Walt Disney World Resort Update December 29, 2014 - January 4, 2016
by Stephanie Wien, contributing writer
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Update for December 29, 2015 - January 4, 2016
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Outburst at Disney Springs Causes Panic | The Edison Details Emerging | New Discounts Available for Spring 2016 | New Year's Eve Entertainment Schedules | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Outburst at Disney Springs Causes Panic
A 70-year-old man became combative while at Bongo's Cuban Cafe on December 25, nearly causing a stampede outside at Disney Springs. As reported by the Orlando Sentinel, Luis Antonio Ojeda-Reyes was upset about the long wait for his meal and asked to speak with a manager. When the managers arrived and apologized, Ojeda-Reyes pushed and attempted to punch one of them causing other restaurant employees to intervene. He was escorted out of the restaurant and subsequently arrested.
During the incident, patrons downstairs heard the outburst and noise from the scuffle upstairs and ran outside claiming they had heard gunshots. Panic began to spread through the crowd outside as the Bongo's patrons encountered others, including those in nearby Paradiso 37. The reaction was compounded by several sounds that appeared to be gunshots in the aftermath. Police worked to calm the crowds once they confirmed that a shooter was not present.
The Edison Details Emerging
More details of The Edison are emerging as permits are filed for its construction. The lounge will open at Disney Springs in 2016 in the lakeside space between Paradiso 37 and the pedestrian bridge to the area's west side section. The restaurant and bar will be themed to a 1920s power plant with an Industrial gothic vibe.
Plans filed with the South Florida Water Management District show the two levels of the structure. The ground level area includes areas labeled "The Patent Office," "The Radio Room," "Telegraph Lounge," and "The Tesla Lounge." The lower level plan shows a glimpse at the existing area that may be converted into the hinted speakeasy bar located in the area underneath The Landing walkway. The restaurant will also have an outdoor dining area overlooking the lake.
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New Discounts Available for Spring 2016
The Family Time package offers a 5-day/4-night Walt Disney World vacation package for a family of 4 for as low as $1,714. The package includes 5-day theme park tickets and a 4-night stay in standard rooms at Disney's All-Star Music Resort for as low as $1,714 for a family of 4. Book this offer through February 28, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights February 22 through March 3, 2016 and April 3 through May 26, 2016.
Other great rates are also available for alternate lengths of stay and party sizes for stays most nights February 22 through June 11, 2016. Travel must be booked from December 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016.
The Magic Your Way package offers up to 25 percent off on rooms for travel from April 14 to June 11 with a booking window from February 29 to March 31, 2016.
Find a full list of resorts and discounts on the Small World Vacations blog.
New Year's Eve Entertainment Schedules
If you're going to brave one of the four theme parks on New Year's Eve, make sure to get to your chosen park early and expect long wait times for attractions as well as food locations and even restrooms. At Epcot, temporary restroom trailers are set up along the walkway from World Showcase back toward the Imagination pavilion to accommodate the extra crowds.
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New Year's Eve Park Hours |
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| Fireworks & Nighttime Shows | ||
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Magic Kingdom |
Celebrate the Magic |
7:00 p.m. |
| Electrical Water Pageant | 9:00 p.m. | |
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Fantasy in The Sky Fireworks |
11:50 p.m. |
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Epcot |
Illuminations: Reflections of Earth |
6:00 p.m. |
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New Year's Countdown Fireworks |
11:40 p.m. |
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Disney's Hollywood Studios |
Fantasmic! |
7:00 p.m. |
| Symphony in the Sky – New Year's Eve Fireworks | 12:00 a.m. | |
Views From Around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares images from around Walt Disney World.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Epcot
This and That
…Visitors to Disney's Hollywood Studios who were diverted to park elsewhere when the lot was full were given a voucher for free parking and dining at Epcot or Disney's Animal Kingdom. Veronica Figueroa shared an image of the flyer on twitter:
@MousePlanet here's a better picture of the comped park/dining. #Disney pic.twitter.com/wMms2IXL1W
— veronica figueroa (@vfigueroa1991) December 28, 2015
Large crowds visiting the final season of Osborne Lights have caused the lot to fill almost daily.
…Vanessa Williams (actress, Desperate Housewives and Ugly Betty) will perform at Disney's Yacht Club Resort's Countdown to Midnight: NYE2016 party. The event can be booked by calling 407-WDW-DINE. Tickets are $300 and include drinks, food, and entertainment that also includes an Adventurer's Club reunion. More details are available at the event website.
…A new food and beverage location has opened at Disney's Animal Kingdom near the entrance to Expedition Everest. Thirsty River Bar and Trek Snacks will help serve the crowds at the seating area for the Rivers of Light show, which is still under construction. The current snack menu is mainly comprised of ice cream treats, with some savory items including hummus.
…A Honduran man has been arrested for allegedly molesting an 11-year-old girl on board the Disney Magic. 31-year-old Juan Manuel Palma Ortega (reportedly a merchandise cast member on the ship) was detained when the ship returned to port in Miami, and is being held on three counts of molestation as well as an immigration hold pending deportation. Read the full story as reported by 7News on wsvn.com.
…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
2016
- Star Wars Experiences – December 1, 2015 – March 20, 2016 (tentative end date)
- 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – March 2 – May 30, 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 has passed.
- 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. You must submit proof of time no later than 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 |
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| Dec. 29 |
Disney Springs
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| Dec. 30 |
Disney Springs
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| Dec. 31 |
Disney Springs
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| Jan. 1 |
Disney Springs
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| Jan. 2 |
Disney Springs
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| Jan. 3 |
Disney Springs
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
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 - February 11 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18-22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 - July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 - September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15-21 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" – closed August 22 - September 15 for refurbishment.
2016
- Soarin' &ndash closes January 4, 2016; reopens sometime in "summer of 2016" as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film.
- 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 – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
2016
- 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. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closes January 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- None currently scheduled
- Entire park closed through January 3, 2016 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed January 3 - March 13, 2016 for refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 - April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 - 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 - September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. 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 $169 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 $149, a $20 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 |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount 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 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20, 2016 April 1, 2016. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 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 |
None at this time. |
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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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