Advertisement
Update for December 22-28, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
New Security Measures in Place at Theme Parks | Skipper Canteen Opens in Magic Kingdom | Memory Maker Photo Package Price Reduction | Port Orleans Holiday Dining | Sunset Showcase Opens | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
New Security Measures in Place at Theme Parks
When rumors began circulating online last Wednesday about imminent changes to Disney's security practices, some were so farfetched as to make the whole discussion seem to be a fantasy: Disney was installing metal detectors at park entrances overnight… Costumes and toy weapons would be banned from the parks… Toy guns—even bubble blowers—would be pulled from store shelves… The shooting galleries would be closed, along with the Buzz Lightyear and Midway Mania attractions… The Pirates of the Caribbean would see their guns and pistols replaced with non-ballistic weapons… Lightsabers would be banned…
Signs with new park rules are placed at the theme park entrances. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
It was impossible to determine which, if any, of the rumors were likely or true, and Disney remained strangely silent on the topic, not replying to multiple requests for comment. As the parks closed Wednesday night, the online Disney community settled into watch-and-see mode.
Thursday morning, the West Coast awoke to reports and photos from Walt Disney World, showing that the resort had indeed added metal detectors to the bag check screening checkpoints outside its theme parks. For a short while, it seemed that this was going to be a Florida-only policy change, but then word came that metal detectors were also being installed at the Disneyland Resort, which had not yet opened for the day.
The websites of both Disneyland and Walt Disney World were updated with a new set of guidelines for guests, including new restrictions on costumes and toy weapons. New signs were posted outside the theme parks to alert visitors coming in for the day, and Walt Disney World Resort hotels even took the extra step of alerting resort hotel guests to the changes via voice mail messages left in all hotel rooms.
Predictably, the first few hours were filled with loads of questions, confusion, and even more rumors. A Disney representative contacted MousePlanet to discuss the changes, and we did our part to help spread the word and quash the rumors. If you missed all of this last week, here's what you need to know about the new normal at the Walt Disney World Resort:
New guest screening process
Disney is currently using an outside company to conduct secondary screening of "randomly selected" visitors after they pass through the bag check tents at all theme park entrances. A pair of metal detectors is in place next to each checkpoint, staffed by this outside security firm.
Visitors are randomly selected for secondary screening after they pass through bag check. Those selected must remove backpacks or purses, empty their pockets, and pass through a metal detector. Visitors who set off the detector are screened again with a handheld metal detector wand.
Disney would not discuss how guests would be randomly selected for this secondary screening. There is no option to opt out of this screening, but guests who object will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.
Visitors will also see a heightened police dog presence at the main entrances, as Disney deploys specially trained "vapor wake" dogs to detect explosives that might be worn on the body or concealed in baggage.
No weapons
Effective immediately, all toy weapons are banned from Disney property, and are no longer sold in stores. This applies to realistic and fantasy guns, including Star Wars Blasters, Buzz Lightyear Blasters, and even bubble guns. Anything that looks like a gun has been pulled from shelves, including a miniature Buzz Lightyear Blaster keychain.
The ban does not impact lightsabers, toy swords, or toy bow-and-arrow sets, all of which are still sold in the parks.
No costumes
Disney has restated the policy prohibiting adults from wearing costumes, but now allows children up to 14 years old to wear them (the previous policy allowed costumes only on children until age 9). While "no adults in costume" is not a new rule, enforcement was somewhat random, and had been relaxed during the Season of the Force promotion to allow adults to wear Star Wars costumes. Disney has reversed that decision, and once again prohibits older Stormtroopers from wearing their gear inside the parks.
A Disney spokesperson said there were no known exceptions to this policy, which raises questions about the Halloween parties. In the past, Disney allowed adults to wear costumes during these events. Much can change between now and Halloween, but for now, this Disney policy is in effect 365 days a year.
Toy lightsabers are still sold throughout the Disneyland Resort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
No attraction changes
Disney says there are no plans to make any changes to remove depictions of weapons from attractions, like pistols in Pirates of the Caribbean; to remove the Blasters from the Buzz Lightyear attraction; or to close the shooting galleries.
Security, or security theater?
With the tragedy of the San Bernardino shootings so recent and so close to Disneyland, most visitors seem willing to put up with a little inconvenience for the sake of security, and three incidents in the past year have shown the flaws in Disney's current screening system.
In July, a convicted felon was arrested after bringing a loaded handgun into the esplanade between Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. He made it through bag check, but was spotted by a security officer in the esplanade. Two weeks ago, another man was arrested after trying to bring a loaded handgun into the Magic Kingdom park in Walt Disney World. Again, he made it through bag check, but the screener alerted an officer, who detained the man before he could enter the park.
And of course, there was the visitor who accidentally dropped a loaded pistol while riding the Dinosaur ride in Florida's Animal Kingdom park, where it was discovered by the next passengers on that ride. That person—a concealed carry permit holder—made it through bag check and into the parks. Just last month, the topic of carrying concealed weapons came up on the OC Moms Disneyland Annual Pass Holders Facebook group, with two of its members stating that they frequently carried their weapons when visiting Disneyland.
Managers of theme parks like Disneyland—as well as Universal Studios and Sea World, which also enhanced security measures last week—face a delicate balancing act when it comes to guest safety. There is no doubt that these places present a highly visible target, and are attractive to people looking to make a statement. Do too little, and they open their parks to attack. Do too much, and their resorts gain a "Magic Mountain" reputation (known for high security), and make parents second-guess their choice to bring their family for the day.
Still, we have to ask: Is all just security theater, or is this just the beginning? Searches of "randomly selected" individuals are rife for complaints about profiling (especially when reasons and triggers are not made public), and still only screen a fraction of the people entering the parks. To truly prevent guests from carrying weapons or explosives into the theme parks, Disney would need to put everyone through airport-style screening, a system that would require a massive infrastructure Disney hasn't built.
Such a screening would also require a change in the way people visit a Disney theme park. Sporting venues and concert halls are able to screen thousands of people in a relatively short time because those people aren't bringing (or allowed to bring) in a day's worth of spare clothing, hauling snack-filled backpacks or pushing double-wide strollers. When a measurable percentage of park visitors can't even fold their strollers to board the tram, how are they going to get themselves and their gear through a TSA-style screening?
What about screening cast members, vendors, contractors, and the thousands of people who have backstage access? Beyond that, what about the outside world? The Disneyland Resort does not exist inside a bubble or under a dome, and is surrounded on all sides by the real world.
This temporary solution is preferable to doing nothing, but won't stop a determined attacker. An effective screening might be more hassle than Disney visitors are willing to tolerate. For now, the best defense continues to be situational awareness. And unfortunately, that is our new normal.
Skipper Canteen Opens in Magic Kingdom
After much anticipation, the Jungle Navigation Company Ltd. Skipper Canteen has finally opened in the Magic Kingdom. The restaurant opened on Sunday, December 13, earlier than anticipated and catching many by surprise. The restaurant is themed as the Jungle Cruise's former headquarters that has now been turned into a restaurant, and has three separate seating areas. The former mess hall is the largest of these seating areas, and the first you enter from the waiting area.
The two other rooms are toward the rear of the restaurant: the Falls Family Room and the former meeting room of Society of Explorers and Adventurers. These rooms are more intimate, with lower ceilings and warm wood paneling. All of the rooms contain an array of artifacts in display cases, and it's worth taking a little walk around to check out the details if you're there for a meal. There are some particularly interesting items on a bulletin board near the entrance to the mess hall, including a note addressed to Rosita, the missing Tiki Room bird.
The restaurant does not offer alcoholic beverages, but does have non-alcoholic signature drinks. It also serves two "exotic" Coca-Cola flavors: Guarana Kuat from Brazil, and Fanta Melon Frosty from Thailand.
MousePlanet staff writer Stephanie Wien was in the park that day and was able to try out some of the items on the menu. Before the appetizers arrived, the server brought warm bread with a honey dipping sauce on the side. For starters, the party selected hot and sour soup , which was pleasantly spicy, and the house-made arepas served with warm corn cakes and rich ropa vieja (slow-cooked beef).
The menu offers a wide variety of main course options, including seafood and vegetarian options. The char siu pork was tender and flavorful, but the side of Chinese broccoli was somewhat lacking in seasoning. One member of the party found it to be bitter. The party also ordered "Tastes like chicken," which was served with a delicious shiitake mushroom fried rice.
Char siu pork is served with jasmine rice and Chinese broccoli. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The mushroom fried rice elevates the chicken dish to another level. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
The restaurant is not currently taking reservations at this time, and plans to remain walk-up only, at least through January. Diners may leave a mobile number on arrival, and will receive a text message when their table is ready. This new option provides flexibility to walk and explore if wait times are long.
If you've dined at the Canteen, share your thoughts on our MousePad message board.
We're Hiring!Do you love Disney and have a flair for writing? We're currently looking for columnists to cover new areas of the Disney universe for MousePlanet.com.If you are interesting in adding your voice to MousePlanet, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
Memory Maker Photo Packages Receive Price Adjustment
Prices for Disney's Memory Maker photo packages have been reduced for both pre-purchased and standard products. Pre-purchased packages (paid for at least three days prior to photo dates) have dropped from $169 down to $149, and standard packages have been reduced from $199 down to $169. These prices are a return to the pricing that was in place before the increase a year ago in December 2014.
Memory Maker packages provide unlimited digital downloads of images taken by Photopass photographers in the parks as well as select on-ride and character photos. Guests who pre-purchased at the previously higher price will receive a $20 credit back from Disney.
Bonfamille's Returns... Kind of
Fans of Port Orleans Resort's former table service restaurant Bonfamille's will be happy to learn that the resort has opened up the former space for a limited holiday dining option. Scat Cat's Cafe offers a family-style menu of Cajun and Creole cuisine from noon to 10 p.m. daily for $25.99 per adult ($14.99 per child). You must make your reservation at the restaurant podium in person. The menu includes:
- House salad
- Corn bread
- Grilled Andouille sausage
- Cajun-roasted chicken
- Pot roast
- Vegetable jambalaya
- Maque choux
- Mashed potatoes
- Collard greens
- Mac and cheese
- Bread pudding with banana-caramel sauce and vanilla ice cream.
Sunset Showcase Opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Although it was built to house a permanent location for the shop associated with the now-discontinued Star Wars Weekends, the Sunset Showcase building is still being put to use as a character dance party location. The building is located behind Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and currently houses Club Disney, a DJ-led dance party featuring classic characters such as Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy.
There are some benches for adults to rest, cool off, and escape from the heat for a little while as kids dance around and burn off some energy.
Views Around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares images from around Walt Disney World.
Magic Kingdom
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Animal Kingdom
A closer view of the tiered seating area for Rivers of Light. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Resorts
This and That
...The Comedy Warehouse Holiday Special has returned to the Premier Theater at Disney's Hollywood Studios with six shows daily through January 3, 2016.
…Recent updates to the My Disney Experience app include the addition of a one day Memory Maker Photopass purchase for $59 from within the app paired with a more prominent placement of Photopass pictures within the app itself (now just below the Fastpass+ reservations section). Users may also now change their PIN for MagicBand charges from within the app.
…Baymax from Big Hero Six has returned as a meet-and-greet character, and now appears at Epcot's Innoventions West across from the Character Spot entrance.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Crowd Forecast
|
Advertisement "Do more. Wait less."
|
Resort Events
2015
- 2015 Epcot Candlelight Processional – November 27 – December 30. Performances are at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. nightly, with the exception of December 6.
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 27 – December 30
- DVC Merry Member Mixers – December 22. DVC members and their guests can attend special holiday mixers in Epcot throughout the season. The free events include character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, crafts, and refreshments. They are hosted from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the World Showcase at Epcot (entrance is between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions). Members do not need tickets or advance reservations, and can bring up to 6 guests per membership card.
- Star Wars Experiences / Season of the Force – December 1, 2015 – March 20, 2016 (tentative end date)
2016
- 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – March 2 – May 30, 2016
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.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Most events are sold out. Registration is still open for the runDisney Kids Races. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14–17, 2016. The 10K and Dark Side Challenge are sold out. Registration is still open for the half marathon, 5K and runDisney Kids Races. You must submit proof of time no later than January 19, 2016.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–4, 2016. Pre-sale begins March 8, 2016. General registration opens March 15, 2016.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Dec 22 |
Epcot
|
| Dec 23 |
Epcot
|
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
2016
- Splash Mountain – closed January 10–15 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed January 11–15 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 – February 11 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18–22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 – July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" – closed August 22 – September 15 for refurbishment.
2015
- Soarin' – additional screen under construction. Work has no impact on the existing theaters.
- Innoventions West – Think, presented by IBM; The Great Piggy Bank Adventure; and Where's the Fire? closed. The Disney Visa character experience remains open.
- Maelstrom – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
- Magic Eye Theater – Captain EO permanently closed. Will be replaced by Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival sometime in December.
2016
- Soarin' closes January 4, 2016; reopens sometime in "summer of 2016" as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film.
2015
- Toy Story Midway Mania – second ride track is under construction. Work has no impact on the existing ride.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
2016
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closes January 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- None currently scheduled
- Entire park closed through January 3, 2016 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed January 3 – March 13, 2016 for refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 – April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 – June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.
Resorts
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 – September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
|
Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 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 $149, a $20 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. |
|---|---|
|
Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
|
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free 5" x 7" character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5" x 7" character photo per day. |
|
Discounts for Military Personnel |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 16, 2016, 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 3 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20, 2016 April 1, 2016. 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, 2016. 2016 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%, based on room category. |
|
Discounts for Florida Residents |
Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba is offering a Florida resident discount through December 18. Tickets prices range from $49 to $89. |
|
Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
|
Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments.
Comments
If anyone was ever turned off by the Disneyland Photopass+ and its clunkiness, Memory Maker at WDW is so much better. Photos from rides are added automatically (no having to mess with a photopass card thanks to magic bands detecting), and you are free to download them straight to your computer, whereas you have a very crappy interface for adding photopass photos and then having to redeem a CD voucher to finally get your Disneyland photos. Sorry but the Land really needs to take a hint from World on this one.
Have done both... and to be honest, before MagicBands and the RFID tech that FP+ uses, you had to do the same thing as what is done at DLR today. Not really a big deal.
Maybe they will upgrade things later, but I dont really see it as a dealbreaker, myself.
One thing worth mentioning about the Club Disney dance party at the Sunset Showcase is that there are charging stations located near the seating areas in the building, so you can charge any mobile device (there are connectors for pretty much every type of device). There is also a food/drink concession inside the building, so you can get a snack or a drink while you hang out there.
Having been to the parks since the increased security measures were put in place, I can say that I've seen no delays in getting people through the security checkpoints. I wasn't ever selected to go through the metal detectors, though, so I'm not sure what exactly the process is there. They've been doing more thorough bag searches recently, but even that doesn't seem to have slowed down the lines at the entrances much, either. Having been to Disneyland Paris this year, I will say that the x-ray machines that you put your bags through there are actually much faster than the searches by hand at the U.S. parks.
If you've been to one of the Six Flags locations that has metal detectors at the turnstiles, you'll know that the metal detectors really don't create any delays at all. You set your bag and the contents of your pockets on a table for the guard to check, then you walk through the metal detector and pick up your stuff, much like at the airport -- without having to take off your shoes or belt -- and it doesn't seem to add any time to getting into the park.
Until they're x-raying all bags and sending all guests through metal detectors, the security at Disney seems to be pure theater, done to deter people from bringing a weapon in, because no one will be sure whether or not they will be picked for screening. My guess about the "random" aspect to the screening will be that people wearing bulky clothing -- jackets, sweatshirts, or things like that -- might be the ones selected for screening through the metal detectors, because it will be harder for the guards to determine if they're concealing a weapon. That's just pure speculation, though.