Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 8-14, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 8-14, 2019

Writer's note: As you may have seen on social media or your favorite local news source by now, the new Disney Skyliner transportation system that opened last week, suffered some sort of malfunction Saturday night on the line connecting Epcot with Disney's Riviera Resort and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, keeping hundreds aboard, in some cases for up to three hours. We will get right to the facts that are available so far in the news below, which includes no reports of significant injuries to guests or cast members.

As we showed last week, the Disney Skyliner presents views not seen before that can include, as here, Imagination pavilion and the Land pavilion at Epcot, with Cinderella Castle, Disney's Contemporary Resort, construction cranes at the site of the TRON Lightcycle Run coaster and Bay Lake Tower in the distance. The passenger cabin seen in the photo here is traveling along Buena Vista Drive on the Epcot line and the view is from the line between Riviera and Caribbean Beach. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Before we get to the the news, though, just a note about communication with me, the writer. I no longer receive email through the envelope icon next to my byline above. If you have something to say that you want all of our followers to know about, please provide your comments at the bottom of the Update (via MousePad) or under the post with a link to this Update on our Facebook page. If you want to say or ask something less publicly, send a private message to MousePlanet on Facebook Messenger, or a direct message on MousePlanet's Instagram or Twitter pages. I usually monitor all those places when a new Update is published and at other times during the week. If there is a part of Walt Disney World Resort you would like to see us give more attention to than we seem to, or if you are visiting or living in the area and would like to say hello, those subjects are always open for further discussion.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Disney Skyliner is Closed

As you will recall from last week's Update, the newest Disney transportation system, Disney Skyliner, opened on Sunday, September 29. On Saturday night, October 5, a statement Disney released officially acknowledged an incident and the system's closure:

One of the three Disney Skyliner routes experienced an unexpected downtime Saturday evening. As a result, the Skyliner will be closed while we look into the details surrounding this downtime. We apologize for this situation, and we are working with each guest individually regarding impacts to their visit with us.

The new gondola transportation system was built to give guests at four Disney resort hotels (Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Caribbean Beach, and the as yet to open Disney's Riviera Resort Disney Vacation Club property) an alternative transportation means for getting to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests at the affected resort hotels continue to have use of Disney buses, monorails, Minnie vans and watercraft to get around to the parks and other parts of Walt Disney World. The line where the incident occurred is the system's longest and includes two turn stations, one at Disney's Riviera where guests may get off, and one in front of Disney's BoardWalk Resort that is rather high off the ground and has no passenger exit platform.

The cause of the “unexpected downtime” has not been explained. Photos on social media on Saturday night showed several of the passenger gondola cabins leaning into one another inside the turn station at Disney's Riviera Resort, and, near one of the cabins, there appeared to be broken glass on the ground. There have been no reports of major injuries; as you can imagine (or may have seen), there were complaints on social media of some guests experiencing anxiety while stuck in passenger cabins along the line, in some cases, for up to three hours.

Disney released another statement about the incident on Sunday (and we received it yesterday):

We have a team diligently looking into the cause of the malfunction on the Epcot line of the Disney Skyliner. We have been in contact with the guests, many of whom were on the Skyliner for more than three hours until we were able to restart the system. We express our sincere apologies for the inconvenience and continue to work with each guest individually.

Orlando Sentinel reports that Reedy Creek firefighters did use high-rise ladder trucks to rescue some guests, but no one was evacuated with the assistance of barges on water or via ropes as an evacuation method (as some on social media had suggested). The newspaper was also unable to get any comment from Doppelmayr, the gondola's manufacturer as of Monday.

Another report in Orlando Sentinel quotes Reedy Creek firefighters' union secretary, Ryan O'Reilly, as saying that the incident took up “all of the available manpower or most of the available manpower” at the fire department and back-up assistance from the sheriff departments in Orange and Osceola counties. The Sentinel has been reporting for several months of an ongoing debate between the Union and Reedy Creek, the “psuedo-government agency” that was created for the benefit of Disney when the Resort was being built in the late 1960s, about staffing levels as Walt Disney World expands. O'Reilly is quoted as speculating that “If anything else would have been going on [at Disney] at that moment, it could have been catastrophic.”

Fortunately, the incident happened at night, and, indeed, on a night without thunderstorms. When we first heard about folks being stuck aboard, around 10 p.m. Saturday night, the temperature in the neighborhood was in the mid-70s. As you may recall, the passenger cabins are ventilated, not air conditioned. As I reported in last week's Update after my several rides at various times of day, when the cars were moving, the ventilation in the passenger cabins was comfortable—in fact, by the Dedication Day ceremony on September 27, Disney has already adopted the term “Skyliner Hair” to describe what happens to passengers with longer hair during a breezy ride. But, as I also noted, “The passenger cabins are, of course, less comfortable when stopped.” Social media also included reports that guests aboard the stopped cabins were instructed to open safety kits found under a seat in the cabin; kits apparently included bags of water, a glow stick, cups, paper and a pencil.

A reporter for one of the Orlando television stations was among those posting to social media from aboard one of the stopped gondolas. When her party finally reached station and exited, she noted that Disney cast members took their contact details and provided them with park tickets and gift cards.

As more official information becomes known, we will report it. When dealing with an incident like this, you may see information on social media that is not substantiated and just plain false. We avoid circulating that sort of information, as it serves no purpose. Speculation about what caused the incident on the internet is much less valuable than hearing from Disney and Doppelmayr, the manufacturer, about the safety measures in place, how they are both working to minimize “unexpected downtime,” and how to ensure that any future incidents of any kind will similarly result in no injuries to guests or cast members.

Having just this weekend before the incident purchased and read the book by Robert Iger, Chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, The Ride of a Lifetime, I note that he provides this advice:

In your work, in your life, you'll be more respected and trusted by people around you if you honestly own up to your mistakes. It's impossible not to make them; but it is possible to acknowledge them, learn from them, and set an example that it's okay to get things wrong sometimes. What's not okay is to undermine others by lying about something or covering your own ass first.

See the Future of Epcot at Epcot

On October 1, Epcot celebrated the park's 37th anniversary with the opening of Walt Disney Imagineering Presents The Epcot Experience inside the newly renamed Odyssey Events Center. In its largest space, the building now includes a 360° stand-up theater with a seamless video presentation on its walls; in its center is the three dimensional model that made its debut at D23 Expo 2019 a couple of months ago, but now with some additional pieces and with digitally mapped projections on its surface. The 12 minute presentation is an overview of the transformation of the park that is underway. While it is rather light on new information if you have been paying attention to our reports of the official announcements, it is a very entertaining and visually stunning presentation.

As fans of the park in its early days may recognize, much of the graphic direction the park intends to take is drawn from those early days. The pavilion icons, for example, are back, and new ones have been created, including an icon for the Odyssey itself that has replaced its name on the exterior of the building. Also inside the exhibit but outside the theater, WDI created posters in the traditional style of Disney Attraction posters for new attractions, existing attractions, and even many beloved removed attractions. (So far, merchandise versions of the posters are not available.) Display cases show more realistic models of some of the planned park additions, as well as park artifacts and inspirations. There are also “walk-in” photo opportunities paying homage to the park.

The entire experience cannot be fully captured on traditional video, but we have included one full show here. This video includes an introduction given by Epcot Vice President Melissa Valiquette and Walt Disney Imagineering Executive Producer Michael Hundgen during the October 1, 2019, event for invited media, but the experience is open during posted hours at the park. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Odyssey Events Center is located between Test Track and Mexico pavilion, between Future World and World Showcase.

The Epcot Experience opened on October 1, and includes a look at the future of the park and some looks back.

Walt Disney Imagineering created many retro-style posters for the exhibit (many of which were previously displayed at D23 Expo 2019), including posters promoting the upcoming Play! pavilion as well as posters promoting attractions long-closed.

Though the posters are not currently for sale, this poster promotes the Space 220 Restaurant expected to open this coming winter.

This poster promotes the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind attraction expected to open by 2021.

Walk-in photo displays, like this one for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind are also part of the exhibit.

In the 360° theater for the exhibit, Walt Disney appears in the exhibit in a clip from his 1966 film about Epcot.

At the center of the theater is the model previously displayed at D23 Expo 2019, now including digitally projection mapped images and some new representations of transformations coming to the park, such as a model of Cherry Tree Lane for the Mary Poppins attraction being added to the United Kingdom pavilion.

A display case outside the theater includes a model of the 3-level festival center that will be built near the center of the park along with artifacts from the 1982 opening of the park.

The new Festival Center also appears in one of the posters for the new “World Celebration” neighborhood that will replace part of Future World in the park's transformation.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

On October 1, the new but temporary Epcot Forever nighttime spectacular also debuted. As we noted last week, Disney describes Epcot Forever as follows:

Epcot Forever will be an all-new, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed special effects kites. The show takes us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot, featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, with a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.

Social media has grumbled quite a bit about the decision the show creators made to include “A Whole New World” as the major musical choice to end the show. Most of the show features new recordings of music of Epcot's past, as Disney Parks Blog described it, “From 'Magic Journeys' and 'Tomorrow's Child' to 'Listen to the Land' and 'One Little Spark,' 'Epcot Forever' features Epcot themes produced in fresh new arrangements” recorded by London Symphony Orchestra and a choir of singers from across Central Florida.

Speculating on the show creators' reason for using “A Whole New World” is not too difficult if you have been following the announcements made by Bob Chapek, Chairman Disney Parks, Experiences & Products, dating back at least to D23 Destination D in 2016. He has repeatedly said that the park will be “more Disney” in its transformed version, and Disney's animated hits will increasingly form a major part of that. Also, the song title can also refer to the fact that Future World will go away and be replaced, literally, with three new “Worlds:” World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery are the names of the park's “lands” that will join World Showcase, which, like Aladdin and Jasmine's magic carpet ride, is a celebration of many countries around the world.

We were invited to view the debut of Epcot Forever from just to the Mexico-side of World Showcase Plaza. The full 11 minute show is included. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

You can also watch a replay of the #DisneyParksLIVE stream, which, of course, includes multiple camera angles and views guests may not be able to get themselves. Video ©Disney.

Whether the show's artistic choices work or not, of course, is up to the audience, and, as usual, this Update is not devoted to “reviews” around the Resort. Certainly, after the 20 year run of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, emotions are running high out there in cyberspace. As Disney has already announced that Epcot will debut a new “permanent” nighttime spectacular named “HarmonioUS” (yes, with the capitalized “US”) at some unspecified date in 2020 that features music from Disney's animated films, it seems more grumbling could lie ahead, but it is too early to tell.

LED-illuminated kites, including LED-illuminated kites with pyrotechnics are one of the highlights of Epcot Forever, which also includes some fireworks that have not been part of Walt Disney World shows before. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Early Morning Magic Returns to Magic Kingdom

As most readers here probably know, Extra Magic Hours allow guests staying at Disney Resort hotels (plus some of those that Disney does not own/operate but are also located at Walt Disney World), extra time in the parks before or after regular park hours on certain days to enjoy some of the popular attractions at no additional charge beyond regular theme park admission. Disney Early Morning Magic, on the other hand, is an extra-charge limited-entry opportunity to enjoy some of Fantasyland's attractions from 7:45 a.m. until 9 a.m. (before park opening) and have an included breakfast at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café of scrambled eggs, bacon, breakfast potatoes, pancakes, pastries and more at any time between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Disney Early Morning Magic is not offered on the same mornings as those with Extra Magic Hours. This Page of DisneyWorld.com allows you to check for availability on the scattered dates just announced between November 13, 2019, and April 2, 2020, and to purchase the event admission for $89/guests age 10 and up; $79/children ages 3-9 (tax and park admission not included). Disney Early Morning Magic lists only these attractions as scheduled to be operational during the event:

• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
• Princess Fairytale Hall
• “it's a small world”
• Mad Tea Party
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of the Little Mermaid

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios previously offered Disney Early Morning Magic as well. With that park currently running Extra Extra Magic Hours daily starting at 6 a.m. through November 2, and Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance scheduled to open December 5 in the park's Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area, there are no scheduled Early Morning Magic dates currently published for that park. Since it still has this page on the DisneyWorld.com website, it is possible that new dates will be announced at some point in the future.

Disney PhotoPass Archive USB Now Available

For those visiting Walt Disney World Resort, photos often play a major part of making memories. The Disney PhotoPass Memory Maker product that is sold (in advance at a discount or at the Resort without) and several Walt Disney World Resort Annual Pass types include a photo download benefit for photos taken by Disney PhotoPass photographers, on-ride cameras, and some photo booths around the Resort.

Disney PhotoPass Archive USB thumb drive is available online for $34.95 plus tax and shipping. Photo ©Disney.

Disney PhotoPass now offers those with Memory Maker or the Passholder download privileges the opportunity to receive all of their PhotoPass photos in a Disney PhotoPass Archive USB thumb-drive for $34.95 plus tax and shipping. Only photos available in a PhotoPass account as of the date of order will be included in the Archive. Visit Disneyworld.com/PhotoPass for more information and to order that or other photo products.

Disney Parks Blog this week also highlighted some of the special Disney PhotoPass photo opportunities during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

American Gardens Theatre continues its presentation of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series three times nightly through November 18 as part of this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Eat to the Beat Concert showtimes are scheduled Sundays through Thursdays at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later, at 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. The entire schedule is published, but, of course, always keep an eye out for signs when you enter the park noting last minute changes. There are even more details and you can make reservations for dining packages including guaranteed concert seating by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407)939-3378. Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes on November 18 to begin preparing the stage for Candlelight Processional, but the Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23.

For the debut of Epcot Forever on October 1, America Gardens Theatre added signs reminding guests that the area is not a fireworks viewing area. Because of the stage area, the venue really is not a place where guests can see shows on World Showcase Lagoon itself. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas performed in the Eat to the Beat Concert Series again this year. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the November 29 opening of this year's Epcot International Festival of the Holidays three times nightly performances of Candlelight Processional return and continue through December 30. The show combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Lisa Ling, Isabella Rossellini, Marlee Matlin, and Ming-Na Wen are all scheduled as celebrity narrators this year, with two more narrators yet to be announced. Guaranteed seating for all performances is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages and more information is available on EpcotHolidays.com or by calling (407)WDW-DINE.

Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From January 17 to February 24, 2020, Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns and the America Gardens Theatre will again host nightly Disney on Broadway Concerts three times nightly. More information about the Festival and the shows is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. From March 4 to June 1, 2020, the park presents the 27th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with its, as yet unspecified schedule, Garden Rocks Concert Series.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers and announced Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We will add the Disney on Broadway Concert Series performers and Garden Rocks Concert Series performers when they are announced. You can add the entire Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well.

While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events lists announced performers, it is still always best to check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting any last minute changes. The calendar is provided as a courtesy “as is, where is” without any guarantees. 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

Installation of the holiday dreamlights on Cinderella Castle continues during hours outside of guest view but, it seems, this year, the netting that includes the lights are much more easily seen during the daytime due to the increasingly faded color of the castle turrets. This year especially, it seems that Florida sunshine was harsh on paint around Walt Disney World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Large crowds gathered for Muppets Presents… shows in Liberty Square throughout October 5, as no more shows are scheduled. Presumably, Sam Eagle still has a box inside Hall of Presidents (even if no one has ever gotten to see it). The crowd for the two shows I saw hardly needed to be prompted by the Applause sign held by JJ.

For those that never had a chance to see it, Muppets Presents… had two versions performed by Muppets in the windows above the Liberty Square Ticket Office (one of the two shows, included the Town Crier below, a human actor, with Sam Eagle appearing above the entrance to Hall of Presidents next door).

JJ prompts the crowd to sympathize with the plight of the Muppets opposed to King George.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Enjoy one of the final performances of The Muppets Present Great Moments in American History: The Declaration of Independence from October 5, 2019. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

A few weeks ago, we shared on our social media channels, this complete video of The Muppets Present Great Moments in American History: The Ride of Paul Revere. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction of TRON: Lightcycle Run continues in Tomorrowland.

The construction cranes and steel supports for TRON: Lightcycle Run tower over the entrance to Storybook Circus.

From aboard a Ferryboat on Seven Seas Lagoon, you can spot the construction of TRON: Lightcycle Run just to the left of Space Mountain.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

As replacement of the pavers in front of Magic Kingdom continues, approaching the gate requires navigating “hallways” of construction fences. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Watercraft on Seven Seas Lagoon also have to contend with construction around the former dock location for launches bound for Disney's Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resorts.

Guests now board launches for Disney's Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resorts from the same dock as those heading to Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness.

Watercraft heading to Disney's Grand Floridan have a fairly close-up view of the construction believed to be a bridge over the canal that leads to Magic Kingdom's backstage. Completion of this bridge could support a walkway that would allow guests at Grand Floridian and Polynesian Village Resorts (as well as Magic Kingdom's parking lot) to walk to and from Magic Kingdom

Remember the forest in the middle of Magic Kingdom's parking lot? It seems to have been cleared.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

Mizner's Lounge on the second level closed in April and, as of this weekend, the new Enchanted Rose lounge soft opened to guests.

The venue's new theme is inspired by the live action version of Disney's “Beauty and the Beast” and you can spot some character references above the fireplace and elsewhere.

A painting of Beast's Castle and other nods to the film can be found throughout.

The full lounge has four separate areas, including the bar with the rose-inspired chandelier. The bar area occupies space previously occupied by a merchandise location.

A room with table seating has a mural representing the forrest surrounding the Beast's castle.

An outdoor patio also has light theming and is formally part of the lounge space.

Roses decorate several spots around the lounge. No formal opening date has yet been announced – watch for it on social media.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Though much of the new International Gateway entry area reopened by the time Disney Skyliner officially debuted on September 29, a temporary Ticket and Guest Relations booth continues to operate between Disney's Beach Club Resort and the International Gateway while the permanent facilities are completed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On October 1, the last of the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces, The Donut Box, opened near Test Track. Look carefully at the kiosk itself, as we have been told that its style is very much the look that this area of the park will have when Epcot's transformation is complete. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Starting today, October 8, and until January 4, 2020, Disney's Animal Kingdom will again offer a Tasting Sampler “digital value card” with some bonuses. A $50 online purchase from http://offers.disney.com/DAKDINEBONUS/ will get you an email with a barcode that can be added to your digital wallet on your mobile phone for $50 of food and beverage menu items from over 40 outdoor food and beverage locations around the park and does not expire. The purchase includes a bonus barcode delivered by email that can separately be used for $10 food and beverage purchases after 4 p.m. from December 22, 2019, through January 4, 2020 only at Restaurantosaurus, Pizzafari, Flame Tree Barbecue, and Satu'li Canteen. Finally, each card purchased entitles you to two reserved seats for the second nightly showing of Rivers of Light: We are One, but only between December 22, 2019, and January 4, 2020. More information, including some of the specialty foods the park plans to present this winter, can be found on Disney Parks Blog.

…Disney Parks Blog showed off a look at the Disney Holiday Services team working on the new decor that will be installed around Disney's Animal Kingdom this year. This holiday season will be the first time that all of the lands of the park, including Pandora-The World of Avatar, receive a seasonal overlay.

Disney Holiday Services team is working on the new seasonal decor coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom this year. Video ©Disney.

…Speaking of the holidays, reservations are now open for the “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Dessert Party for showings beginning November 8 and running through January 5, 2020. While the times vary by park operating hours, the party starts 1.5 hours before scheduled showtimes. Pricing also varies by show date and does not include required admission to the park (but does include tax and gratuity, and is shown here for adults/ages 3-9): November 8-December 21, 2019 and January 2-5, 2020 – $89/$53; December 22, 2019-January 1, 2020 – $99/$59. The party includes reserved viewing for both Wonderful World of Animation and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!, plus holiday snacks, desserts, wine, beer, and specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (legal age restrictions apply to beverages, of course), and a chance to mingle with “a VIP Disney Character.” Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com or call (407)WDW-DINE for more information and to book.

…Orlando Sentinel reports that guests staying at the Disney Springs area hotels that are not Disney-owned will continue to have access to making FastPass+ reservations two months prior to their reservations and enjoying Extra Magic Hours through December 31, 2020. According to the report, the hotels specifically included in the 2020 extension of the program are: B Resort & Spa, Best Western Lake Buena Vista, DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Orlando – Disney Springs Area, Hilton Orlando Buena Vista Palace, Hilton Orlando Lake Buena Vista, Holiday Inn Orlando – Disney Springs Area, and Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista.

…REMINDER: Special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests are scheduled daily through November 2, at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios (including, of course, its Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area).

…Last week we noted the expansion of plant-based cuisine around Disney Parks and the start of those menu additions around Walt Disney World Resort. You can now get an overview of all of the options around the Resort in this Guide to a Plant-Based Culinary Adventure on DisneyWorld.com.

Even before last week's roll-out of even more plant-based foods around the Resort, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Active Eats Marketplace in Future World West was cooking up Impossible Burger Sliders, plant-based product that cooks and tastes a lot like beef. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Congratulations to Disney Cruise Line for being recognized by the 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards as the Top Large Cruise Line in the World for the eight consecutive year. This week, Disney Parks Blog showed off some of the recently completed enhancements to Disney Wonder, including a New Orleans-themed lounge inspired by Disney's animated The Princess and the Frog. Disney Wonder will begin sailings from New Orleans to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including Castaway Cay, starting February 7, 2020, and as recently announced, will return to make more salings from that port in early 2021. For more information, contact your travel agent, or visit DisneyCruise.com or call 888-DCL-2500.

…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 along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

NEW Views of Disney Springs

Given our lead story this week, another look at the tribute to Magic Kingdom's former Skyway attraction inside the Disney Style shop.

The Disney Style photo wall is now a tribute to Disney Villains for Halloween 2019.

The Marketplace building in Town Center that houses an arcade of shops now has some new decorations in the rafters.

The new Orange Bird mural is easy to spot as guests walk between The Landing neighborhood and Paddlefish.

A new Cinderella made of LEGO bricks now stands outside the LEGO Store.

Rey and BB-8 made of LEGO bricks is now also outside the LEGO Store.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Beatrix, the new restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises, will create a new venue on the West Side of Disney Springs.

Construction walls now completely surround the former site of Bongo's and now display Beatrix signs.

The future Beatrix location is located between the Food Truck park and Jaleo. No opening date has been announced (and, it is likely it is quite some time in the future).

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Enzo's Hideaway

NEW On Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, come dressed as your favorite prohibition-era character to receive a 25% discount on “gourmet tunnel bar dishes and swanky libations.”

The Edison

NEW Also on Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., the Edison will host its annual costume contest. Guests in costume receive a 25% discount on food offerings and beverages all night long. No tickets are necessary.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George continues its salute to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival with Hennessy Week featuring special cocktails daily October 7-13, and with ticketed tastings and parties October 8-12. For more information and tickets, visit WineBarGeorge.com/events.

NEW On Saturday, October 19, join Master Sommelier George Miliotes and Jean Trimbach for a four course lunch with eight different wines from Trimbach. “With a history dating back to 1626, 12 generations of winemakers have tirelessly drawn on their passion for Alsace wines, ensuring the wines they produce stand out for their quality and authenticity.” Noon to 3 p.m. for $140/person. For more information, tickets, and even more events, visit: winebargeorge.com/events.

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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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2019 Resort Events

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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.

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