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Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 18–23, 2018
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: Happy 63rd Anniversary to Disneyland and 18th to MousePlanet. I cannot believe it has already been a year since I attended the D23 Expo in Anaheim, was at the Park that started it all to celebrate its 62nd Anniversary, and saw the debut of the current version of Fantasmic! running there (after interviewing Mickey Mouse on the Dream Suite balcony). Thinking about Disneyland's version of Fantasmic! just reminds me of how dated the version playing at Disney's Hollywood Studios appears while the park has its attention on this year's recent opening of Toy Story Land and next year's opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway inside the Chinese Theatre.
While there was little news around Walt Disney World Resort this week, with the Incredible Summer fully underway, Disney used the week to make us more familiar with the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, now in its 21st year and still growing, and the "Disney After Hours" hard ticket events, which have run on select nights for roughly three years and still have six more nights scheduled on the calendar this summer at Magic Kingdom. As a vacationer from Chicago, I had never made my way over inside the Sports Complex, and have only visited it a handful of times since moving to Central Florida in 2014. With regard to "Disney After Hours," it is a very fun and unique way to experience Magic Kingdom, but, as I suspected, its high price point ($119 plus tax for advance purchasers before available discounts), is probably aimed at a limited category of guests and not those, like me, that are local Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders that visit Magic Kingdom weekly or more.
As we mentioned on Social Media, this week's Update was moved from its usual Tuesday publication to Wednesday because of the media events. On Friday, we will start sharing on Social Media the additional details we learn during a Christmas in July media event that may help you make your plans to visit Walt Disney World Resorts during the holiday season. Next week, the Update should return to its usual schedule, and we will include a summary of the holiday offerings plus, of course, the latest news.
News and Views
Getting to Know ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex | Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom | Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Getting to Know ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex opened in 1997, and is little mentioned in our weekly reporting here at MousePlanet. For this writer, despite my numerous visits to Walt Disney World Resort, I have to admit that I had not ever even visited the 220 acre Complex, originally named Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex and rebranded ESPN in 2010, until Orlando hosted the NFL Pro Bowl in January 2017, when the Complex welcomed the public for free to many of the ancillary activities held on the site. For guests who are not athletes or coaches participating in an event at the Complex, there is an admission fee required to enter the grounds (currently: $18.50 for ages 10 and up; $13.50 for children ages 3-9). Some Walt Disney World Resort ticket categories, however, do include admission, such as the Platinum Plus Annual Pass (which I current have) and some of the "add-on" packages offered when buying other multi-day theme park tickets. Premium and Special Events may also require additional admission, like Atlanta Braves Spring Training games, which have been held at the Complex since it opened and will return most of the Spring of 2019 before the team relocates to South Florida to be closer to many of the other teams' spring training locations.
Given its size and the thousands of professional and amateur athletes, coaches, competition officials and judges, and spectators (including the families of the athletes) that pass through its gates each year, it is an important part of Walt Disney World Resort and, in that respect, the Disney Sports team invited me along with other local media and national sports media to extensively tour and learn more about the Complex earlier this week. In particular, Darrell Fry, Sports Media Director, Walt Disney World Resort says that the "Complex is taking youth sports to a new level by providing America’s youth athletes with a big-time sports experience that can’t be found anywhere else." He adds that ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex provides "world-class facilities, unrivaled Disney entertainment and the top-notch sports events that separate the sports complex from any other venue."
The venues that make up the Complex include: Champion Stadium, The Arena (which opened in January and we covered in the Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 17-22, 2018), HP Field House, Visa Athletic Center, Baseball Quadraplex, Softball Complex, Tennis Complex, Track & Field Complex, ESPN Television Production Center (and TV Studio), Welcome Center (which serves like Guest Relations do in the parks, providing guest assistance with theme park tickets, dining reservations, in addition to events at the Complex), the ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill (and, when events are going on, concession stands, all of which include menu items that can be purchased on Disney Dining plans and, increasingly have numerous healthy choices), and retail shops (including pop-ups). Parking at the Complex is usually free (bucking the trend around the Resort) and, of course, Minnie Vans can take you there (and, for many events, Disney Resort buses too).
Many of the venues are multi-purpose and can be reconfigured to serve different sports. All told, the Complex hosts more than 100 events each year with more than 60 different sports. The ESPN TV production facilties provide video of many events to not only the numerous ESPN cable, satellite, and streaming platforms, but to other broadcasters around the world. The team in the Production Center described the 8k television camera technology being deployed that, coupled with artificial intelligence, significantly reduces the cost of video production yet creates images of a high enough resolution for the highest definition uses. Indeed, for youth athletes, it allows their competitions at the facilities to be recorded and/or broadcast more than ever before which is useful both as a motivator for the athletes themselves and for the athletes being able to showcase their talents within their sports to those at higher levels in the sport who may be interested in recruiting or developing their talents. The Production Center is the leading producer of ESPN3 content and also provides content for one of the Resort's in-room TV channels.
To answer the question we received at MousePlanet on Twitter (and one that I have had): is there an independent reason to visit the Complex if a guest has no interest in sports, the answer to that is probably not. The "Florida Picturesque" style of architecture is interesting, and the principal architect of the Complex, David Schwartz, also designed The Ballpark at Arlington, home of Major League Baseball's Texas Rangers, but for a theme park fan, there is probably little to see or do unconnected to sports in some way shape or form. Indeed, even the photo services at the Complex are focused on sports (like creating a cover of an ESPN magazine featuring you in your favorite sport). Having said that, with the opening of The Arena earlier this year, the Complex is also open to the public (at no charge) for the Health and Fitness Expo component of the runDisney races at Walt Disney World Resort. For guests wanting to get a look around, possibly get a glimpse of Disney characters dressed in their sports uniforms or even playing a bit of sports, those free events are a great time to visit. (Note, however, that as of this publication, the 2019 location for the NFL Pro Bowl has not been announced.) We welcome further questions about the facility and would love to hear from those of you that visit in connection with events of all kinds.
Goofy goes for a layup on a basketball court at The Arena at ESPN Wide World of Sports during the media tour of the facility earlier this week. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom
For well-more than a decade, Magic Kingdom has offered guests special after-hours "parties" that require guests to pay separate admission to attend and remain in the park after its official evening closure. In their present form, the main allure of both Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is that these "hard ticket" events offer special entertainment available exclusively (or almost exclusively) during the parties plus the opportunity to meet characters that do meet and greets (or, at least, wear special costumes) exclusively during the parties. As I have seen firsthand (when Disney has held media nights at these parties and when I got a ticket by registering for a Disney Parks Blog meet-up), many guests spend their entire party night waiting in lines to meet the characters, enjoying the special entertainment, and getting their included-with-admission trick-or-treat Halloween candy or Christmas cookies.
An additional advertised benefit of the holiday-themed after-hours parties has also been that most of the attractions remain open during the parties and, because attendance is limited by capping the number of tickets sold (coupled with the fact that even passholders have to buy one of those tickets to get in), most are available with minimal wait times. Although the party prices have started to approach the cost of a one day admission to Magic Kingdom (this year's peak date Very Merry ticket purchased at the gate is $105), most dates are available for less to quite a bit less than a one day park ticket. So for those without Park Hopper tickets or Annual Passes, those willing to forego some or all the special entertainment and characters, they can enjoy a lot of what Magic Kingdom has to offer with smaller crowds, low waits, and at a price point below the usual one day price of admission to the park.
Disney has had some other after-hours parties at Magic Kingdom over the years that are no longer offered: the most memorable (though I never attended) being the Pirates & Princess Party that was offered on select nights in the non-holiday winter and spring seasons. Those parties were also offered at a lower price than a one day park ticket.
Although the policies seem to change a bit from time to time, the special "hard ticket" events also usually come with the ability to "mix-in" with the day guests in the hours before the park "officially closes," thus allowing guests arriving for the late night parties to enjoy attractions, shows, sometimes fireworks, and shops that will not be operating during the party. Cast Members distinguish between the party guests and the day guests by wristbands. As the official park closing time approaches, Cast Members start asking guests to show their wristbands before entering parts of the park, and, after closing time, guests not wearing wristbands are asked to leave the park and are not permitted on any attractions.
A couple of years ago, Magic Kingdom first offered the "Disney After Hours" event at Magic Kingdom. Its advertised price point was high. To my recollection, it may have even been higher than a one-day ticket to the park for its very first run. The main advertised benefit: a very small number of tickets would be sold, so the limited number of attractions would be available during the entire event with little or no wait.
As a Passholder, the new event was of no interest to me; as a local Passholder (even before I was the regular MousePlanet contributor invited to events at the parks), I could find those rare low attendance days and ride a bunch of rides in the same day, and, during busier times, I could often find sufficient FastPass reservations for the "Mountains" to satisfy (even if I have to wait a day or two). None of my local friends expressed any interest in buying tickets to the event. Some out-of-town friends were staying in a Deluxe Disney Resort during one of those first "Disney After Hours" nights and were not interested in buying tickets either. To their "surprise and delight," however, the Disney Cast Members at their hotel provided them with complimentary passes to the event. The rumors at the time were that even with the very low attendance cap that had been set, the park was having difficulty selling tickets. The next day, my friends told me that they absolutely loved their evening of exclusive park access—and, for free, that was not a surprise!
After the first run of "Disney After Hours" came and went, many of us expected it would not return. We were wrong. Another batch of them came along in 2017. Increasingly, in 2017, I heard reports of people really enjoying the exclusivity of the events, but I did not have any interest in attending myself. By then, I was the writer of this Update, and always included the relevant information, but I also did not know folks (local or visiting from out of town) who were willing to pay for the privilege on their own. None of our readers ever reached out to me about them either. Late in 2017, a bunch of 2018 dates were announced too (and more were released in May); again, we included them in the Updates and, I assumed, that would be the about the extent of our coverage of them. I was wrong about that too.
On behalf of MousePlanet, I was invited to attend Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom held on Saturday, July 14, 2018, from the park's official closing at 10 p.m. until the end of the event at 1 a.m. Like the most recent holiday parties, the event ticket allowed admission to the park as early as 7 p.m. (which, again, as an Annual Passholder, I could have entered from 7-10 p.m. even without a ticket to After Hours). Like the holiday parties, though, entering the park for After Hours requires entering through the touchpoints marked "Event Entrance" so that Cast Members can provide guests with the event "credential," which is a lanyard (rather than the holiday party wristband).
The event advertises that more than 25 attractions are open during Disney After Hours. They may vary from event to event, though the aim seems to be to have the classics and "E-ticket" rides open; the advertising says the attractions to expect include Space Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad, Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Princess Fairytale Hall, and Peter Pan's Flight. Once the event starts, the also includes select beverages (Coca-Cola products, water and the like), popcorn and ice cream novelties (including Mickey Bars). As for other food and beverage (for purchase) options, however, only Main Street Bakery (Starbucks) and Casey's Corner on Main Street U.S.A. remained open with limited menus. As for shopping, only the Emporium remained open during the entire event.
The attractions open for the July 14 Disney After Hours Event were:
| Main Street U.S.A. | Meet Mickey Mouse & Tinker Bell at Town Square Theater |
| Adventureland | The Magic Carpets of Aladdin Jungle Cruise Pirates of the Caribbean Swiss Family Treehouse Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room |
| Frontierland | Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Country Bear Jamboree Splash Mountain |
| Liberty Square | Haunted Mansion |
| Fantasyland | The Barnstormer Dumbo the Flying Elephant "it's a small world" Mad Tea Party The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh Meet Ariel in Her Grotto Mickey's PhilharMagic Peter Pan's Flight Princess Fairytale Hall Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Under the Sea-Journey of The Little Mermaid |
| Tomorrowland | Astro Orbiter Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin Space Mountain Tomorrowland Speedway Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover |
In the course of the three hour event (with a friend), I enjoyed nine attractions, including a private showing of Enchanted Tiki Room where we were provided an opportunity to "wake up" Jose, a private boat on "small world," and little or no wait time for any attraction, including Peter Pan's Flight (despite its posted 10-minute Standby Time). I concede, it was a unique night in the park, and I had a lot of fun.
I also think I now understand the kinds of guests this event may appeal to even at its high price point and without hitting the obvious cliché response "for the wealthiest guests." Actually, one category used to be me. Back when I was a practicing attorney, on-call 24/7 and traveling a great deal, I often found myself in a place during the day where at night, I welcomed a distraction. Once, that was at Disneyland Resort in California, where a conference I was attending ended up early enough in the day that the special, "Conference ticket" that was then available and allowed admission to Disney's California Adventure (yes, it still had the apostrophe s back then) for only its final three hours of regular operation was a perfect way to cap off a busy work day (and the conference host provided a similar ticket to Disneyland Park the next day to attendees). I could easily say that if I did not already have an Annual Pass because I was a frequent Disney Vacation Club Member-visitor to Walt Disney World, and I found myself in Orlando with an open night in my schedule, a ticket that all-but-guaranteed being able to do everything I wanted to do, even if it meant missing the daytime parade would be worth the price.
Similarly, the price for the entertainment even comes out reasonably compared to some other entertainment options that folks may choose. When I last visited Chicago, for example, I paid nearly $200 (face cost but including service fee from the original seller and not a resale) for a balcony seat to see Hamilton. Concert-goers in many venues pay well over that amount (face value) to see their favorite performers. And, finally, the Disney After Hours events are the perfect way for folks who cannot deal with crowds to visit what is sometimes really "The Busiest Place on Earth" instead of its usual "Happy" or "Magical" preferred description.
In other Updates, we have written about Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic events in the parks. For those not aware, since DVC's 25th anniversary a few years ago, Disney Vacation Club Members have had a number of opportunities to reserve for themselves and a limited number of guests the opportunity to attend special after hours events in Disney Parks on both coasts. Those events are offered at no charge to the Members and their guests and, like the holiday parties, allow mix-in time, provide opportunities to meet "rare" characters that usually are not in the parks, include complimentary food and beverages, and even some special entertainment (including fireworks or, like at Disney's Animal Kingdom, provide private showings of Rivers of Light). For DVC Members fortunate enough to attend these events (and I am one of them), the Disney After Hours event can seem very expensive in comparison.
In sum, for those that have planned their visits to Walt Disney World Resort with FastPass+ reservations, with multi-day tickets (or Annual Passes), Disney After Hours retains only its unique aspect: do you want that Disney PhotoPass photo of you alone (or as a couple or family) on a Pirates of the Caribbean boat? Would you like to have Main Street U.S.A. mostly to yourself? Those are all pretty "cool" opportunities that this event can provide. If you hate crowds and hate lines, these events may be just what you have been hoping to find. For Disney Resort Guests, there are times of the year that Extra Magic Hours may provide a similar experience without additional cost (except for the food and beverages).
Disney After Hours lanyard-wearing guests head toward the park's exit as the "Kiss Goodnight" plays over the speakers. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
For the remaining Disney After Hours events at Magic Kingdom on July 21 and 28, August 4, 11 and 30, and September 20, the advanced purchase price is $119 plus tax. Disney Vacation Club Members and Annual Passholders may qualify for discounts. If the event is not sold out, the day-of ticket price is $124 plus tax. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com or call (407)827-7185.
Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar
As we covered last week, a partial listing of Candlelight Processional narrators is now available. Guests can now book dining packages for both the Eat to the Beat Concerts and Candlelight Processional. Returning celebrity narrators include: Neil Patrick Harris, Whoopi Goldberg, Gary Sinnese, Pat Sajak, and Jodi Benson. For Food & Wine Festival bookings, visit TasteEpcot.com or call (407)939-3378 for reservations and information. Everyone can visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for Candlelight dining package information and reservations.
There is just over a month left of Epcot's Incredible Summer performances of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! concert series. Its published showtimes are 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m., at the America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase. Passholders can get wristbands for Incredible Summer preferred seating at a podium just inside the entrance to The American Adventure (while supplies last and, as always, be prepared to show your Pass and photo ID).
For the convenience of our readers, we list all of the scheduled acts in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. You can also add it or any events on it to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link. When additional Candlelight Processional celebrity narrators are announced, we will those to our calendar as well.
The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it, 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
As always, the captions tell the story and include bits of news along the way. As you may have already noticed, this week, I used a couple of tripods to take long-exposure fireworks photos and you may see more of that as the summer gets warmer and my park visits shift increasingly to evenings when possible.
Magic Kingdom (and vicinity)
Epcot
One Passholder's Tip (bonus edition): since "Frozen Ever After" has now been open for a few years and Toy Story Land and Pandora-The World of Avatar are drawing the interest of lots of guests, FastPass+ reservations for this attraction have become more readily available lately. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
The lionesses were also at attention. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
This and That
…Passholders that were still hoping to get the Donald Duck summer magnet but missed that June 29 deadline, there is some good news. Disney announced that they are still available (while supplies last) for pick-up at Mouse Gear at Epcot now through July 31. Be sure to have your valid pass and photo ID on hand to get it. However, Gold Level and above Passholders that did not register early in the day for the Passholder-exclusive Toy Story Land access in September will discover that all slots are now full.
…runDisney's 2019 Walt Disney World Resort Marathon Weekend registration opens to the public tomorrow, July 19. Disneyland and Walt Disney World Passholders, Disney Vacation Club Members, and Golden Oak residents may have access to early registration now. Visit runDisney.com for more information. (Disclosure: at the conclusion of the Walt Disney World Sports media event for ESPN Wide World of Sports, I was invited to participate in the 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend, and, since I have been walking 5-10 miles nearly every day for over two years now, I may accept that invitation to try my first ever 5K race even though I am not a runner and I am not particularly fond of what Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix calls "Disney Dark 30," the 5:30 a.m. race start time with required earlier reporting time).
…After we recapped the many Christmas and other winter holidays celebrations around Walt Disney World Resort in last week's Update, this week we have the first bit of news about New Year's celebrations. Disney Parks Blog reported on the details of two of the parties coming up on New Year's Eve at Disney's Contemporary Resort again this year (call (407)WDW-DINE for reservations and additional information):
- Pixar Party: A New Year’s Eve Celebration (8 p.m.-12:15 a.m.)—the family-friendly party has Sarge welcome guests arriving on the second floor of the resort who will then find the party spaces decorated to represent Disney-Pixar films including Inside Out, The Incredibles, Finding Nemo, and Up, along with favorite characters. Sarge also leads kids' Boot Camp, and the evening includes Pixar Face Painting, a balloon artist creating Pixar characters, a DJ playing Radio Disney tunes from a Cars-inspired set-up that looks like it came from Radiator Springs. Also included is a themed buffet dinner and an opportunity to view Magic Kingdom's New Year's Eve fireworks. Tickets are $190/person (including tax and gratuity).
- Disney Countdown to Midnight (8 p.m.-12:15 a.m.)—the more adult-oriented party includes dining and dancing in the Fantasia Ballroom in the Convention Center. Of course, it is still a Disney event, so the evening will include such touches as a Mickey Mouse mirror ball and character topiaries, and Mickey and Minnie will make a special appearance. A "high-energy" New Year's Bash band and a live DJ provide music all night and a "cheftainment" station will feature a "seasonal menu inspired by some Disney Signature Dining restaurants." The evening is capped with a Champagne flute on the porte cochére with a view of the Magic Kingdom's New Year's Eve fireworks. Tickets are $275/person (including tax and gratuity). And, if that is not enough celebration, an enhanced VIP ticket is also available, that additionally includes the "Ink and Paint Club Experience" adjacent to the Fantasia Ballroom in a "vintage Disney Animation-inspired room" available all night, starting with a reception from 7-8 p.m. that includes photo opportunities with Mickey & Minnie with a unique Disney Animation backdrop, a live pianist, chef stations featuring king crab, tuna tartare, sheep’s milk ricotta gnocchi, cocktails, Champagne, cordials and more. The enhanced VIP ticket is $450/person, is only available when purchased simultaneously with the Disney Countdown to Midnight ticket (not as an add-on at a later date), and includes reserved seating in the Countdown to Midnight Party when it opens at 8 p.m.
…Disney Parks Blog announced that Disney's Animal Kingdom will finally join the other Walt Disney World theme parks in offering a nighttime dessert party. Starting on Monday, August 6, on select nights (currently scheduled on Monday, Thursday and Saturday through November 3), you check in at the Rivers of Light Asia Viewing Area Terrace across from Expedition Everest an hour before the "main" show (for example, at 8:15 p.m. for a 9:15 p.m. show), have desserts, snacks, and specialty drinks (including alcohol for those 21 and over), and then head down to the VIP reserved seats for the Rivers of Light show. Reservations are now open at this page of DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407)WDW-DINE. The party is $79/adult; $47/child (including tax), paid in advance, and can be booked up to 180 days in advance (but, as noted above, the party is currently scheduled only through November 3), with cancellation allowed up to 120 hours of the show (that's five days). Discounts are available (like DVC) which will be reflected at online checkout based on your My Disney Experience account; dining plan credits, however, are not accepted.
…Back to the Orlando City Soccer Club, whose players Jonathan Spector and Jo Bendik helped out with the Opening Ceremony for Disney Cup at ESPN Wide World of Sports, Disney Parks Blog showed them along with fellow players Uri Rosell and Sacha Kljestan joining in on the whole Toy Story Land "play big" theme with some drills with the Green Army Men and a giant inflatable Pixar Ball.
Orlando City Soccer Club joined in on the Toy Story Land hoopla this week. Video © Disney.
…Master Sommelier George Miliotes hosts a blind tasting of six wines at his Wine Bar George at Disney Springs this Friday, July 20, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. Tickets are $50 plus EventBrite fees (adults 21+ only) and can be reserved here.
…Do you know all about the latest styles and fashions? Can you easily distinguish rose gold from millennial pink, yet can't help but to buy Disney merchandise in those colors (or, at least, crave what you can't yet afford)? Well, get ready because the next "in-demand" colors are making their way to Walt Disney World Resort merchandise locations: iridescent. Read more about the merchandise now available at Disney Springs on Disney Parks Blog. Is stylish food more your thing (or your thing too); Disney has you covered there too, and, in fact, lots of other new foods for broader palates as well. In fact, if you often visit Walt Disney World, know a lot about Disney fashions, lifestyle, and/or food, and are a good writer, let me know by email 
, there are some folks at MousePlanet that would love to meet you too!
…And, finally, also in Central Florida (but a bit of a drive over to the East Coast from Walt Disney World Resort), the 11th annual Tour de Turtles will be held at Disney's Vero Beach Resort on Saturday, July 28. This dawn event combines the Disney Animals, Science & Environment Team with the Sea Turtle Conservancy, in the release of loggerhead turtles that are be tracked by satellite during their journey from their nesting grounds on the beach to where they forage. This year, Disney Parks Blog is sponsoring the event, so it will be providing live coverage of the release (exact details have not yet been announced), and is encouraging readers to vote on Toy Story-inspired names for the turtles to be released. Last year, we were there when Sally and Cruise were released (inspired by Cars 3) and followed along their journeys of hundreds of miles each on the TourDeTurtles.org website. We are not yet sure whether this event will include invited media but, as a Disney Vacation Club Member, I will be there as a resort guest.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.
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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.
2018 Resort Events
- Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Every Thursday and Saturday, now through August 11; 8–11 p.m.
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom:
- July 21, 28, August 4 & 11; 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- August 30, September 20; 9 p.m.– midnight
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom:
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 30 to November 12
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 26–27
- Sunday Bubbles Brunch – October 28
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 1–4
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – begins November 8
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom:
- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
- December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 18 to December 30
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 22 to December 30
- Disney's Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun – begins November 8
- Includes nightly presentations of Sunset Seasons Greetings and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
- Toy Story Land gets special holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more
- Disney's Animal Kingdom – begins November 8
- Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, celebrated as part of the UP! A Great Bird Adventure show.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom:
- MouseAdventure Remix (unofficial event) – November 10
- Dapper Day (unofficial events)
- November 17 – Disney's Animal Kingdom (until 3-5 p.m.) & Magic Kingdom (evening);
- November 18 – Epcot
2019 Resort Events
- 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–13, 2019.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–24, 2019.
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 4–7, 2019.
| 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. For current information on runDisney registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board. |
2018 Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events (including event reservation opening dates)
- Moonlight Magic at Epcot – August 15
All members (filled to capacity, but check for additional availability due to cancelations) - Moonlight Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios – September 19, 26; October 3
Members with resort reservations – August 30
All members (pending remaining availability) – September 13
| Introduced in 2017 as part of Membership Magic Ever After, complimentary Moonlight Magic events invite Disney Vacation Club Members (that are eligible for the Membership Extras benefits) and their guests to visit Disney Parks at the end of their regular operating hours and after the park has closed to the public. Members (and their parties) with reservations find shorter-than-usual wait times on popular attractions, meet rare characters, enjoy complimentary refreshments, have dance parties, and more. Please note that, in order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy Moonlight Magic, only one event date for each participating park is available per Membership. Visit disneyvacationclub.com during specified reservation windows to (attempt to) secure access to the event as well as to find additions to the Moonlight Magic event slate, updated party hours, and transportation information. |
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.
Magic Kingdom
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment (cast say reopening possibly late July).
- Prince Charming Regal Carroussel – closed for refurbishment (likely to reopen by August)
- Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as "available seasonally throughout the year."
Epcot
- American Heritage Gallery at The American Adventure – closed for refurbishment
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway pavilion – closed for refurbishment through summer 2018.
- Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster-type attraction opens in approximately 2021. - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – closed February 3, 2018. Theater to be repurposed.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
The new "Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway" attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2019.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flights of Wonder (Caravan Stage) – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
"UP! A Great Bird Adventure" starring Russell and Dug and their bird opened in its place on April 22, 2018.
Blizzard Beach
- No known closures at this time.
Typhoon Lagoon
- No known closures at this time.
Disney Springs
- World of Disney – phased store closings for refurbishment underway until Fall 2018.
The Disney Corner now open in Town Center offering select merchandise during refurbishment.
DisneyStyle now open on the West Side offering additional Disney-themed merchandise. - DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
The NBA Experience expected to open Summer 2019. - Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017.
Terralina Crafted Italian has opened in its place. - La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
A new Cirque du Soleil show is now in development with its premiere date to be announced. - Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed August 1, 2017.
Location is being transformed into Jaleo, a restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine, expected to open 2018.
A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction next door to the Coca-Cola Store, expected to open 2018.
Wolfgang Puck Express continues to operate in its existing location in the Marketplace.
Resorts
- Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2018, with the overall project completed 2019–20.
- Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
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.
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Travel Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com. Ultimate Disney Fall Into Magic Package Disney Parks Blog announced details of a limited time deal for guests planning to visit during the week of Labor Day, September 3, and departing on September 8. The package includes a five-night stay at a select Disney Resort, four-day Magic Your Way tickets, plus a special "welcome dinner party inspired by" the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, a nighttime Kilimanjaro Safaris Adventure, exclusive Rivers of Light viewing, two hours of exclusive evening access at Toy Story Land, and Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom. The deal must be booked by August 19. The full details are on this page of DisneyWorld.com or you can call (407)939-5268 and ask about the "Ultimate Disney Fall Into Magic Package." |
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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Passholders should have been "on the lookout for an event invitation with registration details in email" for "exclusive" access to Toy Story Land at specific times on select dates in September. Eligible passholders that wanted to attend needed to have followed the email instructions to register for an event date and time in advance and, if they would like to register a guest, that guest also must have a Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, or Premier annual pass and be listed on the Friends & Family list sharing "All My Plans" in My Disney Experience. Attending the event will require the valid pass and a matching photo ID, but there will be no additional charge. The email was sent on July 11, and, by that evening, registration had filled to capacity. For the most up-to-date list of locations offering dining discounts to Annual Passholders, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Many dining locations offer Passholders 10 percent discounts during some or all meal periods (also excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity). The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort. The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Strollers, "a Disney featured stroller provider," offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP18 to arrange your rental. It is listed on the "Passholders Extras" page of the Passholder website. Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone. Additional information about available "Passholder Extras" are available here, including specially priced 1-Day Water Park Tickets for $49 plus tax (must be purchased in-person at the water parks and not available online; must be used on or before December 31, 2019), a new $35 Sunrise 9 golf offer (including nine holes of golf, a hot breakfast and two beverages between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., subject to availability, at Disney Golf courses), a new $29 Sunset 9 golf offer (including nine holes of golf, a light snack and a beer or soft drink, subject to availability in the late afternoon at Disney Golf courses), an Orlando Magic Jersey Offer for purchasing or renewing an Annual Pass at Amway Center in Orlando, a 15 percent discount on the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Spa & Salon Discounts around Walt Disney World Resort, Amphicar Tour discounts at Disney Springs, runDisney Early Registration discounts, Best Friends Pat Care discounts, Children's Activity Centers discounts, and more. Away from the Resort, Passholders can use code DANCEPARTY to get 20 percent off of tickets to the new Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour in Jacksonville, Melbourne, Clearwater, and Sarasota Florida, for house seats while supplies last. Visit disneyjuniortour.com for more information and tickets. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information. 20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs. 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). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount does not apply to the following dates: 12/31/17, 1/1/18, 2/14/18, 4/1/18, 5/13/18 and 7/4/18, and may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions. 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 this page of disneyrewards.com. Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin, Basin White, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions. 10 percent off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website). Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios Present your Disney's Premier Visa card or Disney Rewards Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website). |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2018 Armed Forces Salute Tickets January 1 through December 19, 2018
NOTE: Tickets must be used by December 19, 2018. U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members (as defined on Disney World.com) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2018, for stays most nights from April 6 through December 19, 2018. Offer excludes moderate and deluxe resorts. Call (407)939-5684 for information and reservations. Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
Disney Select TicketsWhile the Discover Disney ticket offer ended on June 24, still available at a higher price (but including flexibility), Florida residents can still save quite a bit with the 4-Day Disney Select Ticket (compared to the price of a 4-Day Magic Your Way ticket). There is a smaller discount available for a 3-Day Select Ticket, and there is also a discount for 1–Day Tickets with the Park Hopper Option only. For more information visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Florida residents can check out the latest hotel package offers on this page of DisneyWorld.com. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
All adults using Canadian resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canadian residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions. Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. It currently includes an offer for UK and Ireland guests: 2018 Disney's 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket when purchased pre-departure by July 31, 2018, for arrivals up until December 31, 2018. Memory Maker is included with every 2018 Adult Ultimate Ticket purchased. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |
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Comments
I didn't know what to do during lunch yesterday. I even took it a little later hoping the Update would be available. I was lost.
But know I am back up to speed and I am pretty sure that we don't need a Wide World of Sports update for another 10 years? Not that I don't like sports, just not really what I go to WDW for.
The big take away for me was your excellent break down of the after hours party scheme. Thank you for explaining that to us. I really like to see all that bare pavement at the Magic Kingdom but $120 is real money to us. Maybe I will get lucky with the lottery?
Thanks again for the great report.
Thanks for the comments, Chuck. Sorry to confuse your Tuesday - I did make sure we put out word on Social Media of the schedule change this week when it was clear we would rearrange the publication schedule. Follow @MousePlanet on Twitter for the latest (also Facebook and Instagram).
Regards,
Alan
I think you hit a nail on the head regarding the late night event crowd. I had never thought of it before and always wrote off the hard ticket night events as the richest or the most dedicated only. Once you pointed it out though, I realized that you're right about who may go to the events. Orlando is the single largest convention city in the country, with the second largest convention center in the country being less than a 20 minute drive from the Magic Kingdom (Chicago's McCormick Place is a half a million square feet larger for general trivia knowledge). That means there are tens of thousands of convention goers in town who have their days busy but frequently their nights free. Especially if their company is paying for the trip to the convention and hotel, $120 for a night where they can do all of the big rides in MK is probably a fairly reasonable price. You have plenty of time to do your full work day, get a full dinner in and get over to MK before it starts. So good call there
Thanks for the comments. And, while McCormick Place may be larger, it is losing convention business to Orlando, Las Vegas and other cities because of the cost of doing business there (and, of course, the weather doesn't help). As a relocated Chicagoan myself, I always enjoy seeing all the Illinois license plates and have noticed an increase in the number of frames from Chicago-area car dealers with a Florida plate within.
Regards,
Alan