Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 27 - September 2, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 27 - September 2, 2019

 

Writer's note: On Sunday, at D23 Expo in Anaheim, Bob Chapek, Chairman Disney Parks, Experiences & Products announced the new projects in the works for Walt Disney World Resort (which we cover here today), Disneyland Resort (which Todd Pickering covered yesterday), Disney Cruise Line, and several other ventures around the world. Right on the heels of that, starting today, Disney's Hollywood Studios is holding its media events for the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. So, while you are reading this, I am probably in or around Batuu II (or Batuu East, or Florida, or some other term that will eventually stick), but I have assembled it within sight of Batuu I at Disneyland Resort (really, its spires are out my window at Disneyland Hotel) and elsewhere in California. To make sure you get the news on our regular schedule, most of the text below comes directly from Disney press releases because there is not sufficient time for me to type in my commentary and experience to give you guidance of how to temper expectations. If you want some of that, Todd Pickering and I chatted about all the major domestic parks and Disney Cruise Line announcements on a Facebook Live video just hours after Bob Chapek concluded the announcements. I have embedded that directly below. In some cases where we may have not remembered all the relevant dates during that broadcast I have found the added details since and added them into the appropriate sections of this week's Update.

Todd Pickering and I discuss the major domestic parks and Disney Cruise Line announcements on Facebook Live on Sunday, August 26, 2019. Video by Alan S. Dalinka and Todd Pickering.

With Labor Day coming up next Monday, our usual schedule may shift a day or so next week, but, good news from our friends and sponsor, Get Away Today: MousePlanet readers can get an extra $10 off Get Away Today's already discounted tickets when purchasing any 3-day or longer Walt Disney World parks tickets for travel now through December 31, 2020. Use promo code: WDWSALE by September 4, 2019, to get the additional savings when booking at Get Away Today.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Details of the Historic Transformation of Epcot

The big-picture news coming out of D23 Expo's presentation by Bob Chapek, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products on Sunday, is that Epcot's ongoing transformation will change the park from one with two lands (Future World and World Showcase), to one with four areas: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature, and World Discovery. The process will be a multi-year one, and Chapek gave no information on when we should expect the transformation to be complete. He used the description we have reported on many times before, that the intent is to create a park that is more Disney, more timeless, more family, and more relevant.

The video Chapek used to introduce his discussion of Epcot concluded with the tagline: "Epcot: The Magic of Possibility." When he stepped back on stage he promised that the reimagined park would have "more shade." For those folks that have visited Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios and either coast's version of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, more shade and protection from Florida downpours would be a very welcome thing in this very large Central Florida park.

The Imagineer leading the Epcot transformation is Zach Riddley. He took the stage and said that he sees the center of Epcot reflecting "the power of hope, the power of possibility, and the power of wonder." To that end, he said that guests should come away with the notion of imagining "the future that we can create together" and that the redesign is intended to inspire the next generation of children that visit the park, like he was inspired there as a child (and, yes, he showed photos of himself as a child in the park from decades ago).

A final note about the concept art shown at D23 Expo (and in the above tweet): as previously reported, the former Communicore/Innoventions West building will be razed for the transformation. It was widely believed that the upcoming closing of Electric Umbrella and temporary relocation of Mouse Gear meant that the East building would be razed as well. It is, however, shown on the latest concept art. And, contrary to some social media speculation following the Media Preview on Thursday night, the new Journey of Water attraction inspired by Disney's Moana will not replace The Seas With Nemo and Friends, but, rather, be built not too far from it.

Disney Press Release Text

Walt Disney once said Epcot "would always be in a state of becoming"–it is a place that changes with the times. Over the next several years, the Walt Disney World Resort theme park will live up to that promise in a whole new way as it continues the biggest transformation of any Disney park in history, bringing the next generation of immersive storytelling to life through a plethora of new attractions and experiences.

Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation that take guests to new destinations, where the real is made fantastic in a celebration of curiosity, hands-on wonder and the magic of possibility.

  World Showcase

• World Showcase will continue to be a celebration of culture, cuisine, architecture and traditions – infused with new magic.
• The United Kingdom pavilion will welcome the first attraction inspired by Mary Poppins. Guests will step in time down Cherry Tree Lane past Admiral Boom's house, then enter Number 17, home of the Banks family, where their adventure will begin.
• In 2020, following the limited-time run of "Epcot Forever," the new "HarmonioUS" will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, carrying them away harmoniously on a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. "HarmonioUS" will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.
• In summer 2020, the France pavilion will offer even more for guests to discover, including the much-anticipated attraction Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, where guests will shrink to the size of Chef Remy and race through Gusteau's restaurant on a wild adventure. Summer 2020 will also see the debut of a delicious new restaurant in the France pavilion, La Crêperie de Paris, offering both table- and quick-service options featuring a menu from celebrity chef Jérôme Bocuse.
• Also in the France pavilion, the classic Impressions de France film will be joined by the new "Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along," debuting in January 2020 and directed by Don Hahn, producer of both the animated and live-action versions of this tale as old as time.
• "Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360" will debut in January 2020 in the Canada pavilion with new scenes and a new story.
• In the China pavilion, "Wondrous China" will take guests on a spectacular journey across the country, filmed and presented in a completely seamless 360-degree digital format.

  World Celebration

• World Celebration will offer new experiences that connect guests to one another and the world around them.
• The iconic Spaceship Earth will remain a voyage through time as the journey transforms to reflect the power of storytelling to unite the human experience. New narration and an entirely new musical score will focus on the moments and ideas that define the story of humanity. Guests will follow a magical "story light" that brings the entire experience to life in dynamic ways, giving each scene energy and beauty that ties the entire journey together.
• A new pavilion will be the perfect place for live events, and the home base for Epcot's signature festivals. It will provide a stunning elevated view of the entire park and an ideal spot to witness Epcot's nighttime spectacular. This beautiful three-level structure will have one of the most remarkable architectural designs at any Disney park, featuring a plaza level, a middle expo level, and a park that sits in the sky on the top level.
• Epcot's entrance plaza will be transformed with new experiences that connect guests with the world around them, welcoming them with a reimagined fountain, new pathways and sweeping green spaces that beautify the entryway. The design will pay homage to the origins of Epcot.
• As guests exit Spaceship Earth, they will discover a breathtaking new view of World Showcase from Dreamers Point. World Celebration will also feature a new statue celebrating the legacy of the original dreamer, Walt Disney, plus beautiful natural environments and global design elements filled with Disney magic and surprises, including a wishing tree in an enchanted forest and a story fountain celebrating the power and music of iconic Disney storytelling.

  World Nature

• World Nature is dedicated to understanding and preserving the beauty, awe and balance of the natural world. It will include The Land and The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilions.
• Journey of Water, Inspired by "Moana" will be the first experience inspired by the hit Walt Disney Animation Studios film. This lush exploration trail will invite guests to meet and play with magical, living water. The water will have a life of its own – just like Moana's friend, the ocean – and guests will learn about the importance of the natural water cycle.
• The Land pavilion's new film, "Awesome Planet," which showcases the beauty, diversity and dynamic story of the planet, will begin welcoming guests in January 2020.

  World Discovery

• In World Discovery, stories about science, technology and intergalactic adventure come to life.
• Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will be the first "other-world" showcase pavilion at Epcot. The adventure starts in the "Galaxarium," a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth's galaxy and Xandar. Guests will be invited to learn more about the treasures Xandar has to share – until the moment when the Guardians of the Galaxy arrive, and adventures across the cosmos ensue. The attraction will feature a new innovation from Walt Disney Imagineering – a storytelling coaster that rotates 360 degrees to focus guests on the action, including the first reverse launch on a Disney coaster.
• An expansion of the Mission: SPACE pavilion, the new restaurant Space 220 will be a culinary experience featuring the celestial panorama of a space station, including daytime and nighttime views of Earth from 220 miles up. Guests will board a special elevator for a journey to a space station that is home to an incredible dining experience. Along the way, viewports will give guests real-time perspective as they travel high above the planet. Once they arrive, guests will enjoy fantastic meals and drinks while taking in views that are truly out of this world. Opening this winter, Space 220 will be operated by the Patina Restaurant Group.
• The PLAY! pavilion will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World. In this digital metropolis, guests will discover an interactive city bursting with games, activities and experiences that connect them with friends, family and beloved Disney characters – both real and virtual – like never before. As part of this new pavilion, guests will have the chance to help legendary fashion icon Edna Mode on her quest to rid the world of uninspired style, or make a splash competing in a water-balloon fight hosted by Huey, Dewey, Louie and Webby.

Guests will be able to visualize these exciting plans for Epcot when doors open October 1, 2019, for Walt Disney Imagineering presents the Epcot Experience in the Odyssey Events Pavilion. They will discover engaging and interactive exhibits that showcase the relentless innovation, energy and excitement driving the park's future throughout this unprecedented period of transformation.

### End of Press Release ###

The Epcot presentation at D23 Expo also included a performance led by award-winning composer Pinar Toprak of the new anthem she composed for Epcot. The new anthem received a nice round of applause from the audience and was stylistically similar to other Epcot anthems of the past.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser Experience (Previously referred to as the Star Wars-themed Hotel)

From the time Bob Chapek first announced that Walt Disney World would build a Star Wars-themed hotel at the 2017 D23 Expo, the information he and the company released made it increasingly sound like the venue would be a space-version of a cruise, with each guest room having a view of space. Well, with the announcements that started with the D23 Expo 2019 Media Preview on Thursday night and continuing through Bob Chapek's announcements on Sunday on stage, he refined the details even more in that direction and, indeed, gave what he (and the company) now call an "experience" a name to match the description. The new vacation experience will be named "Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser" where guests check in for a two-night "adventure" at a "port" (located next to Disney's Hollywood Studios), are transported aboard a galactic Starcruiser named the Halcyon, where they experience activities, crew, and characters, like space-cruisers, and even make a port-of-call stop at Batuu.

The latest description varies a bit from its original description, where it sounded more like guests could choose to spend some of their time staying at the hotel by transporting back to Earth to go for visits to the other parks of Walt Disney World. After the presentation this weekned, it sounds more like the sort of all-inclusive, immersive experience (and likely priced that way) that its creators probably intended it to be.

Disney Press Release Text

A Star Wars vacation experience unlike anything Disney has ever created before will fully immerse guests in a galaxy far, far away when Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser debuts at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will offer a two-night itinerary where all guests arrive and depart at the same time, similar to Disney Cruise Line. Unlike any typical cruise, though, guests can become the heroes of their own Star Wars stories in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create. Guests will cruise the galaxy in style aboard the Halcyon, a starcruiser known throughout the galaxy for its impeccable service and exotic destinations.

Onboard, they will stay in well- appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, and much more. Throughout the journey, guests will be invited to delve deeper into their personal adventures by participating in onboard activities, interacting with characters, crew, other passengers they meet, and becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga:

• The adventure begins when guests arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal at Walt Disney World and check in for their two-night experience.
• Guests will be invited to enter a Launch Pod for transport into space. Through windows above, they'll see themselves leave the real world behind as they jump to hyperspace and draw closer and closer to the Halcyon.
• When the Launch Pod docks with the Halcyon and the airlock opens, guests will step into the ship's main deck Atrium to begin their journey through a galaxy far, far away.
• A visit aboard the Halcyon becomes a multi-day story that interweaves with members of the crew, other passengers, familiar Star Wars characters, and an excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
• The all-immersive experience also features entertaining activities, such as:
  • Wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, where guests just may discover their own connection with the Force.
  • Visiting the starcruiser's Bridge to learn about ship systems and how to operate them, including navigation and defense – skills that may just come in handy during a journey through this adventure-filled galaxy.

  Fun Facts – Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

• Every window in the Halcyon – including those in each cabin – has a view of the galaxy beyond, with ever-changing vistas as the ship progresses from place to place.
• Guests will be able to explore the Halcyon and perhaps discover hidden spaces deep in the mechanics of the ship – perfect for uncovering secrets ... or holding secret meetings.
• Choices guests make during their adventure will help determine how their Star Wars stories progress.

### End of Press Release ###

Walt Disney World Resort to Celebrate 50th Anniversary Across All Four Parks

Walt Disney World Resort marks its 50th anniversary on October 1, 2021. Other than the headline, we do not have a lot of new details as a result of D23 Expo. Bob Chapek did say that the celebration will extend beyond the Magic Kingdom (which will also be celebrating its 50th Anniversary) to all four theme parks. We know from previous announcements that several attractions are due to be completed "in time for the 50th Anniversary" including Magic Kingdom's TRON Lightcycle-themed coaster and Epcot's newly named Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind. Previously, Remy's Ratatouille Adventure was in that same category, but we now know that it is scheduled to open in Summer 2020.

At D23 Expo, Bob Chapek also announced, as mentioned above, that the newly named Space 220 restaurant will open as early as this winter and that the PLAY! pavilion announced earlier this year will also open in time for the anniversary celebration. Beyond that, as Disney's press release says, "the celebration will extend beyond Magic Kingdom to each of the resort's four theme parks with highly anticipated attraction openings and new entertainment, food and beverage, merchandise, and more."

Added in to the mix during Bob Chapek's announcements is the new digital service, Disney Genie, which is expected to debut in late 2020. Disney says it "is a revolutionary new digital offering that will enhance the way guests plan for and experience a trip to Walt Disney World Resort." From the brief mention of the service during his D23 Expo presentation, Chapek said that guests will be able to tell Disney Genie what sort of experiences their party would like to have, and Disney Genie will be able to propose "an optimal day" and, if desired, attempt to book the relevant Dining Reservations and FastPass+ selections, and even change on the fly if that particular day requires it. Its logo, naturally, includes Genie from Disney's animated version of Aladdin.

Chapek also announced that D23 Members should be on the look out in the future for a contest offering them the first opportunity to test out Disney Genie.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

The American Gardens Theatre will complete preparations in the coming days for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series that begins along with this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, on August 29. The entire schedule for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series has been published (and, of course, is always subject to change, so keep an eye out for signs when you enter the park). Concert showtimes are scheduled Sundays through Thursdays at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later, at 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. Get even more details and make reservations by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407) 939-3378. Note, that while the Food & Wine Festival runs until November 23, the Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes on November 18 to allow the stage to be prepared for the 2019 performances of Candlelight Processional during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays.

Grace Kelly performs at Eat to the Beat Concerts on September 4 and 5, 2019. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Joey Fatone made a surprise appearance at the media preview to announce he will be appearing "With Friends" from November 12-14, 2019, Eat to the Beat Concerts. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Candlelight Processional combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story three times per night (5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m.) during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (November 29 to December 30). Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, and Lisa Ling are all scheduled as celebrity narrators. Guaranteed seating is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages opened on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages (or call 407-WDW-DINE).

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

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

While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events lists announced performers, it is still always best to check the My Disney Experience app, Times Guide, and, yes, sometimes even signs posted at the park entrances and at the theater noting any last minute changes. The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. We do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

While I was at Disneyland Resort and the D23 Expo, MousePlanet's Mark Goldhaber happened to be in town and shared some views.

Magic Kingdom

Photos by Mark Goldhaber.

Epcot

Photos by Mark Goldhaber.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Photos by Mark Goldhaber.

This and That…

…As we have noted many times, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios THIS Thursday, August 29. On Wednesday, I will be there for the dedication. If you would like to virtually attend, Disney Parks Blog will be holding its #DisneyParksLIVE stream with host Mark Daniel right on that post linked in this paragraph. The stream is scheduled to begin at 9:55 a.m. Eastern time, and Bob Chapek mentioned during his D23 Expo presentation that he will be there too. We have not heard what stars of the Star Wars universe will also be on hand, so stay tuned and "May the Force be with you."

…If you are thinking of attending the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival that also begins on August 29, Disney Parks Blog has its Foodie Guide all ready for you.

…As Epcot's Food & Wine Festival progresses into fall, Epcot Resort-area's Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin will be amping up its Food & Wine Classic when the event returns Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9. Marking its 10th year, it will debut a surf party-themed area called Hang 10 on the resort's beach, with a live band, decorations, and two new dishes: Fry Basket (clams, shrimp, oysters and fries) and Hearts of Palm Ceviche. The area will also offer new beverage selections, including Spritzes and hard seltzer water. Returning themed areas include The Pig and The Poke, Chinatown, Carnival Corner, The Bubble Lounge, and a beer garden. For information and tickets, visit SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-888-828-8850.

…Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba closed at the end of 2017 and we have been awaiting details of the new show to come to the West Side of Disney Springs pretty much ever since. During his D23 Expo presentation, Bob Chapek announced that the new show is a partnership between Walt Disney Imagineering, Walt Disney Animation Studios, and Cirque du Soleil. Previews will begin for the, as yet, unnamed show on March 20, 2020, leading up to its world premiere on April 17. The show will follow the story of a little girl whose father is an animator on a journey of discovery (yes, that is all that was revealed). The innovations that the team boasted during the presentation included that Disney animated characters would interact with the live performers in the new show. Tickets for some dates have already gone on sale online. Visit this page of CirqueDuSoleil.com for some concept art and the official links to buy tickets.

…During his D23 Expo presentation, Bob Chapek showed new concept art for the facade of the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios for its upcoming new attraction Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway. Disney previously announced that the new attraction is now due to open in Spring 2020, but during the Expo the Parks Pavilion graphics for the attraction and, indeed, during Bob Chapek's presentation, the only notation was the year 2020 and not the season. As we learned last year from the slight change of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening "Late Fall 2019," as originally advertised, to simply "Fall," this could note a shift in the expected timing of the opening of the highly anticipated first ride-based attraction to feature Mickey Mouse. Then again, it may not mean anything date-wise.

…The Disney Parks pavilion at D23 Expo also showed off the costumes cast at Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway will be wearing when the attraction opens next year, and those to be worn by cast at the TRON-themed coaster in Magic Kingdom.

…Bob Chapek also announced during his D23 Expo presentation that the first of three new ships joining the Disney Cruise Line fleet will be named Disney Wish. It is due to be delivered in late 2021, and sailings will begin in January 22. Rapunzel will be the character on the ship's stern.

…Speaking of Disney Cruise Line, we have previously reported that Disney was in negotiations with the Bahamian government for a new, exclusive port of call like Castaway Cay for its ships to visit. Bob Chapek announced during his D23 Expo presentation that it will be located at Lighthouse Point on the island of Eleuthera. The new port of call is intended to be a "seaside adventure camp" that takes its inspiration from the natural beauty of the location where Disney will also be engaged in conservation efforts, according to Joe Rohde, the lead Disney Imagineer on the team. Rohde says that, like Aulani in Hawaii, Lighthouse Point will pay homage and work with the many local Bahamian artists to allow art and nature to "combine with Disney magic" and create a destination "that can only exist in one place."

…Back at Walt Disney World Resort, during his D23 Expo presentation, Bob Chapek showed off new concept art for the previously announced Reflections: A Lakeside Resort, which is under construction along Bay Lake at the former site of River Country. He described the mixed use (hotel and Disney Vacation Club property) as a country resort reimagined, with accommodations included A-frame houses and treehouses. The new resort will also include a lakeside restaurant inspired by Disney's animated The Princess and the Frog.

…REMINDER: Lots of restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort will again participate in Visit Orlando's Magical Dining 2019. Including more than 120 restaurants around the Orlando area, the program in its 14th year, runs from August 23 through September 30, 2019. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe dinners for $35 per person, and $1 for each meal served benefits local charities. Visit the official website for Magical Dining 2019 for the list of participating restaurants and more details.

…REMINDER: The 2020 Disney Parks Moms Panel Search will open at noon Eastern on September 5, and will run through noon Eastern on September 12. Entering its 13th year, the "Search" seeks folks with personal experience with Disney Destinations and evaluates applicants based on their ability to communicate that knowledge to prospective guests in "easy-to-understand and friendly ways." As Disney Parks Blog says:

the Disney Parks Moms Panel is the "official" digital forum for Guests to ask detailed personal questions about planning a variety of Disney vacations. Helpful tips, heartfelt advice and unique insights are provided from real guests who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. The panel also offers tips in four languages – English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. To find out more, visit momspanelsearch.com.

…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club has posted an online "first look" at the creation of Disney's Riviera Resort. Entitled, "The Art of Inspiration," the online, on-demand show available through October 8, 2019, at ArtofRiviera.com, includes an opportunity after viewing the video to enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win a Disney vacation including a five-night stay at Disney's Riviera Resort. The material, of course, is a timeshare solicitation, so there is more fine print to see when you visit the site and we at MousePlanet are not responsible or connected to the sweepstakes in any way.

…REMINDER: Those special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests begin September 1 and are scheduled daily through November 2 at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios (including, of course, its Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area).

…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.

New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

Beatrix

Longtime readers of this Update know that I was a long-time Chicagoan before moving to Central Florida and taking over the digital ink in this space. As a long-time Chicagoan, I was well-familiar with the many Chicagoland restaurants (and some in other cities, including Las Vegas) owned by Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises and have often dined at several of them. This past week, Disney Parks Blog announced that the group's Beatrix restaurant will open a new venue at Disney Springs West Side (at an unspecified date or location).

Beatrix is your neighborhood restaurant, coffeehouse and grab-and-go market featuring healthy food options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan along with fresh-squeezed juice cocktails. The restaurant will also offer a bakery and full-service bar with a selection of all-American beer and wine.

There are several existing Beatrix restaurants in Chicagoland which you can read about at Beatrixrestaurants.com.

Wine Bar George

Master Sommelier George Miliotes leads a Champagne toast to the start of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Wine Bar George featuring samples of five different sparkling wines including Ruinart Rosé, Dom Pérignon and more alongside cheese and charcuterie on Thursday, August 29, from 4-6 p.m. Tickets are $75/person (must be 21 or older) plus $4.22 EventBrite fee. Visit this EventBrite webpage for more information and tickets.

The Basket, the grab-and-go location, has introduced its newest frozen beverage: Friezling made with DOLE Whip Lime, Selbach Riesling, and Vodka. It is also available inside the the Wine Bar.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

THIS WEEKEND: The 8th annual Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley boutique music festival will run Friday, August 30 through Labor Day, September 2. Headliners this year include Billow Wood, Strings & Things, High Time, TradGad, Maca, The Rolling Wave, and Atlantic Bridge. Of course, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will appear throughout, and the event has no cover charge. Watch our social media channels in the afternoon and evening on Friday, August 30, for a preview of this year's Hooley, as we have been invited to attend.

Jaleo

Jaleo offers "Sangria Hour" each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sangria Hour includes happy hour-style discounts on selected tapas and $6 beverage specials on draught beer, draft wine (white and red), and sangria roja.

ALMUERZO RÁPIDO is Jaleo Disney Springs' new lunch offer available Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. It is lunch in an hour the José way, choosing one item from four sections on a special menu, for $25 per person. Add a glass of Red sangría for an additional $5 or a Cava sangría for $7.

The Edison

THIS WEEKEND: The Second Annual "A Gatsby Evening at The Edison" will be held on Sunday, September 1. Guests are invited to get "dolled up in your best flapper attire, donning your 1920s style suits" to celebrate the great novel by "dancing the night away in style." A few glasses of complimentary Moet Champagne will be served and a selection of passed signature appetizers will be available for attendees. The evening's entertainment includes a red carpet arrival, live music, stilt walkers, an aerialist, dancers, a crystal balancer, a magician and a complimentary photo station. Doors open at 7 p.m. but only to guests 21 or older. Tickets are $79/person (plus tax and gratuity) with more information at this Patina Restaurant Group web page. NEW The Edison is offering Cast Members a 15% discount for the event.

Join Our Networks

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).

2019 Resort Events

2020 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.

---

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 New England Residents

For Canada Residents

For U.K. Residents

Share, Links, Comments & More