Walt Disney World Resort Update For November 13-18, 2019

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer

November 13, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 13 - 18, 2019

Writer's note: The countdown to the December 5 opening of the much-anticipated Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction in Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios has dwindled down to just weeks. This week, we received our invitation to its international media event that will run December 3-5, and, as we learn details of that schedule, we will plan some MousePlanet LIVE shows for you to tune into on our social media channels like those we did back when Galaxy's Edge itself had its international debut out at Disneyland this summer.

Matt Martin, Creative Executive of Franchise Story & Content from the Lucasfilm Story Group, recently visited Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios and showed off a look at Poe's X-wing at Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance which opens at the park on December 5, 2019. Video ©Disney.

In the meantime, the winter holiday celebrations are getting underway around Walt Disney World Resort. Over the past week, we had media-invited looks at Disney's Animal Kingdom's new offerings and the latest edition of Mickey's Very Mery Christmas Party that are in the news below. Reading through the whole Update this week, with my wanderings around the Resort, you will find views from all four theme parks, some of the Resort Hotels, and Disney Springs, including this year's edition of the Christmas Tree Trail (with more decor due around the neighborhoods by November 18). If there is something around the Resort you would like us to be covering that you are not seeing here in our Updates, be sure to let us know, but, as I wrote last month, I no longer receive email through the envelope icon next to my byline above, so if you have something to say that you want all of our followers to know about, please provide your comments at the bottom of the Update (via MousePad) or under a MousePlanet post with a link to this Update on our Facebook page, or if you want to say or ask something less publicly, send a private message to MousePlanet on Facebook Messenger, or a direct message on MousePlanet's Instagram or Twitter pages.

So, if you glance away from your Disney+ binge-viewing for a bit…

News and Views

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Disney's Animal Kingdom Celebrates Winter Holidays More Than Ever

Last Friday, November 8, marked the official start of the Winter Holidays for Walt Disney World Resort. Disney's Animal Kingdom marked it with the start of its first-ever park-wide celebration of the season. We were hosted by the park for a Media Family & Friends night on Saturday, and we were taken on a tour of some the new elements yesterday. The celebration includes decor in each of the lands in the park and one returning and two new nighttime holiday-themed awakenings of the Tree of Life.

The Christmas tree has returned to its traditional place outside the park gates with its mix of traditional ornaments and animal figures. On Discovery Island, approaching the Tree of Life, the park's flier for the holiday celebration says, "guests find themselves in the midst of a celebration of winter, hand-crafted by the eclectic community of artists who make the island their home. Life-size, artisan-sculpted animal puppets (including reindeer, foxes and polar bears)" roam around by day while colorful rooftop luminaries light up the night."

DinoLand U.S.A. and Donald's Dino-Bash which became its permanent overlay last year has added holiday decor in keeping with the style of the Bash as well as Chester and Hester's aesthetic. In Asia, the area around the theater has added further decor celebrating Diwali, India's festival of lights. Harambe in Africa has additional decor this holiday season that the park describes as a blend of "the inspiration and style of Western traditions with the colors and textiles of authentic African celebrations." Pandora-The World of Avatar also has holiday decor created by "the ex-pats living and working there" around the Pongu Pongu beverage kiosk.

The park's main Christmas tree is again outside the park's gates. The park's special logo for the winter holidays uses drawings of animals and trees to create a giant snowflake.

By day, the "inhabitants" of Discovery Island show off winter animal puppets.

Watch for both the adult penguin puppet and the babies.

A new photo backdrop across from Pizzafari pays homage to the animal puppets that appear this winter near the Tree of Life.

Rooftop luminaries atop the buildings of Discovery Island also incorporate animal figures.

The dinosaur bones at the entrance to DinoLand U.S.A. has been decorated with lights for the holidays.

Donald's Dino-Bash character meet and greet areas, like Daisy's, have been decorated for the holidays.

As the story goes, Daisy let each of the characters decorate their own meet and greet for the holidays, so, naturally, Scrooge McDuck, decorated his in gold (which answers a question we posed to you on social media on Tuesday).

Of course, even the snowman in the Dino-Bash has a duck's bill.

Diwali, India's festival of lights, is celebrated in Asia with additional lanterns and decor strung outside UP! A Great Bird Adventure.

Harambe decor in Africa mixes Western traditions with materials and colors of Africa.

Acrobats perform in Harambe as part of the holiday celebrations.

The ex-pats of Pandora mix vintage holiday from earth with Pandoran handcrafted items to celebrate the holidays this year.

From a Na'vi nutcracker to a Hanukkah Menorah, the ex-pat decorations around Pangu Pangu pay homage to earth holiday traditions and Pandora.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Winter-themed Tree of Life Awakenings occur throughout the evening. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Donald's Dino Bash, the permanent overlay of DinoLand U.S.A., has a holiday overlay for the first time this year. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

As we previously reported, Disney's Animal Kingdom will be open to ring in the new year for the first time this year too. It will feature a special countdown projection on the Tree of Life. The winter holiday celebrations at the park are scheduled through January 1, 2020.

Very Merry Christmas Party Is Underway on Select Nights

The first edition of this year Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party got underway on Friday night at Magic Kingdom, and Disney Parks Blog provided a #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the debut of its brand new Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show that lights up the skies over Magic Kingdom on party nights accompanied by holiday songs. The drizzly/rainy night made it a bit difficult for the broadcast to show off all the castle projections and fireworks. Indeed, I watched some of the fireworks from the comfort of my car parked in my neighborhood a few miles north of the park, and much of the show disappeared into the low cloud cover and smoke. The creative team has repeatedly said that while this show uses projections on the Castle, the show really can be enjoyed from anywhere in the park.

Replay the #DisneyParksLIVE stream of the new "Minnie's Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks" show from its debut on November 8 at Magic Kingdom. Video ©Disney.

Photo backgrounds promoting Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party are up in some of the hotels, like this one at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

We were invited by Disney to attend last night's party for a Media event. As the event ran until Midnight, we will have more content on our social media channels later today and in the coming days, but we have the main details online to share at publication time. As for the fireworks, I chose to watch them from near the Partners Statue in the Central Plaza hub for a direct center view and, as you might expect, that is a pretty optimal location to view the show. The projections do add interesting views to the show, but, as suggested, they are not essential to enjoying it. Certainly, there are other places than just the hub where the show can be enjoyed during the party.

As with any Magic Kingdom fireworks show, the new holiday show is centered behind Cinderella Castle. The projections on the castle, however, are not particularly essential to the story Minnie shares during the show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As we have previously reported, this year's hard ticket party also includes new music and lighting for Space Mountain, lighting and music for the Mad Tea Party, an all-new holiday show at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor, and a "festive freeway" for those driving the cars of the Tomorrowland Speedway. Except for the tea cups which I did not visit, I had a chance to visit the new elements during the party and was pleasantly surprised at how entertaining all these new overlays are. Also returning to the hard ticket party are the Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration stage show at the castle, A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, Club Tinsel, the Disney Junior Jingle Jam, and Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Snowfall also returns to Main Street U.S.A. on party nights, and, of course, there are "complimentary treats" for those that have tickets to the event.

Space Mountain has special lighting and music exclusively during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, creating a different "ride" aboard the classic attraction. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The "Festive Freeway" lights up holiday decor along Tomorrowland Speedway, but only during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom displays holiday lighting around the park during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

The characters of Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor are dressed for the holidays and present a special show exclusively during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.

Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration is presented several times during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (check the schedule), and it will be presented for all park guests starting December 23 through nearly the end of the year (again, check the schedule).

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade returns this year, pretty much unchanged from prior years. It will also be performed for all park guests starting December 23 through the end of the year instead of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade concludes with Santa led by reindeer. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

For those looking for the unique food and beverage offerings available only at the Party, Disney Parks Blog has published its Foodie Guide to the 2019 Party (which even includes a few items available even to day guests). Holiday themed specialty items are available at locations around the park. Interestingly, the Foodie Guide says the "Mickey Light-Up Tree Premium Popcorn Bucket" is a party-exclusive, but we found it for sale at Disney's Animal Kingdom over the weekend as well. Watch our Social Media feed later today for video of one of Magic Kingdom's chefs talking about the food offerings.

Special food and beverage is available at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, some of the items are exclusive to the party and other just to the season. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The holiday season at Walt Disney World includes a large assortment of merchandise, some of which is party-exclusive. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Special photo opportunities are available exclusively during Mickey's Very Mery Christmas Party.

Check out all the ways you can capture your memories during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party with Disney PhotoPass! https://t.co/o3djJtA9PB pic.twitter.com/041eKCG91N
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 8, 2019

Race Against The Sun: New Exhibit at Epcot's Morocco Pavilion

As we noted in the Views around the World last week, a new sign looked like it was ready to be unveiled at Epcot's Morocco pavilion outside the Gallery of Arts and History which had been closed for refurbishment. Sure enough, last week, a new exhibit, "Race Against the Sun: Ancient Technique to Modern Competition" opened showcasing two modern-day competitions: Marathon des Sables (Marathon of the Sands) and Rallye Aïcha des Gazelles du Maroc (Rally of the Gazelles). The exhibit also tells the story of the Berber people, ancient inhabitants of the Sahara Desert.

Between last week's Update and this, the new exhibit, "Race Against the Sun" opened at Morocco pavilion.

A video screen simulates race scenes from Rally of the Gazelles in front of the front part of a race car.

The exhibit also includes displays about the Berber people of the Sahara Desert.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Nearby, Tangerine Café now offers "sellou" that Disney Parks Blog says is "a food highlighed in 'Race Against the Sun' that marathon participants commonly eat during their race." Its ingredients include almonds and seeds.

Sellou
"Sellou" is available at Tangerine Café. Image courtesy Disney Parks Blog.

Reservations Still Open for Many New Year's Eve Celebrations

Back in July, we reported on the rundown of New Year's Eve celebrations around Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations for some of the celebrations opened around the time we made that report. This week, Disney Parks Blog noted that reservations are now open for all of the celebrations, and recaps them. Note: the December 31 Pixar Party: A New Year's Celebration at Disney's Contemporary Resort is sold out, but, as of Monday, reservations remained open for the December 30 edition.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

American Gardens Theatre wraps up its nightly presentation of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series next Tuesday, November 19 as part of this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The remaining Eat to the Beat Concert showtimes are scheduled Sundays through Thursdays at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later, at 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. As always, keep an eye out for signs when you enter the park noting last minute changes. More details and remaining reservations for dining packages including guaranteed concert seating are online at TasteEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-3378. Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes before the end of the Food & Wine Festival this year to begin preparing the stage for Candlelight Processional.

Remember, America Gardens Theatre is not a fireworks viewing area. Because of the stage area, the venue really is not a place where guests can see shows on World Showcase Lagoon itself. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Disney Du Jour Dance Party continues on weekends all the way to the end of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, as shown by the schedule on the stage's screen on the east side of Future World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the November 29 opening of this year's Epcot International Festival of the Holidays three times nightly performances of Candlelight Processional return and continue through December 30. The show combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Lisa Ling, Isabella Rossellini, Marlee Matlin, Warwick Davis, Chita Rivera, and Ming-Na Wen are all scheduled as celebrity narrators this year. Guaranteed seating for all performances 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 and more information is available on EpcotHolidays.com or by calling (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.

From January 17 to February 24, 2020, Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns and the America Gardens Theatre will again host nightly Disney on Broadway Concerts three times nightly. More information about the Festival and the shows is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. From March 4 to June 1, 2020, the park presents the 27th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with its, as yet unspecified schedule, Garden Rocks Concert Series.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers and Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We will add the Disney on Broadway Concert Series performers and Garden Rocks Concert Series performers when they are announced. You can add the entire Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well.

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

Views Around the World

Monorail Green has new interior styling as well as newly covered bench seating. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

Christmas decorations now cover Main Street Station with its new seasonal Mickey floral bed. Outside the park gates, new pavement installation continues.

By November 8, Magic Kingdom completely removed all of its Halloween decor and decorated for the winter holidays.

The Dapper Dans are dressed for the holidays.

From Cinderella Castle to Main Street Station and the park's main Christmas Tree, the park is heavily decorated for the holidays.

Other parts of the park, like the Fantasyland side of Cinderella Castle, have little bits of holiday decor.

Gaston's Tavern has some holiday decor.

While in Fantasyland, it is fun to take a look at the current extent of TRON Lightcycle Run construction over in Tomorrowland.

The Tomorrowland Speedway has new holiday decor this year that is lit during Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party events.

The Tomorrowland stage is decorated for A Totally Tomorrowland Christmas, one of the entertainment offerings of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party events.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

With the recent opening of Disney Skyliner at Epcot's International Gateway, the in-park sign directing guests from World Showcase Promenade to International Gateway was updated. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A construction crane rises near the Eifel Tower at France pavilion, as the enhancements to that pavilion continue ahead of this winter's opening of the Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along and next summer's opening of Remy's Ratatouille Adventure and more. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Echo Lake is decorated for the winter holidays and the park's main Christmas Tree is again on the island in the lake.

The new Mickey Shorts Theater is expected to open in this location, most recently home to showings of "Path of the Jedi," in the Spring.

Early sunsets provide opportunities to see the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular after dark.

The new park logo is now lit on the Studio Arch.

A ten minute preview of "Frozen 2" is now shown in Walt Disney Presents.

Disney "snow" falls on Hollywood Boulevard. Last week, it was for the recording of segments for the upcoming holiday specials.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Contemporary Resort

Disney's Contemporary Resort Gingerbread display has returned to the Grand Canyon Concourse.

The display, which is larger than 18 by 25 feet, was assembled by a team of 39 Contemporary Resort Bakery Cast Members.

This is the 10th anniversary of the display which pays homage to the style of Disney Legendary Artist Mary Blair, who designed the murals throughout the Grand Canyon Course, as well as the original artistic concept for "it's a small world."

The display includes some treats which are available for purchase as well.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

This week, cast members built the large gingerbread house in the lobby just below a new additional seating area for the Enchanted Rose lounge where the lobby bandstand used to be.

Lights are strung inside and out on the annual display.

The new Enchanted Rose lounge seating area in the lobby occupies the former bandstand. Although hard to see well in this photo, the current bandstand is located on the first floor of the lobby directly across from this photo under the Basin shop on the second level

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…As of November 8, Disney's Hollywood Studios saw the return of both of its seasonal nighttime offerings: Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! the nighttime spectacular centered on the Chinese Theatre, and Sunset Seasons Greetings with projections on The Hollywood Tower Hotel (Tower of Terror) and video screens along Sunset Boulevard. We will have more coverage from the park as the winter continues, but you can visit Disney Parks Blog on November 14 at 8:55 p.m. Eastern for a #DisneyParksLIVE stream of Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!

Our next #DisneyParksLIVE stream will feature ‘Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!’ from Disney’s Hollywood Studios! Tune in Thursday, Nov. 14 at 8:55 p.m. ET: https://t.co/NpOzA2zwcX pic.twitter.com/eCHy3HlmJq
— Disney Parks (@DisneyParks) November 11, 2019

…Disney-owned ABC and Disney Channel will again show Disney Parks Holiday Specials this year. ABC starts the holidays schedule with "The Wonderful World of Disney: Magical Holiday Celebration," Thursday, November 28 (8-10 p.m. EST). Next on the schedule is "Disney Channel Holiday Party @ Walt Disney World," premiering Friday, December 13 (8-8:30 p.m. EST) on Disney Channel and the DisneyNOW app. As part of the annual tradition, the "Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade" airs Christmas morning, Wednesday, December 25 (10 a.m. to noon EST, 9-11 a.m. CST/MST/PST, though airtimes may vary, so check listings for ABC and on the ABC app).

Disney-owned ABC and Disney Channel will again show three holiday specials this year featuring performances in Disney Parks. Recording got underway last week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Doppler, an eland born at Disney's Animal Kingdom just after Hurricane Dorian passed Central Florida a couple months ago, was introduced to the Kilimanjaro Safaris Savanna last week. (His name, of course, refers to the weather-tracking technology relevant to the storm.) Doppler was born as part of a species survival plan in partnership between the park and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Doppler the eland on the Savanna.
Doppler the eland took his first steps on the Kilimanjaro Safaris Savanna last week. Image courtesy 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 email in the box below.



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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.

NEW Disney's new Disney+ video streaming service which launched yesterday, Tuesday, November 12, opened a new pop-up location near Paddlefish. If you are one of our West Coast readers, you can find a similar pop-up location at Downtown Disney District near Disney Home at Disneyland Resort. Everyone, of course, can visit DisneyPlus.com for more information.

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

NEW Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant will offer a dinner special for both Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Its butter- and herb-roasted turkey with garlic mashed potatoes, duck fat potato roasties, honey glazed carrots, bacon-braised Brussels sprouts, sausage-and-walnut stuffing, red wine jus and cranberry sauce will be available for order from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. on both holidays, and the complete dinner is $28.95 for adults and $14 for kids (available both inside the pub and on the patio). The regular pub menu will also be available, and from 4:30 p.m. through the wee hours, its holiday celebration includes performances by its live Irish bands and the Raglan Road Irish Dancers.

Holiday Merchandise at World of Disney

NEW Looking further ahead to New Year's Eve, Raglan Road will ring in the new year twice that night. At both midnight Ireland time (7 p.m. Eastern) and at Midnight at the pub, Raglan will have free Champagne toasts. There is no cover charge for the celebration.

Maria & Enzo's

NEW Ricotta Gnudi featuring Turkey Bolognese, parmesan cream and charred lemon gremolata, is Maria & Enzo's "authentic Italian twist" on Thanksgiving this year for $27. Reservations available at its website.

Enzo's Hideaway

NEW Turkey Sausage "Carbonara," made with Pappardelle pasta, roasted winter squash, toasted garlic, and rapini is the advertised star of Enzo's Hideaway's Thanksgiving gourmet holiday meal for $27. It is also serving a Pumpkinn Pannacotta made with with spiced chocolate crumb, mandarin orage, and cinnamon gelato for $11. Reservations available at its website.

The Edison

NEW The Edison offers a traditional prix-fixe Thanksgiving menu "with all the classic trimmings" all day long for $32/person and $19/child (nine and under). The menu includes oven-roasted turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, house-made stuffing, brown sugar honey glazed baby carrots, and cranberry chutney. Reservations available at its website.

Morimoto Asia

Back by popular demand, Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will present holiday-themed beers and gourmet pan-Asian light bites at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs during the highly-anticipated second annual "12 Beers of Christmas" event.

The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 8, from 11:30 AM to 3:30 PM. Tickets are $64++ per person. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend. In celebration of the craft-beer movement and the most wonderful time of the year, attendees will enjoy 12 specialty beers from local breweries all across Central Florida, such as Crooked Can Brewing Company and Rogue Ales. The brews will be paired with Morimoto Asia's famous pan-Asian cuisine from 12 food stations.

Morimoto himself will host the event and will be autographing copies of his cookbook Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking. The cookbook will be sold at the event, with proceeds going to Give Kids the World Village, a nonprofit resort for critically ill children and their families who visit Florida on their "wish trips."

Tickets are available on the event website.

NEW Views Around Disney Springs

The 2019 edition of the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Trail is open in the Marketplace area's former bus loop. Santa's Chalet can be found along the trail where he is available for meet and greets. There is a check-in podium to get a return time for Santa before entering the trail. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

More holiday decor and the Town Center Christmas Tree are expected to be installed by November 18.

An opening is likely soon, as the sign on the new Ron Jon Surf Shop has been lit and the store's front door now has a "surf board" of the brand's style. The store is located next to the escalators to the Lime Garage.

Removal of the old Something Silver store exterior continues at the future site of the West Side Ample Hills Creamery.

Demolition has begun at the former Bongo's restaurant to make way for construction of Beatrix, a restaurant concept by Chicago's Lettuce Entertain You organization.

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.

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

2019 Resort Events

Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…at Magic Kingdom:
- November 18
- December 9
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
- November 5, 13, & 19
- December 7, 14, & 18
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 29 - November 23, 2019
(Eat to the Beat Concerts end November 19)
Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) – November 16-17, 2019
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 29 - December 30, 2019
(includes Candlelight Processional)
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
- November: 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 & 24
- December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 & 22

2020 Resort Events

Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…at Magic Kingdom:
- January 6, 13, 17, 20, 23, 27 & 31
- February 3, 10, 17 & 24
- March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
- April 5, 13, 20 & 27
- May 5, 11, 18 & 25
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- January 9, 16, 22, & 30
- February 6, 13, 19, & 27
- March 5, 12, 19 & 26
- April 1, 7, 14 & 22
- May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26
Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
Epcot International Festival of the Arts - January 17 to February 24, 2020
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (Eligible Member reservations required for wristband entry)
- Disney's Animal Kingdom: January 21, February 11 & 25, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: November 20, 2019
  General Member Registration: December 4, 2019
- Magic Kingdom: March 3, April 21 & 28
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: January 8, 2020
  General Member Registration: January 15, 2020
- Epcot: May 4 & June 29, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: March 11, 2020
  General Member Registration: March 18, 2020
- Disney's Typhoon Lagoon: July 27 & August 10, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: June 17, 2020
  General Member Registration: June 24, 2020
- Disney's Hollywood Studios: September 15 & 22; October 6, 2020
  Registration for Members with Resort reservations opens: July 15, 2020
  General Member Registration: July 22, 2020
Disney Villains After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date)
- February 7, 14, 21 & 28
- March 6, 11, 18 & 27
- April 3, 10, 17 & 24
- May 1, 8, 14, 22, 29
- June 5, 12, 19, 26 & 29
- July 6 & 10
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 2020
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - March 4-June 1, 2020
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend - April 16-19, 2020

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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