Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 23-29, 2019

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer

April 23, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 23-29, 2019

Writer's note: After a strong storm passed through Central Florida during the day on Friday, this past Easter weekend saw some of the nicest weather around Walt Disney World Resort so far this year. Easter Sunday saw midday temperatures in the mid-seventies with unlimited skies and very low humidity. With many school districts around the country having already had their spring breaks long before this year's fairly late Easter weekend, crowds in the parks were quite reasonable (much lower than some of the recent peak weekends).

Maleficent breathes fire into the nearly unlimited blue skies in front of Cinderella Castle during Easter Sunday's showing of Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade at Magic Kingdom.

Of course, starting May 1, the only smoking inside the parks will be that created by Disney fire-effects; this map of in-park smoking areas at Epcot will soon become obsolete. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

While the biggest news of the week was for Disney's West Coast parks (see Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix's Disneyland Resort Update for April 22-28, 2019) we have some News and Views around Central Florida too, with some bigger items coming up as we head towards summer…

News and Views

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Disney's Animal Kingdom to Update Rivers of Light

Disney's Animal Kingdom's nighttime show, Rivers of Light debuted just over two years ago. The long-anticipated show suffered from several technological delays before its debut on Discovery River between the base of Expedition Everest and the Theater in the Wild (home of Finding Nemo: The Musical) in DinoLand U.S.A. Not billed as a nighttime spectacular like the nighttime shows at the other parks, and without fireworks that could disturb the park's animal residents, the beautiful show has not been the sortthat packs in guests performance after performance. While live performers were eliminated from the show several months ago, the show has always centered on its illuminated lantern floats, projection screens, and other special effects.

Yesterday, Disney Parks Blog announced that the show will be updated starting Memorial Day Weekend with a new title, Rivers of Light: We Are One, which "weaves together the original musical score and familiar Disney themes to create a powerful arrangement that inspires and caries us through moments of discovery, fun, friendship, fear, love, and family." Other updates to the show will include imagery from Disneynature films and "classic moments" from Disney animation.

Memorial Day is Monday, May 27. "Disney weekends" sometimes begin as early as Thursday; we will share the exact debut date on social media when we get that information and will publish it in a future edition of the Update.

Back in February 2017, we shared a 4-minute condensed video of the entire original show, including live performers. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Celebrate Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary on May 1

Next Wednesday, May 1, Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Walt Disney World park currently undergoing a massive transformation, turns 30 years old. Regular readers know by now that the next phase of the park's transformation is scheduled to take place on August 29, with the opening of the first phase of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge's 14-acre immersively themed area. But before that monumental day, the little park that started with the notion of a great movie ride addition to Epcot and, instead, became the Resort's "third gate" with the opening day name "The Disney-MGM Studios Theme Park" will celebrate its "past, present, and the new, exciting future" with a one-day roster of special events and the debut of limited supply anniversary merchandise and food and beverage offerings.

Buzz Lightyear in Toy Story Land (which opened last June) looks toward Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge which opens August 29, as the park changes its focus from "behind the scenes" of the movies from being immersed into the worlds represented by the movies. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The spires of Batuu, the planet guests visit when journeying to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, are a prominent feature of the park's skyline viewed from its parking lot.

The main billed event of the day is Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary Star-Studded Celebration, a cavalcade starring Mickey Mouse and friends, stepping off at 10 a.m. and heading down Hollywood Boulevard, presumably along the old parade route from near the park's entrance, past the Chinese Theatre and over to the parade gate next to Star Tours. Guests entering the park will be able to pick up a special 30th anniversary commemorative guide map and button as well.

Art deco style 30th Anniversary signs line Hollywood Boulevard from the park's gates toward the Chinese Theatre. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though the park's gates officially open on May 1 at 9 a.m., the special 30th anniversary merchandise goes on sale at 8 a.m. The merchandise will include a new adult T-shirt, baseball cap, Tervis 24-oz tumbler, MagicBand, and an ornament. There will also be Passholder-exclusive merchandise.

Special anniversary food and beverage items will be sold throughout the park, including Kylo Ren cupcakes, Incredibles macarons, tres leches verrine, and more. The Disney Parks Blog Foodie Guide for the event shows off many of the items and lists a number of "legacy offerings," dishes that are offered at the park year-round that have been around since Day One. For those that miss the Sorcerer's Hat icon, the ABC Commissary and Fantasmic! food carts will even offer a lemon sponge cake tribute.

Many of the banners celebrating the park's upcoming 30th anniversary are themed for attractions nearby; here, Queen Elsa is near the "For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration" at the Hyperion Theatre.

At 9:05 p.m., the park will debut its new nighttime projection show, Wonderful World of Animation on the facade of the Chinese Theatre. The new show, replacing Disney Movie Magic, will feature moments from the Disney and Pixar animated libraries, including Sleeping Beauty, The Incredibles, and Coco, among others. The nightly showing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular follows at 9:30 p.m.

For those that want to celebrate even more, that night the park hosts a special edition of its Disney After Hours (separate admission required) event. In addition to the event's usual offering of little to no-wait for many park attractions, the Chinese Theatre Courtyard will host "beloved Disney characters" for meet and greets, and more will be available at Star Wars Launch Bay. After Hours attendees will also be able to catch an encore performance of "Wonderful World of Animation" during the event.

What will not be open, however, will be any of the park's Day One attractions. All of them, including the park's Great Movie Ride"which served as the anchor for its creation and was formerly housed inside the Chinese Theatre, have been retired. The longest-running show in the park, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular debuted shortly after the park's opening, and it is scheduled for five performances throughout May 1.

Back at D23 Destination D: Celebrating Mickey Mouse last Fall, Disney said that Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway would open inside the Chinese Theatre this fall. However, in Friday's Disney Parks Blog post announcing the addition of the same attraction to Mickey's Toontown at Disneyland in California in 2022, the penultimate paragraph noted that the attraction is now "planned to open at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World Resort in spring 2020." (Emphasis added.) No information about the delay has been given by Disney, but with the park focused on the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge on both coasts before this fall, it is not a major surprise.

Mickey & Minnie as depicted in current Disney Channel shorts inspire the new Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway now slated for a Spring 2020 debut inside the park's Chinese Theatre. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Coverage note: we have been invited to a media preview of the 30th Anniversary Celebration on April 30 and to the Celebration itself on May 1. Since the preview falls the day after our next Update, for those looking for the lastest information about the celebration, be sure to follow @MousePlanet on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. We will provide live streamed and near-live coverage as technology and the events permit.

Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates Earth Month

Yesterday, April 22, was Earth Day. Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on Earth Day 21 years ago (April 22, 1998), and the park celebrated this weekend with its three-day "Party for the Planet" offering "family-friendly experiences and specialty offerings" to give guests the opportunity "to explore, engage and connect with the magic of nature." The event offered special PhotoPass opportunities, character appearances, entertainment, and opportunities to meet Disney animal care experts and educators, as well as its conservation experts. Joe Rohde, Walt Disney Imagineer and Portfolio Executive, was also on hand for a Tiffins Talk, art work signing, and, based on his Instagram posts, general strolling through the park that he was one of the major creative forces behind from its inception as well as its addition of Pandora-The World of Avatar in 2017.

The park's 20th Anniversary banners were replaced with Party for the Planet banners for the weekend's celebration.

Disney PhotoPass Photographers had special props available for Party for the Planet photo opportunities.

The parks entry also was decorated for Party for the Planet and, just beyond (and to the left), guests entering the park could see the "larger-than-life" sculpture celebrating the latest Disneynature film, "Penguins.""

The "Penguins" sculpture was built from marine debris like a similar sculpture which is standing in Future World West at Epcot.

The Fairy House Ladies, a local business that often participates at Epcot festivals and sells fairy houses made with items from nature and recycled materials, sold their creations at the park during the Party for the Planet. They will next appear at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival starting May 7.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney says it celebrates Earth Day everyday. As you have read in our Updates and elsewhere, Disney has publicized a great deal of its recent environmental efforts over the past several years. Most notable to some is the Disney company-wide effort to reduce its consumption (and guest availability) of single-use plastic, like plastic straws. Disney's Animal Kingdom, of course, has only ever offered paper straws for its guests' use for the safety of its animal residents.

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Happy Earth Day every day aboard a #DisneyBus at #WaltDisneyWorld - #disneytransport #disneybus #earthday #earthmonth #photobyasd

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Disney buses note the Disney Transport's fleet-wide use of 50% renewable biodiesel fuels to run the buses. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Last week, Disney also invited us to help it celebrate "#EarthMonth" by providing invited media with a tour of its new 270 acre, 50-megawatt solar facility. Located on the western side of Walt Disney World property along FL-429, the solar facility was built in collaboration with Reedy Creek Improvement District (the governmental body that acts similar to a county government over the Resort area) and solar developer Origis Energy USA. The facility is expected to generate sufficient energy to operate two of Disney's four Florida theme parks (or about a quarter of the Resort's overall needs during peek sun hours) and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 50,000 tons per year (equivalent to removing about 10,000 cars from the road annually).

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Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director for Disney Parks, Experiences & Consumer Products discusses the new solar facility that now provides about of a quarter of the power needs for #WaltDisneyWorld Resort. #EarthMonth Video by @alandalinka (invited media)

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Angie Renner, Environmental Integration Director for Disney Parks, Experiences & Consumer Products spoke to us about the new solar facility. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Over a half million solar panels have been installed in the new facility. This one which media was invited to sign will not be used to generate power, but will be put on display at a Disney science facility. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The solar facility also has been designed to provide a habitat for native wildlife, and especially pollinators. Test gardens were set up near FL-429, to allow Disney environmental and horticulture experts to find plants and conditions that would be welcoming habitats for butterflies, bees, and helpful insects, as well as endangered and other at-risk species. Nearly two-thirds of the facility is designed to be pollinator-friendly.

Test gardens have been set up at the solar facility near FL-429 to determine conditions best for creating welcoming habitats for pollinators. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

All told, the new facility is Disney Parks' largest endeavor in solar energy. While the solar facility is not among the largest in the world, the Origis representative said that it is unique in its size for a facility located so close to a major metropolitan area. Disney and Reedy Creek representatives say that the facility is as large as the useable land permits, particularly with the wetlands on Disney property. In 2016, Disney, in collaboration with Reedy Creek Improvement District and Duke Energy put a 22-acre, 5-megawatt solar facility shaped like Mickey Mouse online near Epcot.

Unlike the Mickey-shaped solar facility near Epcot, the new solar facility has been created with sun-tracking capability so that the panels follow the sun in the sky from the east to the west each day, reaching approximately position parallel to the ground at mid-day. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walt Disney World Resort Celebrates Easter

In recent weeks, we have been sharing Easter Egg photos from the lobby of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa as well as Epcot's annual "Egg-stravaganza" scavenger hunt, Easter Sunday over this past weekend fell well-past many school district's Spring Break, making the parks feel a bit more spacious than they have been lately. Magic Kingdom celebrated the holiday with a mini-parade ahead of Easter Sunday's showing of Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade. Over this past week, Contributor Donald Fink got a look at the culinary team's Easter Egg creations over at Disney's Yacht & Beach Club and I took a look at those at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower.

Miss Inga (in green) was dressed in her special dress for Easter Day when the Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. gathered for their on-going celebration of Mickey and Minnie Mouse's 90th birthday.

A special Easter mini-parade preceded Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade on Easter Sunday, including characters dressed for the season.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny rode in the convertible during the park's Easter parade.

Daisy Duck led the Azalea Maids of Mobile, Alabama in the Easter parade.

The gazebo float was filled with bunnies.

Clara Cluck rode in her henhouse along the parade route.

Disney PhotoPass Photographers had Easter props available for photo opportunities on Sunday.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

It’s the #magickingdom #easterparade Live from #WaltDisneyWorld via @AlanDalinka with the Azalea Maids from Mobile, Alabama https://t.co/FCSgQBGNsB
— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) April 21, 2019

We streamed the Easter mini-parade featuring the Azalea Maids of Mobile, Alabama, led by similarly attired Daisy Duck live on @MousePlanet Twitter on Easter Sunday from Magic Kingdom. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

Easter Eggs are on display at the Yacht and Beach Club resorts, near Epcot. Here is a display in the Beach Club lobby. Both hotels will display these chocolate creations until April 28th.

This Mickey egg is a commemorative Easter Egg available at the Beach Club. There's also a Minnie egg available.

This is a teapot and cups from "Alice in Wonderland." You can see some of the characters from the story including, presumably, Alice in the teacup on the right.

In a scene inspired by "Beauty and the Beasrt," rose petals drop from one of the blooms.

Here is Judy Hopps (top) and Nick Wilde from the 2016 animated film, "Zootopia."

Stitch first appeared in 2002 in the film, "Lilo and Stitch."

There's no Peter Pan here, but here's a scene of Skull Island from Disney's animated feature, "Peter Pan."

Mr. and Mrs. Potato Head are impersonating Easter Eggs in this scene in the Beach Club.

Easter Eggs representing the Fab Five, from left to right are Donald, Minnie, Mickey, Pluto, and Goofy. In the back is the Easter Bunny.

Dumbo, who seems to be everywhere these days.

Bambi and Thumper in a field.

Mr. and Mrs. Easter Bunny are seen here in egg form. They are usually found in person at the Magic Kingdom.

In the foreground, we have eggs representing "101 Dalmatians," the Queen of Hearts from "Alice in Wonderland," and Maleficent. Behind them, you can see the Minnie (left) and Mickey Collector Edition eggs that are available in the lobby of the Beach Club Resort.

Photos and captions by Donald Fink.

Disney's Contemporary Resort and Bay Lake Tower

The Easter Eggs at Disney's Contemporary Resort will also be on display until April 28. Minnie Mouse and Mickey Mouse decorated eggs flank a center egg that was decorated with an ink that could only be seen under black light.

The Easter Eggs are on display in the Contemporary's main floor lobby near the front desk.

The egg at left celebrates the Society of Explorers and Adventurers (S.E.A.) which makes up the backstory for several Disney Parks attractions around the world, including The Jungle Cruise and Skipper Canteen at Magic Kingdom.

These eggs celebrate Disney's "Aladdin," Stitch, and Chip and Dale.

The magic mirror's face (from Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs") looks almost the same as part of an Easter Egg.

Which do you think came first, the egg or the swan?

A smaller egg celebrating Disney's animated "Dumbo" is on display with some larger, more abstract creations.

Next door, at Bay Lake Tower, two tables also displayed Easter Eggs, several of which celebrated Disney's "Moana."

And, in usual Disney fashion, while some of the eggs celebrated classic animation, some aimed for a bit of humor.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

This year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will debut on August 29 (yes, the very same day that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios) and will run a record 87 days, through November 23. The three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series will only run August 29 to November 19, to allow the America Gardens Theatre stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional. The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will run November 29 through December 30, including the three-times-nightly retelling of the traditional Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a mass choir and live orchestra. Eat to the Beat performers and Candlelight celebrity narrators have not yet been announced.

In the meantime, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues its Garden Rocks Concert Series on the America Gardens stage three times nightly through June 3. For more information or for reserving dining packages with guaranteed concert seating, call (407) WDW-DINE or visit FreshEpcot.com. Passholders can save 10% on food and beverages (except alcohol and excluding tax and gratuity) on dining packages for themselves and up to three guests.

Dennis DeYoung, former lead singer of STYX, and his band performed Garden Rocks Concerts at Epcot earlier this month. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Before the Food & Wine Festival this summer, Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! will return to the stage from June 14 through August 18. Star-Lord and Gamora (along with an "alien" band) will take a "musical journey" that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes. The show will be performed multiple times daily.

With Groot remotely patching "Awesome Mix" music into the headphones of of an alien band, Star-Lord tried to teach them how to become the "Galaxy's greatest cover band" during last summer's edition of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! Concerts. Gamora seemed unimpressed. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Garden Rocks Concert Series performers at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. All of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live!, Eat to the Beat Concert Series and Candlelight Processional dates are now noted as well, though we do not yet know the scheduled performers or celebrity narrators. Where our Google Calendar of Epcot Events includes a list of the scheduled 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 last minute changes. You can add the whole Event calendar to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link and, as we get additional information and update the calendar, the calendar will update on your subscribed device as well. The calendar is provided as a courtesy "as is, where is" without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it and keep it updated, 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

We have views all over the "World" this week. Let's get to them and, as always, be on the lookout for more little bits of news in the captions!

Magic Kingdom

Construction has gotten underway for the Transportation and Ticket Center arrival experience (as we predicted recently). Tram service currently does not travel under Seven Seas Drive between the parking lot and tram stop, but does run from near this location to all areas of the parking lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The current "temporary" configuration of the tram station (with hedge-walls and concrete highway dividers) was created about two years ago when the main security bag check for Magic Kingdom moved here from just outside the park gates. It is likely that this area will be extensively enhanced and themed in coming months now that construction has begun. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Ever looked up above the buildings facing Cinderella Castle around the Central Plaza Hub? The screen here on the southwestern side of the plaza appears to be exactly the shape of the Castle viewed from that location and is positioned in front of one of the digital projectors (a similar screen is located on the southeastern side).

The Tomorrowland Speedway guide track has been reinstalled near the loading area; the attraction is expected to reopen in May.

The Speedway roadway has been reconfigured to accomodate the construction of the TRON-themed roller coaster which is expected to debut in 2021.

Even more vertical construction for the new coaster can be seen next to Space Mountain this week.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Like at the TTC, the "arrival experience" at Epcot is now under construction and the tramway is closed well-before reaching the tram station under the monorail station.

The future pre-show area for the film "Awesome Planet" is now behind curtains inside The Land pavilion. No opening date has yet been announced for the new film.

Living with the Land's greenhouse has colorful displays for The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, which continues through June 3.

A crane lowers steel in place for construction of the space-themed restaurant next door to Test Track. No opening date has been announced for the new restaurant that will be run by Patina Restaurant Group (the same group that manages food operations at Italy and several restaurants at Disney Springs.)

Construction on the island near China pavilion for the future nighttime spectaculars appears nearly completed.

No more construction is evident on the island near Japan pavilion for the future nighttime spectaculars.

International Gateway reconfiguration is underway, likely ahead of the expected opening of its nearby Disney Skyliner gondola transportation center later this year. The touchpoints to enter the park have been relocated under the temporary white shade structures.

The entire area from near the International Gateway's friendship boat dock to the current park entry point is lined with construction walls, creating a narrow corridor for guests to walk toward the boat dock, Epcot Resorts and Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

For those that seek the Starbucks "Been There Collection" mugs, this is the latest edition celebrating Epcot available at Fountain View (the park's Starbucks location). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The latest ceramic Epcot-themed Starbucks tumblers are also available at Fountain View. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The "arrival experience" at Disney's Hollywood Studios is also undergoing major changes. Disney Skyliner gondola testing is on-going.

A new shade structure continues to take shape along the tramway near the current temporary security bag check stations.

Near the Disney Skyliner station at the park's entrance, a large section of the pavement in front of the Sorcerer Mickey topiary garden is now blocked off by construction walls.

Inside the park, Mickey and the globe are still absent from atop Crossroads of the World.

Further inside the park, Disney's Hollywood Studios now has a "Guest Experience Team" outpost including a video display of current attraction wait times at the end of Hollywood Boulevard just before the projection towers at the Center Stage.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

As Central Florida spring kicks into full gear, Disney's Animal Kingdom really gets green.

The Otter Grotto (supported by OtterBox, naturally), is now open on Discovery Island near Pizzafari.

Look carefully toward the center of this photo and you may spot an otter that briefly stopped darting about.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Coronado Resort

Gran Destino Tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the central lake at Disney's Coronado Resort, is scheduled to open in July, adding 545 rooms to the moderate resort which hosts many conventions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Following the fire that severely destroyed the historic eight-century old Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France last week, The Walt Disney Company committed $5 million to aid in its reconstruction. As has been true since Epcot opened in 1982, the film Impressions de France at Epcot includes scenes of the landmark cathedral. The film's pre-show lobby includes a museum exhibit about the Cathedral as well.

Notre-Dame is a beacon of hope and beauty that has defined the heart of Paris and the soul of France for centuries, inspiring awe and reverence for its art and architecture and for its enduring place in human history. The Walt Disney Company stands with our friends and neighbors in the community, offering our heartfelt support as well as a $5 million donation for the restoration of this irreplaceable masterpiece.
—Robert A. Iger, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company

The France pavilion's preshow lobby for "Impressions de France" has long included a museum exhibit featuring Notre-Dame Cathedral. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Disney Parks Blog showed off the current progress being made testing the new Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system expected to debut this fall. The nearly 300 cabins can each accomodate up to 10 guests, including guests using wheelchairs or other assistive devices, and will connect four Disney resort hotels with Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios "in minutes."

Disney Parks Blog shows off the interior of one a Disney Skyliner guest cabin and provides more details about the new transportation system expected to begin service later this year. Video ©Disney.

…On Mother’s Day, Sunday, May 12, Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort's Garden Grove will present a special brunch buffet featuring Disney character dining. The Mother’s Day Brunch Buffet will be served from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Garden Grove's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet is priced at $38.99 for adults and $19.99 for children ages 3-9. Themed after the tranquil gardens of Central Park, guests who step into Garden Grove will immerse themselves under a beautiful 25-foot oak tree adorned with twinkling lights and paper lanterns. For reservations and more information on Garden Grove, please visit https://www.swandolphinrestaurants.com/gardengrove/index.html or call (407)934-1618.

…REMINDER: Last week, we shared the news that Disney Vacation Club Member sales have begun for its 15th proposed property, Disney's Riviera Resort at Walt Disney World, and that Member bookings opened April 10 for those with it as a home resort, and will open starting May 16 for other eligible Members for stays starting December 19. Now, as posted on Disney Parks Blog, general sales have begun as well (with some limited time incentives available). Disney Vacation Club also has announced a sweepstakes to win a stay at the new resort. Visit RivieraResortSweeps.com to read the rules, watch a short video, and complete the registration form to enter for a chance to win a 5-day, 4-night Disney Vacation Club getaway—for you and up to 7 Guests—that includes: Accommodations in a Two-Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort, 3-Day Walt Disney World Theme Park Tickets with Park Hopper Option, and airfare (but only if the winner lives more than 250 miles away from Walt Disney World Resort).

…REMINDER: a sneak peek preview of Disney's new live-action version of the film Aladdin has debuted inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The limited-run preview also is shown aboard ships of Disney Cruise Line and at the Main Street Opera House at Disneyland in California.

Two of the stars of the film, Will Smith and Mena Massoud, introduce a preview to the preview that opened at Disney Parks and Disney Cruise Line on April 19. Video ©Disney.

…Beyond Walt Disney World Resort, Disney Cruise Line introduced Captain Minnie Mouse and launched new nautical youth programs and scholarships designed to empower girls and young women to pursue careers in the cruise industry. Read more and see how Minnie looks in her new uniform on the Disney Parks Blog which, also shows off some of the merchandise saluting Captain Minnie and announced the new shipboard-exclusive Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Captain Minnie Mouse makeover available for your children.

…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.

As we noted last week, the Disney Springs Ticket Center is now open in the Town Center area near the Welocme Center and Blaze Fast Fire'd Pizza. You can read more about its available services on Disney Parks Blog.

More Parking Now Available at Disney Springs

The new Grapefruit Garage on Buena Vista Drive opened to the public last Tuesday, April 16, 2019. It is located on the south side of Buena Vista Drive, across the street from the Lime Garage (and, according to Reedy Creek Improvement District Cast Members, Disney Springs Cast Members are required to park in the new garage). The two older Disney Springs garages, Orange and Lime, have been undergoing technology work relating to the systems used to indicate where spaces are available, and, at least, as of last week, both still had some work ongoing that could still interfere with traffic flow and limit the number of spaces available in those garages.

We’re excited to share the Grapefruit Garage, the third parking garage along Buena Vista Drive, will officially open April 16! The new garage provides even more parking for guests & a new pedestrian bridge allowing for convenient and safe access directly to the Marketplace. 🚗 pic.twitter.com/9jlYD1zCkE
— Disney Springs (@DisneySprings) April 9, 2019

The stairway to the Grapefruit Garage may seem a bit longer than the stairs to the Lime or Orange garages. That's because it is. Entry to the Grapefruit Garage is on level three. On the other garages, it's on level two. Of course, if you're not interested in the extra climb, there is an elevator just behind the stairs. (BF)

There are two right turn lanes on Buena Vista Drive into the Grapefruit Garage. These lanes are in front of the Racetrack gas station and approach from the west, in the eastbound traffic. There are no left turn lanes from westbound Buena Vista into the garage. The left-most of the right turn lanes will take you into the garage on Level one. The right lane will proceed to the upper levels of the garage without first driving through level one. (BF)

The pedestrian walkway from the Grapefruit Garage crosses Buena Vista Drive and enters Disney Springs near the World of Disney. Guests enter the walkway from the third level of the garage which is different from the Lime and Orange garages. (DF)

Grapefruit Garage is equipped with elevators and escalators. Like the Lime and Orange garages, escalators and elevators service all levels except level five. Level five is accessed by elevator. And of course, all levels can be accessed by stairs. (DF)

The Grapefruit Garage has four charging stations. They're on level three. One of the EV stations is also a Disabled Person parking spot. According to a Reedy Creek Cast Member we spoke with, you can park in the Disabled Person EV charging station whether or not you have a vehicle that needs charging, but if you intend to park there and charge your vehicle, you'll also need a Disabled Person sticker. (DF)

NEW Photos and Captions by Bonnie Fink (BF) & Donald Fink (DF).

Wine Bar George

Wine Bar George recently introduced its new "Wine Country Brunch," which is now offered every Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 a.m. until 3 p.m. See the menu online here or download a PDF of the menu here. Reservations are available on OpenTable.

Terralina Crafted Italian

For Mother's Day, May 12, Terralina's menu will have Maine lobster and sweet corn ravioli with mascarpone and chives in a saffron cream ($36).

For Father's Day, June 16, Terralina's menu will include braised osso Bucco in a rich spicy tomato and fennel ragu ($34).

Paddlefish

For Mother's Day, May 12, Paddlefish's menu features Lobster Ravioli ($33) paired with a blush mimosa ($13).

For Father's Day, June 16, Paddlefish's menu includes rib eye, shrimp skewer, bearnaise, whipped potato ($47), and bourbon daddy's ($15). Just ahead of Father's Day, on June 15, the venue is hosting a Father's Day Scotch/Bourbon Tasting and Cigar Rolling event from noon to 3 p.m. ($75) with more details coming soon.

The Edison

For April's Burger of the Month, The Edison is offering its "Prime Pretzel Twist Burger," which features its sinature blend of sirloin, short rib, and brisket topped with sautéed mushrooms and shaved prime rib au jus on a freshly baked pretzel roll. The Edison's recommended adult beverage pairing for the burger is a tall glass of "Booker's Tea," a southern-inspired cocktail featuring Knob Creek Barrel Bourbon, Ketel One Peach & Orange Botanicals Vodka, simple syrup, honey, Woodford Orange Bitters, and fresh brewed herbal tea.

The Prime Pretzel Burger is The Edison's April Burger of the Month. Image courtesy Patina Restaurant Group.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

The Smuggler's Series is offered at Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar monthly through October. Based on our hosted media-invited experience, for those interested in learning a bit about the beverages they drink, these sessions can be quite informative and the restaurant's culinary team works hard to prepare dishes to compliment the beverages served.

►Hendricks Gin, Saturday, May 4, 2 p.m., $60 per person

►Terrapin Brewing Company, Wednesday, June 19, 7 p.m., $45 per person

►Bourbon - Tim Hiesler, Bourbon ambassador for Jim Beam, Basil Hayden, Maker's Mark
Wednesday, July 17, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Scotch, WM Grants - Balvenie & Glenfiddich, Wednesday, August 21, 7 p.m., $60 per person

►Crooked Stave, Wednesday, September 18, 7 p.m., $45 per person

►Tito’s Vodka, Wednesday, October 23, 7 p.m., $60 per person

Meet Disney Artist Ashley Taylor in WonderGround Gallery in the Marketplace Co-Op

April 26, 3-6 p.m.; April 27 & 28, 12-3 p.m; & April 29, 3-6 p.m.

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an email.

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

2019 Resort Events

Disney After Hours:(hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date)
…at Magic Kingdom:
- May 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30
…Disney Villains at Magic Kingdom (Tickets go on sale 4/29)
- June 6, 13, 20 & 27
- July 1, 11, 18 & 25
- August 1 & 8
…at Disney's Hollywood Studios (including two "special" events):
- May 1 (30th Anniversary), 4 (Star Wars), 10, 17, 24 & 31
- June 14, 21 & 28
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
- May 7, 14 & 21
- June 4, 11 & 18
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic:(registration required)
…at Epcot
- May 13 & 20, 2019
- Registration filled
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- July 18, August 8 & 22, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: June 5, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: June 12, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
…at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
- September 18 & October 16, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: August 14, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: August 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Party with Pixar Pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios – January 18 - September 30, 2019
25 Years of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 6 – June 3, 2019
Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) - April 26-28 and November 16-17, 2019
April 26: Disney Springs; April 27: Magic Kingdom; April 28: Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios 30th Anniversary – May 1, 2019
Includes ceremony, one-day-only parade, and the debut of "Wonderful World of Animation" projection show
Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon (hard ticket required)
Thursday & Saturday nights from May 30-August 24, 2019.
Gay Days at Walt Disney World (#RedShirtDays - unofficial events) - August 15-18, 2019
Disney's Animal Kingdom: August 15; Disney's Hollywood Studios: August 16;
Magic Kingdom: August 17; Epcot: August 18
Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
- August 16, 20, 23, 27, 30
- September 2, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 24, 27, 29
- 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
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) — Late Fall/Winter 2019
- 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

2020 Resort Events

Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 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 Epcot Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney Water Parks Disney Springs Resorts WDW Golf