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Update for November 17–23, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
The Force comes early to Star Tours | Captain EO to close | Colortopia opens in Epcot | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
The Force comes early to Star Tours
Even though Disney previously announced that the new Star Wars experiences would begin December 1, Monday morning brought an early surprise to Walt Disney World visitors. As the Season of the Force officially kicked off at Disneyland, the Star Tours attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios also debuted a new ride scene based on Star Wars: The Force Awakens.
Everyone who rides Star Tours during the opening months will see the new scene, after which it will be part of the ride's randomized sequence.
The Star Wars Launch Bay, new "Star Wars: Path of the Jedi" featurette, and the revamped Jedi Training Academy show are still slated to debut December 1.
Disney announced Monday that more Season of the Force elements are arriving to Disney's Hollywood Studios on January 5, 2016. These include in-park appearances by First Order stormtroopers, the debut of the "Symphony in the Stars: A Galactic Spectacular" fireworks show, and the addition of Star Wars-themed food and beverages. These new offerings may somewhat soften the blow of the cancellation of the Star Wars Weekends, and help keep guests engaged until the new Star Wars Land opens.
Star Tours: The Adventures Continue preview with Imagineer Kathy Rogers. MousePlanet video.
Captain EO to close
In another "Friday night at 5 p.m." announcement, Disney confirmed last week that Captain EO is ending its run in Epcot's Magic Eye Theater on December 6. The Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival debuts in its place, showing three animated shorts in 3-D format.
Captain EO is slated to close at Epcot in December. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney has not provided a list of the animated shorts or announced an opening date for the new film festival. There also was no reason given for the decision to replace an attraction created for the Disney theme parks with a "film festival" that anyone with a decent DVD collection or a Netflix account could stage in their own living room.
Colortopia opens in Epcot
A new Innoventions exhibit opened last week at Epcot. Colortopia, sponsored by Glidden, offers participants various ways to experiment with color using a variety of interactive tools. Possibly the most compelling is an area where visitors can use digital brushes to "paint" a display wall. Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka visited during the opening weekend, and shares these photos.
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Views Around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares more images from around Walt Disney World, including the grand opening of the new pedestrian bridge connecting Disney Springs to the nearby hotels.
Magic Kingdom
Disney Springs
This and That
...Disney is live streaming from the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights tonight, November 18, at 10:30 p.m. EST. Visit the Disney Parks Blog main page at broadcast time to view the live stream.
...Victoria & Alberts at the Grand Floridian Resort Hotel has claimed the AAA Five Diamond Award for the 16th consecutive year. Earlier this year, TripAdvisor named the restaurant one of the top restaurants in the United States in their 2015 Travelers’ Choice awards.
...In advance of its upcoming six-month exterior and interior renovation, Planet Hollywood at Disney Springs has filed a notice with the State of Florida for 468 employee layoffs to occur by January 19, 2016.
…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 MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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Crowd Forecast
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Resort Events
2015
- 2015 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 17, 19, 20, and 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18. As of publication, all nights are still available.
- 2015 Epcot Candlelight Processional – November 27 to December 30
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 27 to December 30
- DVC Merry Member Mixers – November 24; December 1, 8, 14, 22. DVC members and their guests can attend special holiday mixers in Epcot throughout the season. The free events include character meet-and-greets, live entertainment, crafts, and refreshments. They are hosted from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. in the World Showcase at Epcot (entrance is between the Canada and United Kingdom Pavilions). Members do not need tickets or advance reservations, and can bring up to 6 guests per membership card.
- 2015 Candlelight Processional at Epcot – Performances are at 5:00 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. nightly, with the exception of December 6.
2016
- Season of the Force – January 8 to March 20, 2016
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Most events are sold out. Registration is still open for the runDisney Kids Races. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit Proof of Time for these events is November 17, 2015.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14–17, 2016. The 10K and Dark Side Challenge are sold out. Registration is still open for the half marathon, 5K and runDisney Kids Races. Proof of Time must be provided between October 27, 2015, and January 19, 2016.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–4, 2016. Pre-sale begins March 8, 2016. General registration opens March 15, 2016.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Nov. 18 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
Epcot
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| Nov. 19 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
Epcot
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| Nov. 20 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
Epcot
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| Nov. 21 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
Epcot
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| Nov. 22 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
Epcot
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| Nov. 26 |
Epcot
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| Nov. 27 |
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Epcot
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| Nov. 28 |
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Epcot
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| Nov. 29 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
Epcot
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| Nov 30 - Jan 4 |
Disney Springs Marketplace
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| Dec. 4 |
Epcot
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| Dec. 5 |
Epcot
|
| Dec 11 |
Epcot
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| Dec 12 |
Epcot
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| Dec 13 |
Epcot
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| Dec 21 |
Epcot
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| Dec 22 |
Epcot
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| Dec 23 |
Epcot
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
- Diamond Horseshoe – closed through November 19 for refurbishment
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed through November 19 for refurbishment
- Walt Disney World Frontierland station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Main Street U.S.A station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Fantasyland station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
- The Magic Behind the Our Steam Trains Guided Tour – not offered during Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
- Peter Pan's Flight – closed November 2–9 for refurbishment.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover – closed December 7–10 for refurbishment
2016
- Splash Mountain – closed January 10–15 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed January 11–15 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 to February 11 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18–22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 to July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 to September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" – closed August 22 to September 15 for refurbishment.
- Soarin' – additional screen under construction. Work has no impact on the existing theaters.
- Innoventions West – Think, presented by IBM; The Great Piggy Bank Adventure; and Where's the Fire? closed. The Disney Visa character experience remains open.
- Maelstrom – ride permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
2016
- Soarin' will halt service as of January 4, 2016. The ride will reopen sometime in "summer of 2016" as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film
- Catalina Eddie's – closed October 11 to November 19 for refurbishment.
- Rosie's All-American Cafe – closed October 11 to November 19 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney: One Man's Dream – closed October 16 to December 5 due to The Good Dinosaur sneak peek.
- Jedi Training Academy – on hiatus until the Star Wars Launch Bay opens, expected to be in December. The new show is titled Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
- Toy Story Midway Mania – second ride track is under construction. Work has no impact on the existing ride.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. The space will be used for the Star Wars Launch Bay.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Entire park closed from October 25, 2015 to January 3, 2016 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed from January 3 to March 13 for refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 to April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 to June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.
Resorts
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 to September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit close October 26, 2015. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free 5" x 7" character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5" x 7" character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Military Personnel |
2014-2015 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Discount Eligible Service Members can purchase 4-day Park Hopper passes for $177 until December 20, 2015 Tickets can be purchased through December 17, 2015. No more than 12 Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by an Eligible Service Member. 2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount From September 25, 2015 through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3, 2016, through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20, 2016 April 1, 2016. 2016 Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40%, based on room category. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
Cirque du Soliel's La Nouba is offering a Florida resident discount through December 18. Tickets prices range from $49 to $89. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
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Comments
I notice this report refers to the lake between Saratoga Springs and Disney Springs as "Village Lake", as it's been known for decades. But recently Disney's guidemaps have started calling it Lake Buena Vista (which is properly the name of the smaller lake north of Hotel Plaza Blvd.). Anyone know what's going on?
Powers &8^]