Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 25 - July 1, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 25 - July 1, 2019

 

Writer's note: With the focus yesterday on Disneyland's debut of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge being open to guests without special reservations but subject to capacity control maintained by a new virtual queue system that, if successful, we may see implimented here at Disney's Hollywood Studios when the land debuts there August 29, it was a fairly quiet week around Walt Disney World Resort with the biggest news being the quietly done but widely noticed increases to the prices of Annual Passports.

With the official start of summer now past, be ready for daily temperatures above 90ºF daily if you are in the area for a visit. As I write this, we have had a few drier days, but we are in the rainy season, so be prepared for that too! As I have written before, you can buy emergency ponchos for under a dollar that fit in a pocket at a big box store, if you plan ahead.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Annual Pass Prices Increase

Just after we published last week's Update we learned that Walt Disney World Annual Pass prices increased rather drastically. While the timing was a bit of a surprise, it was not a surprise that it was done without a major announcement or, indeed, that it happened at all with Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opening here at Disney's Hollywood Studios in just over two months. As we tweeted on June 18, "The very top Disney Premier Passport for unlimited (but not guaranteed) admission on both coasts is now $2099 plus tax." This is the second Annual Pass price hike this fiscal year, the first one occurring back when it began in October.

Orlando Sentinel reported that Florida resident increases range from 7% increase for the low-end "Epcot after 4 p.m." Passport (from $289 to $309 plus tax) to the high-end Platinum Plus Pass which increased 18% (from $849 to $999 plus tax). Disney Vacation Club Members tend to be eligible for the same pricing as Florida residents for some categories of tickets. All annual pass ticket types can be viewed on this page of DisneyWorld.com, and discounts, including renewal discounts only become visible on the page after you log in with your My Disney Experience account (and, for renewals, only when your existing pass is eligible for renewal).

Cruella's Halloween Hide-a-Way Coming to Tony's Town Square Restaurant

Following the introduction of Tony's Most Merriest Town Square Party during last year's Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party last year, during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party events at Magic Kingdom this year guests can book the all-new Cruella's Halloween Hide-a-Way at Tony's Town Square Restaurant. For $99 per person (plus tax) booked online or by calling (407)939-3463, attendees get come and go privileges at Tony's between 9:30 p.m. and 12:30 a.m. to meet Cruella and enjoy savory hors d'oeuvres "with a taste from the Witches Cauldron—a kettle of gooey and creamy spinach dip with ciabatta crostini, assorted Halloween flatbreads and more! In addition, there will be sweet treats such as chocolate-dipped strawberries, cheesecake and mini cannoli, Kanine Krunchy cake and Mini De Vil brownies and a variety of beverages including beer and wine selections and more!" The venue will be decorated with themed décor and background music, and those who book reservations will also have special reserved viewing of the 11:15 p.m. edition of Mickey's Boo-To-You Halloween Parade. Those wishing to attend Cruella's must also purchase admission to the Halloween Party itself.

While one commenter on the Disney Parks Blog post about the event claimed reservations had sold out the day the up-charge party was announced, we searched several Halloween Party nights and saw there were reservations available at the time of this Update's publication. Last fall, we were invited to experience "Tony's Most Merriest" party during a Very Merry Christmas Party, and wrote about it in the Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 20-26, 2018.

Painting With A View

Regular readers know that I am a long-time member of Disney Vacation Club, Disney's version of timeshare ownership, with villas located around Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort, at Aulani in Hawaii, in Vero Beach and Hilton Head, and with other exchange privileges at both Disney and non-Disney locations around the world. As a nearly five-year resident of Central Florida, I continue to seek out the different ways to make the most of my DVC Membership by finding the activities have not previously tried on the many vacations I took at Walt Disney World as a vacationer. DVC offers a program collectively called Membership Extras, which allows qualified members and their guests to enjoy different kinds activities and Disney "Edutainment" for an additional cost (which, so far, has been fairly reasonable). In the past couple of years, I have paid for and attended two different beverage tastings at Top of the World Lounge at DVC's Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. This past week, I paid for and attended Painting with a View.

Painting with a View is offered in the Top of the World Lounge most Tuesday mornings (9:30-11:30 a.m.) and Thursday afternoons (1-3 p.m.) during 2019. As the name suggests, and, indeed, as I have written about before, Top of the World Lounge provides spectacular views of Magic Kingdom, Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay lake from the 16th floor of Bay Lake Tower. At night, the Lounge is open only to DVC Members with resort reservations (and, during very busy times of the year like New Year's Eve, only to Members with reservations at Bay Lake Tower itself). During the day, the Lounge is increasingly open for programming like Painting with A View.

For $50/person (plus tax), Painting with a View offers DVC Members and their guests an opportunity to paint a Disney scene on a 9-inch by 12-inch canvas with basic art supplies under the guidance of local award-winning artist Marla E. Different paintings are created in the Tuesday and Thursday classes, and, indeed, Marla E told me that she leads several of the other painting opportunities around Walt Disney World Resort where guests can paint even more Disney scenes. Water and soft drinks are available, and, for those 21 and over, the class also includes one complimentary alcoholic beverage from a limited selection (and more is available for purchase); morning classes include light breakfast, while afternoon classes include light snacks (we had a several kinds of cheese, vegetables, and fruit). Attendees get to keep their painting as a souvenir at the end of the event.

Attendees check in to Painting with a View in the north elevator lobby before class and take the elevators up to 16. Because reservations (and pre-payment) are required, attendees will find a seat where there name is printed on a name tag with a blank canvas on an easel, a "plate" of several colors of paint, several brushes and Sharpies, a pencil, a water container for cleaning brushes, paper towels, a smock, craft paper, and more. Facing the tables set for attendees, the Contemporary Recreation Cast Members and Marla E set up several completed versions of the painting the class was going to work on. Attendees are free to depart from the suggested color choices represented by the finished works in front of the class, but most of Marla E's class-wide guidance was for mixing paints to approach the colors of the examples shown.

Because the class is aimed at attendees of all skill-levels, the challenge for those like me was not drawing the image to be painted - Marla E provided a stencil to set out some of the major outline of the image. Attendees are left to complete many of the lines, creating the possibility for more different individual takes on the painting to be created too. The bigger challenge for those like me who tend more to photography, was the painting itself. While some find painting relaxing, I found it a bit stressful. Even so, the overall experience was fun and the final "artwork" is a nice keepsake (though, of course, as I used to write when we did the One Passholder Tips in this space, your mileage may vary).

For reservations and more information for DVC Members, call Member Services at (800)800-9800 and have your Membership Number handy. Whether you are a Member or not, you can read more information about this particular program on this page of the DVC Website. As each Walt Disney World Resort offers different recreation activities, you may find a painting or other opportunity that does not require you to be a DVC Member or a guest of a DVC Member. If you use online check-in for a resort stay, it probably does still merit a stop in the main lobby of your resort early on during your stay to see what recreation activities are scheduled during your stay.

American Independence Day Celebrations

Magic Kingdom and Epcot will both celebrate American Independence with special fireworks and entertainment again this year.

Magic Kingdom will present Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky on both July 3 and 4 at 9:15 p.m. We expect that, as in past years, this show will include perimeter fireworks, as well as a launch location from a Seven Seas Lagoon launch location that mirrors the one behind Magic Kingdom to the north. If you cannot make it out to Walt Disney World, Disney Parks Blog will present the July 4th fireworks by live stream (and we will provide a link on our social media and, if we receive it by next week's Update we will include it there as well). In addition, on both nights, DJs will host a Hoedown Throwdown in Frontierland and at a Galactic Gathering in Tomorrowland throughout the night. As with any other day, The Muppets Present … Great Moments in History will present the Muppets' take on American history several times on July 3 and 4 too.

At Epcot, on July 4, Voices of Liberty will perform a cappella concerts of American music inside the rotunda at The American Adventure pavilion at 2 p.m and 3 p.m., and then they will take the stage at America Gardens Theatre for concerts at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Nearby, Disney characters will appear in their Spirit of '76 patriotic attire nearby at The American Adventure as well (usually near the gift shop and restrooms on the west side of the pavilion and, indeed, they usually also make appearances in the Voices of Liberty shows at America Gardens as well). After the 9 p.m. presentation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, guests will have their final opportunity to see "The Heartbeat of Freedom" fireworks tag; it is the final opportunity because, of course, Illuminations end its run on September 30, 2019. Throughout the day, there will be special food and beverage options, including special dining packages, available around the park as well.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! continues its run on the America Gardens stage with five performances scheduled daily through August 18 (except, only four on July 4 to make room for Voices of Liberty). Star-Lord and Gamora, along with an "alien" band, take 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.

Cindy Wilson, Show Director & Choreographer discusses the return of Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! Video ©Disney.

Liberty Inn is offering up some themed food during the run of the Awesome Mix show. The nearby Fife & Drum has some themed beverage and snack offerings too. Photo 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). The Festival runs a record 87 days this year, through November 23, but the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series will only run until November 19. Showtimes on Sundays through Thursdays will be the usual 5:30 P.M., 6:45 P.M., and 8:00 P.M., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the showtimes shift an hour later to 6:30 P.M., 7:45 P.M., and 9 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.

So far, Disney Parks Blog has announced just the first four returning Celebrity Narrators for this year's edition of Candlelight Processional: Whoopi Goldberg (12/6-7), Pat Sajak (12/16-18), Steven Curtis Chapman (12/22-24), and Edward James Olmos (12/25-26). Held at the America Gardens Theatre, the 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-December 30). 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 will begin on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages starting July 3 (or call 407-WDW-DINE).

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

We have just a few views of Magic Kingdom and Epcot this week.

Magic Kingdom

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Disney's Blizzard Beach hosted nearly 200 attendees as part of the 10th annual "World's Largest Swimming Lesson" last Thursday morning, June 20. Three-time Olympic gold medal swimmer Rowdy Gaines kicked off the lesson, where children of all ages learned basic swim strokes. Children from the Boys & Girls Clubs of America were among those who participated. 83 sites participated in Florida along with locations in 28 countries throughout the day.

…Disney Parks Blog reported that the Minnie Van transportation service has now served over one million guests. In addition, Lyft, the ridesharing service connected to the Minnie Van service, recently was designated "the official rideshare of Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort." This fall, the Lyft app, used to request a Minnie Van, will be enhanced, including improved methods of finding the most convenient pickup locations and the ability to select a wheelchair-accessible vehicle.

…Thirty Central Florida high schoolers on a local FIRST Robotics team named "Exploding Bacon" had a special exclusive early morning experience in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom yesterday, riding Space Mountain before the park opened to guests and speaking with Disney Engineers about the science behind the ride. The team recently won the Chairman's Award at the worldwide 2019 FIRST Championship. FIRST is a nonprofit organization advancing youth STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) education by engaging students in mentor-based programs to build skills and inspire innovation. Disney has supported FIRST for more than 20 years. "The FIRST Robotics program builds Florida's high tech workforce by empowering and enabling our youth to be innovative and creative in working together to build a better, more sustainable future for themselves and those around them," said DeAnn Davila, Chair of the Florida FIRST Robotics Foundation.

…Looking for foods to compliment your Imagination Pink items? Disney Parks Blog has a new Foodie Guide for that too.

…While there are no character meet and greets during the new hard-ticket Disney Villains After Hours events at Magic Kingdom (select nights through August 8), Disney Parks Blog lists some of the special Disney Villains magic shots available from Disney PhotoPass exclusively during the event around the park, including Scar, Oogie Boogie, and Maleficent the Dragon.

…Continuing our look toward D23 Expo in Anaheim, D23 announced that The Simpsons will have its own panel presentation on Saturday, August 24 at 10 a.m. in the D23 Expo Arena featuring Matt Groening, Executive Producer Al Jean, Executive Producer Matt Selman, Supervising Director Mike B. Anderson, and stars Nancy Cartwright and Yeardley Smith. D23 says to "[e]xpect lots of surprises, including an exclusive Simpsons collectible item for everyone in attendance." The Simpsons became part of Disney's portfolio when it acquired 21st Century Fox earlier this year and announced that old episodes of the long-running hit animated show will be available on the Disney+ streaming video service when it debuts this fall.

…REMINDER: Give Kids the World Village has announced its next two speaker series events featuring legendary Disney Cast Members and Voice Actors. On Disneyland's 64th anniversary, July 17, Disney veterans Tom Nabbe, Bill Sullivan and Bill Hoelscher will share stories of their fabled careers, stretching from the Disneyland's launch to the opening of Walt Disney World. On August 3, Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Linda Larkin, voice of Jasmine from Aladdin, will share stories of the magic behind the scenes of these loved Disney characters. Details:

• Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Give Kids The World Village, 210 S Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
• July 17: Legendary Disney Cast Members: General Seating $35; Preferred Seating $50
• August 3: Disney Voice Actors O'Hara & Larkin: General $50; Preferred $75; VIP Package $150

Advanced ticket sales are now available for the July 17 event on this eventbrite.com webpage. Advanced sales tickets are available for the August 3 event 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. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George recently introduced its new Wine Country Brunch, which is now offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. See the menu online here or download a PDF of the menu here. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

The Smuggler's Series is offered at Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar monthly through October. Based on our hosted media-invited experience, for those interested in learning a bit about the beverages they drink, these sessions can be quite informative and the restaurant's culinary team works hard to prepare dishes to compliment the beverages served.

►Bourbon - Tim Hiesler, Bourbon ambassador for Jim Beam, Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Scotch, WM Grants - Balvenie & Glenfiddich, Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Crooked Stave, Wednesday, September 18, 7 p.m., $45 per person

►Tito's Vodka, Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m., $60 per person

The Edison

The Edison at Disney Springs hosts Havana Nights beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays: June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 2, and October 16. The no additional charge nights feature a five piece band from 8 p.m. to midnight (trading the spotlight with a DJ from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) playing Latin renditions of musical styles from instrumentals to pop. Complimentary salsa lessons will be available at any skill level, 7:30-11:30 p.m. and Havana-inspired specialty craft cocktails will be available to order during the entire night.

Join Our Networks

On Facebook:

---

Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an email. More runDisney event information

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

2019 Resort Events

2020 Resort Events

---

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.

---

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.

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

Share, Links, Comments & More