Update for September 10–14, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Thawing into fall | New dessert cruise offers fireworks viewing from the Seven Seas Lagoon | Disney Springs news: Morimoto Asia sets opening date; holiday schedule announced | 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Thawing into fall
Labor Day weekend marks the end of another Frozen Fun summer at Walt Disney World, but there are only a few days of relative calm before the start of the Mickey's International Not So Scary, Very Merry Food and Wine Festival season. The 2015 Night of Joy concerts take place at Magic Kingdom this Friday and Saturday, September 11–12, and the first of the 25 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party events happens on Tuesday, September 15.
The 2015 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events begin September 15 at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
It's a low-key week, so we'll leave you with a few topics of interest, and some really lovely photos from contributor Alan Dalinka.
New dessert cruise offers fireworks viewing from the Seven Seas Lagoon
It seems that each new week brings another premium experience offering to Walt Disney World. This time, Disney invites you to set sail on a FerryTale Wishes fireworks dessert cruise for an exclusive dessert party aboard one of the double-decker ferry boats in the Seven Seas Lagoon. The offering includes a dessert buffet with sweets themed to the Magic Kingdom and the nearby resort hotels:
- “The Grand” Key Lime Tart
- Polynesian De-constructed Pineapple Upside Down Cake
- Contemporary “Traditional with a Twist” Spiced Flourless Chocolate Cake
- “Main Street” Mickey Balloon Tarts
- Mini “Fireworks” Cupcakes with a Pop
- Cinderella’s Sugar Slipper with Orange Financier
- Florida Mango Panna Cotta
Beverage offerings include sparking wine, “signature punch” (in alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions), and coffee. It looks like customers will receive a dessert plate and light-up glass to use during the event, and to keep as souvenirs after the cruise.
With the select nights of the hard-ticketed Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party scheduled to begin on September 15, the Magic Kingdom's Halloween decor is evident from across the Seven Seas Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Following dessert, passengers can view the Magic Kingdom fireworks show, with the boat's sound system providing the audio acompanyment. The entire experience lasts about 90 minutes.
The cost of this new offering is $99 for adults (ages 10 and up), and $69 for children ages 3-9. Tax and tip are included. No annual pass / Disney Vacation Club or Disney Visa Cardholder discounts apply. Book online at the Walt Disney World website, or call
The FerryTale Wishes fireworks dessert cruise is offered select Monday, Thursday and Friday nights, begining October 5. Depending on which night you attend, you might watch the normal Wishes fireworks show, or the seasonal Happy HalloWishes or Holiday Wishes – Celebrate the Spirit of the Season versions. At press time, reservations were not offered beyond December 18.
The price of this new experience is not completely out of line compared to other premium offerings, but it's worth noting that it is twice the price of the Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party offered inside the theme park. The dessert selection is possibly more enticing for this option, and this one includes wine, but it's still a steep bill (not to mention that it would cost less to buy tickets to Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party or Very Merry Christmas Party, see the same show from inside the Magic Kingdom, and also enjoy the whole party).
Beyond price, there are a few considerations that give me pause about this offering:
- If I'm taking kids anywhere for 90 minutes, there had best be a bathroom available. I'm not sure what facilities exist in the middle of the Seven Seas Lagoon.
- The upper deck of the ferry boats is not accessible to those using wheelchairs or ECVs, so plan accordingly.
- What type of pest control measures will be used to keep the desserts free from unwanted insect visitors? A friend of mine refers to the ferries as the “bug boats,” and refuses to ride them after sunset because of the swarms of bugs around every lamp.
We'd love to hear your impressions of this new offering, and especially read trip reports from those who book the first few nights.
Disney Springs news: Morimoto Asia sets opening date; holiday schedule announced
Morimoto Asia opens September 30
The Patina Restaurant Group operates a pair of locations inside Epcot's Italy pavilion, along with a trio of restaurants at the Disneyland Resort in California, each serving Italian, Mediteranean, or Mexican food. Now the group's first Asian offering is slated to open at Disney Springs at the end of the month.
Morimoto Asia was developed in partnership with Chef Masaharu Morimoto, he of Iron Chef fame. The new restaurant is described as “Pan-Asian,” so look for dishes that go beyond the Japanese classics offered at the chef's signature New York restaurant. The Disney Parks Blog made a point of reassuring parents that there will be kid-friendly offerings on the menu.
The location will boast a tiny sushi bar, seating just 14 patrons, though a limited menu of rolls and nigiri will be offered on the table-service menu. Fortunately, reservations will be accepted for the sushi bar.
Morimoto Asia will serve lunch, dinner and weekend brunch. Reservations may be tricky to get, because there are three ways to make them. Starting September 16, patrons can make reservations via Open Table.com. On September 30, the restaurant will also book reservations directly—call 407-560-6686. Reservations through the Walt Disney World dine line open November 1.
As of press time, Disney has not yet confirmed if Morimoto Asia is included in the Tables in Wonderland program, or if it will be part of the Disney Dining Plan. Since dining plan contracts are negotiated annually, it's likely that, if Morimoto Asia is added at all, it won't be until after the next contract year begins.
Holidays at Disney Springs
Disney Springs will debut its new holiday decor package this year, with most elements in place by Thanksgiving. Based on a post on the Disney Parks Blog, Santa will have a new set for 2015, but the meet-and-greet will again offer pagers so you can pass the time shopping in the nearby stores rather than waiting in line to meet Santa.
There will be loads of new photo backdrops around the area, which are always popular offerings. Disney hasn't provided exact dates for Santa's arrival and departure, so stay tuned.
Applications now accepted for 2016 Disney Dreamers Academy
Nominations are now open for the sixth annual Disney's Dreamers Academy. The event, presented in conjunction with Steve Harvey and Essence magazine, takes place March 3 to 6, 2016. One hundred U.S. high school students ages 13–19 and a parent or guardian will attend the educational and mentoring program.
The students will be inspired by celebrities and motivational speakers, and will participate in workshops to get hands-on experience in a variety of careers. Students will be able to explore arts and sciences, athletics, culinary, and more.
Students can be nominated through October 30 by parents, teachers, mentors, and even themselves. Nominations must be made online at the Disney's Dreamers Academy website. You can also get more information on Facebook or by following @dreamersacademy on Twitter. Winners will be announced in December, 2015.
We're Hiring!Do you love Disney and have a flair for writing? We're currently looking for columnists to cover new areas of the Disney universe for MousePlanet.com.If you are interesting in adding your voice to MousePlanet, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
Views Around the World
For those of us who can't make the trip down to Walt Disney World as often as we'd like, Alan manages to give us a dose of magic every week and keep us going until our next vacation. Let's bounce around the parks and see what's being going on.
Epcot
As night begins at Epcot, and the lights of the Imagination pavilion take full effect, the crane working on the expansion of Soarin' remains visible. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Preparations are underway for the 2015 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival around the World Showcase Promenade, scheduled to begin on September 25. This temporary building, last year, served Greek Cuisine and beverages. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
Demolition of the Walt Disney World Speedway is underway with various “transportation enhancements” to follow. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A clear sign that summer season is ending is the arrival of the Halloween decor at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka. 
A clear sign that summer season is ending is the arrival of the Halloween decor at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Magic Kingdom's Central Plaza hub expansion construction project has progressed to the steps of Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The bridge and stairs in front of Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom are under construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Magic Kingdom's Central Plaza hub expansion construction project has progressed to the steps of Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The exterior of the Country Bear Jamboree is under refurbishment. The show continues regular performances. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction of the recently announced Jungle Navigation Co., Ltd. Skipper Canteen restaurant in Magic Kingdom's Adventureland continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The rarely open Aunt Polly's on Magic Kingdom's Tom Sawyer Island is undergoing refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Castle Couture, immediately behind Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland, is undergoing some exterior renovation. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
With the signage on the former Animation Building gone, the nighttime view under the Disney's Hollywood Studios arch is rather dark for now. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That
…While at the Disneyland Half Marathon Expo this past weekend, MousePlanet reader cstephens asked cast members at the runDisney booth if there would be an early Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club member registration opportunity for the recently-announced Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend. A runDisney cast member told her that the early registration period opens at Noon ET/ 9 a.m. PT on Tuesday, September 15. None of the three websites—for Walt Disney World annual passholders, Disneyland Resort annual passholders or Disney Vacation Club members—has been updated to reflect this information, but keep checking as the date draws closer.
…Food bloggers at Eater.com ranked the 11 national pavilions of Epcot's World Showcase in a recent article, and hightlighted the best—and worst—offerings to be found. I found myself agreeing with the majority of their rankings and comments—I've long called Morocco's Restaurant Marrakesh the hidden gem of Walt Disney World; share one writer's disapointment with the pedestrian offerings at the San Angel Inn; and feel personally embarassed by the food served in the America pavilion. Check out their rankings and see what you think.
…The Orlando Sentinel reports there was a minor fire in the construction area in Epcot's Norway pavilion. The fire was quickly extinguishsed, and no injuries were reported. In response to the news, reader Jack Hewitt said via Twitter what no few people were probably thinking:
@orlandosentinel @MousePlanet Someone doing us all a favor and trying to eliminate the new Frozen ride?
— Jack Hewett (@Jack_R_Hewett) September 9, 2015
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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Crowd Forecast
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Resort Events
2015
- 2015 Night of Joy – September 11–12, 2015
- 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25 and 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29 and 31; November 1
- 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – September 26 to November 16.
- 2015 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 and 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17 and 18.
- 2015 Epcot Candlelight Processional – November 27 to December 30
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2015
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. All races are sold out.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. The 5K, 10K, half marathon, Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge events are sold out. Registration is still open for the full marathon and runDisney Kids Races. The deadline to submit Proof of Time for these events is October 6, 2015.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit Proof of Time for these events is November 17, 2015.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14–17, 2016. General registration opens at Noon ET/ 9 a.m. PT Tuesday, September 22. Advance registration for Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members opens at Noon ET/ 9 a.m. PT on Tuesday, September 15. Proof of Time must be provided between October 27, 2015, and January 19, 2016
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
- Pirates of the Caribbean – closed through September 26 for refurbishment.
- Diamond Horseshoe – closed through at least November for refurbishment
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed through November 21 for refurbishment
- Walt Disney World Frontierland station – closed September 29 to November 5 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Main Street U.S.A station – closed September 29 to November 5 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Fantasyland station – closed September 29 to November 5 for refurbishment.
- The Magic Behind the Our Steam Trains Guided Tour – not offered during Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
- Peter Pan's Flight – closed November 2–7 for refurbishment.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover – closed December 7–10 for refurbishment
2016
- Splash Mountain – closed January 6–10 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed January 11–15 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 to February 11 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18–22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 to July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 to September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed August 22 to September 15 for refurbishment.
- Soarin' – additional screen under construction. Work has no impact on the existing theaters.
- Innoventions West – Think, presented by IBM; The Great Piggy Bank Adventure; and Where's the Fire? closed. The Disney Visa character experience remains open.
- Maelstrom – ride permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
- Living with the Land – closed September 8–18.
- Innoventions East – Glidden's Colortopia under construction replacing the Test the Limits exhibit. Expected to open late 2015.
- Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed September 7–10 for refurbishment.
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – closed Octoberd 20-23 for refurbishment.
- Toy Story Midway Mania – second ride track is under construction. Work has no impact on the existing ride.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Primeval Whirl – closed through November 13 for refurbishment.
- Pizzafari – closed through October 20 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed from October 25, 2015 through January 3, 2016 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed from January 3 to March 13 for reburbishment.
Downtown Disney / Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 to April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 to June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Downtown Disney Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.
Resorts
- Polynesian – ongoing refurbishment of the lobby and pool area.
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1, 2016 – September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Coronado Springs – La Vida Health Club and Casitas pool closed for refurbishment through October 12. An alternate fitness center is available for guest use.
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – Gasparilla Island Grill closed August 23 to September 4 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins begins October 2015. Expect construction-related closures and noise during the project.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit close October 26, 2015. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
Up to 35 percent off Disney's Polynesian Villas Studios Disney Visa cardholders receive up to 35 percent off standard view studio room rates through October 3, 2015. The room must be booked either directly through their travel agent or the Walt Disney World Resort. 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free 5″ x 7″ character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5″ x 7″ character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Military Personnel |
4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Discount Eligible Service Members can purchase 4-day Park Hopper passes for $177 until December 20, 2015 Tickets can be purchased through December 17, 2015. No more than 12 Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by an Eligible Service Member. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
Cirque du Soliel's La Nouba is offering a Florida resident discount through December 18. Tickets prices range from $49 to $89. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
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