Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 27 – November 2, 2015

Update for October 27 – November 2, 2015

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

News and Views

MagicBand on Demand opens in the Magic Kingdom | Food and Wine Classic returns to Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort | Another celebrity chef coming to Disney Springs; more honors for V&A | New Epcot exhibit explores Cute Culture | Holidays Around the World begins November 27; new musicians take the stage in Morocco | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

MagicBand on Demand opens in the Magic Kingdom

The purple MagicBand you've been waiting for is finally here, thanks to the new MagicBand on Demand program that debuted last week at the Magic Kingdom. The new program allows customers to pick one of 8 MagicBand colors – including the much-demanded purple – and personalize it with Disney artwork and/or a name. The bands are custom-printed at the time of purchase, using the same UV ink printing system used for the D-Tech on Demand product.

New retail MagicBands are available for purchase at the Magic Kingdom. Photo (c) Disney.

Merchandise communications manager Steven Miller says there are about 40 different designs possible for the MagicBands, including Disney characters and attraction themes, like “it's a small world” and the Haunted Mansion. At this time, there are no Star Wars or Muppet graphics offered.

The retail MagicBands (not to be confused with the “free” MagicBand sent as part of your My Disney Experience package), are $21.95, or $29.95 if you want to personalize the band with your name on the outside. These retail MagicBands can be linked at the time of purchase to your existing My Disney Experience account, or sold as a “link later” band to be given to friends or family who will visit Walt Disney World at a future date.

As with all MagicBands, these personalized devices have a sealed battery which can not be charged or replaced. Visitors can not have names or graphics added to existing MagicBands, and purple is still not a color choice for the “free” MagicBands. If you really want your purple Figment pigment band, be prepared to pay for it.

The elusive purple MagicBand is now available for purchase. Photo (c) Disney.

The MagicBand on Demand program is currently offered only at the Tomorrowland Power and Light store inside the Magic Kingdom. The line to purchase and personalize a new MagicBand reportedly reached nearly two hours at points over the weekend, and we expect it's only a matter of time before additional MagicBand on Demand locations are added throughout Walt Disney World.

Food and Wine Classic returns to Walt Disney World Swan And Dolphin Resort

The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin resort hosts the 6th Annual Food & Wine Classic from October 30–31, 2015.

This year's event features more than 40 stations offering a variety of food and wine selections, as well as 10 seminars led by renowned master chefs from signature restaurants, such as Il Mulino New York Trattoria, Shula's Steak House, and Todd English's bluezoo.

New for the 2015 event is an area devoted to food trucks, including a beverage truck.

Event fans can also enjoy returning favorites such as pasta-making, mixology seminars, wine blending, and more. The beer garden added in 2014 returns this year—an extra-cost option featuring local and seasonal beers, plus “Oktoberfest-inspired cuisine.”

Tickets start at $105 per person, which includes unlimited food and beverage samples from the booths and vendors along the causeway. Tickets that include beer garden admission are $125 per person.

Beverage seminars are $45 per person, per class, and pasta making and pairing seminars are $60 per person. Seminar tickets do not include causeway admission, and must be purchased separately.

If you want to make a weekend of it, two-night packages, including tickets to the outdoor festival for two and overnight accommodations, are available starting at $684.

To book tickets, call (800) 227-1500 or visit the event's official website at SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com.

Another celebrity chef coming to Disney Springs; more honors for V&A

Celebrity chef Rick Bayless has announced plans to open a new restaurant in Disney Springs, joining Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto and fellow Top Chef Masters alum Art Smith. Frontera Fresco will offer authentic Mexican cuisine in a casual environment, with dishes like tacos, Mexican sandwiches, quesadillas, tamales, and salads.

The Disney Springs branch of Frontera Fresco will be chef Bayless' first restaurant in Florida, and will continue the expansion of the Chicago chain which once also had locations in California. Disney gave no indication of when the new location would open, or where it will be located.

TripAdvisor once again named the Grand Floridian Hotel's iconic Victoria & Albert's restaurant one of the top restaurants in the United States in their 2015 Travelers’ Choice awards. The restaurant appears as #6 in the list of Best Fine Dining Restaurants in the United States, sharing headlines with Chicago's Michelin 3-star restaurant Alinea, and beating out such illustrious competition as Seattle's exclusive Canlis, Berkley's Chez Panisse, and New York's Michelin 2-star Daniel.

Victoria & Albert's has earned the AAA Five-Diamond Award for 15 consecutive years, and it's widely speculated that the restaurant would join the ranks of Michelin-starred restaurants if the Michelin Guide ever released an Orlando edition. In the United States, there are Michelin guides for restaurants in Chicago, New York, and the San Francisco Bay Area only.

New Epcot exhibit explores Cute Culture

The cute side of Japanese culture is on display in Epcot's Japan pavilion, at a new exhibit in the Bijutsu-kan Gallery. “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture” replaces the Spirited Beasts exhibit in the often-overlooked gallery at the back of the pavilion. Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka took a tour through the new exhibit, and shared a few photos:

Kawaii is a new exhibit in the museum area of Epcot's Japan pavilion celebrating the “cute culture” (a particular artistic style). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Bijutsu-kan Gallery in Epcot's Japan pavilion now features “Kawaii: Japan’s Cute Culture.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The centerpiece of the Kawaii exhibit at Epcot's Japan pavilion is the “Melty-Go-Round (Harajuku Girl)” created especially for the exhibit. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Examples of Japan's “cute culture” are displayed in the Kawaii exhibit at Epcot's Japan pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This case displays a wide array of household items that reflect Japan's “cute culture.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Holidays Around the World begins November 27; new musicians take the stage in Morocco

Epcot's Holidays Around the World celebration returns November 27 through December 30, 2015. The annual event gives the international pavilions around the World Showcase the opportunity to highlight some of their own winter celebrations, including Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and the Lunar New Year.

New this year is a holiday music set by the American Music Machine, performing at the Fountain Stage. The a capella group debuted this summer, and have proven very popular with Epcot visitors. Their holiday show is said to be “a contemporary take on the classic Christmas TV special,” and features arrangements by Glee's Tim Davis. The Fountain Stage will also host “Joyful! A Gospel Celebration of the Season” during the day.

A new musical group debuted last week at the Morocco Pavilion in Epcot's World Showcase. Ribab Fusion is described as a “contemporary Afropop” group. You can see them Wednesday to Sunday, now through January 2, 2016.

Views Around the World

Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares more images from construction projects all around Walt Disney World.

Epcot

The roofs are being installed at the “Royal Sommerhus” where Epcot guests will get to meet Frozen's Anna and Elsa at the expanded Norway pavilion in 2016. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

The Jungle Skipper Canteen is due to open later this year in Adventureland at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A new construction or renovation project is underway on the rooftop of Mickey's PhilharMagic at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom Railroad is closed for renovations scheduled to end just before Thanksgiving. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The holiday dream lights now adorn the newest turrets in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction cranes rise from backstage behind Frontierland at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens balloons are available (for $10) on Main Street USA at Magic Kingdom along with the traditional Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Frozen and princess balloons. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Large swaths of the former Walt Disney World Speedway already have been paved for what appears may be additional parking ready for the upcoming holiday season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Animal Kingdom

Steel supports for the floating mountains of the World of Pandora continue to rise even higher next to Guest Relations at the gates of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The seating area for the “Rivers of Light” nighttime spectacular at Disney's Animal Kingdom continues to take shape. At this point, the seating area does not appear particularly large, which could make FastPass+ reservations a must. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Primeval Whirl at Disney's Animal Kingdom is closed for refurbishment which is expected to conclude in mid-November. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

After sunset, as the park closes, Disney's Animal Kingdom takes on a whole different look. When the night safari opens and “Rivers of Light” premiers, the park should regularly be open at night. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs

Construction of the Disney Springs exit ramp from I-4 completed ahead of schedule and it connects to the ramp from and over Buena Vista Drive to the Orange Parking Garage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction of the second Disney Springs parking garage can be seen from the Orange Parking Garage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction of the STK Restaurant at Disney Springs continues just past the bridge that connects the West Side to The Landing. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The steel frame of the former Adventurers Club remains for construction of another new venue at The Landing at Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A bridge from The Landing to the future Town Center section of Disney Springs is under construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Additional buildings rise between the Orange Parking Garage and Planet Hollywood as the future Town Center section of Disney Springs begins to take shape. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the completion of the Disney Springs exit ramp from I-4 and the Buena Vista Drive fly over, a surface parking area is being landscaped on the West Side. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That

…Twitter user Kendra shared that Walt Disney World is currently surveying visitors about their interest in a possible parking annual pass for the Florida resort. While passholders and resort hotel guests currently receive free hotel and theme park parking in Florida, this may indicate that Disney is looking to amend or eliminate that perk, as it has at the Disneyland Resort in California. This could also be a sign that the days of free parking at Disney Springs is about to come to an end.

Work teammate just asked me about a survey he got from Disney gauging interest in a WDW parking annual pass… Just shoot me now.

— Kendra (@hintofspy) October 26, 2015

Annual passholders and Walt Disney World resort hotel guests get free parking at theme parks, but a recent Disney survey may indicate the company is looking to eliminate that perk. Photo by Alan Dalinka.

…Construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins began this week at Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas, promoting the closure of the Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit . No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures around the hotel property, and construction noise during daylight hours.

…Our Merchandise Events section has been updated with planned artist appearances and signing events through November 22.

…The Orlando Sentinel reports that a 55-year-old Tennessee woman died after riding Space Mountain in July. The article cites a quarterly report that Walt Disney World is required to file with state officials. The Sentinel says the woman lost consciousness after riding Space Mountain, and later died at an area hospital. The woman had a medical history which included congestive heart failure.

…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 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
• DVC Merry Member Mixers – November 24; December 1, 8, 14, 22. 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). Members do not need tickets or advance reservations, and can bring up to 6 guests per membership card.
• 2015 Candlelight Processional at Epcot – Performances are at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. nightly, with the exception of December 6.

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.

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.

2016

• Soarin' will halt service as of January 4, 2016. The ride will reopen sometime in “summer of 2016” as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film

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.
• 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.
• Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
• Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
• Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for 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

• 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 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. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.

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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