Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 9-15, 2018

Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 9-15, 2018

Writer's note: While the rainy season has largely wound down, it is still hurricane season here at Walt Disney World Resort in Central Florida. As we publish this week's Update, Michael is forecast to be a Category 3 Hurricane traveling north through the Gulf of Mexico today and tomorrow, mostly parallel to South and Central Florida before making landfall along the Florida Panhandle near Panama City (between Pensacola and Tallahassee) heading northeast tomorrow and Thursday.

With the center of the storm not too far away. (at least in a meterological sense) from the region, current forecasts suggest that outer-band rains and winds likely will hit the Walt Disney World area tomorrow (Wednesday) and Thursday, though not likely at tropical storm force. At the moment, there are no announced closings, and if the forecasts remain consistent or track further west, park and resort-wide closings are unlikely (outdoor attractions will likely follow their usual rain/lightning protocols). In any event, if you are visiting the area, be aware of the forecasts, and as with any storm, take sheltering advice from cast members and authorities seriously if and when weather worsens.

As we note quite a bit at this time of year, sunsets in Central Florida can be quite beautiful. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

#DreamBigPrincess Global Disney Bound

In honor of International Day of the Girl declared by United Nations, on October 11, Disney Parks guests worldwide are invited to “Disney bound” in outfits inspired by their favorite female Disney Characters (though, as always, note the Walt Disney World Resort Attire Guidelines or those of whichever other Disney Resort you are visiting). As in past years, Disney's “Dream Big, Princess” campaign uses the stories of Disney heroines and real-life role models “to encourage kids around the globe to follow their dreams.”

For those that “Disney bound” and like or share a public video or photo with #DreamBigPrincess on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter from October 10 through November 20, Disney Worldwide Services will donate $1 to Girl Up, the United Nations Foundation's program supporting girls' leadership and empowerment (with a guaranteed minimum donation of $500,000 and a maximum donation of $1 million). Some will be featured on Disney Parks Blog. The next edition of the #DreamBigPrincess video series will debut on Disney Parks Blog later this month.

Preview The Nutcracker and the Four Realms

An extended preview of the upcoming Disney film The Nutcracker and the Four Realms is now showing at Walt Disney Presents in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Actress Mackenzie Foy, who stars as Clara in the film, appears in a brief introduction to the preview. The Walt Disney Theatre lobby displays a few costumes and props from the film.

Costumes from the upcoming film, “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” are on display in the Walt Disney Theatre lobby. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The music box and key from “The Nutcracker and the Four Realms” are on display as well. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The preview is also playing in 3D at Disney California Adventure at Disneyland Resort. The movie opens in U.S. theaters on November 2.

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. 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. 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.

The new Disney Du Jour Dance Party takes place at the Fountain View Stage in Future World on Friday and Saturday evenings during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, and is highlighted by a special concert appearance by an up-and-coming artist from Radio Disney. 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

As always, the captions tell the story and include bits of news along the way.

Epcot

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival continues through November 12.

As the weather in Central Florida has become a bit less humid this fall, the condensate in the boxes on the sign has seemed to decrease (though it could just be a coincidence).

Behind the Germany pavilion, guests can now spot a new architectural feature of Disney Riviera Resort, the next proposed Disney Vacation Club property being built across Buena Vista Drive from the “back” of Epcot's World Showcase.

Construction is underway at a previously backstage section of the Japan pavilion where the previously announced new signature restaurant likely will soon be built.

The future Ratatouille-themed attraction's exterior facing World Showcase Lagoon is the color often referred to as “go away green.”

From just outside the International Gateway, guests can spot the on-going construction at the site of the future Ratatouille-themed attraction.

From just outside the front gate to the park, steelwork can be seen stretching from behind the Universe of Energy to the new building which will house the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster.

From the parking lot, a new building is taking shape between the remaining shell of the former Universe of Energy pavilion and the new building which will house the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster.

The outer reaches of the Explore section of the parking lot provides an overview of the construction for the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot Resort Area (between Epcot & Disney's Hollywood Studios)

Construction continues at the future Disney Skyliner station outside Epcot's International Gateway.

Disney Skyliner station at Epcot's International Gateway increasingly looks like the concept art on the construction wall.

Disney Resort hotels increasingly advertise some of their programming on signs on walkways. Disney's Yacht Club offers a painting class. In recent weeks, we have seen signs at Disney's Saratoga Springs advertising its sunrise yoga program. Be sure to check with the front desk of your hotel for what “else” you can do at Walt Disney World.

This fall, Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort will break ground for construction of a third hotel tower on the site of the resort's tennis courts. It is expected to be complete in 2020, with 14 floors tall with 349 rooms.

The 9th Annual Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic is coming up on October 26-27, 2018. A link to more information in the Resort Events section below.

The turn station for Disney Skyliner between Disney's BoardWalk Resort and Buena Vista Drive continues to take shape.

From the directional sign on the pathway between Disney's BoardWalk and Disney's Hollywood Studios, guests can see both the construction of the turn station (to the left of the photo) and the park's on-going bus loop and Disney Skyliner station construction.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The rock formations of Batuu in the Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area of Disney's Hollywood Studios rise above the park.

The walk to the park, whether approaching from Epcot and its resort area (as here), or by bus, tram or car, requires following signs through a maze of construction walls and fences.

The walkway from the Epcot resort area connects to the far end of the portion of the new bus loop that is now in-use.

Construction in the new bus loop. The construction fences and walls include concept art for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Construction continues at the future Disney Skyliner station outside the park's entrance near the new bus loop.

The Adrian & Edith's Head to Toe shop portion of the retail location on the western side of Hollywood Boulevard is undergoing refurbishment; embroidery services remain available at a counter inside the neighboring Cover Story shop.

The neighboring Dark Room shop's D-Tech kiosks now include cases for the new iPhone X S Max.

Launch Bay has customizable Star Wars-themed cases for the new iPhone X S Max as well.

The exterior sign at Walt Disney Presents promotes the Nutcracker preview within and no longer includes the Star-Lord and Baby Groot meet and greet.

Inside Walt Disney Presents, guests can no longer meet Star-Lord and Baby Groot. In 2019, Sully and Mike Wazowski from Monsters, Inc. will meet and greet here.

As the former location of Disney Junior Live on Stage is transformed for the coming Disney Junior Dance Party, the building's exterior again resembles its original “soundstage” design.

Refurbishment continues inside Tatooine Traders.

During refurbishment at Tatooine Traders, some merchandise is displayed on temporary racks and carts.

In a far corner of the parking lot, the new toll plaza appears nearly complete. Be aware that traffic patterns will change around the park when the new toll plaza opens.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Just like Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update, your next Disney snack at most Walt Disney World locations will cost more thanks to price increases that took effect last week. Popcorn, Mickey pretzels, and Coca-Cola products are included in the price hikes.

…Also like at Disneyland Resort, the World of Disney store at Disney Springs major refurbishment is nearly complete. MousePlanet has been invited to a media event on the morning of October 18 to celebrate the renovations.

…Yesterday, Monday October 8, Disney Parks Blog reported that Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort's new lobby, restaurants, and other amenities, including Sebastian's Bistro, Centertown Market, and Banana Cabana, are now open.

…Reservations are now open for Storybook Dining at Artist Point at Disney's Wilderness Lodge this winter. As regular readers may recall, starting in December 16, Storybook Dining at Artist Point will be a new immersive enchanted forest character dining experience inspired by Walt Disney's Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The experience is priced at $55 for adults and $33 for children (ages 3-9) before tax and gratuity, including appetizer, choice of entrée, a dessert, and choice of non-alcoholic fountain beverage. Call (407) WDW-DINE for reservations, or visit this page of DisneyWorld.com which also includes the full menu.

…Speaking of character dining, Vampirina now is part of the Disney Junior Play 'n Dine breakfast at Hollywood & Vine in Disney's Hollywood Studios. She joins fellow Disney Junior characters Sofia the First, Doc McStuffins and Roadster Racer Goofy. Starting in November, she will have a new character greeting location in the Animation Courtyard in a replica of her room.

…FootGolf at Disney's Oak Trail course, introduced earlier this year, is now played as a 9-hole course. Guests wishing to play 18 holes can play a second round of 9 holes at no additional cost (based upon space availability). FootGolf is now offered on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays only, with tee times beginning at 3:20 p.m. until before dusk.

…For those with tickets to attend D23's Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse at Disney's Contemporary Resort on November 16-17: this sold out event will now also include the award-winning songwriting team of Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman presenting a special behind-the-scenes experience discussing how they created the original music and songs for the upcoming movie Mary Poppins Returns.

…Reminder: the deadline for submitting applications to become one of the 100 high school students selected for the Disney Dreamers Academy mentoring experience (and Walt Disney World all-expenses-paid immersive program) is October 31. Visit DisneyDreamersAcademy.com for more information and to submit an application.

…Reminder: Disney Cruise Line announced that in early 2020, it will sail from New Orleans, Louisiana for the first time ever, including voyages to the Bahamas, the Caribbean, and a two-week Panama Canal voyage to San Diego, California. DCL also announced a pair of voyages between Vancouver, Canada and Hawai'i. Reservations are now open. You can read more on this page of DCL's website.

…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.

Join the MousePlanet Newsletter Email:

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.

Dream Big, Princess Movie Marathon

Through October 18, AMC Disney Springs 24 Dine-In Theaters will salute the “Dream Big, Princess” campaign that inspires girls to celebrate achievements, encourage one another and be empowered to go after their own dreams, by showing five different Disney Princess films:

• Moana – Through October 11, 2018
• Cinderella (Live Action) – October 12 – 18, 2018

Showings include at least 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. daily, and regular ticket prices apply.

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. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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. 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 are coming soon to TerralinaCraftedItalian.com. 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.

On October 16, the restaurant will host an Oktoberfest Beer Dinner on its rooftop with a four-course pairing menu with seasonal local brews from 6:30-8:30 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit its EventBrite webpage. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

The Edison

The Edison's new “Burger of the Month” is a pork burger with sliced BBQ pork loin and crispy bacon named “The Triple Threat Burger” and is garnished with caramelized apples and served on a pretzel roll with a side of fries. Its recommended pairing is the “Hallo Hooch,” a blend of Redemption Rye, Bailey's Bumpkin Spice, Domaine de Canton, and Cinnamon Cordial shaken over ice and topped with ground cinnamon.

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.

Modern Mixologist Tony Abou-Ganim will host a vodka-tasting and cocktail class at The Edison Orlando on October 9, at 7 p.m. (for those ages 21 and over). The evening includes passed appetizers from The Edison's menu paired with vodka=based cocktails and all guests will receive a copy of Tony Abou-Ganim's book, Vodka Distilled. Space is limited. Tickets are $50 (not including tax or gratuity) and are available with more information on this page of Patina Restaurant Group's website.

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.

Wine Bar George

NEW Enjoy a late night wine party featuring Viña Alicia wines on October 16 from 10 p.m. until Midnight featuring Rodrigo Arizu, owner and winemaker of Viña Alicia in Argentina, plus Master Sommelier George Miliotes. Cheese and charcuterie will accompany the wine. Tickets are $50/person plus Eventbrite ticket fee are available here.

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.

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. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Retail

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

Crowd Forecast

Join Our Networks

@MousePlanet on…

On Facebook:

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

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

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.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about. If the menu bar does not work on your screen, please let us know by email (include which Browser and Operating System you are using)!

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

If you can't see the categories, please let us know by email (include which Browser and Operating System you are using)!

Share, Links, Comments & More