Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 12–18, 2017
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Writer's note: Well, no luck writing my desired headline. Instead, as I write this introduction on Sunday night, I'm “hunkered down” in my home in Orange County, Florida, just a couple miles down the road from Magic Kingdom, as some of the larger outer bands of Hurricane Irma approach the area, and tornado warnings are issued for neighboring Osceola County. An increasing number of friends in South Florida on both coasts have reported power outages, so we are prepared for the same in the coming hours. Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix will provide you with the rest of the news below and I will provide her with whatever information I can before publication time. All Walt Disney World Parks are closed on Monday, September 11, and Orange County has issued a mandatory curfew through at least 6 p.m. Monday evening in the wake of the storm.
On a lighter note, I had a chance to enjoy Disney Vacation Club's Moonlight Magic event on September 6, well before Irma's arrival. That event provides my contribution to this week's Views Around the World. As Mickey says, I hope to “see ya real soon!”
Over to you AVP…
Editor's Note: As I write this Monday night, the curfew has lifted in Orlando, and Alan is taking advantage of a brief window of daylight to stretch his legs and check out the roads around Walt Disney World. He reports the roads are all passable, although the shoulders and drainage channels are overflowing with runoff from the storm.
And @MousePlanet there were lots of rainbows 🌈 over the Resort this evening too. Lots of trees down and some signs. pic.twitter.com/T50yNPXvUy
— Alan S. Dalinka (@AlanDalinka) September 12, 2017
This Update will be especially brief, as the full impact of Hurricane Irma on the Walt Disney World Resort won't be known until the parks reopen tomorrow morning. We've included some of Alan's photos from Monday night below, so you can get a first-hand look at the visible damage around the Resort.
News and Views
Irma goes to Disney World |Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Irma goes to Disney World
11 months ago I wrote here about the impact of Hurricane Matthew on the Walt Disney World Resort. This weekend, Orlando came face-to-face with Hurricane Irma, and the potential of a category 5 hurricane landing smack dab in the middle of the Happiest Place in the World.
With Irma off the local radar, I am so grateful that I can repeat the words from last year: none of our Orlando-based staff, friends, and family suffered any notable damage or injury from the storm, which is the best outcome we could have wished for.
A parking lot sign is overturned on the median inside the Magic Kingdom parking entrance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
At press time, four Disney theme parks and Disney Springs are expected to reopen Tuesday, having been closed Sunday and Monday for the storm and cleanup. Disney will offer the previously-scheduled Extra Magic Hour Tuesday evening at Epcot, and added a morning Extra Magic Hour offering at the Magic Kingdom “for Disney Resort Guests who weathered the storm with us.”
Animal Kingdom will reopen Tuesday at 9:00 a.m., though the Kilimanjaro Safari attraction will remain closed until 1:00 p.m. to allow for extra clean up time. Disney says entertainment offerings at the four theme parks may be modified due to the storm, and some attractions may not be available. The full extent of the damage inside the theme parks is unknown, but from this operational schedule it seems a good bet that any damage is cosmetic, or so far offstage as to not be an issue.
Signs along Buena Vista Drive are missing or malfunctioning in the wake of Hurricane Irma. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The same may not be true across the rest of Walt Disney World. The company says the Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon water parks will reopen sometime later this week, with no explanation for the delay. Prior to the storm, Disney relocated guests who were staying in the Fort Wilderness Campground, as well as those in the Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs, to rooms at other resort hotels. The Treehouse Villas remain closed until Thursday. As for Fort Wilderness Campground, Disney says it will remain closed while assessments are made to the property. However, the Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue and Mickey's Backyard BBQ are only cancelled for September 12 at this time.
We have not had reports from the Disney Vacation Club properties in Vero Beach or Hilton Head Island, but both remain closed until further notice.
Drainage channels all along the roadways of Walt Disney World are filled with runoff from Hurricane Irma. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As was the case with Matthew, Disney modified park hours ahead of the storm, and cancelled nighttime fireworks shows Friday night. Alan notes that, though Orlando authorities urged folks to be in place by 5 p.m. Saturday night, Epcot and Magic Kingdom remained open until 9:00 p.m. Fortunately, he says the first wave of bad weather did not set in until after 10 p.m., and that weather was not particularly severe. The worst of the storm hit overnight Sunday and into Monday morning.
Hurricane Irma also prompted Disney to cancel two after-hours events, Saturday's Night of Joy event at ESPN Wide World of Sports, and Sunday's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at the Magic Kingdom.
By Monday night, blue skies and rainbows were the view throughout Walt Disney World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney is offering full refunds for unused Night of Joy tickets. Guests with tickets to the September 10 Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party can exchange those tickets for one of the following:
- Tickets to attend another Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
- Tickets to attend an upcoming Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
- 1-Day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper Option, to be used within the next 2 years
- Receive a full refund for event tickets
To redeem these offers, call (407) 939-7818 by January 31, 2018 between the hours of 7:00 AM and 11:00 PM., or email Ticket.Inquiries@DisneyWorld.com. Please have your tickets available when you call.
The storm also forced Disney to cancel a media event for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that was scheduled to take place this weekend. We'll have further coverage of the Festival as the parks reopen, and from the rescheduled media event when it happens.
It seems Walt Disney World managers took to heart the lessons of Hurricane Matthew, and when Irma loomed were better prepared to feed and entertain guests during the mandatory curfew. Where the viral image from Matthew was of an overpriced “lunch” box sold at the Disney hotels, social media feeds during Irma were filled with photos of Disney characters charming guests across the resort hotels, video of a “puppy parade” starring four-legged guests at one resort, and heartfelt compliments on the way Disney communicated to visitors before and during the storm.
Flyers slipped under doors Friday night suggested that visitors take the opportunity to eat a good meal inside the theme parks before returning to their hotels Saturday night, and that those with personal vehicles visit area grocery stores for supplies. Hotel food courts and gift shops were well-stocked with food, water, and supplies. In an effort to avoid long lines, hotel managers assigned guests to specific times to come make their purchases from the shops.
MousePlanet reader newhdplayer rode out the storm at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, and said hotel staff even delivered a care package with a flashlight and extra toiletries. He also wrote, “The lobby is jam packed full of families /kids playing games, we have Goofy, Mickey, Minnie, Pluto, and Rafiki making appearances through out the day.” Several people reported that Disney made all of the hotel arcades “free play,” which was a big hit with families. A steady stream of Disney movies played on in-room televisions, with one channel providing updates about the storm.
Once again, we want to take a moment here to recognize the Disney employees who reported for work on Sunday and Monday to care for visitors who were hotel-bound until the storm passed. We also want to acknowledge the “ride out” teams, tasked with staying inside the theme parks during the storms to monitor the situation. Their unseen efforts are part of how the theme parks are able to reopen so quickly in Irma's wake.
Views Around the World
Before Hurricane Irma was within striking distance of Florida, Alan attended Disney Vacation Club's Moonlight Magic after-hours event at Disney's Animal Kingdom on September 6, and these were some of his favorite views of the night.
A full moon shined over the peak of Expedition Everest. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Scrooge McDuck and Launchpad appeared for photos during the event. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The floating mountains of Pandora look stunning, as always, at night. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…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 e-mail in the box below.
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Crowd Forecast
Note, of course, the TouringPlans.com predictions here were provided to us ahead of any knowledge of the extent of repairs that may be necessary to Walt Disney World Resort as a result of Hurricane Irma. Be sure to check the latest information about Park operating hours at DisneyWorld.com before making plans this week or, possibly, in coming weeks.
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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 e-mail (link).
2017 Resort Events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29;
October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1 - Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 – November 13, 2017.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
- Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 9, 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
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30
2018 Resort Events
- 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. 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.
- Stitch's Great Escape – often closed on a “seasonal” basis. As of this posting, it is again open for the peak Summer season with limited hours.
- The Hall of Presidents – New show opening “Late 2017.”
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.
- Epcot Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth – Closed for refurbishment.
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 has been announced for Town Center 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.
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Travel 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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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Through September 30, the Passholder 45th anniversary dining benefit increases to a 30% discount for dinner (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity) before 6:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. at the following participating locations: Artist Point, Boatwright's Dining Hall, Captain's Grille, Citricos, Flying Fish, Grand Floridian Cafe, Jiko–The Cooking Place, Olivia's Cafe, The Turf Club Bar and Grill, and The Wave…of American Flavors. Valid Pass and Photo ID are required for discount; not combined with other discounts, packages, promotions or special events. Reservations may be made online or at (407) WDW-DINE. Annual Passholders can “Bring-a-Friend” through September 30, 2017, by purchasing a 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper ticket for $79 plus tax. The tickets are not available online; they can only be purchased at Guest Relations locations and ticket windows. Passholder must be present with valid Walt Disney World Annual Pass card and photo ID. Passholders may buy tickets for up to 6 guests and all tickets must be used on the date of purchase. Magic Strollers, “a Disney featured stroller provider,” offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP17 to arrange your rental. Through October 1, 2017, Passholders may purchase a 1-Day Water Park ticket to Disney's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon for $45. Tickets may be purchased at Guest Relations or at a vacation planning booth in the ticket area of each water park and may be used for same-day admission to both water parks. Passholders may purchase tickets at the same price for up to three guests. Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) for information, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. Additional information about available “Passholder Extras” are available here. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 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:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
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. Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage and Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts. 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 most days 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
10% off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free 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. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Active and retired U.S. Military personnel presenting valid ID can save to 25% on tickets to La Nouba through December 16 for tickets purchased at the theater box office located on the West Side of Disney Springs. 2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 19, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1 through December 19, 2017. Thanks to our reader Dr. Smith who alerted us that the website militarydisneytips.com notes that April 9-23 are no longer listed as blockout dates for Disney's Armed Forces Salute. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017. Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40 percent, based on room category. The 2017 offer is valid most nights from January 1 through December 19, 2017. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
Florida Residents can also save 30% on 4 days at the theme parks with a 4-Day Disney Select Ticket. This $54.75 plus tax per day ticket gives you access to one theme park per day for up to 4 days (which do not have to be used consecutively). A 3-Day Disney Select Ticket is also available for $66.34 plus tax per day. Tickets expire 6 months after first use, with the first use on or before December 31, 2018. Proof of Florida Residency is required. More information is available on this page of DisneyWorld.com. The La Nouba “Florida Resident Family Fun Pack” is back. As its final performance of La Nouba approaches on December, Cirque du Soleil is offering Florida resident ticket deals for its least expensive seats: $96.75 for 3 tickets; $129 for 4 tickets. Offer expires on December 16, 2017 and resident ID is required. Discounts may also be available for premium seat categories. Tickets and information on Cirque Du Soleil's La Nouba webpage. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
Check disneyparks.ca for the latest offers from Disney. Canadian residents can save 25% on fall cruises aboard Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic departing from New York City on October 14 and November 18, 2017, when booking Verandah, Oceanview and Inside Staterooms. Both sailings include festive decor, themed activities, and the “Marvel Day at Sea” along with other entertainment. Both itineraries also include a visit to Disney's private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay, and a one-day visit to Walt Disney World Resort (including a Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation from the ship). For more information and booking, visit this page of the Disney Cruise Line website, or call (800) 491-9744 (mention booking code “CAN”), or your Travel Agent. Offer may be applied to existing bookings, exclusions apply, and Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses not included in offer. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
The website GetWestLondon.co.uk has an updated list of some of the offers available to folks planning ahead to holiday at Walt Disney World Resort from the United Kingdom. You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
