- Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.):- November 18
- December 9
- October 5, 9, 19, & 26
- November 5, 13, & 19
- December 7, 14, & 18
- Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (registration required)
…at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon- October 16, 2019
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
- October 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
- November 1
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 29 - November 23, 2019
(Eat to the Beat Concerts end November 19) - Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – October 31 - November 3, 2019
- Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort Food & Wine Classic – November 8-9, 2019
- 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: 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 & 24
- December: 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20 & 22
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Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 1-7, 2019
Writer's note: It's the 48th anniversary of the opening of the Walt Disney World Resort, and the 37th anniversary of the opening of Epcot, today, October 1, 2019. As you might expect, there are no announced special celebrations for these non-milestone anniversaries. A quick update on last week's rundown of the summer entertainment that was all wrapping up, finds…
- The Muppets present...Great Moments in American History has another week of shows in Liberty Square at Magic Kingdom listed in My Disney Experience, with the final shows scheduled on Saturday, October 5.
- Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party at Magic Kingdom has another month of shows listed through November 2.
- Meet Mike and Sulley continue to greet guests at Walt Disney Presents in Disney's Hollywood Studios, at least through November 2.
- Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party has no more showtimes listed after yesterday, September 30
- There are also no times listed to meet The Incredibles at Pixar Place at Disney's Hollywood Studios after September 30 either.
It is likely that the rest of Mickey and Minnie Mouse's birthday celebration has or will be concluding too. While Mickey likely will continue to have his meet and greets in Magic Kingdom's Town Square Theater, it is not clear whether Minnie will remain with him and, indeed, it is not likely that they will continue greeting in their special birthday outfits. Other changes around the Parks and resorts are likely too, and, as we learn about them, we will note them in future Updates.
Of course, there is something new as we get into the news and views…
News and Views
Headlines are auto-generated here
Epcot Forever Debuts Tonight, October 1
The "limited time" run of the new nighttime spectacular Epcot Forever begins tonight. Disney Parks Blog will be providing one of its #DisneyParksLIVE streams, so if you would like a live first look and will not be in the park yourself, that is where you should tune in tonight. We have also been invited by Disney to attend, and will provide additional coverage on our Social Media channels, including a look at the new preview center opening in the Odyssey building. For the fireworks show, though, we will take in the new show and capture some shots on our own, but will not broadcast that live on our own.
Disney describes Epcot Forever as follows:
"Epcot Forever will be an all-new, limited-time spectacle of fireworks, music, lighting, lasers and choreographed special effects kites. The show takes us on a journey through the past, present and future of Epcot, featuring a stirring collection of songs that paint a colorful picture of the park, with a look towards the future and all the magical possibilities still to come.
From the various "behind the scenes" clips that Disney has shared in past weeks and months leading up to the new show, we know that music of Epcot's past will play an important role in the show. As Disney Parks Blog recently described it, "From 'Magic Journeys' and 'Tomorrow's Child' to 'Listen to the Land' and 'One Little Spark,' 'Epcot Forever features Epcot themes produced in fresh new arrangements" recorded by London Symphony Orchestra and a choir of singers from across Central Florida.
Disney Parks Blog shared a behind the scenes look at the recording of music for the new show. Video ©Disney.
Epcot Forever debuts just a night after the final performance of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. That show's twenty year run began as a part of the park's Millenium Celebration in October 1999, and it became a staple of the park's nightly entertainment. The Illuminations name has been part of Epcot's fireworks shows dating back more than a decade before that, but it too has been retired with last night's show. Epcot Forever will have a limited run, as Disney has already announced that Epcot will debut a new "permanent" nighttime spectacular named "HarmonioUS" (yes, with the capitalized "US") at some unspecified date in 2020.
For guests in the park after the conclusion of Illuminations during the final nights of its run, it was possible to hear a new narration at the bridge between China and the Outpost when the fireworks barges returned to their backstage storage area. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Skyliner is Open
The newest Disney transportation system, Disney Skyliner, opened on Sunday, September 29. As we reported in last week's Update's Views Around the World, I had an opportunity to ride the new Disney Skyliner transportation system during a cast member friends and family preview. On Friday, I had the opportunity to ride after the official dedication ceremony during a media preview, and, then, on Sunday, after its public opening, I rode the system again to see how it was functioning as a transportation system.
Learn how Disney Skyliner works in conjunction with Disney Resort Buses, Monorails, and Watercraft in providing transportation around Walt Disney World. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
The new gondola transportation system is intended to give guests at four Disney resort hotels (Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Caribbean Beach, and the as yet to open Disney's Riviera Resort Disney Vacation Club property) an alternative transportation means for getting to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. The system is, however, open to anyone at Walt Disney World, just like the Disney Buses, Monorails and Watercraft. Indeed, with Disney's BoardWalk, Disney's Yacht & Beach Club, and the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin within a 15-20 minute walk of Disney Skyliner stations at both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Epcot, guests can now more easily travel between resort hotels without paying for Minnie Vans, Uber, Lyft, taxis or such, or, indeed, having to travel first to a park or Disney Springs by one bus only to then have to change for another.
Walt Disney World Resort's newest guest transportation system is Disney Skyliner, a skyway-style network of gondola transport passenger cabins that travel along three separate lines that start and end at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort and head to: 1. Disney's Hollywood Studios; 2. Epcot International Gateway (with a station along the line at Disney Vacation Club Disney's Riviera Resort (resort opens in December); 3. Hourglass Lake serving Disney's Pop Century and Art of Animation Resorts. Board at any station during posted hours of operation. Video by Alan S. Dalinka. (includes his comments along the way and portions of his interview with Walt Disney Imagineering Principal Architect Dean Huspen.)
As I reported after the cast preview, I found the rides aboard Disney Skyliner to be remarkably quiet and very smooth. When the cars were moving, the ventilation in the passenger cabins was comfortable—in fact, with Disney has already adopted the term "Skyliner Hair" to describe what happens to passengers with longer hair during a breezy ride.
The passenger cabins are, of course, less comfortable when stopped. Stops while riding are not the norm for most riders. Each station has a separate load/unload area for guests traveling in wheelchairs or ECVs. When those cars join the mainlines, the rest of the system usually does not need to be stopped. However, over the three separate days I rode, I experienced several stops, most lasting no more than three or four minutes; of course, the longer the stop, the more uncomfortable it does get in the passenger cabin which seats up to 10 (maximum capacity is reduced to six when a guest is loaded in a wheelchair or ECV). On Sunday, the longest stop I observed was caused by a child that was not being closely attended by parents; the cast member in the loading position saw the child running alone on the platform to the wrong car and immediately stopped all the cars on the line for the safety of the child.
Because parties with guests traveling in wheelchairs or ECVs are loaded separately, on Sunday, during operations that were open to all guests, I noticed that some may have been experiencing longer waits than guests traveling in other cars. On the whole, with a lot of curious folks checking out the Disney Skyliner at midday on Sunday, it took around half an hour to get from Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort's station to Epcot's International Gateway. Timewise, that is likely comparable to a resort bus. In my opinion, and, much to my pleasant surprise, even with stops in the heat, it was a more pleasant experience that riding a full Disney Bus. Disney Skyliner, of course, has some rather unique views too.
On the whole, I enjoyed the rides more than I was expecting.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Along with the opening of Disney Skyliner, Disney released a new line of merchandise celebrating the new transportation system. The merchandise is available in the parks and resorts with stations on the system: Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Caribbean Beach, and, when it opens in December, Disney's Riviera Resort.
Learn about the Disney Skyliner themed merchandise available at the parks and resorts with stations along Disney Skyliner's lines. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival to Return March 4 to June 1, 2020
With Walt Disney World, planning ahead is the name of the game for visitors and Disney provides information quite some time out for folks to do just that. We told you all about Christmas back in July; a few weeks ago, we learned the dates for the return of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, and now we know the dates of the 27th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival: March 4-June 1, 2020. The celebration of spring will certainly have a different look this year with construction walls up around Future World for its tranformation into new neighborhoods, but the Outdoor Kitchens and Garden Rocks Concert Series will both be back. Herbs, produce, and "bedding plants in every color of the rainbow" will decorate the park, along with dozens of "flower towers" and floating gardens.
The Festival is also known for its topiaries, and Disney Parks Blog says Snow White, Elsa and Anna, Belle and Beast, Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Miss Piggy and Kermit will all be among the returning featured characters. New this year will aslo be a Remy topiary that will serve as "the centerpiece of a new Ratatouille Garden at the France pavilion," which will also include vegetables used in a ratatouille recipe. Remy's Ratatouille Adventure, the new attraction at France pavilion, of course, is also expected to open during the summer (but, given how Disney defines "seasons" may or may not be during the run of the Festival).
The Festival will also a Play Garden and Family Play Zone. GoGoSqueeZ will also again present The Goodness Butterfly House, and the Festival will again include a "How To" garden with tips for home gardeners. As Disney shares more details, you can find them on FreshEpcot.com or by calling (407)W-DISNEY, and, of course, we share the major announcements here in our weekly Updates and will include announced Garden Rocks performers in our Epcot Calendar.
In the meantime, as Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update Disney Parks continues to expand its menu of plant-based food options. Starting today at quick service locations around Walt Disney World, and October 3 at table service locations, these items will be noted on menus by a new icon. Disneyland menus will follow in Spring 2020. You can read more details on Disney Parks Blog.
More Disney Parks Leadership Changes
Not surprisingly, following the news we reported last week regarding the departure Catherine Powell, President of Disney Parks West, responsible for overseeing Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Disneyland Paris Resort, and the organizational elimination of her position, this week, Chairman of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products, Bob Chapek, announced more management changes. George A. Kalogridis, president of Walt Disney World Resort moves to the new position of President, Disney Segment Development and Enrichment, responsible for developing strategic and operational business initiatives and rolling out "best practices" across the business units. He will also lead Disney Institute, be a "strategic advisor" to park operators, and will serve as the "official Global Ambassador for Walt Disney World Resort's 50th Anniversary Celebration," as he was an opening day cast member back in 1971.
In November, Josh D'Amaro, president of Disneyland Resort, moves back to Walt Disney World Resort as its new president. Before leading Disneyland, he previously had roles at the Florida resort including senior vice president overseeing marketing strategy, sales, and business development, senior vice president, Resorts and Transportation, and vice president of Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Disneyland Resort's new president will be Rebecca Campbell, who moves to Southern California from London where she served as president of The Walt Disney Company's Direct-to-Consumer & International segment for Europe, Middle East, and Africa. She previously was president of the ABC-Owned Television Station Group and ABC Daytime. Michael Colgazier, who is responsible for Disney parks and resorts in Asia, will add Disneyland Paris to his responsibilities, with that park's current president, Natacha Rafalski, reporting to him.
As we noted last week, ordinarily, we do not tend to note Disney Parks management changes in our Updates. Last week, The Hollywood Reporter attempted to draw between Catherine Powell's departure and the openings of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, which it says "fell flat on attendance." It is hard to know what the management-level changes mean for folks planning trips to Disney Parks in the long run, but, of course, in the short term, we keep you up to date on the Festivals, closings and openings we know about to help you plan your Walt Disney World visits.
Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar
American Gardens Theatre continues its presentation of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series three times nightly through November 18 as part of this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. 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. The entire schedule is published, but, of course, always keep an eye out for signs when you enter the park noting last minute changes. There are even more details and you can make reservations for dining packages including guaranteed concert seating by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407)939-3378. Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes on November 18 to begin preparing the stage for Candlelight Processional, but the Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23.
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, and Ming-Na Wen are all scheduled as celebrity narrators this year, with two more narrators yet to be announced. 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.
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 announced 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
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Along with a Cast Member friend, I finally tried the Wild Africa Trek tour experience at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This extra-charge offering has been at the park for over eight years, but it not only comes with a price tag (that, yes, is discounted for Cast Members), it has weight limits (45 to 300 pounds) and some physical stamina requirements that I was not always certain that I would meet, but do now. If you want to read more about it, it really has not changed much since our Mark Goldhaber wrote about it here on MousePlanet back in April 2013. I include it this week, mostly because it provides some great photo opportunities of the animals of Kilimanjaro Safaris that you do not usually get on the regular ride, particularly because the Wild Africa Trek takes guests to places the regular safari trucks do not and the tour lingers longer near the animals. I very much enjoyed the experience and, depending on available discounts, would do it again.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Wild Africa Trek provided a spectacularly lucky view of the lions on a fairly hot September afternoon, but, quickly, the male lion did what he is most known for on Kilimanjaro Safari rides (he got back in to a sleeping position). Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
As we reported last week, UP! A Great Bird Adventure returned from its brief hiatus with a somewhat revised show. The new version is sort of a hybrid of the show with Up's Russell and Dug learning about asian bird friends, but now have the help of another human Wilderness Explorer a bit more like the Flights of Wonder show that UP! A Great Bird Adventure replaced. In short, the show is an "edutainment" show about birds.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Riviera Resort
Though not scheduled to open to guests until mid-December, this week we were invited to learn more about the next Disney Vacation Club property at a Media Open House hosted at the DVC preview center located at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. All guests may sign up for an Open House tour by visiting a DVC desk in the parks, Disney Springs, or resort hotels (of course, the non-media version of the Open House tour includes a solicitation for the timeshare interest that underlies Disney Vacation Club). Like all DVC resorts, DVC members can book stays in the new property using points; anyone can book a stay at the property for cash and the property's new food and beverage options are open to all guests. For more about the new resort, including the sleeping configurations of the 1-Bedroom and Deluxe Studio (which can become part of a 2-Bedroom lock-off), see our Instagram Story Highlight.
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
A Disney Vacation Club guide demonstrates how the new pull-down style beds work. Riviera Resort includes "Tower Studios" which accomodate two guests plus and infant and only have the new pull-down bed; the pull-down style bed is also found in the living room of 1-Bedroom and 2-Bedroom villas in the new resort. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That…
…Here at MousePlanet's Walt Disney World Resort weekly Update, it is no secret that we rely upon Disney Parks Blog as one of several official and very reliable sources of news about what's going on around the Resort. Well, on Saturday, as Disney Parks Blog itself reported, it celebrated its 10 year anniversary. Congratulations to the team that gets that Disney Parks news online for us all to stay informed!
…With fall here, Disney Parks Blog highlighted three fall treats that are Disney's Typhoon Lagoon exclusives through November 23, 2019: 1) Pumpkin Milkshake at Leaning Palms; 2) Pumpkin Cream Churros at Lowtide Lou's; and 3) Pumpkin Sundae at Happy Landings Ice Cream.
…Disney Parks Blog shared that the 2019 Disney Grants program (#GrantedByDisney) awarded $200,000 toward STEM-focused educational opportunities for Central Florida youth. Orlando Science Center received a $100,000 Disney Grant to assist in bringing its Head Start program introducing STEM concepts to preschool classrooms of more than 50 local educators. PACE Center for Girls received a $100,000 Disney Grant to bring a new experiential learning program to Orange and Polk County learning centers run by the organization dedicated to shaping the futures of young girls through education, counseling, training and advocacy. Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics—STEM—are important to Disney's creation of "innovative and unforgettable experiences."
…In the Writer's Note for our Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 10-16, 2019, we shared the story of six year old Jermaine Bell's selfless act of compassion during Hurricane Dorian's passing of the South Carolina Coast—buying hundreds of hot dogs, bags of chips, and bottled water for evacuees with money he saved for a Walt Disney World vacation—and Walt Disney World's offer to provide him and his family with a VIP vacation. This week, the now seven year old and his family took that trip and Disney Parks Blog shared the highlights.
Disney Parks Blog shared the highlights of Jermaine Bell's VIP trip to Walt Disney World Resort. Video ©Disney.
…REMINDER: Special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests began September 1, and are scheduled daily through November 2, at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios (including, of course, its Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area).
…Disney Cruise Line announced a limited-time return to New Orleans in 2021, with sailings to the Bahamas and Caribbean, including Castaway Cay. For more information, contact your travel agent, or visit DisneyCruise.com or call 888-DCL-2500.
…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.
…REMINDER: Disney Parks Blog notes that the Disney's Days of Christmas store in the Marketplace is now offering Halloween Personalization on Halloween decorative items. Some items are pre-personalized, other qualifying items can be customized starting at $3/word or art element.
Jaleo
NEW Chef Jose Andres' favorite cocktail is presented with an autumn spin during Jaleo's fall Gin and Tonic Festival now underway through October 7. The venue has three different cocktail specials: Gone Apple Picking, Doesn't Take an Empire, and London Dry.
Raglan Road
Raglan Road reminds us that Halloween’s roots are Celtic, originating with the Irish Samhain (pronounced "Sah-ween"), marking the end of the harvest season. To ward off evil spirits, this year's Raglan Road Halloween cocktail is the Samhain Sangria, made with Jameson Black Barrel whiskey, Wither Hills sauvignon blanc, apple cider, seltzer, house-made cinnamon syrup, fresh cranberries, apple and orange.
Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood
For those looking to sing to the stars (the actual celestial ones rather than Hollywood's), Stargazers Bar at Planet Hollywood now offers karaoke night every Friday from 8 p.m. until midnight. No reservations are needed for the outdoor (but covered) venue where seating is first-come, first serve. Stargazers also offers "happy hour" from 4-7 p.m. and 10 p.m. until midnight featuring draft Florida craft beers, house wines, and well drinks.
Morimoto Asia
MorimotoFest, a Morimoto Asia celebration in the spirit of Oktoberfest, will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. featuring pairings of Pan-Asian bites from ten food stations featuring sushi, a raw bar, ramen, dumplings, stir fry, and Morimoto's signature spare ribs, and fall-themed craft beers from Crooked Can Brewing Company, Red Light Red Light, Cask and Larder, Sideward Brewing, Hourglass, Orange County Brewers, Tactical, Bowigens, Motorworks, and The Tank. DJ Jimmy Joslin will be providing live entertainment during the event, and there will be exclusive merchandise available for sale. Tickets are $55/adult and $25/children ages 4-12, with premium seating available for a party of four at a private booth with "dedicated butler-style service" for $500. For more information and tickets, visit MorimotoAsia.com. NEW MorimotoFest expects to provide an opportunity to Meet Iron Chef Morimoto himself!
Wine Bar George
Wine Bar George continues its salute to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival with Hennessy Week featuring special cocktails daily October 7-13, and with ticketed tastings and parties October 8-12. For more information and tickets, visit WineBarGeorge.com/events.
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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.
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Upcoming Events
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend - October 31 - November 3, 2019
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 2020
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend - April 16-19, 2020
Just click the year you want to expand (or close).
2019 Resort Events
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 (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.):- January 6 & 13
- January 17 & 20
- January 9, 16, 22, & 30
- February 6, 13, 19, & 27
- March 5, 12, 19 & 26
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts - January 17 to February 24, 2020
- 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
- MORE EVENTS COMING SOON!
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.
Magic Kingdom
- Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial – Final show was September 29, 2018.
- Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as "available seasonally throughout the year"
Be aware that it is increasingly unlikely it will reopen; the attraction's lobby is usually used for greeting Stitch - Walt Disney World Railroad – Closed as of December 3, 2018 to accommodate TRON construction (reopening to be announced). Guests can visit a Walt Disney World Railroad train at Main Street Station.
Epcot
- Gallery of Arts and History (Morocco Pavilion) – Closed for refurbishment.
- O Canada! – the film has been retired and the theatre currently is the Appleseed Orchard marketplace during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; "Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360" will debut as the new film in January 2020.
- Reflections of China – the film will be retired and will be replaced with "Wondrous China" presented in a seamless 360° digital format.
- Future World "transformation" closings – Major transformation announced at D23 Expo in August, closings and relocations include:
- Innoventions - all exhibits now permanently closed, effective September 8, 2019
- Club Cool closed effective September 8 (to reopen in "a new capacity at a future merchandise location")
- Fountain of Nations closed effective September 8
- Fountain View featuring Starbucks closed effective September 8 (will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall, 2019)
- Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot - relocated September 8 (look for signs in Future World West)
- Electric Umbrella will close in Winter 2019-20. (New dining options to be announced)
- Mouse Gear will close in its current location in Winter 2019-20. (It will move to a temporary home to be announced)
- Art of Disney will operate from a temporary location before eventually relocating to Heritage Manor at The American Adventure
- Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to open in its place in approximately 2021. - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – Closed February 3, 2018.
New film entitled "Awesome Planet" will debut in January 2020 - Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Show retired: September 30, 2019.
Epcot Forever debuts October 1 for a limited run which will be followed by a new nighttime spectacular "HarmonioUS" in 2020 - Liberty Inn - the fast-casual restaurant closed for reimagining starting July 8, 2019.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will open later in 2019 in its place.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- March of the First Order – concluded parades down Hollywood Boulevard on July 6, 2019.
First Order Stormtroopers have "redeployed" inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – Currently only available during Star Wars Guided Tours
- The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
The new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2020.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Primeval Whirl – is listed as "temporarily closed" with no further published information
As of September 23, 2019, no FastPass+ service is available for the attraction for at least 30 days.
Disney Water Parks
- Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is closed for enhancements with no announced reopening date.
Disney Springs
- Bongo's Cuban Café– Closed in August 2019
Beatrix from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises coming to West Side at a date to be announced. - DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
The NBA Experience opened on the site on August 12, 2019. - La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
A new Cirque du Soleil show is in development with previews to begin March 20, 2020, and its world premiere April 17, 2020.
Disney Resorts
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Mizner's Lounge closed for refurbishment;
Announced reopening as "Enchanted Rose" in Fall 2019 with a new Beauty & The Beast theme. - Caribbean Beach – The overall construction project at the Resort is expected to be completed 2019–20. The resort's new lobby, restaurants and other amenities, including Sebastian's Bistro, Centertown Market, and Banana Cabana are all now open.
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Big Blue Pool will close for refurbishment beginning in Fall 2020.
- Disney's Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will be closed for refurbishment through winter 2019.
Walt Disney World Golf
- No known closures.
Current Discounts and Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.
Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.
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For Everyone
Mid-Day Magic Tickets
Disney has introduced a new park ticket that provides one admission per theme park each day after 12:00 p.m. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information.
Fall & Holiday Season Resort Hotel Offers
Save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels in late 2019. Book through December 24, 2019 for stays most nights November 10, 2019 through December 24, 2019.
Deluxe Villas and Resort rooms are offered at up to 20% off; Moderate Resort rooms up to 15% off; Value Resort rooms up to 10%. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for all the details, exclusions, dates and availability, or call (407)939-2727 or your travel agent.
Meal Vacation Package Offers
If you are considering a Walt Disney World Vacation Package that includes a non-discounted 5-night/6-day stay, Disney dining plans are included in the package when include the hotel and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights November 17 to 27, and December 8 to 23, 2019. Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Resort packages include the free Disney Dining Plan; Moderate and Value Resort packages include the free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package and the theme park tickets must be valid for admission on the date of check-in and be used within a limited number of days (which varies by length of stay). Gratuities are not included. Kids between ages 3 and 9 must order from children's menu where applicable. The package does not guarantee access to any specific table-service restaurants.
Read more information and exclusions, and check availability on this page of DisneyWorld.com, or call (407)939-7216 or your travel agent.
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 for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com.
For Annual Passholders
| Expect to be required to show your Passholder Card and matching photo ID to receive a discount and other benefits. |
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Benefits & Promotions
Epcot encourages Annual Passholders to make repeat visits to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by offering a number of benefits and a few "gift" items. Like recent past festivals, there are two complimentary magnets available to Passholders during the Festival ("while supplies last"). Through October 14, Passholders (with valid pass and matching photo ID) can get a complimentary Chef Minnie magnet; from October 15 through November 23, Passholders can get a complimentary Chef Remy magnet. Passholders that visit the Festival four times (as tracked by using the AP to enter the park rather than checking in at any particular location inside the park) can also receive a complimentary Chef Minnie wooden coaster set. All of the Passholder "gifts" can be picked up at Mouse Gear or Disney Traders (one of each per Passholder during the specified timeframes and only while supplies last).
In addition to the usual 20% Passholder discount available on merchandise purchases in the park, there is also a 10% discount on Eat to the Beat Concert Series dining packages. The Festival will also have an assortment of Passholder-exclusive tee shirts, caps, mugs, pins, and more. For Passholders that purchase a special $100 Chef Minnie Disney Gift Card at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders, the Bridge Kiosk or Port of Entry (with valid pass and matching photo ID), they will also receive a $10 digital bonus to use at select Table Service restaurants at the park including Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (where the usual 10% AP discount also remains available).Other Discounts and Benefits
The other usual Passholder discounts and benefits continue as well. The updated list is at DisneyWorld.com/PassBenefits.(You may need to sign in to see the full list applicable to your pass.) Don't forget about the dedicated V.I.PASSHOLDER SUPPORT service for questions about Passholder benefits and recommendations. Call (407)WDW-PASS or on-line chat (via chat button on this page of DisneyWorld.com) daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, by email (via a web form), or in-person at Liberty Square Ticket Office in Magic Kingdom, Ticket Central at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Ticket Corner at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Many dining locations offer Passholders 10% discounts during some or all meal periods (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity).
The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. Remember, not all merchandise locations at Walt Disney World are owned and operated by Disney, but some of the non-Disney participants (including restaurants) offer discounts between 10 and 20% to Passholders as well. Note, the current terms and conditions include, "Discount is for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise."
The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort.
The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort.
For the current list of Passholder Extras visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Passholder Extras include information about V.I.Passholder Perks, discounts on Disney After Hours events, Animal Encounter and tour discounts, Water Park discounts, Golf discounts, and more.
Magic Strollers, "a Disney featured stroller provider," offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP18 to arrange your rental. It is listed on the "Passholders Extras" page of the Passholder website (last checked September 9, 2019).
Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
| Reminder to MagicBand users: You must still show your Disney Visa credit card to receive discounts and other benefits. Discounts are not automatically applied even if you have linked your Disney Visa credit card to your MagicBand. |
To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information.
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks
Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS
15 percent off select guided tours
Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs.
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). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions.
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 this page of disneyrewards.com.
Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin, Basin White, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom.
15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services
Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions.
10 percent off select recreation experiences
Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
- Carriage Rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Horseback Trail Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot
Present your Disney's Visa Card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Present your Disney's Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).
For Military Personnel
2019 Military Promotional Tickets
January 1 through December 19, 2019
- Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$241.00
- Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $291.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $257.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $307.00
Prices do not include tax and tickets must be used by December 19, 2019.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.
U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19, 2019.
For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.
NEW 2020 Military Promotional Tickets
January 1 through December 18, 2020
- Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$265.00
- Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $315.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $283.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $333.00
- Six-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $301.00
- Six-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $351.00
Prices do not include tax. Six-Day Tickets must be purchased by December 13, Five-Day Tickets by December 14, Four-Day Tickets by December 15. Tickets may be used from January 1 through December 18, 2020.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.
U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 from January 1, 2020, through December 18, 2020.
For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. No more than two Memory Maker products may be purchased at the special price by the service member or spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.
Special Rates at Resort Hotels
U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2019, for stays most nights through December 19, 2019. For 2020, discounts are available most nights January 1 through April 4, and April 19 through December 18, 2020, when booked by December 18, 2020. Offer excludes suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. For 2019 rates, call (407)939-4249 for information and reservations, and find 2019 eligibility details listed on this page of DisneyWorld.com. For 2020 information and details, visitthis page or call (407)939-7825.
Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Florida Residents
| Expect to be required to show proof of Florida Residency for discounts and benefits. |
Seasonal Flex Ticket
Florida residents can purchase tickets for use on most dates through February 29, 2020, without picking a specific start date. The tickets, which can be used on non-consecutive days, must be purchased by December 17, 2019, and used in their entirety by February 29, 2020. The tickets are blocked out November 21-28, 2019, and December 18, 2019, through January 2, 2020.
- 3-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day plus tax)
- 4-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day plus tax)
Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com and click on "Read More" in the Florida Resident Seasonal Flex Tickets section. That page also provides a link where Florida Residents can save 40% on 4-Day Tickets and 30% on 3-Day Tickets compared to the non-resident prices of the same tickets when selecting specific visit start dates.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Disney Vacation Club Members
Member Benefits and Discounts may be found on this page of DisneyVacationClub.com. Note: some benefits and discounts are only available to those with a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card which is only available to Members owning at least 75 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.
Call DVC Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to take advantage of most offers.
If you know of an offer that you think most Members do not know about, please drop us an email with the details.
For New England Residents
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrates February's big football game victory by the team from New England by offering the Champions Package to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. For stays through December 24, 2019 (minimum stay of three nights required), the Champions Package includes $100 meal credit, which can be used at Shula's Steak House (named for NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula) or any other restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. It also includes a "one category complimentary room upgrade that does not include suite upgrades." Guests must have valid state identification at check-in from an eligible state. More information and details of the offer are available at this page of SwanDolphin.com. More information and reservations are available by calling (800)227-1500 and mentioning "CHAMPS."
For Canada Residents
NEW Now until February 2020, Canadian residents can save 20% on theme park tickets. They must be purchased by February 7, 2020, and the offer is NOT available at theme park ticket windows. Visit Disneyworld.ca/tickets for more information.
All adults using Canada resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canada residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. The offer itself requires advanced purchase; it is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions.
Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For U.K. Residents
You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. For early 2020 arrivals, the site advertises a package including free dining, $100 gift card, and 14-Day Ultimate Tickets for the price of a 7 Day Ticket with Memory Maker.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
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