Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 14-19, 2018

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer

November 14, 2018

Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 14-19, 2018

Writer's note: There is a lot to get to this week. As the nation saluted its Veterans, the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival wound down its long run with huge crowds over the weekend. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays begins November 18 (Passholders, note the new Goofy holiday magnet you can pick up at Mouse Gear or Port of Entry), but, for the first time in my memory, the Epcot Christmas Tree made its first appearance before the end of the Food & Wine Festival.

Even with jam-packed walkways on Saturday at Epcot during Food & Wine's last weekend, there were still tables to be found at Spice Road Table at the Morocco pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Meanwhile both Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios kicked off their Disney Holidays, while Disney Holidays tapings took up iconic areas in all four parks (check your local ABC-TV listings for the November 29 and Christmas Day specials, and for the availability of the Disney Channel Special).

This week, Mickey Mouse will be a big focus too. In addition to all the hoopla we cover below, Disney D23 Destination D will be celebrating Mickey Mouse to its sold-out audience of Disney Fans (plus invited media, including me). As usual, we expect some Parks news to come from the event - especially with regard to (yes, you guessed it,) Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.

Construction walls no longer fill the courtyard in front of the Chinese Theater. Inside, Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway is scheduled to open next year. We expect to hear more details later this week at D23 Destination D. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the latest and greatest this week, I really urge you to become one of our @MousePlanet followers on Instagram. Increasingly, that is where we are doing our Live stories from the Parks where we can take questions, like MousePlanet contributor Todd Pickering and I did in Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios this past Saturday night. In case you missed it, here's the edited re-post.

Instagram video is best viewed on a mobile device.

Finally, on the episode of The Garry Meier Show available today, Episode 407 appropriately enough, I discuss with Garry some of the ways of enjoying Walt Disney World in Chicago, visiting Disney's birthplace in Chicago, Disney in New York saluting Mickey Mouse, and, of course, Disney Parks. As always, my segment is family and office-friendly, but in other parts of the show Garry has been known to visit adult words and concepts that may not be suitable for all audiences or in all settings.

News and Views

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Celebrate Mickey Mouse's 90th Anniversary

The Walt Disney Company officially calls November 18, 1928, Mickey Mouse's birthday (and Minnie's too)! That date is tied to the debut of Steamboat Willie, the first Mickey Mouse short released in theaters.

In many different media and places, the Company that all started with this Mouse, is celebrating 90 years of Mickey. Indeed, we have already covered some of the ways coming to the parks in 2019. But, now, with his "birthday" imminent, the Walt Disney World Resort is offering up a number of ways to join in the celebration this weekend.

From November 16-18, Magic Kingdom will offer limited-time entertainment, specialty food and beverage options, new merchandise and more. While Disney has not been particularly specific, Disney Parks Blog says there will be "special show enhancements and musical moments in celebration of Mickey's big day, as well as a Tomorrowland Birthday Celebration Dance Party" (only offered on November 17 & 18)." Passholders can attend a special pop-up merchandise event at 7:30 a.m. on November 16. Inside the Town Square Theatre, the same building that is home to Mickey's regular Magic Kingdom meet-and-greet, guests can also sign Mickey's birthday card.

Have you been tuning in to "Good Morning America" from 7-9 a.m. on ABC-TV this week? Everyday this week through Friday, GMA's Ginger Zee is bringing a "Disney super-fan on the adventure of a lifetime" and surprising viewers from a different Disney resort around the world (Monday, she started with a visit to Disneyland Paris). The Disney-owned network's show is celebrating Mickey Mouse's 90th birthday as well as The Walt Disney Company's #ShareYourEars campaign (remember, the company will donate up to $2 million by way of $5 donations each time someone publicly posts a photo of Mickey Mouse ears on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag "#ShareYourEars". Neither Disney nor GMA has announced which day GMA will make its surprise visit to Walt Disney World.

"Good Morning America" is celebrating Mickey's 90th birthday at Disney Parks worldwide. Video ©ABC News/Disney.

To help guests participate in the #ShareYourEars campaign, the parks and Disney Springs have installed photo backdrop walls. Some Disney PhotoPass photographers have a #ShareYourEars frame guests can pose with as well.

Magic Kingdom's #ShareYourEars photo backdrop is located adjacent to the "famous" Purple Wall near Tomorrowland Terrace.

The construction wall next outside the future site of City Works at the NBA Experience on the West Side of Disney Springs is the location of another #ShareYourEars photo backdrop.

Epcot's #ShareYourEars photo backdrop is bit off the main walkways. A sign is posted in front of Imagination pavilion pointing the way.

Epcot's #ShareYourEars photo backdrop is located next to the restrooms at the rear of Imagination pavilion.

Some Disney PhotoPass Photographers have a #ShareYourEars frame guests can stand behind for photos.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

According to Disney Parks Blog, the retailers of Disney Springs are also offering up a whole bunch of ways to celebrate Mickey's birthday. During November 16-18, the LEGO Store will be working on a "Mystery Build celebrating Mickey Mouse" and will give guests the opportunity to add to a mural revealing new artwork custom-created for the celebration. Other announced highlights include:

Art of Disney will host a "Celebration of the Mouse" Artist Event on Friday, November 16, kicking off a weekend of festivities. Guests will have the opportunity to meet acclaimed Disney artists Brian Blackmore, Doug Bolly, Don "Ducky" Williams, and Darren Wilson from 6 – 9p.m. as we launch a new art program celebrating Mickey. (Can't make it to the event this weekend, more artists are visiting in December: Doug Bolly, Alex Maher, and Don "Ducky" Williams on Friday, December 7 from 6 – 9p.m. and Sunday, December 9 from 12 – 3p.m..
At Curl by Sammy Duvall, guests can find watches featuring "Mickey the True Original" by Nixon as well as a Mickey and Minnie-inspired shoes from the new "Disney x Vans" collection.
The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane at Marketplace Co-Op will launch sales of a new Mickey Mouse Dooney & Bourke Bag alongside a matching "Mickey Through the Years" dress and MagicBand on November 18.
Ever After Jewelry Co. & Accessories will feature a Mickey's Birthday Watch and a Sugarfina co-branded release, both available on November 17.
Joffrey's Coffee & Tea Co. recently released Mickey's 90th Anniversary Blend, a "smooth, medium-roasted coffee" that is part of the new "Disney Coffee Collection" coming soon to select Joffrey's stores nationwide.
Havaianas is launching a new collection that features illustrations representing each decade of Mickey Mouse. The Opening Edition Style, featuring a mix of two icons with the signature Havaianas striped sole and Mickey Mouse ears, will launch on Mickey's birthday on November 18. A new style will be released every Monday through January 21, 2019. Expect designs that "represent the playful spirit of the Havaianas brand" with versions of Mickey that range from the classic Steamboat Willie, a 1970s-themed "Groovy Mickey" and a "Boy Band" version representing the 1990s.
At Lacoste, the store windows are dressed with the newest "Disney | Lacoste" fashions featuring an exclusive collaboration around the merriest of tennis matches.
Levi's has reimagined their favorite styles with a magical twist; their designers toured the Disney Animation Archives to create an exclusive graphic of Mickey Mouse. Recently, the brand partnered with Snapchat to offer their Disney Springs guests the opportunity to purchase a limited-edition Mickey Mouse hat, part of the new collection.
Earlier this month, Melissa Shoes debuted their new "Celebrate 90 Years of Mickey Mouse" shoe collection with designs for both kids and adults.
PANDORA is marking Mickey's milestone with a limited-edition Disney dangle charm in sterling silver, detailed with a 14k gold number "90" – it will be available while supplies last.
Sunglass Hut debuted a new option for fans of Ray-Ban Mickey Mouse glasses available at Disney Parks. The classic Ray-Ban Wayfarer glasses feature bold custom artwork by Disney lead artist Jeff Shelley and are available in both adult and "Mini Me" sizes. The designs are available at Sunglass Icon by Sunglass Hut, and at other Disney Parks Sunglass Hut locations, while supplies last.
At UNIQLO , the new "Mickey Stands Collection" is now in store. The store will be adding extra entertainment with traditional Japanese drummers and brand ambassadors select weekend dates in November and December from 4 – 9 p.m. with the first activation taking place on Saturday, November 17.
Similar to the Art of Disney, WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op will also host a "Celebration of the Mouse" Artist Event November 16 – 18 and December 7 – 9. WonderGround artists Dave Perillo and Kristin Tercek will be available to meet Guests and sign their newest Mickey pieces November 16 – 17 from 6 – 9p.m. and November 18 from 12 – 3p.m.. Matt Hawkins and Bill Robinson will be appearing December 7 – 8 from 6 – 9p.m. and December 9 from 12 – 3p.m..
The newly re-opened World of Disney is offering event tees, commemorative Mickey plush and a new Sugarfina co-branded product release, all available while supplies last.
Zara's "Mickey's 90th Anniversary!" collection offers an assortment of T-shirts, leggings, sweats, and accessories for fashionable kids.
Ghirardelli's Magical Birthday Sundae is available for a limited time.
Special treats from Amorette's Patisserie and The Ganachery are available: a Mickey's Birthday Dessert and celebratory frozen beverage and Mickey Mouse Chocolate Ganache Square and Strawberry Ganache Mickey Lollipop, respectively.
At Goofy's Candy Co. and Candy Cauldron, Krispie Treat Birthday Cake will be available.
Happy Birthday music and shout-outs from DJs and performers around Disney Springs, as well as special photo backdrops from Disney PhotoPass Photographers.
Complimentary buttons will be available near the Christmas Tree Trail, Amorette's Patisserie, Marketplace Co-Op, and Art of Disney.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Events Underway

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the hard-ticket, select nights event, kicked off last Thursday at Magic Kingdom. We were invited to enjoy and explore on its second event night (Friday), and have been invited back to conduct interviews and more this coming Thursday night. So, while expect to share more on Social Media (so stay tuned), we will spend a moment highlighting some of the highlights of this year's Party.

As a "hard ticket" (separate admission required) event, Magic Kingdom closes to day guests on nights of the Party at 6 p.m. Guests with Party tickets, however, can enter the park starting at 4 p.m. Guests with Party tickets get wristbands and, for those guests in the park during the regular operating hours, rather than leave the park, there are wristband distribution stations where cast members can scan those Party tickets and provide the wristband.

At 6 p.m. cast members strategically placed around the park start watching for guests not wearing wristbands (indeed, they will even ask you to show your wristband to them) to gently start prodding those guests toward the park exit. It was unclear whether days guests were permitted to linger through the first presentation of "A Frozen Holiday Wish" of the evening at 6:15 p.m. (the stage show in front of Cinderella Castle where Queen Elsa and friends from Frozen light the holiday dreamlights), though it seems very likely since the official Party start time is not until 7 p.m. Most (but not all) of the park attractions are open during the party and, starting at 6 p.m., only guests with wristbands are permitted to enter queues.

Disney Parks Blog celebrated the kickoff of the Holidays with a Live stream of "A Frozen Holiday Wish" castle lighting at Magic Kingdom. Video © Disney.

The highlights of the Party, of course, are right in the name itself - the event is a giant Christmas Party. And, although Christmas is in the name, and reference is made to the "spirit of the season" and the like, the emphasis is on Party for family and friends (in other words, not particularly religious). Mickey and his pals have their Christmas Party on stage several times during the event in performing Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration. They also travel the parade route twice in Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.

The usual nightly fireworks show is replaced by Holiday Wishes during the party. It has not been updated with the projection technology added for Happily Ever After, but, like the HalloWishes fireworks and a few other celebrations during the year, it includes perimeter fireworks all launched in sync with a mix of the old "Wishes" theme music, Christmas Carols, and other music of the "Season."

Magic Kingdom parking toll plaza is decorated for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party just before the event start time (on scheduled nights).

Guests arriving at the park for the Party are directed to the "Event" touchpoints while day guests that arrive during the 4-6p.m. mix-in time continue to use other designated touchpoints. The guide ropes help direct the exiting guests away from the entering party guests receiving wristbands.

Guests in the park during regular operating hours that have tickets to the Party can find designated Wristband Distribution locations rather than exiting the park at the main gate and re-entering.

Party attendees can pick up special guidemaps that include all the Party showtimes, character and treat locations, and more. Before the first showing of "A Frozen Holiday Wish," of course, the Castle is lit in its more traditional fashion.

The Castle is covered in holiday "Dreamlights" after it is "Frozen."

Special complimentary holiday treats like this soft pretzel snowman are available at designated locations around the park. Designated locations also have allergy-friendly treats.

Mickey & Minnie enjoy some time in Santa's sleigh during Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration (several times during each Party).

Clarabelle Cow signs diva-style during Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration.

Holiday Wishes is the special nighttime spectacular shown during the Party. (Note the rather old-fashioned projections on the Castle.)

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade makes its way through the park twice during each Party. (It will be shown during regular operating hours starting December 22 as a special holiday treat to day guests braving the busiest time of the year in the park.)

Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade concludes with Santa riding his sleigh.

If you watch the parade from where it steps off in Frontierland, you can make your way to the front of the park before the final floats pass by and see the "snow" falling on Main Street.

Guests are "pulsed" across the parade route between the units, so you may not be able to exit the park until the parade ends. Some unique views of the parade are possible, like watching the soldiers march "under" the Christmas Tree.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Rockettower Plaza Stage hosts an "out of this world" Christmas Party several times during the Party and that alternates with "The Edge Effect," an a cappella holiday concert. Inside Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe is Club Tinsel, a dance party featuring holiday friends like Disney reindeer and polar bears. Storybook Circus hosts the Disney Junior Jingle Jam featuring Disney Junior characters. And, throughout the park, are opportunities to meet characters that typically are not available for meet and greets during regular operating days (plus plenty that are too). Oh yeah, and there are complimentary holiday treats available around the park too!

We expect to cover more of the food and merchandise between our Social Media and next week's Update, but for those that want a more comprehensive look, Disney Parks Blog has published its Foodie Guide and Holiday Merchandise Highlights from the Party. It also has provided a rundown on some of the special Disney PhotoPass Opportunities during the event.

New this year, as we mentioned last week, guests can also opt for an extra-charge add-on party: Tony's Most Merriest Town Square Party. For $99 plus tax (plus admission to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party), from 9:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m., guests can "indulge in savory hors d'oeuvres including a selection of artisanal meats and cheeses as well as Tony's famous meatballs, mini hand-tossed pizzas, boursin-stuffed artichoke and more! And if you're wanting to satisfy that sweet tooth, then you can snack on pumpkin tartlets, Yule Logs, cannoli, Christmas cookies, and red velvet cupcakes," plus there will be "complimentary beer, wine and non-alcoholic beverages" available. Tony's Party also includes reserved viewing for the 11 p.m. showing of Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade. Reservations and more information are available online or by calling (407)827-7348.

Update: New Traffic Pattern For Disney's Hollywood Studios

As we mentioned the past two weeks, in anticipation of next year's opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and the likely biggest crowds to date at this park, Disney has constructed a new entry road and toll plaza for guests entering the parking lot. Starting last Thursday, November 8, guests driving to the park are only be able to enter the parking lot from the new entrance road located off of Osceola Parkway. An access road will also feed into the same toll plaza off of southbound Victory Way. The parking lot will also exit to Osceola Parkway rather than Buena Vista Drive.

Starting November 8, all guest cars enter the parking lot for Disney's Hollywood Studios from new access roads. Map via Disney Parks Blog.

East-bound Osceola Parkway now includes an exit ramp in front of the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Victory Way.

The new exit ramp leads to a flyover that crosses Osceola Parkway. Some of the other flyovers in this photo are not yet open to traffic.

The new flyover that leads to the parking lot provides a unique view of Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

The new flyover connects to other access roads and leads to the new parking lot toll plaza that has the same Pan Pacific Auditorium style as the former main plaza and the park gates themselves.

Once beyond the new toll plaza, cars are direct to the parking areas to the left or right of the tramway. Also, as can be seen here, this past week, the Disney Skyliner cable installation has begun.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The current main entrance route off of World Drive near Osceola Parkway is now a cast members-only entrance. As of this weekend, the park name's lettering had already been removed from the former entrance. The secondary entrance on Buena Vista Drive is now dedicated to bus traffic only. Construction also continues in the parking lot on new bus loops, adjustment of the tram lanes, and the construction of the upcoming Disney Skyliner station in the parking lot. Disney has not announced completion dates for any of those projects yet.

The parking lot entrance on Buena Vista Drive across the street from Disney's BoardWalk Resort is now devoted exclusively to bus traffic rather than parking.

MouseAdventure Remix Recap

Fifty-six teams took part in MouseAdventure Remix this past Saturday at Epcot, presented by Third Gate Games. Players were challenged with eleven quests and trivia around Future World and World Showcase amid the crowded walkways of the final weekend of the Food and Wine Festival. The first place team, "McDucks - We're All Rich!,"" had a near perfect score, missing only 10 points from trivia with a score of 510. The second place team, "Chicago Skyliners" followed closely behind with a score of 491. A full recap of the day's events will follow this Friday on MousePlanet.com, media sponsor of the event. For more information on MouseAdventure, visit mouseadventure.com.

Epcot Candlelight Processional and Concerts News & Calendar

The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays begins on November 18, with additional entertainment by holiday storytellers and musical acts all around the park. Starting on Thanksgiving night, November 22, and running until December 30, the Candlelight Processional returns to the America Gardens Theatre for the traditional retelling of the story of Christmas with celebrity narrator, live orchestra, and mass choir. Our Candlelight Processional at Epcot Guide lists the dining packages available for breakfast, lunch and dinner around Epcot and its neighboring resorts, and the up-to-date listing of scheduled celebrity narrators. You can also visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for Candlelight dining package information and reservations.

The Candlelight Processional will debut at Epcot this year on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and is scheduled to run three times nightly through December 30. Pat Sajak is scheduled to return as a celebrity narrator again this year. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This year's run of of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival wrapped up this past Monday, November 12. Looking ahead to 2019, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will take the stage three times nightly, from January 18 through February 25 during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Also expanded to seven days a week, beginning on March 6, the Garden Rocks Concert Series takes the stage three times nightly through June 3.

The 2019 edition of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will run three times nightly for the entire 39-days of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the 2018 scheduled Candlelight Processional narrators at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. With the dates announced for the Disney on Broadway Concert Series and Garden Rocks Concert Series in 2019, we have added entries for the daily schedule and we will update those as performance details are announced. While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events includes a list of the scheduled performers, it is 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 last minute changes. You can add the whole Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, indeed, if when we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well. The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it, we do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.

Views Around the World

In addition to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party, the hard-ticket, select nights event we covered above, this past week also marked the kicked off of the Flurry of Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios, including the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! nighttime spectacular, the Sunset Seasons Greetings projections and (new this year) laser show at the Hollywood Tower Hotel, and more like the holiday finale of the Frozen sing-along. Disney Parks Blog provides a Foodie Guide for those that want a look at the food. MousePlanet contributors Donald & Bonnie Fink got over to see some of the Flurry of Fun at Disney's Hollywood Studios, and I also ventured over one night for a look around, so we provide some images of the decor this week.

Back in the Magic Kingdom area, Disney's Grand Floridian was putting the final touches on its Gingerbread House in the lobby last week, and Epcot simultaneously wrapped up its Food & Wine Festival and set up some of its decor for the Festival of the Holidays. Finally, thanks to a cast member friend, we got to see the recording of one segment of the Disney Holidays ABC-TV Special that will air on November 29 during primetime.

Remember, of course, our Disney Springs views are now part of a whole separate section devoted to Disney Springs.

Magic Kingdom

The Prince Charming Regal is no longer covered by tarps and its exterior refurbishment appears to be complete. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

By the time we publish, the Gingerbread House and its shop should be open in the hotel lobby in its slightly different position this year (directly under the bandstand).

The new location for the Gingerbread House is intended to easy guest flow to the restaurants to the left of this photo.

The Gingerbread House appears as intricate as it has been in past years.

An impressive ingredients list is posted next to the Gingerbread House.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival ended on Monday, November 12. Over its last weekend, Christmas decor, including the tree began to appear alongside the Food & Wine decor.

For the first time in memory, the Christmas tree was installed in World Showcase Plaza before the end of the Food & Wine Festival.

A holiday-inspired Mickey floral bed has been planted "behind" Spaceship Earth (near Pin Central).

At the future Disney Skyliner station at the International Gateway, new artwork has been added just above where the gondolas will enter the structure.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The park's Christmas tree appears to stick up amongst the growing spires of Batuu, the future Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area of the park. (ASD)

In front of the park gates, the Fantasia topiaries have been decorated for the holidays. (ASD)

Like last year, Echo Lake is where to find the park's Christmas Tree. Gertie the Dinosaur again wears a Santa hat and has an ornament in its mouth. (BF)

Echo Lake surrounding decor is rich in vintage detail. (DF)

Outside Brown Derby Restaurant, some mid-Century holiday "lawn decorations" have been installed. (DF)

Sunset Seasons Greetings plays continuously, projecting holiday images on the Hollywood Tower Hotel, sending "snow" down the Sunset Boulevard, and, this year, adding lasers to the show. (ASD)

In Toy Story Land, additional holiday touches decorate Andy's backyard and the characters (like the antlers on Rex). (ASD)

The Green Army Men have added some holiday attire. (BF)

Buzz Lightyear wears Santa's hat. (BF)

Pizza Planet Alien ornaments can be found near their Swirling Saucers. (ASD)

A Christmas Hamm stands just beyond Andy's Lunchbox. (ASD)

The Flurry of Fun nighttime spectacular is again Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! (ASD)

The show includes projections, lasers, fireworks and holiday music centered on the Chinese Theatre. (BF)

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka (ASD), Donald Fink (DF) & Bonnie Fink (BF).

Sunset Seasons Greetings is presented continuously after dark on Sunset Boulevard. Video by Donald Fink.

Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! is the nighttime spectacular during the Flurry of Fun. Video by Donald Fink.

Disney's Animal Kingdom - Holiday Special

On November 7, additional lighting was added to the plaza in front of the Tree of Life for taping of the Disney Holidays television specials..

The boy band Why Don't We performs in front of the Tree of Life during the ABC-TV primetime special scheduled to air on November 29 (but in this photo, they were just rehearsing and checking sound levels).

Recording artist Jordan Fisher, known around Walt Disney World Resort for being one of the vocalists singing the title song for the "Happily Every After" fireworks, is one of the hosts of the Walt Disney World segments of the three Disney Holidays television specials that will air on ABC-TV and Disney Channel this year.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…For college basketball fans visiting Walt Disney World Resort Thanksgiving weekend, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex is hosting the AdvoCare Invitational from November 22-25, including three of the teams ranked in the preseason top-25 polls: Florida State, LSU and the 2018 NCAA National Champion Villanova. The other teams competing are Alabama-Birmingham, Canisius College, College of Charleston, Memphis and Oklahoma State. The tournament includes 12 games over the three days, with each team competing in one game per day; the championship game is Sunday, November 25. Tickets are available at this page of ticketmaster.com.

…REPEATING FROM LAST WEEK: Looking to ringing in 2019, reservations are open for the three parties at Disney's Contemporary Resort: Pixar Party: A New Year's Eve Celebration on the second level of the Convention Center featuring characters from Toy Story, Inside Out, The Incredibles, Up, and Finding Nemo, and lots of kids activities ($190/person including tax and gratuity); Disney Countdown to Midnight: A New Year's Eve Celebration in the Fantasia Ballroom, featuring "cheftainment" and cuisine from California Grill, Flying Fish, Jiko and Narcoosee's, an interactive DJ playing music from the 1960's to today and a New Year's Eve Bash Band ($275/person including tax and gratuity); and the Disney Ink & Paint Club which includes everything in the Disney Countdown to Midnight party plus a VIP Lounge experience in The Sorcerer's Apprentice Ballroom, including even more food and live entertainment ($450/person including tax and gratuity). Call (407)WDW-Dine to book or follow each of those links we provided.

…Walt Disney World Golf operated by Arnold Palmer Golf Management reminds golfers visiting Walt Disney World Resort from afar that their partnership with Ship Sticks allows you to ship your golf clubs directly from your home or office and have them delivered directly to one of the Walt Disney World Resort courses, with an on-time guarantee that they are ready for you to play. Prices start at $39.99 each way for ground-based service. Visit this page of ShipSticks.com for all of the details, including tracking services and details of the included initial $1,000 of insurance coverage included.

…Beyond Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line was recognized by U.S. News & World Report for the sixth consecutive year. DCL received Gold Badges in the "Best Cruise Lines for Families" and "Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean" categories. The publication's ranking methodology weighs overall cruise ship quality, reputation among travelers, health assessments and other factors like price and itinerary.

…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. Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. Looking for Thanksgiving dining options? We include a bunch of announcements from Disney Springs restaurants below too.

The Haunted Mansion tree is one of the most impressive new additions to the trail this year. The Christmas Tree Trail, located in the old bus loop at the Marketplace, has 27 themed trees to see, plus specialty beverages and foods, and, of course, Santa in his Chalet. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In addition to the special Mickey-themed dress mentioned in the news, the Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane released a Nordic Winter-themed dress last week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Chef Art Smith's Homecomin'

NEW - MORE DETAILS COMING SOON Starting December 1, Chef Art Smith's Homecomin' will have a Moonshine Party. In addition, guests dining at the restaurant in an "Ugly" Disney Sweater can get a free slice of cake with purchase of an entre this holiday season. More details soon!

Earl of Sandwich: Holiday Sandwiches and More

Saturday, November 3, was National Sandwich Day. To celebrate, Earl of Sandwich invited the media (including MousePlanet) to the Disney Springs restaurant to sample its holiday offerings now available at all of its locations (including its re-opened location at Disneyland Resort). This year marks the debut of the Holiday Ham (available through December 31) which is a sandwich of ham, cheddar, yams, and cranberry sauce on freshly toasted artisan bread. The mainstay Holiday Turkey is available too, a sandwich of turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and mayonnaise on freshly toasted artisan bread. Earl also has a Peppermint Brownie available for dessert.

At Walt Disney World, Earl of Sandwich is located in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs.

Earl's holiday menu features two sandwiches and a dessert.

For the National Sandwich Day media event, the "Earl" himself appeared with one of the restaurant's chefs.

Earl of Sandwich also has a gift card offer: receive a $5 Holiday Reward Card with the purchase of every $25 Gift Card.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Status of Parking Availability at Disney Springs: Construction Photos

Those who visit Disney Springs during the weekends or during busy times of the year at the Resort know that the two parking structures often fill to capacity during those peak times. Construction continues across Buena Vista Drive at the site of the new garage that will connect to Disney Springs by a series of pedestrian bridges. As the winter holiday season is rapidly approaching, the existing Orange and Lime garages are changing the space-available technology that informs visitors of the number of parking spaces available on each level of each garage, and, by lights above parking spaces, which spaces may be available. Disney has not announced completion dates for either project, but with the extremely busy season approaching as quickly as Thanksgiving, we bet there will be some more parking news soon.

Construction continued this week just outside the newly reopened World of Disney Store on the new staircase leading to the new series of pedestrian bridges across Buena Vista Drive and the new parking structure also under construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction also continued this week on the new parking structure itself. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant

Cooke's of Dublin, the counter-service counterpart to Raglan Road, now offers its own mobile ordering; choose from either direct on its website or its mobile app (available in the App Store or Google Play).

Ireland's Lisa Canny, the ginger-haired vocalist-harpist-banjo player, continues to appear on the Raglan Road Irish Pub stage through December 6.

Raglan Road's traditional Thanksgiving dinner on Thursday, November 22, has a menu that includes butter and herb roasted turkey with gravy, duck fat potato roasties, bacon-roasted Brussels sprouts, apple, sage & sweet onion stuffing, and cranberry and plum chutney. The prix fix meal is $28 for adults, $14 for children. The restaurant will also offer its full regular menu on Thanksgiving. Call (407) 938-0300 to make a reservation.

Wine Bar George

Cristom Vineyards Tasting with Tom Gerrie - November 5, 3:30-5 p.m. - $75.
An Afternoon of Riesling with Johannes Selbach - November 10, noon-3 p.m. - $120 (includes 4-course lunch).
NEW Dr. Laura Catena, a fourth generation Argentine vintner, physician and author - November 16, 4:30-6 p.m. - $85.

More information and links to tickets at WineBarGeorge.com.

A traditional Thanksgiving turkey plate will be available for $32/person ($16/kids 9 and under). Pumpkin pie will be available for $10/person. Thanksgiving Day, November 22, opening at 11 a.m.

Morimoto Asia

For Thanksgiving, Morimoto Asia is serving up a celebratory Peking Turkey Dinner that it describes as "Crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside," along with roasted pork fried rice "stuffing," Japanese style candied yams, cranberry-litchi chutney, and Szechuan peppercorn gravy. Dinner is $48 per person. For reservations visit MorimotoAsia.com.

NEW On December 2, from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto will serve as host of the first annual "12 Beers of Christmas" featuring multiple stations of holiday-themed beers from local breweries paired with Pan-Asian bites. He will also be autographing his newest cookbook Mastering the Art of Japanese Home Cooking which will be available for purchase with all of the proceeds of the book sales donated to Give Kids The WOrld Village, the nonprofit resort built to serve critically-ill children and their families by providing them week-long Florida dream vacation "wish trips." For more information and to purchase the $55/person (must be at least 21 years old) plus tax and gratuities, visit this page of Patina Restaurant Group's website.

The Edison

For Thanksgiving, The Edison is serving traditional holiday fixings with a full turkey dinner. For $25 per person, guests can dine on classic oven roasted turkey, fluffy mashed potatoes with gravy, savory house-made stuffing, sweet baby carrots, and cranberry chutney. For reservations visit TheEdisonFla.com.

Maria & Enzo's and Enzo's Hideaway

Maria & Enzo's and Enzo's Hideaway at Disney Springs are now offering 40% off to Disney Annual Passholders during lunch through December 31. Not valid with any other offer or during brunch.

For Thanksgiving, Maria & Enzo's is serving a three-course Italian holiday dinner for $39 per person and $19 per child nine and under. Starters include Roasted Apple and Winter Squash Soup, Forest Mushroom Arancini, and Marinated Goat Cheese with Roasted Baby Beets. Guests can dine on entrees such as Braised Turkey Meatballs, Pasta al Forno, or Grilled Wild Salmon. A tasting of desserts with mini house-made cannoli, seasonal pumpkin cheesecake, gelato, and sorbet will be available too. For reservations visit MariaAndEnzos.com.

At neighboring Enzo's Hideaway for Thanksgiving, you can also find a similar offering. For reservations visit EnzosHideawayFla.com.

NEW - MORE DETAILS COMING SOONThere will be a holiday overlay to the Sunday Brunch, including complimentary photos for guests attending in their holiday pajamas and free dining for kids. More details soon!

…All of the Patina Restaurant Group restaurants are offering a $20 bonus card when you purchase a $100 gift card during the holiday season. The bonus cards must be redeemed January 2, 2019-March 31, 2019, and cannot be combined with other offers, promotions or discounts. Visit PatinaGroup.com/bonuscard for more information.

Paddlefish

Rooftop Wine Experiences are available on the second Tuesday every month through January on the third "deck." The experience and discussion lead by its Sommelier team features wine flights from around the world and light bites. For more information and tickets, visit its EventBrite webpage. Guests must be 21 or older to attend.

Jaleo: Construction Photo

Construction continues at the future Jaleo restaurant. Some of the exterior signs still say "Coming in 2018." Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

NBA Experience & City Works Eatery & Pour House: Construction Photos

Disney Parks Blog announced that a new City Works Eatery & Pour House will open on the West Side of Disney springs in summer 2019 adjacent to the NBA Experience (which is also expected to open in 2019). Like the chain's seven other locations across the United States, the new venue will offer 80 beers on tap, including local brews and other rare, limited supply selections from around the world. It will also feature a selection of popular wines along with a bar menu of "shareables, burgers and more" with lots of high-definition tvs showing live sporting events.

City Works Eatery & Pour House is opening in the corner closest to the Cirque du Soleil theater.

Concept art on the construction wall shows a rendition of the new City Works Eatery & Pour House expected to open next year. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction continues on the building that will become home to both the NBA Experience and the City Works Eatery & Pour House. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This is the eastern side of the building; the City Works Eatery & Pour House will be located at the western side of the building.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

There is still no indication of when the new Cirque du Soleil show may debut. La Nouba closed at the end of 2017. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New Hyper-Reality Experience Coming to The VOID

Last winter, The VOID opened at Disney Springs with Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire created by The VOID and ILMxLAB (the immersive entertainment division of LucasFilm). With the Disney Animation Studios film Ralph Breaks the Internet due in theaters on November 21, this fall, The VOID, ILMxLAB and The Walt Disney Company will present Ralph Breaks VR go give guests "a new multi-sensory Disney adventure...immersed in the worlds of the internet and online gaming with Wreck-It Ralph and Vanellope."

For those that have never visited The VOID at Disney Springs Marketplace (or Downtown Disney in Anaheim or elsewhere), the physical space guests explore itself is pretty much a "black box" where the players wear equipment and a helmet that immerses them into a virtual world rather than the place itself. Thus, it is not surprising that Disney Parks Blog confirms that Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire "will not be going away" when Ralph Wrecks VR debuts. Staff at The VOID confirm this as well.

Retail

NEWWalt Disney World Resort would like you to do all of your holiday shopping at the Resort this year. To further that, Disney Springs has already launched its special Disney Springs Gift Guide: From Holiday Dreams to Wishes Granted.

If you were following along our Social Media last week, you saw that we were invited to play a scavenger hunt game created by Disney just for the media to explore all of Disney Springs. All guests, of course, can play the Disney Springs Stitch's Holiday Gift Hunt by picking up a free clue book at cash registers and information desks all over Disney Springs.

The Disney Springs Stitch's Holiday Gift Hunt clue book can be picked up at numerous locations around Disney Springs, especially Disney-operated locations like the Star Wars Galactic Outpost. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Disney Style store on the West Side remains open. It now has a stock of "Ugly" Disney Christmas sweaters and features a new animated photo backdrop of the Magic Kingdom's Holiday Wishes fireworks surrounding a Dreamlights-covered Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Art of Disney Presents Greg McCullough: NEW photo

On November 3 artist Greg McCullough (who has previously been featured at other Art of Disney stores and at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts), began daily residence daily (except Mondays) from 1 to 7:30 p.m. in a new pop-up shop located in the shop formerly operated by Little Miss Matched in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs scheduled to be open through January 1, 2019. The shop features McCullough's art, including original works, limited-editions and prints. Guests will have a chance to interact with him and have artwork signed.

Greg McCullough poses with some of his works featured in the shop.

The new pop-up shop featuring artist Greg McCullough is located in the former Little Miss Matched shop. (file)

The pop-up shop is scheduled to be open through January 1, 2019. (file)

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Crowd Forecast

"Do more. Wait less."

Save time and money at Walt Disney World. TouringPlans.com can help you avoid falling into the typical tourist pitfalls.

Our Disney Crowd Calendar shows you the least crowded park to visit every day of the year, customized Touring Plans save you hours in line for Disney's best rides, honest restaurant reviews, how to save on Disney tickets, the best hotel rooms to ask for, and so much more. Everything can be accessed on our site or on Lines - Mobile Wait Times App which also shows to current and estimated wait times for attractions.

Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Disney Crowd Calendar.

Date	Overall
Tuesday, November 13, 2018	2 / 10
Wednesday, November 14, 2018	3 / 10
Thursday, November 15, 2018	2 / 10
Friday, November 16, 2018	3 / 10
Saturday, November 17, 2018	5 / 10

Check out the Disney World Park Crowd Levels page on TouringPlans.com for park-specific predictions and recommendations on which days to visit and avoid particular parks!

See Disney World crowds for the next 365 days.
Get Disney World wait times on your iPhone, Android or Smartphone.
Do more. Wait less.

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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).

2018 Resort Events

Holidays at Walt Disney World – began November 8
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom:
  - November 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
  - December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 18 – December 30
  - Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 22 – December 30
- Disney's Hollywood Studios Flurry of Fun – November 8, 2018 - January 6, 2019
  - Includes nightly presentations of Sunset Seasons Greetings and Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!
  - Toy Story Land gets special holiday songs on Alien Swirling Saucers and more
- Disney's Animal Kingdom – begins November 8
  - Diwali, the holiday Festival of Lights in India, celebrated as part of the UP! A Great Bird Adventure show.
Mickey Mouse's 90th Birthday (Magic Kingdom celebrations & more) – November 16-18
Dapper Day (unofficial events)
- November 17 – Disney's Animal Kingdom (until 3-5 p.m.) & Magic Kingdom (evening);
- November 18 – Epcot
Disney After Hours
- …at Magic Kingdom: December 3 & 10: 10 p.m. - 1 a.m.
- …at Disney's Hollywood Studios: December 8, 15 & 22 (park entry at 7 p.m.)
- …at Disney's Animal Kingdom: December 4, 12 & 18 (park entry at 7 p.m.)
Disney Vacation Club Members Annual Meetings – at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort Convention Center
December 13, 2018, doors open 1:30 p.m. (Member online RSVP or telephone (407)566-3844 required). -

2019 Resort Events

Disney After Hours:
…at Magic Kingdom:
- January 7, 17, 24, & 28: 8 p.m. - 11 p.m.
- February 14, March 7: 9 p.m.– midnight
…at Disney's Hollywood Studios (entry at 7 p.m.):
- January 5, 12 & 19
- February 2, 9 & 16
- March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
- April 6 & 13
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom (entry at 7 p.m.):
- January 8, 16, 22 & 31
- February 5, 6, 12, 13, 19 & 26
- March 5, 20 & 27
- April 3
2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–13, 2019
Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Epcot International Festival of the Arts – January 18 – February 25, 2019
Party with Pixar Pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios – January 18 - September 30, 2019
25 Years of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–24, 2019.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 6 – June 3, 2019
Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 4–7, 2019.
Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th anniversary – May 1, 2019.

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. If the menu bar does not work on your screen, please let us know by email (include which Browser and Operating System you are using)!

Magic Kingdom Epcot Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney Water Parks Disney Springs Resorts WDW Golf