counter-service counterpart to Raglan Road, now offers its own mobile ordering; choose from either direct on its website or its mobile app (available in the App Store or Google Play).

NEW Ireland's Lisa Canny, the ginger-haired vocalist-harpist-banjo player, continues to appear on the Raglan Road Irish Pub stage through December 6.

Reservations may still be available for Raglan Road's traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 22. The menu includes butter and herb roasted turkey with gravy, duck fat potato roasties, bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts, apple, sage & sweet onion stuffing, and cranberry and plum chutney. The prix fix meal is $28 for adults, $14 for children. The restaurant will also offer its full regular menu on Thanksgiving. Call (407) 938-0300 to make a reservation.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant will offer a traditional turkey dinner on Thanksgiving. Image courtesy of Raglan Road.

Wine Bar George

Enjoy a guided tasting with Master Sommelier George Miliotes featuring six red wines from around the world plus a selection of cheese and charcuterie on November 1, from 5-6:30 p.m. Tickets are $105.25 available here (note, the webpage says that the price is $110.25 per person includes tax and tip, but the tickets link on the page suggests the charge will be $105.25). Must be age 21 or over and the event will be cancelled if less than 10 register.

NEW More Tasting Opportunities with George Miliotes

• Blind Wine Tasting – October 29, 1-2:30 p.m. – $65.
• Cristom Vineyards Tasting with Tom Gerrie – November 5, 3:30-5 p.m. – $75.
• An Afternoon of Riesling with Johannes Selbach – November 10, noon-3 p.m. – $120 (includes 4-course lunch).

More information and links to tickets at WineBarGeorge.com.

NEW A traditional Thanksgiving turkey plate will be available for $32/person ($16/kids 9 and under). Pumpkin pie will be available for $10/person. Thanksgiving Day, November 22, opening at 11 a.m.

Morimoto Asia

NEW For Thanksgiving, Morimoto Asia is serving up a celebratory Peking Turkey Dinner that it describes as “Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside,” along with roasted pork fried rice “stuffing,” Japanese style candied yams, cranberry-litchi chutney, and Szechuan peppercorn gravy. Dinner is $48 per person. For reservations visit MorimotoAsia.com.

The Edison

On Halloween night, The Edison hosts a party paying homage to the 25th anniversary of the release of Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas. “A Halloween Soirée at The Edison” starts at 7:30 p.m.. Tickets are $85 plus tax and gratuity and include Live Music and Dancers, Passed Hors d'Oeuvres, a welcome cocktail, a costume contest, stilt walkers, aerialist performances, plus giveaways and take home treats. Guests must be 21 or over to attend and the restaurant's full food and menu will be available for additional purchase. Visit this page of the Patina Restaurant Group website for more information and to purchase tickets.

NEW For Thanksgiving, The Edison is serving traditional holiday fixings with a full turkey dinner. For $25 per person, guests can dine on classic oven roasted turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes with gravy, savory house-made stuffing, sweet baby carrots, and cranberry chutney. For reservations visit TheEdisonFla.com.

Maria & Enzo's and Enzo's Hideaway

Maria & Enzo's and Enzo's Hideaway at Disney Springs are now offering 40% off to Disney Annual Passholders during lunch through December 31st. Not valid with any other offer or during brunch.

NEW For Thanksgiving, Maria & Enzo’s is serving a three-course Italian holiday dinner for $39 per person and $19 per child nine and under. Starters include Roasted Apple and Winter Squash Soup, Forest Mushroom Arancini, and Marinated Goat Cheese with Roasted Baby Beets. Guests can dine on entrees such as Braised Turkey Meatballs, Pasta al Forno, or Grilled Wild Salmon. A tasting of desserts with mini house-made cannoli, seasonal pumpkin cheesecake, gelato, and sorbet will be available too. For reservations visit MariaAndEnzos.com.

NEW At neighboring Enzo's Hideaway for Thanksgiving, you can also find a similar offering. For reservations visit EnzosHideawayFla.com.

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' now offers the Rise & Shine Brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.. See the brunch menu for details or call (407) 939-5277 for reservations.

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' serves its Rise & Shine Brunch on Sundays. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Terralina Crafted Italian

The restaurant will host an “intimate Wine Dinner” on October 24. The cost per guest will be $55 plus tax and gratuity. Details and tickets are available here.

TerralinaCraftedItalian.com has more events to explore. Throughout all of October, the restaurant is also offering a Happy Hour featuring charcuterie board for $15 and half-priced pizzas.

Terralina Crafted Italian now serves up Meatball Mondays. Guests can choose from three meatball dishes including a meatball sandwich ($14), pizza ($15) or calzone ($14) served with pecorino-truffle potato chips and garlic pickles. Substitute the sides with a baby greens salad or French fries for $3.

Paddlefish

Rooftop Wine Experiences are available on the 2nd Tuesday every month through January on the third “deck.” The experience and discussion lead by its Sommelier team features wine flights from around the world and light bites. The next one is October 9. For more information and tickets, visit its EventBrite webpage. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

House of Blues

Outside the restaurant, a sign advertises “Happy Hour” adult beverage specials, daily from 11:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays from 10 p.m. until closing. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

City Works Eatery & Pour House

Disney Parks Blog announced that a new City Works Eatery & Pour House will open on the West Side of Disney springs in summer 2019 adjacent to the NBA Experience (which is also expected to open in 2019). Like the chain's seven other locations across the United States, the new venue will offer 80 beers on tap, including local brews and other rare, limited supply selections from around the world. It will also feature a selection of popular wines along with a bar menu of “shareables, burgers and more” with lots of high-definition tvs showing live sporting events.

Construction continues at NBA Experience on the West Side of Disney Springs. City Works Eatery & Pour House is also opening in this area (like in this same construction site) next summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New Hyper-Reality Experience Coming to The VOID

Last winter, The VOID opened at Disney Springs with Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire created by The VOID and ILMxLAB (the immersive entertainment division of LucasFilm). With the Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet due in theaters on November 21, this fall, The VOID, ILMxLAB and The Walt Disney Company will present Ralph Breaks VR go give guests “a new multi-sensory Disney adventure…immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope.”

For those that have never visited The VOID at Disney Springs Marketplace (or Downtown Disney in Anaheim or elsewhere), the physical space guests explore itself is pretty much a “black box” where the players wear equipment and a helmet that immerses them into a virtual world rather than the place itself. Thus, it is not surprising that Disney Parks Blog confirms that Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire “will not be going away” when Ralph Wrecks VR debuts. Staff at The VOID confirm this as well.

After entering information into a tablet and signing a liability waiver, guests receive a QR-encoded wristband to enter the world of Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire. Tickets for the experience are currently $29.95 and the only discounts available are for Disney Cast Members. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Retail

The refurbishment underway at Basin which we noted earlier this month are scheduled to be completed shortly.

Disney Design-A-Tee shop has closed in the Marketplace area. File HDR photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Art of Disney Presents Greg McCullough

From November 3 through January 1, artist Greg McCullough (who has previously been featured at other Art of Disney stores and at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts), will be in residence daily (except Mondays) from 1 to 7:30 p.m. in a new pop-up shop located in the shop formerly operated by Little Miss Matched in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs. The shop will feature McCullough's art, including original works, limited-editions and prints. Guests will have a chance to interact with him and have artwork signed.

The former site of Little Miss Matched will become home to The Art of Disney Presents Greg McCullough from November 3 through January 1. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Inside the Marketplace Co-Op

►Disney Tails opened October 12, featuring Mickey, Minnie, Haunted Mansion, and Star Wars collections for pets (mostly dogs, but some for cats too). The store also includes leashes, collars, bandanas, squeak toys, and more.

►Lovepop in the center of Marketplace Co-Op features a new kind of greeting card that Disney Parks Blog describes as “an intricate 3D paper sculpture designed on cutting-edge software, then hand-assembled with impeccable craftsmanship.”

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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 email. More runDisney event information

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2018 Resort Events

2019 Resort Events

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

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Current Discounts and Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.

Just click the category you want to expand (or close).

For Everyone

For Annual Passholders

For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

For Military Personnel

For Florida Residents

For Disney Vacation Club Members

For Canada Residents

For U.K. Residents

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