Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 3-9, 2017

Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 3–9, 2017

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

Writer's note: I am saddened to once again say that horrific World events dominate the news this week rather than fun and exciting Walt Disney World Resort news and events, but I do have to say that our hearts go out to both Puerto Rico and Las Vegas and those affected by the very different tragic events that happened in those places. Personally, I have visited the Las Vegas Strip many times, and feel almost as seasoned a visitor there as I was to Walt Disney World (at least before I became a permanent resident of Central Florida). Hopefully, the things we have to share about Walt Disney World Resort this week here on MousePlanet can help move folks toward the “great, big, beautiful tomorrow, just a dream away!”

News and Views

Epcot Celebrates 35 Years | BaseLine Tap House Opens in the New Grand Avenue Area of Disney's Hollywood Studios | Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Redesigned Interiors Complete | Remember Me! Exhibit Installed Inside Epcot's Mexico Pavilion | Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Epcot Celebrates 35 Years

EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982. On Sunday, the park—now known simply as Epcot—celebrated its 35th anniversary with special events around the park and, of course, special food, merchandise, and, yes, fireworks too.

A “Pop-up” shop of Epcot 35 merchandise was set up inside the otherwise closed Innoventions West building in Future World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A selection of Epcot 35 merchandise was available only on October 1 in the Pop-up shop. Other anniversary merchandise will be available for an unspecified additional time. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A special pin was created to commemorate Epcot's anniversary. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Guests visiting Epcot on October 1 were able to get a commemorative Epcot guidemap and times guide at the Main Entrance, International Gateway, and Guest Relations. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The main festivities were scheduled to begin at 10:01 a.m. on Sunday at the Fountain View stage in Future World. A very large crowd filled the plaza between the 9 a.m. rope-drop and the scheduled beginning of the ceremony. Though we know Disney does not actually control the weather, not long after rope-drop, a single rainstorm cell seemly parked over Future World for more than a half an hour. As the scheduled start time approached, some blue skies could be seen overhead and, in fact, it stopped raining just about on schedule—just before 10 am. After just a minimal delay to allow cast members to dry the stage, the celebration ceremony included performances by Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty, two acts that have performed in the park since day one (Mariachi Cobre even traces its history back to the Magic Kingdom in 1971, and some of its performers to Disneyland as far back as 1969).

A parade of cast members saluting the pavilions of Epcot walked in front of the Fountain View stage while the theme music from the Parade of Nations (and later Parade of Dreams) played. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In addition to rain, unfortunately, our Live stream of the ceremony experienced some technical difficulties as well. This video of the ceremony, attempts to resolve nearly all of those “Live” difficulties. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The weather cooperated for the ceremony honoring the 35th Anniversary of Epcot's opening. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

After the official park celebration at the fountain, Disney D23's Fanniversary Celebration saluted the park with a sold-out event in World Showplace featuring presentations about the park by current leadership and cast members, at least one Disney Legend (Tony Baxter), Imagineers, and historians. We will provide a full wrap-up of the highlights in an upcoming article. If you were following us on Twitter you saw a few of the “fun” facts we learned in the event, like that the animatronic Three Caballeros that now perform in the Mexico pavilion are not only older than Epcot (having been moved in to the pavilion after a lengthy run in Tokyo Disneyland following their initial performances in the early years of Magic Kingdom), they were on display for press and government officials in Orlando as far back as 1969.

Inside the World Showplace, Disney D23 presented its Fanniversary Celebration of Epcot's 35th Anniversary. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Diana Brost, Tony Baxter, and Jason Grandt presented EPCOT 35: 35 Things You Didn't Know at the D23 Fanniversary. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the “35 Things You Didn't Know” was that an early name considered for theme park which became Epcot was “CONCEPT.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

D23 Fanniversary attendees had the opportunity to shop in a “Pop-up” shop too. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like the morning celebration that was threatened by rain until just before its scheduled time, the evening's presentation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth with a special fireworks finale was threatened with significant storms that fortunately never made their way all the way across from the Atlantic Coast to reach World Showcase. Although rather windy, Epcot concluded its first day of its 36th year with a spectacle.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth concluded with a special fireworks finale which we presented Live on our Facebook page. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Spaceship Earth cupcakes have been created to celebrate Epcot's 35th Anniversary. Members of the media got to sample them at a dessert party before the fireworks. Guests can purchase them at the Fountain View (Starbucks) in Future World. Additional themed specialty cupcakes are available at Norway and at Sunshine Seasons in the Land Pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Except for D23 announcing details of some of its planned events for 2018, including the Walt Disney World highlights we discuss in the This and That section below, the event did not provide us with any “breaking news” or additional details about the major Epcot reimagining that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek first mentioned at D23 Destination D last November and then provided some additional details at D23 Expo 2017 in July. Notwithstanding any of the rumors that are out there, we have not received official confirmation of any additional details as of publication time.

As we mentioned last week, October 1 marks the start of a new fiscal year for The Walt Disney Company as a whole, and the 46th Anniversary of the entire Walt Disney World Resort, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The start of a new year has resulted in some changes to Passholder discounts and such, so if you are interested, be sure to review the Discounts section of the Update as well.

BaseLine Tap House Opens in the New Grand Avenue Area of Disney's Hollywood Studios

On Friday, Disney's Hollywood Studios opened its new Grand Avenue area in the portion of the former Streets of America's New York Street that was not demolished to make way for the future Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge land a little further down the “street” past Muppet-Vision 3D in what is now called the Grand Arts Theatre. The Grand Avenue area is intended to capture “the spirit of present-day Downtown Los Angeles,” and the newly repainted and rethemed building facades there represent its office buildings, warehouses, and loft apartments. There are plenty of new themed details to explore in the storefronts, though only the new BaseLine Tap House is open for business to guests.

The Grand Avenue area includes a portion of the former Streets of America area of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Details are apparent on the storefronts. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On Friday, September 29, the Grand Avenue area opened, including the new BaseLine Tap House. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Muppets Courtyard next to Grand Avenue is now named Grand Park. It is a rare nod to “the present” at Disney's Hollywood Studios: the sign says it was established in 2017. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Immediately next door to the Sci-Fi Dine-in Theater Restaurant, in the former Writer's Stop space, now sits the brand new BaseLine Tap House. From my brief daytime visit on Friday, and from a friend of MousePlanet's attendance at an evening media event, the place is accurately described by Disney as “a lively corner pub specializing in California beers and wines.” The brick building is themed to reflect its Imagineered backstory as the former home of the Los Angeles-based Figueroa Printing Company, “a mom-and-pop print house that had ties to the Disney Studios in nearby Burbank.” It is filled with all the sorts of little details that can keep your eyes (and even your ears) occupied should you wander beyond the beverages and snacks.

Details on the exterior brick wall include the Hollywood Tower Hotel, located over on Sunset Boulevard. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Details may even include a Hidden Mickey. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Inside BaseLine there is limited seating; there is also limited seating outside. Photo by a friend of MousePlanet.

Given its proximity to the future Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the entire area likely will become the future home of a lengthy queue area to enter the neighboring land upon its 2019 debut. For folks visiting BaseLine Tap House, there is also an outdoor tree-shaded terrace, with tables.

The BaseLine Tap House menu includes California craft ales, lagers, and cider, along with California wines on tap and specialty cocktails. A non-alcoholic lemonade and soda on tap are also available. Snacks include a Bavarian pretzel with mustard and beer-cheese fondue, spiced almonds, and a charcuterie board featuring California cheeses. It opens daily at 11 a.m.

Select your own beer flight, and it will be accompanied by printers cards describing your selections. Photo by a Friend of MousePlanet.

Menu boards show the various selections. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Menu boards are themed to the former print shop of the venue's backstory. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Pretzel and beer cheese is one of the available snacks. Photo by a Friend of MousePlanet.

Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Redesigned Interiors Complete

In what it calls the “largest redesign in the resort's history,” the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort just completed its $140 million, three-year refresh of its guest rooms, public spaces, and meeting spaces. The easiest to see by the public is the complete redesign of the Dolphin Resort's lobby, which includes enhanced lighting, more seating, and its grand chandelier. The chandelier reaches down more than 20 feet from the ceiling and is comprised of nearly 1,000 strands of approximately 10,000 individual crystals suspended above the iconic Dolphin fountain. The lobby also includes the new Phins bar, and the new quick service dining venue, fuel.

Dolphin Lobby renovations are complete, highlighted by the grand chandelier . Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Phins bar is located in the Dolphin Lobby. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

fuel is the new quick service location located just off the Dolphin Lobby, opposite Phins bar. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Swan's lobby has also been refreshed with a new modern color scheme. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

All 2,267 guest rooms in the two buildings were refreshed with new interior designs drawing inspiration from the late Michael Graves original designs for the Resort. As is the trend in better hotels around the world these days, rooms now also feature additional electrical outlets, USB ports for charging, and high-definition televisions. The resort expects to roll out new interactive TV software in the near future, which will not only allow guest checkout, but will allow guests to stream from their personal devices to their in-room TV.

The Resort's meeting space now includes a new 2,800 square-foot space named Lake View along the resort's private lake. All of the resort's 332,000 square feet of meeting space has been refreshed, and the technology upgraded to include electronic reader boards, high-density WiFi, and more.

Outside, the pool area will soon receive cabanas furnished with lounge seating, tables, fans, refrigerators, and televisions for rental. Although we have not seen pricing information, the resort says that cabana rental will include “full food and beverage service.”

While located on Walt Disney World property, adjacent to Disney's Yacht Club and Disney's BoardWalk, and within walking distance (or Friendship boat service) of both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin are not Disney owned nor operated resorts. The resorts are currently within the Marriott International portfolio (particularly of interest to those of you with a preferred travel status within that hotel and resort group). Nevertheless, guests staying at the Swan and Dolphin enjoy some (but not all) of the benefits of other guests at Walt Disney World Resort, including: Extra Magic Hours, Disney Transportation, Character Dining, Advance Tee Times, Complimentary Delivery of purchases made in the parks, complimentary parking at the parks, and the ability to make FastPass+ reservations up to 60 days in advance of arrival.

Perhaps convention specific, but new graphics mark the buildings of the Swan and Dolphin Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A new way-finding sign with similar graphics has been installed between the Epcot area resorts. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Read more about the Swan and Dolphin at swandolphin.com.

The frame yourself in front of the resort sign stands near the bridge that leads from the Swan and Dolphin Resort to the BoardWalk. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Remember Me! Exhibit Installed Inside Epcot's Mexico Pavilion

Although many guests rush past it on their way to Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros or the taquillas or their dining reservations at San Angel Inn Restaurante, the entry of the pyramid-shaped Mexico pavilion at Epcot includes a gallery exhibiting the works of prominent Mexican and Mexican-American artists. The newest installation, is entitled “Remember Me!” La Celebración del Día de Muertos (the celebration of the Day of the Dead).

The Remember Me! exhibit is inside the pyramid at Mexico. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Explanations of the exhibit are posted on a sign near the entrance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The new exhibit includes artwork relevant to this cultural celebration, particularly focusing on skeletons and skulls. Many are pre-Hispanic items on loan from museums and show the long history of the customs.

Mexican art is on display. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

We noticed several empty spots in the exhibit that included signs that indicated that additions are coming soon. Given Disneyland's recent installation of an area themed to the upcoming Disney-Pixar animated film Coco, which deals with a similar subject matter, we expect that pieces related to the film may be installed soon as well. Disney Parks Blog says that the centerpiece of the gallery will be installed this week, which will include a sculpture group entitled “Bridal Couple” created by a father and son in Mexico City, with pieces ranging from 2 1/2 to 10 feet tall.

The empty centerpiece spot will soon be the home of large sculptures made by Mexican artists. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar

For those planning to visit Epcot through the end of the year, our interactive calendar lists the upcoming scheduled events at Epcot's America Gardens Theatre from the remaining scheduled Eat to the Beat Concerts and the announced narrators for Candlelight Processional. We make no guarantee of the accuracy of the information; it is provided “As-Is, Where-Is,” use at your own discretion. You can interact with the Google-hosted calendar below or now add it to any Calendar that supports the iCal format by copying this link. 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. We do not know why Walt Disney World Resort has not created this sort of functionality outside of the My Disney Experience app itself.

Country and Western performer Mark Wills was the Eat to the Beat Concert performer on October 1. Fun fact: he has been an Annual Passholder! Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

If you like our calendar feature and would like to see us to add more information to it in the future, let us know with a Facebook “Like” or share it with your Facebook friends. Below the calendar, you can now provide us with your comments via your Facebook account if you are logged in to it!

Views Around the World

Last Wednesday, we were invited to attend the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Media Day that was delayed by Hurricane Irma, where we were able to sample several of the foods and beverages offered at this year's Festival and hear from some of the park leadership responsible for organizing the event. Our Views this week include some of the highlights we have not brought you before. We also share a few other places around the Resort with, as always, bits of additional news in the captions.

Epcot

This not-at-all-hidden Remy, the rat from Disney-Pixar's “Ratatouille,” was available for photos on Media Day. You can search for him all over World Showcase and, if you like, purchase the map at select locations in the park to help you search and then collect a souvenir prize. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey, Goofy, and Minnie met the media dressed for the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A special chocolate milk flavored stout was specially created for this year's Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the more disappointing dishes at the Media Day tasting was the crispy chicken. It was sort of tough and chewy. (I have not sampled it from the Farm Fresh Marketplace where you will find it in the Festival.) Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The truly surprising highlight of the Media Day tasting (and then confirmed with a visit to the Africa Marketplace on Sunday) was the Spicy Ethiopian Red Lentil Stew with Vegan Yogurt and Quinoa. It was the sort of dish that I usually would avoid based on the description, and took only a tentative spoonful of to taste before enjoying it so much that I finished the entire portion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This wine available at the Spain Marketplace is flavored with fruit, making it refreshing on a hot Central Florida afternoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

At the Ireland Marketplace, the warm chocolate pudding came highly recommended by friends (and I enjoyed it). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Curated pairings are available around the Festival. At the Cheese studio, specific wines and cheeses are paired for your enjoyment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The gift shop at Test Track has been renamed: TestTrack SIMPorium. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As guests leave the ride, walk through the showroom, and approach the TestTrack SIMPorium, the new “Stat Station” allows guests to again view the SIM Car they designed before riding. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For $6.99, you may now purchase a card displaying the statistics for your SIMCar, an image of your design, and additional personalization. The card will be printed at the cash register upon your payment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

After learning about it in the D23 Fanniversary Celebration, I spotted this scene at the model railroad next to the Germany pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mostly Kosher is scheduled to appear at the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge construction continues right next to the main entrance to the Disney's Hollywood Studios parking lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Last week we saw how extensive the new Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster will be from the model at Walt Disney Presents. Now we see some of it from atop the Hollywood Tower Hotel (Tower of Terror). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Renovations continue at Echo Lake. Last week we reported that additional Christmas decor will be installed in this area this year as well. Panoramic Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

The new green courtesy tram now has a newly designed passenger car paint scheme too (look for the retro logo). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Road Construction

Flyover construction is well underway at the corner of Osceola Parkway and Victory Way. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One Passholder's Tip

This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (often weekly) tip at a time.

One Passholder's Tip #30
Follow MousePlanet on Facebook and Twitter!

Folks who received their buttons at our D23 Expo booth can continue to show they are following MousePlanet with a virtual button on Facebook. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

If you want the latest news about the Walt Disney World Parks from MousePlanet, you really should be following us on Facebook and Twitter, as that is where we do our Live broadcasts from the Parks and that is where we provide the latest news. Just this weekend, for example, as I mentioned above, we provided Live coverage of the Epcot 35th Anniversary celebrations (to the extent technology cooperated) on Facebook, and we provided “fun” facts about Epcot's 35th Anniversary on Twitter. In fact, for the “foodies” amongst you, we even provided an almost too-pretty to eat Epcot 35 cupcake over on our Instagram as well as our Facebook page.

Sure, technology does not always cooperate even in 2017, but you can learn things there from us that you may not get anywhere else. Of course, even if you do not “follow” us there, clicking the links to our social media pages (or creating your own bookmarks for them) also provides you access. As always, your mileage may vary, and please be governed accordingly. You can try out using the virtual “I Follow MousePlanet Button” with the camera on your mobile device after following this link.

This and That

…Disney Vacation Club announced that it will continue to operate its Member Lounge at Epcot (upper level of the Imagination Pavilion in Future World) throughout 2018. Members must have their Membership Card (actual or virtual) and a matching photo ID for admission with up to 5 guests per Card. The Lounge is open daily from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. and capacity is limited.

…Disney D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced during its Fanniversary celebration of Epcot's 35th Anniversary on Sunday that it will hold a special celebration for Disney's Animal Kingdom's 20th Anniversary with an in-park event next April. It also announced that Destination D: Happy Birthday Mickey Mouse will be held at Disney's Contemporary Resort next November saluting Mickey's 90th. In between, the club will invite its members to experience Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and will bring back its “Sip & Stroll” and holiday events at Walt Disney World. For the latest details and for its events at other locations around the world, check out D23.com.

…Disney Parks Merchandise introduced the latest addition to the “Dream Big, Princess” Collection by Dooney & Bourke with the release on September 30 of new Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs handbags in Uptown Jewelers at Magic Kingdom. Many bags in the Collection have been rather popular and can sell out at any time. Additional locations around Walt Disney World Resort will carry the Collection in the future, as well as locations at Disneyland, ShopDisney.com, and the Shop Disney Parks app. Read more about the Snow White bags on Disney Parks Blog.

…ABC-TV's The Chew will be recording episodes October 4-6 at the World Showcase Plaza in connection with the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The episodes will air next week, so check your local listings. MousePlanet has been invited to attend a recording on October 4, and we will provide some additional details about the show we attend on social media and in next week's Update. Episodes of the syndicated Wheel of Fortune will be recorded at Epcot later this month and we will provide additional details about those episodes in a future Update.

The Chew will record episodes later this week for broadcast next week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The “boos” serving establishments at Disney Springs want you to know about some of the fall cocktails on their menus. Featuring flavor combinations like cinnamon, ginger, and spiced apple, to butterscotch, caramel, and pumpkin, these are some of the adult beverages you can find now:

• Ginger Snap – Morimoto Asia
  Knob creek rye and old camp pecan whiskey shaken and strained over ice then dusted with ginger snap cookie
• Ochiba Punch – Morimoto Asia
  Ketel one vodka and apple cider with a blood orange puree and house made chai syrup, topped with a spiced apple
• Nashi Pear Almond Sour – Morimoto Asia
  Grey goose pear, lazzaroni amaretto and fresh squeezed lemon juice served chilled over ice and topped with an amaretto foam and citrus cherry skewer
• Bitter Harvest – Morimoto Asia
  A complex blend of flor de cana rum, courvoisier vsop, punt e mes, giffard ginger, served over ice and garnished with fresh lemon and mint
• Southern Sangria – Paddlefish
  Medley Bros. bourbon, peach liqueur, Tempranillo and seasonal fruit
• Spiced Caramel Apple Martini – Raglan Road
  Calvados, Butterscotch Schnapps, freshly muddled apple, Magners Irish Cider, and Hershey’s caramel syrup with a sugar rim
• Double Down – STK
  Woodford Reserve, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Egg Whites, Pinot Noir float

…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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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 (link).

2017 Resort Events

• Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – October 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Opened August 31 – November 13, 2017.
• Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
• Holidays at Walt Disney World –Starts November 9
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
     December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
• Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events) – November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; November 19, 2017 at Epcot
• Star Wars: Galactic Nights – December 16, 2017
• Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (formerly known as Holidays Around the World) –Dates November 19 to December 30
• Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30

2018 Resort Events

• Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom – January 19, 26 & 30; February 8 & 15; March 1 & 8.
• Epcot International Festival of the Arts – “Early” 2018
• MouseAdventure (unofficial event) – March 3, 2018. See mouseadventure.com for more information.
• 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – “Spring” 2018

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.

2017

• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration open (some events sold out).
     Proof of time deadline has passed.

2018

• 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018. Registration now open (many events sold out).
     Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
• 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. All events sold out.
     The runDisney website says to check with Travel Providers and Charity Groups for additional registration opportunities.
• Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 19-22, 2018. Registration now open (10K is sold out).
     Proof of time deadline is January 16, 2018.
• Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBD

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.

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.

Magic Kingdom

• Splash Mountain – closed for refurbishment.
• The Hall of Presidents – New show opening “Late 2017.”
• Stitch's Great Escape – closed a “seasonal” basis.

Stitch's Great Escape appears to be back on “seasonal” status. The attraction is still listed in the My Disney Experience App, but its operating status was not reflected on Monday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

• Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Closed August 13, 2017, to make way for a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction in approximately 2021.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• The Great Movie Ride – Closed August 13, 2017, to make way for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at a date to be announced.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

• No known closures at this time

Blizzard Beach

• Runoff Rapids. Expected completion: TBA.

Typhoon Lagoon

• No known closures at this time

Disney Springs

• Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017. Will reopen as Terralina Crafted Italian in Fall 2017, a new concept from James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano and Chef Justin Plank.
• Disney Quest – Closed as of July 3, 2017, to make way for The NBA Experience.
• La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – ends its run on December 31, 2017. Next use of the theater on the West Side TBA.
• Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed its West Side location on August 1, 2017. A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction int Town Center area and is expected to open in 2018.

Resorts

• Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are closed:
  • Old Port Royale Food Court
  • Shutters at Old Port Royale
  • Banana Cabana Pool Bar
  • Calypso Trading Post

• Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.

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.