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Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 13–19, 2017
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | runDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: In another week of very little news around Walt Disney World Resort as the summer season gets underway, I finally took the opportunity to make the hour long drive over to visit one of Central Florida's other great destinations: Kennedy Space Center. A lot changed over there since I last visited in the mid-1980s, and, as you have seen in some of MousePlanet's prior Updates and social media posts, I have enjoyed watching several recent rocket launches from around Magic Kingdom, Epcot and even my house since I moved to Central Florida a few years ago.
Back at Walt Disney World, I finally had the opportunity to experience the "Disney's Spirit of Aloha" dinner show at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. As you may know, the Polynesian has hosted luau shows going nearly all the way back to the opening of the resort. I had never seen one before. So, after a bit of news, I will share a few photos of the show along with a few other Views around the World, then on with another installment of One Passholder's Tip, This and That, and all the rest of our usual Update.
News and Views
Wolfgang Puck Grand Café at Disney Springs West Side to Close | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Wolfgang Puck Grand Café at Disney Springs West Side to Close
Last week we told you about the planned expansion of dining options coming to Disney Springs this year and next. In particular, we reported on the new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill coming to Town Center in 2018, with a menu "inspired by traditional farmhouses with a touch of elegance." On the heels of that news, however, comes this week's confirmed news that the existing Wolfgang Puck Grand Café restaurant on the West Side of Disney Springs will be closing August 1.
As Orlando Sentinel reported, Levy Restaurants, the operator of Wolfgang Puck's Grand Café (as well as Disney Springs' Paddlefish and the also recently closed for refurbishment Portobello Country Italian Trattoria) filed a notice with the State of Florida that it intends to lay off 193 workers when it closes the restaurant on August 1. A Levy Restaurants spokeswoman provided a statement to Orlando Sentinel that said that Levy Restaurants "strive[s] to continue [its] relationship with all team members" and the workers have been "encouraged to reapply to work at one of [Levy's] other properties."
Views Around the World
From Disney's Polynesian Village to Magic Kingdom, Epcot, and Disney Springs, these were some of my views around Walt Disney World this week.
Disney's Polynesian Village Resort
"Disney's Spirit of Aloha" dinner show includes live Polynesian musicians. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Enjoy a little patriotic music with Voices of Liberty at Epcot's American Adventure. Video by Alan S. Dalinka
Disney Springs
One Passholder's Tip
This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (hopefully weekly) tip at a time.
One Passholder's Tip: Week 19
Get to know a Weather app or two before visiting Central Florida.
As a nearly life-long Chicagoan before I moved to Central Florida, I thought I understood a reasonable amount about weather—and, especially, whether there was a good chance of rain (or snow) on a given day. For those that know Chicago weather reporting or ever had access to WGN-TV when it used to broadcast its news on cable across the country, I credit my understanding to the city's leading meteorologist, Tom Skilling.
In the midwest, weather tends to be influenced mostly by fronts and storm systems moving west-to-east across the continent. In Chicagoland, you also have to factor in a "lake effect" which could result in great differences the closer or further you get from Lake Michigan. The tiny bit of thermodynamics that I understand and can relate to you here is that water warms slower than air and then holds that heat longer than air. In Chicagoland, that means "cooler by the Lake" as summer gets under way and "warmer by the Lake" until well into the deepest part of winter. There are plenty of places you can read more about the lake effect precipitation that follow that phenomenon and, perhaps, if I understood the science better, maybe I would find more consistency in predicting Florida weather.
But for you readers, looking to me for advice on getting around Walt Disney World, I point you to your smartphone and the numerous weather apps that are out there for some guidance. If you want to avoid being out in the rain, you need to find a weather app that has both a past and future radar view. Just as importantly, you need to try to get a sense of what both views are telling you about the weather before you rely on it during your days trying to get the most out of your Walt Disney World Resort visit.
Like many other tips I share about getting around Walt Disney World, homework and research can pay dividends in this area. My favorite weather app (which comes from that TV station I mentioned above), has some quirks to its forecast models. Since weather forecasting is still an art based on science, its accuracy is not going to be 100%, getting a sense of what those quirks are before you arrive may mean that much less time in unexpected rain. One quirk I have found, for example, is that the future radar sometimes sticks with its predictions even though conditions have changed: it sometimes predicts rain when it has already passed and it sometimes predicts it will be clear when rain is on the radar but has not yet arrived.
Of course, this is Florida, so rain is to be expected during this time of year. But there are times when it is raining at Epcot and not Magic Kingdom, or even Magic Kingdom parking and not in the park itself. Being able to keep an eye on those sorts of things may make for a drier day if your park plans are flexible enough to take advantage of that information. In any event, I still also stand by Tip #11 (bring along your ponchos) and Tip #12 (carry a zip-top plastic bag or two/three).
Finally, you also ought to make sure you understand the weather alerts that the app(s) you select may push your way. A warning that "Precipitation has been detected in your area" is not as meaningful in a place like Central Florida as it may be in other places (see the prior paragraph), but "Lightning has been detected within 1 mile of your current location" is the sort of potentially life-preserving information you probably want to have on hand.
Be governed accordingly. Your mileage may vary.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…Reports from Pandora–The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom (and Orlando Sentinel) are that the new toy Banshees have been very popular items, selling off the shelves of Windtraders. The popular items may or may not be in stock on any given day.
…Frozen Summer Games have returned to Disney's Blizzard Beach water park through August 13. Guests can meet Frozen stars Kristoff (who does not make personal appearances at any other Walt Disney World location) and Olaf, join in family activities and crafts, and listen to tunes played by a DJ.
…With DisneyQuest slated to close on July 2, the indoor theme park on the West Side of Disney Springs is offering discounts to Annual Passholders and Florida Residents. Through July 1, Annual Passholders can purchase admission for themselves and up to five guests for $19.98/person plus tax, an apparent tribute to the year of DisneyQuest's debut. Florida residents can purchase tickets for themselves and up to five guests for $33.75 (per person/ages 10-up) and $29.25 (per person/ages 3-9) plus tax. Standard admission price is $45 (ages 10-up)/ $39 (ages 3-9) plus tax. Tickets are available at the DisneyQuest ticket windows.
DisneyQuest is scheduled to close for the final time on July 2. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…Night of Joy ticket sales are now underway for this year's September 8-9 Christian concert weekend at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Visit nightofjoy.com or call 407-W-DISNEY for tickets and information. Groups of 10 or more may call 877-NITE-JOY or visit the group sales webpage for additional information about group discounts and benefits.
…With Father's Day coming up this Sunday, June 18, in addition to the Paddlefish Porterhouse steak and Gulf shrimp offer we told you about last week, lots of other Disney Springs venues are offering special ways you can treat Dad (or yourself, as the case may be) throughout the week and this weekend. Check out the full run down on Disney Parks Blog.
…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 e-mail in the box below.
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Crowd Forecast
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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 e-mail (link).
2017 Resort Events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
- Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events)– November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; November 19, 2017 at Epcot
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 - November 13, 2017.
- 35th Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – September 8 and 9, 2017
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29;
October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1 - Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 - Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates TBD
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates TBD
2018 Resort Events
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts – "Early" 2018
- 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – "Spring" 2018
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2017
- Virtual Running Shorts – June 1-August 31, 2017 (Virtual). Registration now open. (June event is sold out.)
No proof of time required. - Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration open (most events sold out).
Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.
2018
- 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018. Registration now open (many events sold out).
Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017. - 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. All events sold out.
The runDisney website says to check with Travel Providers and Charity Groups for additional registration opportunities. - Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 19-22, 2018. Registration now open (10K is sold out).
Proof of time deadline is January 16, 2018. - Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBD
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. 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
- Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – had its final showing on May 11, 2017, and has been replaced by the new fireworks show: Happily Ever After.
- Stitch's Great Escape – often closed on a "seasonal" basis. As of this posting, it is again open for the peak Summer season.
- The Hall of Presidents – closed to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. My Disney Experience App continues to say the closure is through June 29, 2017, but one cast member outside the attraction recently said it may not reopen until September.
- The Incredibles Super Dance Party – closed. The Rockettower Plaza Stage now hosts "The Cosmic Dance Party."
Epcot
Temporarily closed:
- Mission:SPACE – June 5, 2017 through late July, 2017
- Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival – As of June 12, 2017, My Disney Experience says "Closed for Refurbishment" with no further information.
Permanently closed:
- Innoventions West (except Character Meet and Greets)
- Innoventions East (except Colortopia and a Passholder shop)
…including Sum of All Thrills and Storm Struck
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Temporarily closed:
- Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away (stage show) – My Disney Experience next lists performance times starting on June 18, 2017.
Permanently closed:
- Streets of America
- Premiere Theatre
- The Writer's Stop
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Studio Catering Co.
- Meet & Greets: Mike and Sulley, Phineas and Ferb, Mater and Lightning McQueen
- Magic of Disney Animation
- Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- No known closures at this time
Blizzard Beach
- Runoff Rapids. Expected completion: TBA.
Typhoon Lagoon
- No known closures at this time
Disney Springs
- Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017. Will reopen in Fall 2017 with a new concept from James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close July 3, 2017 to make way for The NBA Experience.
- La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – ends its run on December 31, 2017. Next use of the theater on the West Side TBA.
- Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closes its West Side location on August 1, 2017. A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill has been announced for Town Center and is expected to open in 2018.
Resorts
- Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are closed:
- Old Port Royale Food Court
- Shutters at Old Port Royale
- Banana Cabana Pool Bar
- Calypso Trading Post
- 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. Construction around some of the bus stops started earlier this month. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
- Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, and playground closed. The opening of Disney Vacation Club's Copper Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is expected July 17. In the meantime, Roaring Fork is also closed.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
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Travel Discounts for Everyone |
DisneyWorld.com has released its Fall 2017 Free Dining offer. Get a free dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package with a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option. Book through July 7, 2017.
Additional restrictions and exclusions may apply. Thanks to Mary Kraemer of Masterpiece Travels for the tip. Our friends at Small World Vacations let us know that Disney has a made a summer discount offer where you can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights May 28-Aug. 31, 2017 when you book March 27-July 14, 2017. You can also see all of Disney's current special offers on DisneyWorld.com. Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $149, a $20 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Visit the Annual Passholder website for information, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. 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 |
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. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 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 and Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts. 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 listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
10% off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 19, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1 through December 19, 2017. Thanks to our reader Dr. Smith who alerted us that the website militarydisneytips.com notes that April 9-23 are no longer listed as blockout dates for Disney's Armed Forces Salute. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017. Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40 percent, based on room category. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
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 |
Check disneyparks.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 |
Reader Stuart D. let us know about Disney's 2018 free dining offer for folks traveling from the U.K. You can see the offers on Disney World's U.K. packages website. There are lots of details about the free dining, a $200 Disney Gift Card, a 14-Day Ticket for the price of 7 (including Water Parks and Memory Maker) and a lot of fine print. Here are the highlights of the 14-night packages during summer 2018 holidays and all include Memory Maker photos, 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-Day ticket (including FastPass+), and 12-month DisneyLife subscription:
Sample package prices are for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-9) , including a two-week stay, arriving 27th May, 2018 - 5th September, 2018, for new bookings only, subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions on Disney's U.K. website, but a few more details follow. Free Dine and Free Breakfast Offers are available to book 6 April, 2017 - 6 July, 2017, for selected arrivals 1 January - 18 March, 2018 and 6 April - 30 November, 2018. Minimum length of stay is 5 consecutive nights, and a maximum of 21 consecutive nights. Dining plan must be selected for all members of the traveling party aged 3 and over. In addition to the minimum stay, Disney Tickets for the whole party must be booked to qualify. Gratuities are not included. *$200 Disney Spending Money Offer is available to book 6 April, 2017 - 6 July, 2017, for selected arrivals 1 January - 18 March, 2018 and 6 April - 30 November 2018. Booking must include 5 nights minimum stay at a Moderate Resort or participating Deluxe Resort or Villa. Spending money will be in the form of a Disney Gift Card valid at Walt Disney World and select U.S. Disney Stores only. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Comments
We've seen the spirit of Alaina show twice. Once in 2004 and once this year in April. I was a bit disappointed that it was the exact same show. The "story" remained the same, even though they could have used Moana or other Disney ideas to change and update the show. The entertainment was good, the food was OK, but we felt a bit rushed, since once the show was over, the meal was over. Both times we sat in the front middle section ( buy your tickets as soon as possible to get the best choice of seating). I don't know what the view from the back is like. The second show of the evening didn't appear to be sold out this time, and it was on our first trip. Check the weather report so you know how to dress. It's open air, and in April it was fine, warm and no rain, but our first trip in December, it was around 40 degrees out, and we froze!
Thanks for reading the Update and sharing your story.
Regards,
Alan