Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 2-8, 2019

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer

April 2, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 2-8, 2019

Writer's note: Let's immediately get to a recap of the major Disney Parks news for both Coasts for those of you that may have missed it here on MousePlanet last Thursday (or on your local TV news or other news source). Disney Parks Blog summed up all of the changes in a single "know before you go" post from the Moms Panel; Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix provided MousePlanet insights about the Smoking Ban and Stroller Policy Changes that are effective May 1, 2019, and she provided even more details in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update for April 1-7, 2019 (including a discussion about models of strollers that do and do not fit the new rules). In short:

Ice - As of March 28, 2019, loose ice and dry ice are no longer allowed to be brought in to the parks by guests. Reusable ice packs, frozen water bottles, and small sandwich-or gallon-size freezer bags of ice will still be permitted, and, as always, guests may request complimentary cups of ice at quick service food locations. As explained by Disney in response to questions on Disney Parks Blog, the ban on loose and dry ice in coolers is intended to streamline security bag check and park entry.
Smoking - Currently, smoking (including e-cigarettes/vaping) is only permitted in designated areas within the parks and is prohibited in Disney Resort hotels except for designated outdoor areas. Effective May 1, 2019, Disney will eliminate all of the designated in-park smoking areas and permit smoking only in designated areas outside of the parks. The smoking ban extends to the water parks, miniature golf courses, golf courses, and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
Strollers - Effective, May 1, Disney Parks will adjust its permitted stroller sizes: strollers may be no larger than 31″ (79cm) wide and 52″ (132cm) long. Disney already officially does not permit wagons in the parks (like the Radio Flyer Red Wagon), and, beginning May 1, Disney is expanding the wagon prohibition to include stroller wagons of any dimensions as well. Disney says the changes "are designed to help guest flow and ease congestion, making the parks more enjoyable for everyone." All Walt Disney World theme parks offer stroller rentals, including double strollers, that meet the guidelines, and those strollers can be rented daily or for Length of Stay.

Stroller wagons, like this Keenz apparently rented from Main Street Stollers and spotted this weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios, are not permitted in Disney Parks starting on May 1. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As Adrienne reported yesterday, a Disney spokesperson told MousePlanet, "We have and will continue to work with guests to help ensure an enjoyable visit for all of our guests," and that "Nothing has changed about how we make accommodations for guests with disabilities."

And now on to the rest of this week's News and Views…

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Disney's Hollywood Studios Transformation Towards its 30th Anniversary

Disney's Hollywood Studios will celebrate the 30th anniversary of the park's opening on May 1. The park's next round of really big changes come later this year with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge's Phase One (shops, food and beverage, plus Millenium Falcon: Smuggler's Run, August 29), that land's Phase Two (Rise of the Resistance attraction opening date to be announced), the opening of the Disney Skyliner Gondola transportation system (in the Fall) and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (in the fall). In the meantime, the newest entertainment offering, Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy, opened on Sunday in Sunset Showcase next to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith. During this new 10-minute show, Lightning McQueen appears live on stage to share his racing knowledge, and, as you might guess, things do not always go as planned. Mater, Cruz Ramirez, and other friends from Radiator Springs help Lightning get back "on track."

Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy is now open in Sunset Showcase at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Video ©Disney.

With a media event for the new attraction yet to come tomorrow morning, we will probably have more details to share on our social media channels then. Of course, as an Annual Passholder, I had a chance to visit on Sunday to see the new show and its surroundings. The show runs continuously during the park's operating day, without a published schedule (like Voyage of the Little Mermaid). When one show ends and the theater clears, the doors open for the newly-installed rows of benches inside Sunset Showcase to re-fill while Mack and Sally Carrera welcome "rookie racers" and test your Lightning McQueen knowledge. John Ratzenberger, the star behind the voice of Mack the truck in each of the Cars movies (and, indeed, at least one character in every Disney-Pixar feature film so far), has again voiced Mack for the new attraction as we previously reported.

The Sunset Showcase is located next to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and was previously used as a flexible space for private events or to guests for events like the ticketed Club Villain or meet and greets during Star Wars: Galactic Nights events.

Like Lightning McQueen's appearances in Radiator Springs at Disney California Adventure, he has many different facial expressions reflecting a range of emotions during the 10-minute long show geared to all ages.

Lightning McQueen has a rather extensive range of motion during the show and demonstrates his racing training technique with a nearly 180º wrap-around video racing simulator (with larger screens above nearly surrounding the audience as well).

Lightning McQueen and, in my opinion (and many others I have chatted with) is a winner.

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Outside Sunset Showcase, "DJ's Ready! Set! Party Time!" is a new, scheduled dance party featuring Lightning McQueen's Pit Crew arriving in the courtyard and leading Cars-inspired dances and games in front of DJ, "the ultimate party on wheels." Nearby, Cruz Ramirez and the Piston Cup are available as a meet and greet location with a Disney PhotoPass photographer in pretty much the same set-up that used to be located in Pixar Place near the former exit to Toy Story Mania.

Recently arriving at the park from Radiator Springs, DJ, billed as "the ultimate party on wheels," is the center of DJ's Ready! Set! Party Time! Dance Party which occurs several times each day near the entrance to Sunset Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The dance party includes live dancers that interact with the crowd; DJ, himself, did not move during my visit on Sunday, though some of his side-lights blinked with the music. Other than its theme, there is nothing significantly different or innovative about this new dance party. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The new meet and greet for Cruz Ramirez is located between DJ and Sunset Showcase. Cruz does bounce a bit in place and, occasionally, talks during the dance party and when meeting guests. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

So far, for the park's anniversary celebration on May 1, itself, we know that there will be a special anniversary ceremony and parade. That night, the park will also debut the new "Wonderful World of Animation" projection show on the facade of the Chinese Theatre. Disney Parks Blog says the new show "will use state-of-the-art projection technology to take guests on a magical journey through more than 90 years of Disney animation, all beginning with Mickey himself." The "Disney Movie Magic" projection show likely will be replaced by the new show, as its final published showing listed in My Disney Experience is at 9:10 p.m. on April 30. We have been invited to media events at the park on April 30-May 1, and will have more to report as the anniversary approaches.

Mickey Mouse represents the beginning of the more than 90 years of Disney animation highlighted in the new "Wonderful World of Animation" projection show debuting on May 1. Concept Art ©Disney.

The ABC Commissary dining location at the park also continues to evolve. Dinner service at the venue became "fast-casual" some time ago—allowing guests to place an order at a register, get a pager, and then sit at a table to await food being brought to the table when ready. As of last week, guests now also can make guaranteed seating reservations for dinner beginning on June 2 (reservations can be made online or by calling (407) WDW-DINE). In the coming months, the venue plans to add self-service beverage stations along with new Art-Deco-inspired elements and furnishings; some interior construction is already apparent inside the restaurant's seating area.

Disney Skyliner gondola testing continues over the Disney's Hollywood Studios parking lot's newly designated Jessie section (which only looks closer to Epcot than it was before because of the trees removed for the installation of cables along Buena Vista Drive. Yesterday (Monday), we also saw testing underway on the cables between the station at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and Hourglass Lake between Disney's Art of Animation and Pop Century Resorts. We have not yet seen testing along Buena Vista Drive between Disney's Riviera Resort, the turn station, and Epcot's International Gateway. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Water Parks Offer New "Splash Pack"

Walt Disney World's water parks are now offering a new "Splash Pack" which includes select food entrées and dessert options, a refillable Disney Water Park mug and a Disney-themed towel to take home (choose from "Lilo and Stitch," "Toy Story," "Finding Nemo" or Mickey Mouse. The Splash Packs are $44/person (plus tax) and are available through May 4 at Singapore Sal’s at Typhoon Lagoon or the Beach Haus at Blizzard Beach. The Splash Pack price is designed to be a savings of up to 20% for bundling the selections.

Disney Parks Blog provides a look at some of the new menu items available at the Water Parks this season.

Disney After Hours Adds More Dates and Two Special Events

New dates have been announced for Disney After Hours, the three-hour hard-ticket events (separate admission required) offering theme park access with little-to-no wait for attractions, experiences and character greetings at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney After Hours ticket holders can mix-in with day guests at 7 p.m. on an event night, and the hours of the event itself vary by the park's regular operating hours for the event date. Ice cream treats, popcorn, and some beverages are also included in the event admission, which is $125/person (plus tax) in advance; $129/person (plus tax) for same-day ticket purchases. DVC Members and Annual Passholders can purchase tickets at $95/person plus tax. We have added the dates to our Resort Events section below.

Disney Parks Blog posted a new video borrowing Disney Vacation Club's old marketing pitch that the event may be "Disney's best kept secret!" Video ©Disney.

Disney invited us to experience Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom last July (we wrote about it here), and the event's debut at both Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios back in December (we wrote about those experiences here). While I personally very much enjoyed all of these experiences, I noted (and repeat here) that they are specifically NOT at a price-point designed or intended for everyone. As someone who has a very limited amount of time in Central Florida, like a business traveler attending a conference, you might think of a night of Disney After Hours like an evening at a concert, theater, or sports event from a price standpoint. For a parks fanatic, someone who wants to ride and re-ride attractions or spend a lot of time with characters, this can also be a special treat kind of experience.

In sum, for those that have planned their visits to Walt Disney World Resort with FastPass+ reservations, with multi-day tickets (or Annual Passes), Disney After Hours retains only its unique aspect: do you want that Disney PhotoPass photo of you alone (or as a couple or family) on a Pirates of the Caribbean boat? Would you like to have Main Street U.S.A. mostly to yourself? Those are all pretty "cool" opportunities that this event can provide. If you hate crowds and hate lines, these events may be just what you have been hoping to find. For Disney Resort Guests, there are times of the year that Extra Magic Hours may provide a similar experience without additional cost (except for the food and beverages).

Two of the newly announced Disney After Hours events at Disney's Hollywood Studios are special celebration nights. On May 1, after the park has its 30th anniversary celebration events for the day guests, the nighttime hard-ticket event will include additional character greeting opportunities plus special anniversary merchandise, food, and beverage to purchase. Then, celebrating "May the Fourth," After Hours ticket holders can attend in their Star Wars attire (subject, of course, to the park guidelines like those in effect when the park hosted its Star Wars: Galactic Nights events) and meet Chewbacca with Rey, Darth Vader, Kylo Ren with Captain Phasma, Ewoks, Jawas, and Imperial Stormtroopers; they will also have the opportunity to purchase specialty treats.

Speaking of Star Wars fans, for those that are also Disney Vacation Club Members (or are friends with one that might be willing to consider you a "special guest"), be sure to see this week's This and That... for an upcoming Members Extras event celebrating the film franchise at World Showplace in Epcot (park admission plus additional event ticket required).

Epcot Concerts News & Calendar

The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival includes the Garden Rocks Concert Series on the America Gardens stage three times nightly through June 3. The concerts run seven nights a week for the length of the festival. For more information or for reserving dining packages with guaranteed concert seating, call (407) WDW-DINE or visit FreshEpcot.com. Passholders can save 10% on food and beverages (except alcohol and excluding tax and gratuity) on dining packages for themselves and up to three guests.

Air Supply, celebrating 44 years of performing, returned to Epcot again last week for Garden Rocks Concert Series shows at America Gardens Theatre. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

This summer, Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! will return from June 14 through August 18. Star-Lord and Gamora (along with an "alien" band) will take a "musical journey" that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes with multiple performances daily.

With Groot remotely patching "Awesome Mix" music into the headphones of of an alien band, Star-Lord tried to teach them how to become the "Galaxy's greatest cover band" during last summer's edition of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! Concerts. Gamora seemed unimpressed. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Garden Rocks Concert Series performers at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. All of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! dates are included as well. While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events includes a list of the scheduled performers, it is 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 last minute changes. You can add the whole Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, indeed, if when we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well. The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it and keep it updated, 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

This week we have views from all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Disney Springs views, as usual, are in its own section below. There is one more sight before we get started that folks may see right at the edge of the Resort near where Interstate 4 crosses World Drive.

One electric pole has a rather familiar shape and you can see it rather well while sitting in traffic on the ramp from World Drive to Westbound Interstate 4 when departing Walt Disney World Resort in that direction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

In coming months expect to see construction walls in the plaza in front of Magic Kingdom as the Walk Around the World bricks are removed; the former security shade structures likely will be removed as well to open up guest flow.

As the "arrival experience" is enhanced in coming months, we expect there will be changes around the "temporary" shrub walls that have been in place for about two years since security bag check was moved to the former tram loading shelters at the Transportation and Ticket Center.

Next to the ramp leading to the TTC Ferryboat dock, construction is underway on a new structure.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party stops around the Central Plaza Hub several times each day celebrating Mickey & Minnie's 90th Birthday. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey and Minnie continue to celebrate their 90th birthdays at Magic Kingdom through September 30.

As part of the birthday celebration, Citizens of Main Street join the Dapper Dans to perform some numbers saluting the iconic mice.

Refurbishment and expansion continues at Castle Couture in Fantasyland; it remains open.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The "Surprise Celebration" for Mickey & Minnie's 90th birthdays includes rare character appearances, like last week's appearances by Honest John Worthington Foulfellow from Disney's "Pinocchio." Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Gideon from "Pinocchio" also appeared in Town Square last week. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Meanwhile, with the Spring Break "season" bringing large crowds, Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant is open as a quick service location several hours each day once again between Main Street U.S.A. and Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor. Photo by Donald Fink.

The moat around the Central Plaza hub has been partially dammed.

The moat has been drained from near the serpent topiary to the waterfalls near the bridge near Cinderella Castle.

Over the weekend, the moat was mostly dry between Tomorrowland and Fantasyland.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Tomorrowland Speedway is closed until mid-May for reconfiguration to accommodate the new TRON-themed roller coaster scheduled to open by the Resort's 50th Anniversary in 2021 (note the red crane to the left of the PeopleMover track in this photo).

The guiderail for the Speedway has been removed in many places as track refurbishment is underway along with the reconfiguration.

The PeopleMover passes over many sections of the Speedway track where concrete repair and replacement is underway, much like any other highway.

As the Speedway track gets closer to the TRON-related construction, it is apparent where track changes lie ahead of the attraction's anticipated re-opening.

Lots of rebar, sewer pipes, and earth-moving equipment are on site between Space Mountain and Center Drive, as vertical construction is now well underway for the new roller coaster.

From in front of the park, where the monorail beam crosses Center Drive between Disney's Contemporary Resort and the park, the cranes working on the coaster construction can be seen to the north.

As the express monorail approaches the park entrance, significant earthwork can be seen along the southern berm of the park, as the Walt Disney World Railroad track has been removed in places for reconfiguration, and new curved, terraced earth retaining walls are being built facing the water retention ponds.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

The flowerbeds of this year's Epcot Intenational Flower & Garden Festival are in full bloom. The Festival continues through June 3.

The topiary stars flanking topiary Daisy recently had a familiar shape added.

Topiary Mater and Lightning McQueen are located in Future World East near Innoventions.

Bo Peep's Playtime Training Grounds (playground) is also located in Future World East near MouseGear.

The biggest construction project in Future World East continues to be the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction that will take over the former Universe of Energy pavilion and the giant new structure behind the trees, just out of frame here to the right of the photo.

Topiary Stitch is located, appropriately enough, near Mission: Space.

At long last, the citizens of the model railroad town at Germany pavilion, are also celebrating Flower & Garden Festival. We last saw mini banners here in 2017.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Orange Bird sipper cups were back in stock on Friday at Citrus Blossom Outdoor Kitchen. Purchases are limited to one per person (and online reports suggest that your entire party needs to be present to count each person), while supplies last. Photo by Donald Fink.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

As the park approaches its 30th Anniversary (May 1), more banners and signs note the celebration.

Several retail locations around the park are closed for refurbishment ahead of the major increase in guests expected to come when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens August 29.

A new billboard for Cuties is now on Sunset Boulevard above Beverly-Sunset.

A little further down Sunset toward the Hollywood Tower Hotel, Anaheim Produce is now presented by Cuties.

Disney PhotoPass photographers have Spring Break props for guests to use in photos.

This winter we noted that Slinky Dog Dash Coaster cars had their tails removed. In the past few weeks, they have returned.

Buzz Lightyear's view from Andy's Backyard to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (and that of guests for that matter) continues to be increasingly obscured by the "forrest" plantings in between the sections of the park.

The spires of Batuu can be seen from the recently-designated Buzz section of the parking lot (well-beyond the Mickey section). To the left of the spires, a construction crane is located in the approximate location of the announced Star Wars-themed hotel that will (at an unspecified date in the future) will be connected to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Stella, the youngest elephant in the Red Clay Pits herd at Kilimanjaro Safaris, uses her trunk to get water and spray herself to stay cool.

One of the White Rhinos at Kilimanjaro Safaris had a good coating of mud on its body to act as a sunscreen.

As work on the Tree of Life trails continues, a fairly new sign says the Otter Grotto is "Supported by OtterBox" (which is also a presenter of this weekend's runDisney Star Wars Rival Run events).

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…The #DisneyParksLIVE stream of Epcot's Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, originally scheduled for last Thursday night, has been postponed until next Tuesday, April 9. We will have updated viewing information next week. As you may recall, Epcot plans to retire the show later this year, with a new limited-time show named "Epcot Forever" featuring music from Epcot's history debuting in the Fall, and, at some as yet unspecified point in 2020, with a new permanent nighttime spectacular. We expect the the webcast will include some new information about the new shows planned for World Showcase Lagoon and the continuing evolution of the park itself.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth ends its nearly two decade-long run sometime this summer. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The 2019 Star Wars Rival Run Weekend presented by OtterBox is this weekend. Disney Parks Blog shows off some of the medals as well as some of the merchandise available at the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo that is open to the public at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on Thursday, April 4 (10 a.m. to 8 p.m.); Friday, April 5 (10 a.m. to 7 p.m.); and Saturday, April 6 (9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.). May the Force be with you. Always.

…With Easter a few weeks away, we expect to see Disney's Grand Floridian Resort's lobby install its annual display of the culinary team-created Easter Eggs. (Other Disney hotel resorts may install some as well).

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Easter Eggs coming to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort Lobby very soon! This older one on display in M. Mouse Mercantile (the Shop next to the Monorail station). #eastereggs #disneyresort #grandfloridian #disneysgrandfloridian #waltdisneyworld #photobyasd

A post shared by MousePlanet (@mouseplanet) on Mar 29, 2019 at 3:38pm PDT

We expect that the annual Easter Egg display will be installed at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort this week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The U.S. Army and Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort signed a partnership agreement last week as part of the U.S. Army Partnership for Youth Success (PaYS) program, which guarantees soldiers job interviews and possible employment after their service in the Army. The resort, which employs more than 2,000 cast members, is the first Marriott hotel to join the PaYS program and one of the first in Central Florida. Marriott International has more than 6,700 hotels in more than 129 countries. The PaYS program is designed to help soldiers prepare for a career after the Army by connecting them with employers who understand the skills, discipline and work ethic that military service members bring to a business. The program is a strategic partnership between the Army and a cross section of private industry, academia and state and local public institutes and provides America’s youth with the unique opportunity to simultaneously serve their country and prepare for their future. This program is part of a long-term U.S. Army effort to help soldiers forge professional relationships with businesses and encourage business owners to look to the Army as a plentiful and reliable recruiting source. Since PaYS began in 2000, more than 805 employers have partnered with the program.

…As the celebration of Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday continues, Disney Parks Blog shares some of the latest merchandise offerings at Disney Springs including at World of Disney, Sunglass Icon, Havaianas, UNIQLO, and even the return of the Magical Birthday Sundae at Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Ice Cream Shop. Though we have retired our regular publication of "One Passholder's Tip," this Passholder reminds you that if there is a piece of merchandise you see during your visit to Walt Disney World that you would like to own, there is not likely a better time to buy it than when you have it within your sights, as the merchandise offerings change pretty frequently around the Resort (be governed accordingly).

…Reminder: shopDisney, the official Disney online shopping website is running a sweepstakes with a grand-prize of a five-day, four night Walt Disney World Resort vacation for four, including airfare and ground transportation (if the winner lives more than 250 miles away), five-day Park Hopper tickets with the "Plus Option," a VIP tour guide for up to eight consecutive hours, a $500 Disney Gift Card and more. The sweepstakes and its details is on this page of Disney.com and legal residents of the 50 United States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and Canada (except Quebec and where prohibited) who are at least 18 years old can enter once per day through April 14, 2019, at 11:59 PM Pacific Daylight Time.

…Disney Vacation Club Members and their special guests (up to a party size of six, including the Member who must attend with a Valid Membership Card and photo ID) can join a "Star Wars: Galactic Gathering" in World Showplace at Epcot, on April 10, from 6 to 8:30 p.m., for $225/guest ages 21+; $210/guest ages 3-20 (including tax and gratuity but not admission to Epcot which is required to attend). The event includes photo ops "with rare set pieces and props from the beloved movies," special Character Greetings, a galactic DJ, a buffet of Star Wars-themed heavy hors d'oeuvres and beverages, salads, small bites, a carving station, butter chicken, bean wat and desserts, and then reserved viewing for the nightly presentation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Reservations for the unique event are required to be made and paid for online

…Disney has earned a perfect score of 100 on Human Rights Campaign's Corporate Equality Index for LGBTQ workplace equality for the 13th consecutive year. Read more about this distinction on this page of The Walt Disney Company website.

…And, finally, a few weeks ago, Osceola News-Gazette shared the story of how, since 2017, more than 2 million boxes for Walt Disney World MagicBands have been built by employees of Lighthouse Works—the largest employment resource for people with low vision in Osceola, Orange and Seminole counties in Florida.

…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.

Wine Bar George

NEW Tomorrow, Wednesday, April 3, from 4:30 until 6 p.m., join Master Sommelier George Miliotes for an afternoon wine tasting featuring Mauritson wines and meet Clay Mauritson, owner and winemaker from Dry Creek Valley.Tickets are available on this EventBrite page for $50/person (plus $3.08 EventBrite fee).

NEW Over the weekend, Wine Bar George introduced its new "Wine Country Brunch" which is now offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. Download a PDF of the menu here and reservations are available on OpenTable.

Terralina Crafted Italian

Meatball Monday continues this month with three dishes: a sandwich ($14), pizza ($15) or calzone ($14).

Happy Hour on the Patio is also available Sundays through Thursdays, from 4-6 p.m. and 9-11 p.m. It offers $15 Charcuterie Boards, half price wines by the glass, $5 beers and more.

Paddlefish

Paddlefish restaurant is now selling "a boozy chocolate popsicle that's fat free and under 100 calories." The new Chocolate Raspberry Sorbeto Buzz Pop is $14, infused with premium bourbon, and is also vegan, gluten-free and certified kosher.

Rooftop Late Night! continues with featured cocktails, craft beers and wines. On Fridays and Saturdays from 9 p.m. until Midnight there is also live entertainment on the rooftop.

Happy Hour at the Bar (2-4 p.m.) and On the Rooftop (9-11 p.m.) includes $20 bottles of Rosé, $5 draft beers and $8 appetizers.

The Edison

NEW For April's Burger of the Month, The Edison is offering its "Prime Pretzel Twist Burger," which features its sinature blend of sirloin, short rib, and brisket topped with sautéed mushrooms and shaved prime rib au jus on a freshly baked pretzel roll. The Edison's recommended adult beverage pairing for the burger is a tall glass of "Booker's Tea," a southern-inspired cocktail featuring Knob Creek Barrel Bourbon, Ketel One Peach & Orange Botanicals Vodka, simple syrup, honey, Woodford Orange Bitters, and fresh brewed herbal tea.

The Prime Pretzel Burger is The Edison's April Burger of the Month. Image courtesy Patina Restaurant Group.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

The Smuggler's Series is offered at Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar monthly through October. As we mentioned last week, we were invited to attend the March 23 event showcasing Ron Abuelo Rum which included four varieties of rum served in various presentations paired with a multi-course menu created by Chef John Miele. For those interested in learning a bit about the beverages they drink, these sessions can be quite informative and the restaurant's culinary team works hard to prepare dishes to compliment the beverages served.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar's entrance is found by walking under the bridge that connects the West Side with the Landing neighborhood.

The venue is themed to a prohibition speakeasy.

Several varieties of Ron Abuelo's 15-year aged rum were featured during the Smuggler's Series event last weekend.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Crooked Can Brewing Co.
Wednesday, April 17, 7 p.m.
$45 per person

Hendricks Gin
Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m.
$60 per person

Terrapin Brewing Company
Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m.
$45 per person

Bourbon - Tim Hiesler, Bourbon ambassador for Jim Beam, Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m.
$60 per person

Scotch, WM Grants - Balvenie & Glenfiddich
Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m.
$60 per person

Crooked Stave
Wednesday, September 18, 7 p.m.
$45 per person

Tito’s Vodka
Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m.
$60 per person

Status of Parking Availability at Disney Springs

The two open Disney Springs garages, Orange and Lime, continue to have ongoing technology work relating to the systems used to indicate where spaces are available performed that may interfere with traffic flow and limit the number of spaces available. We still have no official announcement on when the newest parking structure on Buena Vista Drive will open. Those who visit Disney Springs during the weekends or during busy times of the year at the Resort (like Spring Break) know that the garages often fill to capacity during peak times. Even the flat lot on the West Side can fill up during very busy times! Keep an eye on the overhead signs along Buena Vista Drive directing cars to the garages and lots with availability.

Watch overhead signs on Buena Vista Drive to see which parking locations may have available spaces. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka (pixilation caused by the difference between the sign's refresh rate and the camera; to the photographer's eyes, the sign did not pixilate in person).

Construction walls have gone up around the planter display between the World of Disney store and the valet parking stand. It would not be surprising if this area is opened up further to make for easier pedestrian access when the new garage opens across the street, as the pedestrian bridge is also near this location.

Landscaping between World of Disney and the new pedestrian bridge to the new paraking garage appears nearly complete.

The stairs connecting the area near World of Disney store to the pedestrian bridge over Buena Vista Drive connected to the new garage appears substantially complete.

The new garage along Buena Vista Drive next to the Speedway gas station.

At the Orange garage, the electronic system that indicates parking space availability is being upgraded.

The system upgrades in the existing garages can result in sections of parking being unavailable to guests.

Even after entering the garages, cars may be directed back out of them to overflow parking elsewhere at Disney Springs.

During busy periods, Reedy Creek Improvement District cast members direct overflow and exiting garage traffic.

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

More NEW Disney Springs News & Views

One of the previously unoccupied shops near Guest Relations and D-Luxe Burger now has a sign designating it as the "Disney Ticket Center."

The newly opened Pepe by José Andrés, the quick serve concept in the same building as Jaleo on the West Side, includes a large mural on the wall in its seating area.

Something Silver has closed on the West Side. Its website says, "We are busy making improvements. Please check back soon. Thank you for supporting small businesses!"

THe Spaceship Earth/Epcot style dress and accessories are now available at The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane in Marketplace Co-Op.

The apparent outdoor expansion continues overlooking the springs at Frontera Cocina.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

NEW Meet Disney Artists in WonderGround Gallery in the Marketplace Co-Op during April

Jason Ratner – April 5, 6-9 p.m. and April 6, 12-3 p.m.
Caley Hicks – April 12, 6-9 p.m. and April 13, 12-3 p.m.
Jasmine Becket-Griffith – April 20, 4-7 p.m.
Ashley Taylor – April 26, 3-6 p.m.; April 27 & 28, 12-3 p.m; & April 29, 3-6 p.m.

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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.

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

2019 Resort Events

Disney After Hours:(hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date)
…at Magic Kingdom:
- April 4 & 11
- May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
…at Disney's Hollywood Studios (including two "special" events):
- April 6 & 13
- May 1 (30th Anniversary), 4 (Star Wars), 10, 17, 24 & 31
- June 14, 21 & 28
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
- April 3
- May 7, 14 & 21
- June 4, 11 & 18
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic:(registration required)
…at Epcot
- May 13 & 20, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: April 3, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: April 10, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- July 18, August 8 & 22, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: June 5, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: June 12, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
…at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
- September 18 & October 16, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: August 14, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: August 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Party with Pixar Pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios – January 18 - September 30, 2019
25 Years of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 6 – June 3, 2019
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 4-7, 2019
Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) - April 26-28 and November 16-17, 2019
April 26: Disney Springs; April 27: Magic Kingdom; April 28: Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary – May 1, 2019
Includes an anniversary ceremony, one-day-only parade, and the debut of "Wonderful World of Animation" projection show
Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon (hard ticket required)
Thursday & Saturday nights from May 30-August 24, 2019.
Gay Days at Walt Disney World (#RedShirtDays - unofficial events) - August 15-18, 2019
Disney's Animal Kingdom: August 15; Disney's Hollywood Studios: August 16;
Magic Kingdom: August 17; Epcot: August 18
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
- August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
- September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
- October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
- November 1
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Late Summer/Fall 2019 (Dates to be announced)
Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – October 31 - November 3, 2019
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – Late Fall/Winter 2019 (Dates to be announced)
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required) — Late Fall/Winter 2019
(Dates to be announced)

2020 Resort Events

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 2020
MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!

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.

Magic Kingdom Epcot Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney Water Parks Disney Springs Resorts WDW Golf