Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 30 - August 5, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 30 - August 5, 2019

 

Writer's note: Two years ago, in the Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 11-17, 2017, I wrote about the typo that I had noticed in a display case in the France pavilion's pre-show for Impressions de France, nearly a decade earlier that was still on display. As I noted at the time (and in many other fora before and after), "mistock" is not a word found in a dictionary of American English; "mistook" is a word.

Museum-type displays can be found in pavilions around the World Showcase and often have interesting details. This one, at the France pavilion's pre-show for "Impressions de France," even includes the rare typo that has withstood the years: "mistock" is not a word; "mistook" would be correct. File Photo from July 9, 2017 by Alan S. Dalinka.

Yesterday, I finally received reports that the display at the France pavilion had been updated! One of our sharp-eyed readers not only notified me, but sent along a photo that I can happily share here, thus ending my more-than-a-decade-long quest to have this error corrected.

The updated display card uses the word "mistook" as I always assumed was intended. Photo from July 29, 2019 courtesy of MousePlanet reader Dave B.

In other news, last Tuesday, Passholder Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge preview at Disney's Hollywood Studios online registration opened for Platinum-and-above passholders and quickly filled to capacity. Some cast member previews are already underway for cast at that park, and more are coming soon for cast members resort-wide that registered to visit the new land scheduled to officially open on August 29. We have been invited to the official media event which will include the land's dedication, August 27-28, 2019.

Around the same time Passholder Preview registration opened, My Disney Experience app requested Bluetooth permission, likely, at least in part, for interactive elements at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Screenshot by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like at Disneyland, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge will open at Disney's Hollywood Studios with the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction, and all of the land's food and beverage offerings and merchandise locations operating. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction is scheduled to open here in Florida on December 5, and then will make its west coast debut in January.

For those readers considering a visit to Central Florida between now and December 20, be sure to visit the Discounts section below today, July 30, for a special offer from our Sponsor Get Away Today, for those that also want to visit Universal Orlando Resort while they are in the area.

News and Views

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Christmas in July Provides More 2019 #DisneyHolidays Details

In last week's Update, we told you that we would have more information about Mickey's upcoming hard ticket parties coming to Magic Kingdom for Halloween and Christmas, and last week's Christmas in July media event (and Disney Parks Blog) have filled in some more details. Indeed, we have a few more of the pieces of the winter holiday celebrations collectively called #DisneyHolidays to expect in all four theme parks starting November 8.

Sure, some folks may think July is a bit too early to be thinking about the winter holidays, but when it comes to a Disney vacation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here, at MousePlanet, we regularly write about the value of doing some planning and research ahead of your vacations. That is part of the reason for looking at Christmas in July. Sure, while FastPass+ attraction reservations only open 60 days in advance for Resort Guests and 30 days in advance for those that pre-purchase their tickets (including Passholders), dining reservations at table service restaurants around the resort open 180 days in advance. In other words, dining reservations are currently open well into January 2020 already!

Of course, Disney Parks also celebrate many things well-before and/or after the actual celebrated date. So, Halloween at Magic Kingdom is already nearly at hand: the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party hard ticket event is two weeks from Friday: August 16! And, indeed, after we published last week's Update, Disney Parks Blog announced new additions to "Mickey's Boo to you Halloween Parade" and a new interactive "treat trail" experience at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor exclusively during the Party nights. Parade additions include "the spectral Bride" joining the Haunted Mansion unit that features the Hitchhiking Ghosts, and a new Tomorrowland unit including The incredibles with Edna Mode followed by Buzz Lightyear and Alien explorers "discovering crystalline treasures on the surface of a planetary playset float."

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party hard ticket events get underway starting November 8 this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom rapidly transforms to its Christmas celebrations in time for the first of this year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party hard ticket events to get underway on November 8. On select nights through December 22, the Party has several new enhancements this year too. Like the Halloween Party attraction overlays discussed last week, Christmastime celebrations will be added during Party nights to Mad Tea Party (music and lighting), Tomorrowland Speedway (holiday decor and lighting along the track), Space Mountain (music and lighting), and Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor (which will have a special Christmas version of its full interactive show while the Halloween experience will not be a full show but, rather the opportunity to interact with the Monsters while guests continue to trick-or-treat).

Mickey's Very Mery Christmas Party will also debut a new fireworks show: Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks. Disney Creative Entertainment cast members on hand at the Christmas in July media event said that the show will focus its storytelling on its musical selections that accompany the fireworks that can be viewed from many locations around the park. While the show will make some use of the projectors that display images on the castle, the representatives said that it will not be essential to view the show from the central plaza/hub and Main Street locations. The representatives did say, however, that the new Halloween fireworks show during those parties this year will make significantly more use of the projectors than the Christmas show and that it will best be viewed from in front of the castle.

This year, all of the parks will celebrate #DisneyHolidays and, in particular, starting November 8, 2019, Disney's Animal Kingdom will roll out celebrations in all of its lands for the first time, including Pandora-The World of Avatar. Live entertainment in Harambe will play both Disney music and holiday songs. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

While Disney's Animal Kingdom has always had some holidays celebration, this year, for the first time, it will include holiday entertainment and decor in all of its lands. As in past years, its main Christmas Tree will be located outside the park gates (making it the last of the theme parks to display its main Tree outside the park since Disney's Hollywood Studios moved its Tree to the center of Echo Lake a couple years ago). Discovery Island, the land guests encounter as they approach Tree of Life from the park's gates, will include new rooftop luminaries in animal shapes and bird lanterns that will be lit at night. During the day, life-sized animal puppets and "villagers who make the island their home" will entertain guests.

Luminaries and lanterns will decorate Discovery Island. Disney representatives said that this sample was intended to convey an idea of what the full-sized ones that will be installed will look like. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

After dark, the Tree of Life awakenings will include holiday music and wintery scenes. Between the awakenings, the "Tree of Life will shimmer and sparkle throughout the night, alive with the magic of nature and the spirit of the holidays," according to Disney.

Dinoland U.S.A.'s on-going Donald's Dino-Bash will add holiday costumes to the characters that "live" there. The DJ dance party in the land will become the "Holiday Hoopla Dance Party with Chip 'n Dale."

The ex-pats "living and working on the moon of Pandora" will celebrate the holidays this year too. They will decorate the area around Pongu Pongu with "vintage pieces" from Earth along with "items handcrafted from materials indigenous to Pandora."

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! returns to Disney's Hollywood Studios starting November 8, 2019. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios will probably mostly have its hands full of guests looking for Star Wars experiences with its new land, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening August 29. The park will get its holiday offerings underway on November 8, but, alas, no "Star Wars Holiday Special" seems to be among them. Instead, Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! will return to the Chinese Theatre area, and Sunset Season's Greetings will return along Sunset Boulevard and its projections on the Hollywood Tower Hotel. Of course, not even a month later, Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance opens at Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on December 5, and that could distract a bit from the holiday revelries elsewhere in the park.

The "Cookie Stroll" returns during the 2019 Epcot International Festival of the Holidays and, this year, includes a vegan black and white cookie. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot gets a slightly later start on the holidays with the return of the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays on November 29. The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (which starts August 29) runs until November 23 (though its Eat to the Beat concert series only runs until November 19). Storytellers, live musical productions, lights and decor will be found around the park, with the centerpiece being the Candlelight Processional (which we write about regularly in the Update in a section devoted to Epcot Concerts). The Holiday Kitchens also return this year, with twelve food and beverage kiosks serving holiday foods around World Showcase inspired by places around the world.

As usual, the parks and resorts will offer a wide array of holiday merchandise. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs will again be decorated for the holidays by November 8, with the Christmas Tree Trail again returning to the former bus loop area in the Marketplace. Santa's meet and greet will be back as well.

Disney Floral & Gifts has a wide assortment of holiday-themed and customizable options to consider. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Floral & Gifts again will have a wide range of gifts and floral displays that can even be delivered directly to guest rooms around the resort. You can read about some of its in-room surprises you can order for your family in this post by Disney Parks Blog, or you can go to the Disney Floral & Gifts website already sorted for Christmas in July for more details.

Finally, Walt Disney World Resort is again offering "The Ultimate Disney Christmas Package" this year. It includes a stay from December 21 to 26, which, when booked by October 26, includes four-day theme park tickets with Park Hopper option and exclusive holiday experiences that include Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and more. Read more about it on Disney Parks Blog or on the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page.

#DisneyAnimals Swim from Disney's Vero Beach Resort in the 2019 #TourDeTurtles

The 12th annual Tour de Turtles "migration marathon" got underway at Disney's Vero Beach Resort this past Saturday, July 27. The Sea Turtle Conservancy (STC) and Disney's Animals, Science and Environment (ASE) team partner to study loggerhead sea turtles outfitted with satellite transmitters released from Disney's sea turtle-friendly resort located on one of Florida's most active sea turtle nesting beaches on the Atlantic Coast. Disney's Vero Beach Resort is located about a two hour drive to the southeast from Walt Disney World Resort.

The Tour de Turtles gets underway at Disney's Vero Beach Resort at just after sunrise. While I had a Media credential for this event, I stayed at the resort overnight, having made a reservation using my personal DVC points months earlier as a Disney Vacation Club Member. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

STC will track Ariel and Ursula—named after characters in Disney's animated film The Little Mermaid which is celebrating the thirtieth anniversary of its release—to determine how far the sea turtles swim. The one to swim the furthest distance "wins" the race which is used to raise awareness of issues important to sea turtle conservation. Ursula is sponsored by the Disney Conservation Fund and swims to raise awareness about the threat of plastic debris. Ariel, co-sponsored by Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's ASE team, swims to raise awareness about the threat of light pollution.

Ariel & Ursula, two loggerhead sea turtles were released at Disney's Vero Beach Resort with satellite tracking equipment on July 27, 2019, as part of the annual Sea Turtle Conservancy Tour de Turtles. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Vero Beach Resort on the Atlantic Ocean is located along the beach where more sea turtles nest than any other in the world. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

"Disney's commitment to sea turtle conservation along Vero Beach, one of the most important turtle-nesting habitats in the western hemisphere, goes back more than a decade," said Mark Penning, Vice President of Disney's ASE initiatives. "Our Conservation team conducts daily surveys along the nearly five miles of sea turtle nesting beach surrounding Disney's Vero Beach Resort in order to identify, mark and monitor sea turtle nests, as well as determine the number of sea turtle hatchlings. This helps us ensure the resort continues to be a special place for nesting sea turtles and for the conservation science, protection and outreach needed to ensure their survival."

Dr. Mark Penning is Vice President, Disney's Animals, Science and Environment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka

"Disney has been an invaluable partner to STC these last 12 years," said David Godfrey, Executive Director of STC. "With Disney's support of the Tour de Turtles program, we have learned new information vital to the protection of sea turtles in Florida. Through the Tour de Turtles, STC has identified different foraging behaviors and regions, seasonal movements based on water temperature, and identified new areas that should be classified as critical habitat for loggerhead turtles."

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The public can follow the progress of Ariel and Ursula, along with the other Tour de Turtle competitors released from other Atlantic Ocean beaches at TourDeTurtles.org. As of about 8 p.m. (EDT) last night (July 29), Ursala had already been tracked having swum over 130 cumulative miles, while Ariel was tracked having swum only 11 cumulative miles thus far.

Making New Year's Eve Plans

While we have been talking quite a bit about Halloween and Christmas planning in recent Updates (including this one), it is also time to make reservations for New Year's Eve celebrations around the Resort. Except as noted below, guests can already start making reservations for these celebrations by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

Rooftop Celebrations

This New Year's Eve, guests at Walt Disney World Resort have two new tower hotels with rooftop dining venues to consider for their plans, with Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Resort having just opened earlier this month, and Disney's Riviera Resort due to open in December. Disney's Contemporary Resort, of course, also remains an option.

Feliz Ano Nuevo: A New Year’s Eve Party at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort

Celebrate the New Year with an elegant party at Tolédo – Tapas, Steak & Seafood, the new rooftop restaurant at the top of Gran Destino Tower at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort. This special celebration features a savory menu inspired by traditional Spanish New Year’s cuisine. Entertainment includes an electric flamenco guitarist during your meal and a DJ in Dalhia Lounge who will lead the New Year countdown. The windows of the restaurant and the Dalhia Lounge balcony provide some views of Disney fireworks displays in the distance at Magic Kingdom (restaurant windows only), Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Mezzanotte at Topolino's: An Italian Masquerade at Disney's Riviera Resort

Disney says, "Wear your most luxurious red finery as you step into this elegant rooftop restaurant and don custom colorful masks at this special New Year’s Eve party." This brand new venue will host an Italian masquerade ball with a DJ, Champagne toasts, and traditional musicians and vocalists from the Italian Riviera, all while featuring buffet displays, á la carte tapas-style dishes, and stations where Disney chefs create dishes in front of you. The venue promises to provide "spectacular sights as neighboring Disney fireworks displays light up the night."

Elegant Evening Under the Stars at California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

Enjoy a Champagne toast in the Contemporary Resort's rooftop setting "inspired by the twinkling lights and lush greenery of California wine country." A sleight-of-hand magician and portrait artist will be on hand, along with a menu of "decadent delicacies," "eccentric personalities," and, of course, the opportunity to view Magic Kingdom fireworks. A few "familiar pals" will also make a special appearance to celebrate the New Year.

Resorts

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Celebration at Disney’s Contemporary Resort

This "extraordinary soiree" in the Fantasia Ballroom includes cuisine, live music, dancing and unique photo opportunities. Disney Chefs build bites at tasting stations inspired by Disney signature restaurants from across Walt Disney World Resort. With a live band provides music for the dance floor all the way to the New Year, plus there will be a toast at a special ground-level viewing area near the porte cochére providing a view of Magic Kingdom's New Year’s Eve fireworks display.

Ink & Paint Club (Pre-party add-on)

A pre-party add-on for the Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration is also available. It is "inspired by the iconic Walt Disney Animation Studios Ink and Paint Department." The add-on also provides a private area throughout the entire evening and, after 11 p.m., an exclusive outdoor private viewing area for the Magic Kingdom fireworks that includes desserts and a Champagne toast. Some "familiar friends" may appear for photo opportunities too. (The Ink & Paint Club cannot be purchased on its own; it must be purchased as an add-on ticket with the Countdown to Midnight: A New Year’s Eve Celebration.)

Pixar Party: A New Year’s Celebration

Two ballrooms on the second level of Disney's Contemporary Resort salute "the imaginative world of Pixar...from toys and monsters to supers and adventurers." Character appearances, an interactive DJ, Boot Camp with Sarge, and other activities fill the event. A Pixar-inspired buffet features dishes like Ratatouille, white cheddar baked mac and cheese, slow roasted beef tenderloin, crème brûlée tarts and more. At the end of the night, step outside to enjoy the spectacular New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Magic Kingdom. Note that while the December 31 Pixar Party is already sold out, reservations may still be available for the December 30 edition (which provides a view of the December 30 presentation of Magic Kingdom's New Year's fireworks show).

Disney's BoardWalk Resort

Countdown to 2020 at Atlantic Dance Hall

Atlantic Dance Hall hosts a late night dance party "with rockin' music, tasty treats, and a dash of Disney magic as you count down to midnight." The event includes views of the Epcot Fireworks a live DJ, party hats and horns, a confetti drop, savory and sweet light-bites, and a Champagne toast at midnight. (Booking details not yet available on the Walt Disney World Resort website, but note that the venue usually requires guests to be age 21 and older.)

New Year’s Eve at Flying Fish

The restaurant will offer a multi-course, prix fixe menu created by award-winning Chef Tim Majoras. Seatings are available from 5-6:30 p.m. and 8:30-10 p.m. on December 31, with a sustainable seafood tower and intermezzo included in the second seating. Booking information for New Year’s Eve at Flying Fish will be available soon on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

A New Year’s Eve Celebration

Narcoossee’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa offers early dinner reservations "a relaxed, casually elegant experience" and later dinner times featuring a three-piece band and a dance floor.

Victoria & Albert’s New Year’s Celebration

The only AAA Five Diamond and Forbes Travel Guide Five Star restaurant in Florida offers melodies from a live harpist accompanying the restaurant's cuisine. New Year's Eve will begin the evening with a Champagne reception and then a dégustation wine dinner. Booking information will be available soon on the Walt Disney World Resort website.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

With just a few weeks left remaining to see the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! on the America Gardens stage, Passholders can now enjoy reserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis for concerts through the end of the run on August 18. Enter on the Japan pavilion side of the theatre and show your valid annual pass and matching photo ID for access to the Annual Passholder section. There are five performances scheduled daily through August 18, with Star-Lord and Gamora, along with an "alien" band, taking the audience on a "musical journey" that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes. It is the same show that was performed last summer, and each live performance includes the same set list. Check the Times Guide and the My Disney Experience app for the daily schedule.

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

As Labor Day weekend approaches, this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will debut on August 29 (yes, the very same day that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios). Recently, Disney Parks Blog provided more details about some of this year's marketplaces, noted that bookings are now open for the Tailgate Tastings hosted by ESPN's Monday Football (on select Sundays Starting September 8), listed some of the Radio Disney headliners coming to this year's edition of the Disney du Jour Dance Party, and noted that the calendar is continuing to filling up for the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series which runs until November 19. Only the act(s) performing November 12-14 have yet to be announced. Concert showtimes on Sundays through Thursdays will be the usual 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the showtimes shift an hour later to 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. The Concert Series wraps up on November 19 to allow the America Gardens stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional. Get even more details and make reservations by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407) 939-3378.

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

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

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

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

Views Around the World

Bonnie and Donald Fink bring us views and observations around Walt Disney World again this week.

Epcot

Remy's Ratatouille Adventure the ride is showing signs of progress toward its expected 2021 debut behind the France pavilion. From the International Gateway, you can see buildings taking the shape of what might be another small French village. Photo by Bonnie Fink.

Seven Seas Lagoon Bridge

For those of us who spend time walking or running at Walt Disney World, the sight of a new bridge under construction is a welcome sight. This is a new bridge being built over what we think is called "The Electrical Water Pageant Canal." located between the Magic Kingdom and the Grand Floridian Resort near where the Electrical Water Pageant is stored during the day. We understand that this will be a "swinging" bridge, meaning that it will move out of the way when boats need to access the canal. Once this is complete, it appears that guests finally should be able to walk all the way along Seven Seas Lagoon from the Ticket and Transportation Center, Disney's Polynesian Village and Grand Floridian Resorts to the Magic Kingdom if they choose. Photo by Donald Fink.

Moat Construction at Cinderella's Castle

Construction along the moat between Cinderella's Castle and the entrance to Liberty Square continues. You can see a facade taking shape behind the scaffolding on the left as well as details being added to the new wall. Photo by Donald Fink.

Work continues along the wall of the Moat between Cinderella's Castle and the entrance to Liberty Square. Photo by Donald Fink.

Liberty Square Market Construction

Construction screens are up around seating area at Liberty Square Market. The area under construction was a seating area directly behind the Market. Photo by Donald Fink.

Tomorrowland Entrance Sign

Do you see anything missing here in this image? Sometime after the July 4th celebration in the Magic Kingdom, the entry sign arch leading to Tomorrowland on this bridge was removed. Photo by Donald Fink.

Here's a view of the entrance to Tomorrowland during the evening of July 3rd, 2019. Photo by Donald Fink.

TRON-themed Coaster Construction

To the right of the crane, you can see the steel framing for the new building that will cover much of the TRON-themed coaster in Tomorrowland expected to debut in 2021. Also, in the near field to the left, construction crews pour new concrete foundations. Photo by Donald Fink.

Space Mountain Lights On!

Occasionally, you can get a glimpse of the inside of Space Mountain from the PeopleMover if you happen to go by when the lights are on. Photo by Donald Fink.

This and That…

…As Rock 'N' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith is celebrating its 20th anniversary at Disney's Hollywood Studios, on Friday, Disney Parks Blog showed off the exclusive attraction anniversary merchandise that went on sale at the ride's exit (Rock around the Shop) and Once Upon a Time on Sunset Boulevard.

…The Walt Disney World Golf pro shops now have limited edition Goofy inspired head covers available. The covers come in sizes suitable for drivers, fairway woods, and hybrids and feature a Goofy-inspired golfing character on a solid white with blue striped background. Each head cover is $39.95 plus tax.

…Walt Disney World Golf announced its inaugural 2019 Junior Golf League. Open to golfers in grades 2 through 10, WDW Golf's PGA Professional staff will lead the program teaching skills, on-course management and friendly competition. Registration closes on August 15, 2019. Read more and get the registration form on the WDW Golf Blog.

…REMINDER: On August 3, Give Kids the World Village welcomes Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Linda Larkin, voice of Jasmine from Aladdin, to share stories of the magic behind the scenes of these loved Disney characters. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Give Kids The World Village, 210 S. Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746. Tickets are $35 for general seating; Preferred seating $50; $150 for the VIP package (all amounts require additional eventbrite fee) on this eventbrite.com webpage. For more information about these and other GKTW events, visit GKTW.org. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 165,000 families to its 84-acre storybook resort in Central Florida. Children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations, complete with accommodations, donated attraction tickets, meals and more.

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

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

Lego brick construction is underway outside the store. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Lego brick characters building Lego brick figures. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney DescenDANCE Party

On the Marketplace Stage through August 11, 2019, Disney DescenDANCE Party celebrates the Disney Channel movie Descendants 3 (which debuts on August 3). The venue also includes two photo opportunities and "on-screen shout-outs" from stars of the movie. After the celebration's run at Disney Springs concludes, DescenDANCE Party will take over the stage at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café during the hard ticket Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party event nights starting August 16.

NBA Experience

While the new interactive venue's grand opening is scheduled for August 12, 2019, cast member friends and family preview testing continues. Guests visiting during the preview are asked not to share photos until after the grand opening (and I have had the opportunity to visit as a friend of a cast member but, since it is not yet open, I refer you to this page of DisneyWorld.com for the pre-opening description of what to expect inside and for advance ticket sales which are $34 plus tax for ages 10 and up). The NBA Store has already opened its doors to the public, and we can share those photos.

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

The 8th annual Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley boutique music festival will run Friday, August 30 through Labor Day, September 2. Headliners this year include Billow Wood, Strings & Things, High Time, TradGad, Maca, The Rolling Wave, and Atlantic Bridge. Of course, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will appear throughout, and the event has no cover charge.

Terralina Crafted Italian

Kids ages 5-12 can learn how to make cheese raviolis with fresh ingredients. A cooking class for kids will be held on Saturday, August 3, from 11 a.m. to noon, for $25/person (plus $3.16 eventbrite fee). More information and tickets are available on this eventbrite.com webpage.

Jaleo

On July 29, Jaleo introduced "Sangria Hour" each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sangria Hour includes happy hour-style discounts on selected tapas and $6 beverage specials on draught beer, draft wine (white and red), and sangria roja.

Pepe by Jose

NEW Our contributor, Donald Fink, attended an invited media tasting at the quick-service restaurant connected to Jaleo at Disney Springs.

Photos & Captions by Donald Fink.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

Enzo's Hideaway introduced a new Late Night menu this month that we were invited to sample during an invited media event. The dedicated menu of "comfort food staples" is available Sunday to Thursday, 10 p.m. to midnight, and Friday & Saturday from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Edison

The Edison also debuted a new "Late Nights" menu this month that we were invited to sample during an invited media event. Available Monday through Thursday, from 10 p.m. until Midnight, its highlights are the $5 "bites": Clothesline Maple Bacon, Philly Cheesesteak, and Bacon Cheeseburger. The "Late Nights" menu includes select beer and wine for $5-7, and Specialty Cocktails ("Now I'm Here, Now I'm There," "Baby Patented," "The Flying Phonograph," "The Fluroscopy," and "Electric Lizard") for $7.

File Photos 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

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2019 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.

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.

And, if you're planning to visit Universal Orlando Resort too before December 20, 2019, today, July 30, is the last day our Sponsor has this special offer too!

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

For Everyone

For Annual Passholders

For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

For Military Personnel

For Florida Residents

For Disney Vacation Club Members

For New England Residents

For Canada Residents

For U.K. Residents

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