Walt Disney World Resort Update For January 28 - February 3, 2020

Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 28 - February 3, 2020

 

Writer's note: Hopefully, you had an opportunity to see some of the posts to MousePlanet social media during the Walt Disney World Resort Showcase our hosts at Disney Parks invited me to attend last week. I learned a whole lot about some of the recent hotel and amenity refurbishments around the property, had an opportunity to stay in a one bedroom villa at Disney's Riviera Resort, and dined at seven different restaurants at the hotels. You can see some of the posts on this Highlight on our Instagram page. More views and information are in this week's Views Around the World.

Lots of major refurbishments were recently completed around Walt Disney World Resort and we will be updating lots of information here on MousePlanet.com. Disney's Riviera Resort has its own customized Magic Band that can be ordered when checking in online. (I paid just over $20 for mine, including tax, but there are still some delivery issues being worked out by the customization supplier - while I received mine at check in, at least one other member of the media I know that paid for one did not, but the resort did provide consolation and shipped it home after the event as well.) Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In the coming weeks, I will expand my usual writing role beyond my regular space here in the Update and use the latest information I have learned to revise pages in the (admittedly out-of-date) MousePlanet Walt Disney World Guide and when each of those are live, we will post links to them on social media and in future Updates. Anyone else want to help us get the MousePlanet Guide current or otherwise get involved with MousePlanet? Let us know!

Meanwhile, back in the parks, the very popular Epcot International Festival of the Arts continues. As noted last week, weekends feel as busy as the longer-established festivals. On Saturday afternoon, Epcot parking was so busy, I was assigned to park way over at the eastern side of the Wonder lot (which is still dotted with the support tents for runDisney with the Princess Half Marathon Weekend coming up in less than a month). Saturday was also the first of the three concert nights bringing together two performing duos in the Disney on Broadway Concert Series, and it was live streamed by Disney Parks Blog. The replay is included in the Epcot Festivals News section below, and Disney Parks has said it will remain online at least until the February 24 end of the Festival.

On Episode 593 of the Garry Meier Show Podcast (posted Friday, January 25), I discuss more about Epcot International Festival of the Arts with Garry and the recent new movies that opened at Epcot. The segment begins at 18:52.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

FastPass+ Access to Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run Beginning February 19

Starting on February 19, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios will start using its FastPass+ entrance for guests as well as its traditional StandBy queue. FastPass+ reservations for the attraction opened last Thursday, January 23, and there was a Disney Parks Blog post about it not long after. When Smugglers Run debuted with the new land back in August, only a StandBy queue (and sometimes a single rider's queue) was available to guests.

The FastPass+ service at Walt Disney World Resort allows guests with valid park admission tickets (from 1-day to Annual Pass) to make advance reservations for many rides, shows, and other attractions at the four theme parks. Most ticket holders with tickets linked in the My Disney Experience app or website can select up to three experiences in a single park up to 30 days in advance; those with reservations in Walt Disney World Resorts (and a number of its partner hotels like those at Disney Springs), can make those reservations up to 60 days in advance. After guests use their three reservations, they can select another attraction (and may continue to select single attractions the remainder of the operating day as long as there is availability after using each reservation). Same-day FastPass+ reservations are sometimes available, so it never hurts to check online, in the app, or at one of the kiosks in the park.

Not long after the FastPass+ service was introduced in Florida, Disney's Hollywood Studios adopted a tiered system where guests could pick no more than one "tier one" attraction per day. That list of "tier one" attractions has also been changed by the addition of Smuggler's Run. The only two "tier one" attractions are now Smugglers Run and Slinky Dog Dash. Toy Story Mania, Alien Swirling Saucers, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith, The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Fantasmic! and the rest of the FastPass+ attractions are now all in "tier two" which means that any pair of them may be reserved in advance(or three if skipping tier one).

This change to FastPass+ for Smugglers Run, of course, does not change the virtual queue system that debuted with December's opening of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance. Guests that want to experience that attraction still need to make sure that they get to the park early to secure a "Boarding Group" and then watch the app or screens around the park to see when their two-hour boarding window opens (if at all). While Disney says it "may include this attraction in the FastPass+ service sometime in the future," for now, your best chance of experiencing Rise of the Resistance is to be in the park at its published opening with your ticket linked in the My Disney Experience on your mobile device (and your account linked amongst all those you wish to accompany). Unlike the opening weeks at Disneyland, some days, Rise of the Resistance Boarding Groups and Backup Boarding Groups availability has remained at Disney's Hollywood Studios for an hour or more after park opening (though the actual Boarding time when those later guests may enter the queue can be late in the park's operating day).

Scenes from Onward to Debut February 7

The Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin showing "an early glimpse" of the upcoming Disney and Pixar film Onward which debuts in movie theaters on March 6, 2020. According to Disney Parks Blog, the new film introduces two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley, from a suburban fantasy world who depart on "an extraordinary quest after being given the chance to spend one more day with their father."

Actress Octavia Spencer plays Manticore in "Onward" which debuts in theatres on March 6, 2020. Video ©Disney/Pixar.

Preparations Continue for "Harmonious" at Epcot

The nearly 20-year run of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, the nighttime spectacular at Epcot, came to an end back on September 30. The next night, October 1, the park debuted its "temporary" show, "Epcot Forever" which is a tribute-of-sorts to the park—from its attractions of and shows of the past to the next version of the park expected to emerge when its current transformation is complete. Part of that transformation, of course, we already know will be the new nighttime spectacular named "Harmonious" (in earlier publications, Disney capitalized the "US" at the end of the word, but it has not done so in more recent ones).

Development and infrastructure work on "Harmonious" continues. The large red crane backstage near Test Track can be seen from quite a few places around the park, and by guests riding Disney Skyliner between Epcot and Disney's Riviera and Caribbean Beach Resorts. Last week, Disney Parks Blog shared a few moments about the on-going development of the new show, including the recent delivery of one of the new custom-built barges that will be part of the new show. That red crane (mentioned above) was used to lower the barge into the water.

Show barges have arrived backstage at Epcot for "Harmonious." Video ©Disney.

Disney says "Harmonious" is set to debut later this year and that it will be one of the largest nighttime spectaculars ever created for a Disney Park. The "floating set pieces" will house show effects including custom-built LED panels, fountains, lights, lasers, pyrotechnics and more. No opening date has been announced and, given the show's complexity, we do not expect to hear one until the creative and technical teams are confident that all of its elements are working harmoniously. (Sorry, writing about Disney Parks sometimes requires puns.)

Epcot Festivals News & Calendar

All the latest details about the on-going and up-coming Epcot Festivals are covered in order in this section.

Festival of the Arts

Running through February 24, 2020, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts has returned for its fourth annual celebration of Disney-inspired visual artists, culinary artistic creations by Walt Disney World chefs, and the performing arts, including Disney's Broadway songs and artists. The official website for the Festival is: ArtfulEpcot.com.

Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White along with Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee took to the America Gardens stage for the final times together for Disney on Broadway Concert Series Performances on January 25. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The most popular performances during the Festival are the Disney on Broadway Concerts Series shows, three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. The shows feature pairs of Disney on Broadway performers in scheduled duos singing songs from Disney musicals: Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White, Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee, Kara Lindsay & Kevin Massey, Liana Hunt & Adam Jacobs, Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland, and Syndee Winters & Michael James Scott. Each duo is scheduled to perform several times during the Festival, and on three evenings during the Festival (January 25, February 9 and 24), two duos combine for three concerts. More information about both the whole Festival and the shows themselves is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. Booking for dining packages and workshops is also now open for the entire 2020 Festival; Passholder discounts are available.

See a replay of the #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the January 25 concert (8 p.m.) featuring Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White along with Heidi Blickenstaff & Gavin Lee. Video ©Disney.

Other performance artists appear on stages around the park during the Festival as well. With the Fountain Stage razed as part of Epcot's on-going transformation, a new stage is located on the shore of the Lagoon at World Showcase Plaza. Visual artist, Trevor Carlton, for example, does his rapid create-to-music paintings of Disney characters there. Art Defying Gravity also performs there. The stage's schedule is posted. Check Times Guides for published schedules.

A stage in World Showcase Plaza features many of the performing artists during the Festival. The stage's schedule is posted on-stage, along with the current performer. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This year, the new "Wonderful Walk of Colorful Cuisine" debuts with food creations "that make you look twice and delight all your senses." The "Walk" is like the Holiday's Cookie Trail, if you purchase 5 menu items from the Cuisine locations and receive stamps in your Passport, you can bring the completed Passport to Decadent Delights for a "colorful culinary prize offered exclusively at the Festival." Passport stamps do not have to be collected on the same day; the Passport may be completed at anytime before the end of the Festival. The menus for all the Festival's "Food Studios" (kiosks) are also on the Festival's website, ArtfulEpcot.com and Disney Parks Blog has published its Foodie Guide to the Festival.

Interactivity is a hallmark of this Festival. From the very popular walk-into-the-art photo opportunities, to workshops and hands-on experiences. Some experiences are included in the price of admission, and some have additional costs. The event Passport and the ArtfulEpcot.com website provide more specific information. One of the returning free activities is the paint-by-number mural which, this year, is located in the center of Future World near where the Fountain of Nations previously stood (and is now surrounded by construction walls). Arribas Brothers at Germany pavilion offers an opportunity to build your own Festival souvenir from pieces of glass that will be fired in its off-stage ovens and mailed to you (prices range from $25 to $55 including shipping). Near Japan pavilion, you have the opportunity to create "Spin Art" (aboard a stationary bike or a turntable) for a nominal you-keep-what-you-make fee; at a kiosk in Future World West (where the Butterfly Garden usually stands during Flower & Garden Festival and food kiosks stand during Food & Wine) artists will create painted creatures from your handprints (also for a fairly nominal fee). Artistic Marbling is back at World Showcase Plaza, and, as guests approach Canada, Enemy Ink is back with its custom-printed t-shirts.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Merchandise offerings during the Festival, as usual, give Figment a large role. Disney Parks Blog has published highlights of this year's commemorative merchandise. The theme of much of the merchandise is the Figment Color Co. Figment's Brush with the Masters Scavenger Hunt returns (guests purchase a map from designated merchandise locations, hunt around World Showcase, and return the completed map to a designated location for a "prize"). Passholders can purchase an exclusive Figment t-shirt during the Festival, and there is a complimentary "Artful Mickey" magnet "painted" by artist Will Gay available at a designated pickup location for Passholders with a valid Annual Pass and matching photo ID.

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Flower & Garden Festival

The longest running Epcot festival—the one that started them all back in 1994 as "a 38-day celebration of Disney-style gardens and topiaries"—the 2020 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, runs 90-days from March 4 to June 1, 2020. The 27th edition of the Festival includes the Garden Rocks Concert Series three times nightly at America Gardens Theatre, and, the list of scheduled performers so far includes both returning and new names including: Peabo Bryson, STARSHIP, Sister Hazel, Rick Springfield, Plain White T's, Don McLean, Herman's Hermits, Daughtry and Survivor. More recent additions include: The Orchestra starring former members of ELO, The Guess Who, A Flock of Seagulls, Tony Orlando, Christopher Cross, Air Supply, and Crowder. The most recent additions are High Valley and Casting Crowns. Based on the posted schedule, there are now just two remaining acts to be named. The official website for the festival is FreshEpcot.com.

Garden Rocks Concert Series Dining Packages are now available. Booking a breakfast, lunch or dinner package at select Epcot restaurants provides guaranteed concert seating for a 5:30, 6:45, or 8 p.m. show.

If you are new to this Festival, you may not otherwise know that this is the one that features the most topiaries around the park. New this year will be a Remy topiary that will be unveiled as the centerpiece of Ratatouille Garden at France pavilion. The garden will include vegetables that make up the traditional ingredients of a ratatouille recipe. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure attraction opens at the pavilion during the summer, with a specific date not yet announced.

Other topiary displays that have been announced so far are the return of Anna & Elsa, Buzz Lightyear, Miss Piggy & Kermit the Frog, Tinker Bell, Snow White, and Bambi. The Goodness Garden Butterfly House will also return, as will the "Play Full Garden" where "families can celebrate spring at a unique playground experience." The Floating Gardens, Flower Towers, and more bedded blooms will be planted as well. Behind the scenes tours are available during the Festival from the no-additional-charge 20 minute English Tea Garden tour to the Spring edition of the 3 hour Gardens of the World tour ($85/person plus tax).

Like the other Festivals, Flower & Garden Festival will include food and beverage kiosks. This year, 16 "Outdoor Kitchens" and other "stops" will include three Florida-centric locations: The Honey Bee-stro, The Citrus Blossom, and Florida Fresh.

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Food & Wine Festival

The 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival concluded back in November. Disney Parks Blog lists the 25th anniversary edition of the Festival among the 20 Reasons to Visit Walt Disney World Resort in 2020, but the park has not yet announced its specific dates. It is a very safe bet that the hugely popular festival will return for a near 90 day run in the late summer/fall. The official website for the festival is TasteEpcot.com. The runDisney Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend which traditionally takes place during the Festival has been scheduled for November 5-8, 2020.

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Festival of the Holidays

2019 Performances of Candlelight Processional, wrapped up on December 30, along with the park-wide Epcot International Festival of the Holidays. The celebrations, no doubt, will return late in 2020, and, as in recent years, we will probably start getting specific details to share in the summer, probably with a Christmas in July media event or promotion. The Festival's official website is: EpcotHolidays.com.

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Festivals Calendar

For the convenience of our readers, the scheduled performers for this year's Disney on Broadway Concert Series are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We have also added the announced Garden Rocks Concert Series performers announced so far for this year's Flower & Garden Festival. You can add the entire 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

With this week's media event, the four days and three nights Walt Disney World Resorts Showcase, we have lots of new views from the resort hotels themselves. Indeed, over the course of the event, we visited each of the three rooftop restaurants (and ate at two of them) - California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Topolino's Terrace at Disney's Riviera Resort, and Toledo atop Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. We also have views inside Magic Kingdom and Epcot. New information is sprinkled in the comments as always and, as noted above, I will be revising our MousePlanet Walt Disney World Guide pages for the hotels (and beyond) with new photos and information too!

Views from California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom: Disney After Hours

Note: I was invited to attend the hard-ticket Disney After Hours as part of the Walt Disney World Resort Showcase on Thursday, January 23. I have written a number of times about these events in previous Updates (and my Update report on Disney Villains After hours back in June, contains links to all of them). This edition of the event had lower attendance than I experienced at the Disney Villains After Hours Events last year, but was not without a hiccup discussed in the captions. I have been invited to the February 7 Disney Villains After Hours event as well and will post on social media and in a future Update.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground - and - Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Riviera Resort and Views from Topolino's Terrace

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

As an update to the Cameron Macintosh productions' display in the lobby of the theater at the France pavilion, the "Phantom of the Opera" costume has been installed. Previously a place-marker card was in its place. The new lobby display celebrates French stories told on stage and screen from "Phantom of the Opera" and "Les Misérables" to "Beauty & The Beast," "Hunchback of Notre Dame," "Cinderella" and others. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resort

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Gran Destino Tower opened at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort last July. The resort is home to Walt Disney World's largest convention facilities. The new Tower includes Toledo restaurant that sits at its top and also provides views of all four theme parks and more. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

By the opening of the new Tower in July, all of the rooms at the resort marked the completion of a full refurbishment. Did you know that Casitas 1, 2 & 3 have a covered walkway that connects to the Convention Center and, ultimately, all the way to Gran Destino Tower? Those stairs lead the way. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's All Star Movies Resort

Disney's All Star Movies Resort just completed a full refurbishment of its rooms. Its lobby has a mural that includes the Seven Dwarfs themed headquarters of The Walt Disney Company in Burbank. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Did you know its food court has a secret menu? Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…That big American football game coming up February 2, in Miami, Florida, that only official sponsors like Disney can call "Super Bowl LIV" in advertising, will again be part of Disney's "I'm Going to Disney World" campaign. There will be a celebratory parade at a Disney theme park "mere hours later." Walt Disney World also participated again this year in last week's NFL Pro Bowl Week. This year's big game is between the San Francisco Forty-Niners and Kansas City Chiefs. Ahead of this year's edition of its campaign, Disney released a video that will tug at your heartstrings by connecting the campaign to its four decades-long collaboration with Make-A-Wish foundation by helping grant more than 140,000 wishes for children facing serious illnesses. Bob Chapek (Chairman, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products) joined the board of directors of Make-A-Wish America in 2018.

Disney celebrates its "I'm Going to Disney World" campaign and its collaboration with "Make-A-Wish." Video ©Disney.

…For the fourth week in a row, Disney Parks Blog released a look at one of the digital posters that will appear inside the Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios when it reopens with the March 4 debut of Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway. (We have been given the heads-up to expect to be at the media preview and dedication on March 3.) Each poster pays tribute to an actual Mickey Mouse short; like last week, you can even watch this week's "Tokyo Go" short where "Mickey doesn’t share dialogue – but words are not needed to enjoy this madcap cartoon adventure" here on Mickey Mouse's official You Tube channel. As we have mentioned a number of times, when we were invited for a media preview in December, new digital posters appear on the video screens throughout the queue - the same screens that used to show posters for classic movies and The Great Movie Ride. The new attraction includes a brand new short, "Perfect Picnic" and the digital posters in the halls leading up to the "premiere" (the pre-show for the ride) set the scene.

Posters inspired by Mickey & Minnie cartoon shorts have been created for the lobby of Chinese Theatre at Disney's Hollywood Studios to set the scene for Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway which opens March 4. Image ©Disney.

…On February 6, Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida will host Chef's Night to benefit the Darden Foundation Community Kitchen's Culinary Training Program, a 16-week culinary training program that provides service-based technical, life, and employability skills to adults. Chefs from the Walt Disney World Resort Food & Beverage Concept Development Team will prepare dishes inspired by "Love" in celebration of Valentine's Day along with wine pairings selected by Master Sommelier Brian Koziol. The menu, more information, tickets, and donation opportunities available on the link above for Chef's Night.

…You can also benefit the Kids Caf&eacuate; Program of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida while you sample dishes and beverages featured at Toledo, Topolino's Terrace, Tiffins, The Hollywood Brown Derby, Cinderella's Royal Table, Golden Oak, Epcot Festivals, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Amorette's Patisserie, The Ganachery, Disney's Grand Floridian Weddings, Disney Park Events, Wine Bar George, and more by the Walt Disney World Food & Beverage Concept Development Team. The 7th Field to Field Dinner, which has raised more than $100,000 for the program, will be held in partnership with Edible Orlando magazine at Long & Scott Farms in Zellwood, Florida, on February 22, 2020, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. Tickets are $175/person (and they have sold out in the past). More information and tickets are available at EdibleOrlando.com. 100% of proceeds benefit the after-school meal service program that provides food to needy children in Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties in Florida.

…The Space 220 Restaurant (the upcoming table service restaurant at Epcot being developed by Patina Restaurant Group) and Give Kids The World raffle we wrote about in recent weeks raised $51,930 to support wish trips for seriously ill children and their families. The Space 220 Restaurant will simulate dining 220 miles above Earth's surface inside the Centauri Space Station suspended directly above Mission:SPACE at Epcot. It is expected to open later this year.

…REMINDER: For Disney in another part of the World, Aulani, a Disney Resort and Spa in Ko Olina, Hawai'i, is advertising 30% stays of five or more consecutive nights and 25% stays of four consecutive nights for stays through the end of February when booked by February 13, and for Spring stays between March 1 and June 13, when booked through May 8. Details and terms are available on this page of DisneyAulani.com or contact your Travel Agent.

…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.

Disney Springs News & Views

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). Some items are repeated week to week until they occur, while other items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

Raglan Road

Later this year, Raglan Road celebrates 15 years since it opened at Walt Disney World Resort. Serving up authentic Irish entertainment along with its menu by Irish chef Mark O'Neill (accompanied by lots of locally crafted beers, Irish gin and more) everyday, Raglan Road's Might St. Patrick's Festival will run Friday, March 13 through Tuesday, March 17, 2020. It is complimentary March 13-16 (and reservations are accepted); on March 17, seating is first-come, first served, and there is a $10 cover charge for guests 18 years old and above. The full Festival entertainment schedule will be posted at RaglanRoad.com, and the highlights will include: Strings & Things, TradGad, MACA, Fia Rua, Mike Waters, and Emily Furlong.

Raglan Road is located in the Landing Neighborhood of Disney Springs and has been in the same place at Walt Disney World for nearly 15 years (dating back to when the area was Pleasure Island). File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

NEW Carnevale returns to Maria & Enzo's Ristorante during all of February this year. The festival, known in Venice as Carnevale and as Mardi Gra outside of Italy, includes glamorous costumes, food and celebrations. At the restaurant, from 5-10 p.m., nightly, live entertainment will include singers, stilt walkers, jugglers, mimes, face painters, and folk dancers. The restaurant's signature menu will be available and reservations are recommended by visiting MariaAndEnzos.com or by calling (407)560-8466. We have been invited to dine during the opening night and will post some highlights on MousePlanet social media and in this space in Updates during February.

Carnevale includes nightly live entertainment at Maria & Enzo's from February 1-29, 2020. Image courtesy Patina Restaurant Group.

The Edison

On February 22, 2020, from 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m., The Edison will host its inaugural Masquerade. According to the announcement, guests ages 21 and above will enter "a fantasy world of electrifying mystique" where they should "be prepared to be surprised and delighted around every corner as all party goers will be dressed incognito during a magical evening shrouded in an air of secrecy." Tickets are $65/person (plus tax and gratuity) and includes "power-house trays of gourmet passed appetizers". There will also be a dedicated menu of themed cocktails available. Masks are mandatory (but full face masks are prohibited). For more information and to purchase tickets, visit this page of Patina Restaurant Group's website.

The Masquerade Event will be held for guests at least 21 years old at The Edison, Saturday, February 22, 8:30 p.m. until 2 a.m. $65 Tickets are required (plus tax and gratuity); guests must wear "Festive Masks." Image courtesy Patina Restaurant Group.

RusticCuff Pop-Up Shop

Earlier this month, we noted that the Erwin Pearl store had closed at Disney Springs (in the Landing neighborhood across from Wine Bar George and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar). Disney Parks Blog announced that boutique jewelry brand, Rustic Cuff, will soon open a pop-up retail store across from Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar. The brand's founder/designer is Jill Donovan, and its website RusticCuff.com shows some of its wares as well as a photo of the former Erwin Pearl store as its next showroom. The Disney Springs "accessory destination" will feature "statement cuffs with a focus on inspirational designes and personal connection." The pop-up shop plans to include beads, bangles, charm bracelets, and "colorful stackable accent pieces" that include options for personalization. The store will operate for a limited time, but an opening date has not yet been announced.

The Erwin Pearl store has closed. The Rustic Cuff showroom apparently will occupy this space during Spring 2020. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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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. More runDisney event information

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

2020 Resort Events

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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.

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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.

As regular readers know, 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.

For more discounts and offers we know about, click the category below that 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 Canada Residents

For U.K. Residents

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