Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 10-16, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 10-16, 2019

 

Writer's note: As we had hoped at the time we published last week's Update, Hurricane Dorian passed Central Florida without significant impact and operations around Walt Disney World Resort quickly returned to normal. To those in the Bahamas that were hit with the full force of the Category 5 storm, and to those all the way up the Eastern Seaboard up into Canada, our thoughts are with you, and we direct our readers in the United States to the official website of the American Red Cross for Hurricane Dorian disaster relief and donations. Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy have been transporting relief supplies to Disney's Bahamian island, Castaway Cay, for distribution to the hardest hit parts of The Bahamas, in addition to The Walt Disney Company's $1 million donation to relief organizations.

On Sunday, September 8, Mickey Mouse, Walt Disney World Ambassador Marilyn West, and a group of Walt Disney World cast members made a surprise seventh birthday visit to Jermaine Bell to celebrate his selfless act of compassion during Hurricane Dorian's passing of the South Carolina coast that was in the news over the weekend. Since before his sixth birthday, Jermaine had been saving money for a birthday trip to Walt Disney World Resort, but when he learned Dorian was causing evacuees to pass through the South Carolina town where he was visiting his grandmother, he spent his savings to buy hundreds of hot dogs, bags of chips, and bottled water to provide, free of charge for those fleeing the storm. Walt Disney World Resort will provide Jermaine and his family a VIP vacation at the Resort later this month.

Walt Disney World Ambassador Marilyn West shares Jermaine's story. Video ©Disney.

As the news reflects, this is the traditionally quiet time of year around Walt Disney World Resort. Also, no doubt, Hurricane Dorian caused more than a few folks to alter their visiting plans, maybe even making it more quiet than usual around here. Even Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge has not required "Boarding Groups" to enter the land at Disney's Hollywood Studios since its August 29 debut, and wait times for Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run have been reported as low as 30 minutes from time to time (with 50-60 minutes being most common when we have looked). Be aware, of course, that the "Now More Than Ever" marketing push that began back in January is about to come to an end on September 30—with Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom, Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and partying with The Incredibles in Municiberg at Disney's Hollywood Studios all still listed as "Limited Time Magic." And, that same day, Epcot's nearly twenty year run of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth comes to an end too.

Of course, as Orlando Sentinel notes, there are more tropical weather systems to keep an eye on at this time of year…

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Epcot International Festival of the Arts Begins January 17, 2020

With the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival having just gotten underway, and the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays ready to follow it, this week it was time for the park to announce this winter's return of its newest park-wide celebration. The fourth annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts will run January 17 through February 24, 2020.

The Fourth Annual Epcot International Festival of the Arts begins January 17, 2020. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like the 2019 run of the Festival, in 2020, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series will again return to the America Gardens Theatre nightly. The new Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along (directed by Don Hahn) will also debut in the France pavilion during January 2020 (though no exact date has yet been announced when it will begin to be shown in the theater that will also continue to show Impressions de France). Likewise, in January, Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360 will debut with new scenes and a new story in the Canada pavilion, while Awesome Planet will also begin showings in The Land pavilion.

The almost "surprise" introduction of the festival back in 2017 as a Thursdays-through-Mondays-only offering (which I wrote about here) during an otherwise quiet time at the park pretty quickly evolved to a popular seven days-a-week annual seasonal event. For planning, be aware that there are times when the Festival of the Arts has drawn crowds comparable to the other Festivals, and this year's Festival will face the added challenge of the ongoing multi-year park transformation, which includes changing Future World into three distinct neighborhoods: World Discovery, World Celebration, and World Nature.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

The American Gardens Theatre presents 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. 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, but the Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23.

Joey Fatone will be appearing "With Friends" from November 12-14, 2019, for Eat to the Beat Concerts. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the Fountain of Nations closed effective September 8, the Dance du Jour party takes place on a stage on the Future World East side of Innoventions East during this year's Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The slightly early end of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series allows for preparation of the theatre for the seasonal return of Candlelight Processional. During the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, Candlelight Processional combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story three times per night (5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m.), from November 29 to December 30. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, and Lisa Ling are all scheduled as celebrity narrators. Guaranteed seating is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages opened on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages (or call 407-WDW-DINE).

Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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 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

Construction is the theme of most of the views around the Resort this week.

Magic Kingdom Arrival Experience: TTC to the Park Gate

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot (and its transformation

The latest map of Future World in the My Disney Experience app already shows the Fountain of Nations and half of the Innoventions West building removed.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

After midnight on some recent nights, the night sky has been illuminated by light beacons testing at Epcot that could be seen from miles away ahead of the October 1 debut of "Epcot Forever." Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

With last month's opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, the My Disney Experience app has an updated map of the park.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Tonight (September 10, 2019), from 6:30 to 8;30 p.m., there will be an exclusive V.I.PASSHOLDER pop-up event featuring new merchandise from the "Arendelle Aqua" collection inspired by Frozen at Epcot's Future World West next to the Flavors from Fire outdoor marketplace. The collection includes Minnie Mouse ear headbands, spirit jerseys, loungefly backpacks, limited edition pins, and more. The Passholder event also includes the first opportunity to purchase Arendelle Aqua food and beverage that will be available around Epcot. Registration is NOT required, but a valid annual pass and photo ID are required to enter and purchase (and to get the applicable 20% Passholder discount). For a look at the collection, see Disney Parks Blog, and the "full reveal" of the Collection will be on Friday, September 13.

…With Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge now open at Disney's Hollywood Studios, three of its food and beverage locations are now accepting mobile orders using the My Disney Experience app: Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, Ronto Roasters, and the Milk Stand. As is true for all mobile order locations, placing a mobile order does not guaranty entry to a park or specific land, so be sure to pay attention to whether the land is "open" for all guests or using timed "Boarding Groups" (of course, except for opening day, we have not seen reports of the land using "Boarding Groups" for entry).

…As Hurricane Dorian was passing Central Florida on Wednesday morning, an eland calf was born at Disney's Animal Kingdom which has been named Doppler in honor of its post-storm arrival. The calf and mother will remain backstage for the next several weeks before being allowed on to the savanna. Disney Parks Blog has a first look at baby Doppler who was born as part of a species survival plan in partnership with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

…With the recent opening of the newest Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney Parks Blog notes that there are now three Disney PhotoPass Studios where guests can take photos without reservations (and, yes, the photos are included in Magic Maker and other PhotoPass packages). Sir Mickey's at Magic Kingdom (near the park's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique) and the second floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort lobby offer studios with standard backdrops; the studio at the Marketplace at Disney Springs has both a standard backdrop and a variety of virtual (digital) backdrops for photos.

…Have you ever scored a hole in one on a Walt Disney World Resort golf course? There is a page on the Walt Disney World Golf website that includes the honor roll of those that have. The Official GolfWDW Blog says that for amateur golfers, the odds of a hole in one on a par-3 hole are around 12,500 to 1, and invites those that have scored an ace on a Walt Disney World Resort course to let them know after reading more here.

…REMINDER: Lots of restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort (including several at Disney Springs) are again participating in Visit Orlando's Magical Dining 2019. Including more than 120 restaurants around the Orlando area, the program in its 14th year, runs through September 30, 2019. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe dinners for $35 per person, and $1 for each meal served benefits local charities. Visit the official website for Magical Dining 2019 for the list of participating restaurants and more details.

…REMINDER: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort presents the return of its Food & Wine Classic on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9. For its 10th year, the Classic will debut a surf party-themed area called Hang 10 on the resort's beach, with a live band, decorations, and two new dishes: Fry Basket (clams, shrimp, oysters and fries) and Hearts of Palm Ceviche. The area will also offer new beverage selections, including Spritzes and hard seltzer water. Returning themed areas include The Pig and The Poke, Chinatown, Carnival Corner, The Bubble Lounge, and a beer garden. For information and tickets, visit SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-888-828-8850.

…REMINDER: The 2020 Disney Parks Moms Panel Search is open through noon Eastern on September 12. Entering its 13th year, the "Search" seeks folks with personal experience with Disney Destinations and evaluates applicants based on their ability to communicate that knowledge to prospective guests in "easy-to-understand and friendly ways." As Disney Parks Blog says:

the Disney Parks Moms Panel is the "official" digital forum for Guests to ask detailed personal questions about planning a variety of Disney vacations. Helpful tips, heartfelt advice and unique insights are provided from real guests who have mastered the art of planning Disney vacations. The panel also offers tips in four languages – English, Spanish, French, and Portuguese. To find out more, visit momspanelsearch.com.

…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).

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.

New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs

This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.

NEW Views Around Disney Springs

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Wine Bar George

Join George for a blind tasting of six wines during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Learn to taste wine like a professional on September 14 or 21 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Tickets and more information are on this EventBrite webpage. Afterwards, as always, stay for dinner and choose from more than 140 wines by the glass, bottle and ounce alongside small plates and family style entrees.

Beatrix

As announced last month by Disney Parks Blog, Beatrix restaurant by the Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises will open a new venue at Disney Springs West Side (at an unspecified date and location). Now that Bongo's has closed, that location is a likely site, but we await official news.

Beatrix is your neighborhood restaurant, coffeehouse and grab-and-go market featuring healthy food options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan along with fresh-squeezed juice cocktails. The restaurant will also offer a bakery and full-service bar with a selection of all-American beer and wine.

There are several existing Beatrix restaurants in Chicagoland which you can read about at Beatrixrestaurants.com.

The Edison

The Second Annual "A Gatsby Evening at The Edison" has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 19. Guests are invited to get "dolled up in your best flapper attire, donning your 1920s style suits" to celebrate the great novel by "dancing the night away in style." A few glasses of complimentary Moet Champagne will be served and a selection of passed signature appetizers will be available for attendees. The evening's entertainment includes a red carpet arrival, live music, stilt walkers, an aerialist, dancers, a crystal balancer, a magician and a complimentary photo station. Doors open at 7 p.m. but only to guests 21 or older. Tickets are $79/person (plus tax and gratuity) with more information at this Patina Restaurant Group web page. The Edison is offering Cast Members a 15% discount for the event.

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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. More runDisney event information

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

2019 Resort Events

2020 Resort Events

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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.

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Current Discounts and Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.

Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.

 

 

Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.

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

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For Military Personnel

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