Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 6-12, 2019

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer

August 6, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for August 6-12, 2019

Writer's note: Not unexpectedly, it was a very quiet week for news around Walt Disney World Resort. Indeed, some of the Central Florida school districts are already just days away from resuming their students' class schedules. In fact, we are almost ready to head in to the time of year that in the previous five summers that I lived here were always the reliably quietest time of year. When is that, you ask? Well, that week or two after Labor Day.

Oh, wait. Just before that usually quiet time, my big neighbor down the road decided that it will open that "little" 14 acre, biggest single-themed land addition to a Disney park. Yes, Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios on August 29. Like at Disneyland, the land here in Florida will open with the Millennium Falcon: Smuggler's Run attraction, and all of the land's food and beverage offerings and merchandise locations operating. Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance attraction is scheduled to open here in Florida on December 5, and then will make its west coast debut in January.

In recent weeks, the wall advertising the new land came down at the end of Grand Avenue at Disney's Hollywood Studios. In the past week, Cast Member Friends and Family Previews got underway inside the new land. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This past week, Disney Parks Blog provided an overview of the food and beverage options available in the Florida version of the land and highlighted a few adult beverage options that are Florida-exclusives. And, to take the food imaginings into your home, Disney Parks Blog also shared details of a new cook book coming this Fall inspired by the new land and the Star Wars Universe too.

So, because it was such a quiet week for news, and because, yes, I am a friend of a Cast Member and personally got to attend a preview of Batuu (the planet you visit when you go to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge), we will start with a photo tour of some highlights of what MousePlanet's Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix dubbed "Batuu II" or, as I have seen some on social media call it "SWGEFL." I suppose we get to thank Batuu I for already being open that these are the rare (for Disney) Cast Member previews that do not have photo restrictions. (NBA Experience has had Cast Member Friends and Family Previews underway for several weeks, and we are not allowed to share any photos from those until after the venue's Grand Opening next Monday, August 12.)

As Adrienne promised in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update, in future weeks, I look forward to discussing the handful of differences between the two coasts' versions of the land. I will be back at Hollywood Studios for my Annual Passholder Preview of the land, and, then, I will be out in Anaheim for D23 Expo (with our West Coast Contributor Todd Pickering) and expect to be able to spend some time at Disneyland's version of the land before coming back to Florida in time for the Media preview and official dedication of the land. Stay tuned, especially to our Social Media channels, as that's where we post stuff as close to real time as we can (and, perhaps, I'll even have a live stream chat or two with Todd Pickering)!

A special guide devoted to Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge includes a map of the land and an Aurebesh Decoder for uncovering the writing system used in the land (when it is not also translated into English).

As promised by the land's designers, the fighters, droids, props, scenery, and more are life-size and authentic to a Star Wars story.

The Rise of the Resistance attraction is the only part of the new land that is not open during previews and is not scheduled to be open here in Florida until December 5.

Like at Disneyland, Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is currently the only "attraction" in the new land operating (both now, during previews and when the land opens August 29).

The queue for Smugglers Run provides views of the "Falcon" from above.

Inside the attraction, Hondo borrows the "Falcon" from Chewbacca and assigns guests a smuggling mission.

Guests are provided boarding passes assigning roles aboard the "Falcon" - there are two pilots, two gunners and two engineers on each run.

As advertised, the specially-designed Coke products are sold in Galaxy's Edge - the Florida price: $6 including tax for Coke, Diet Coke, and Sprite.

The Market is highly detailed and includes the Creature Stall, Toydarian Toymaker, Black Spire Outfitters, and Jewels of Bith.

In addition to the merchandise that is unique to Galaxy's Edge (which we will show off in future social media posts, articles, etc.), the details of Toydarian Toymaker include nods to famous scenes from the Star Wars Saga.

Ronto Roasters is one of the quick service food locations in the new land.

The outside of Dok-Ondar's Den of Antiquities looks like the overflow stock of an antiques store.

Inside, Dok-Ondar keeps busy and sometimes keeps an eye on his staff and/or the customers.

Oga's Cantina has a posted maximum occupancy of 246 guests, so it is likely that reservations will be required. Admittedly, it was fun to hear Rex again, especially when he shouted, "Lightspeed to Endor!" despite the fact that he is now just a DJ.

A First Order Tie Fighter is "parked" next to First Order Cargo. During the previews held so far, there has been no live entertainment at this location as seen at the similar location at Disneyland; characters do, however, roam the land.

Even with the Earth's moon in the sky, the land is nearly entirely immersive, day or night.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Passholder Offerings at 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and Disney's Animal Kingdom Coming Soon

As has been the case for many years, 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"). When the Festival starts and 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).

Passholder gifts are available during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Images ©Disney.

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).

Now, if that August 29 start date for the Festival sounds familiar - and it should if you have read this far (or any of our Walt Disney World Resort Updates for the past several months) - it is the same date that Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge opens over at Disney's Hollywood Studios. So, perhaps to lure Passholders away from that other park that day only, Passholders will also find exclusive character greeting opportunities at Epcot and Disney's Animal Kingdom: Winnie the Pooh at Christopher Robin's room in the United Kingdom at Epcot; Baloo, as well as Tarzan and Jane at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

From August 29 to September 2, Disney's Animal Kingdom will also offer "Passholder-exclusive hidden menus." Visit Dawa Bar, Thirsty River, Restaurantosaurus Lounge and Nomad Lounge from 3-6 p.m. and ask for the special menu.

Finally, Passholders visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom from August 29 to September 5 can get another complimentary magnet. The special Simba magnet will be available at Discovery Trading Company with valid pass and matching photo ID (while supplies last).

The Simba Passholder magnet will be available at Disney's Animal Kingdom from August 29 to September 5. Image ©Disney.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

This summer's five times daily performances of the the Guardians of the Galaxy – Awesome Mix Live! on the America Gardens stage continue through the Sunday after next with the final performances on August 18. Passholders can enjoy reserved seating on a first-come, first-served basis for concerts through the end of the run on August 18 when entering the theatre on the Japan pavilion side and showing a valid annual pass and matching photo ID. Star-Lord and Gamora, along with an "alien" band, take the audience on a "musical journey" that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes. It is the same show that was performed last summer, and each live performance includes the same set list. Check the Times Guide and the My Disney Experience app for the daily schedule.

Guardians of the Galaxy - Awesome Mix Live! is scheduled on the American Gardens stage five times daily.

As a one time resident of Earth, Star-Lord attempts to teach an alien band music appropriate for Epcot (from the 1970s and 1980s, like on his "Awesome Mix Tapes, Vols. 1 & 2," of course).

Gamora flies through her performance with the band (at least, when she is not annoyed with Star-Lord).

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

As Labor Day weekend approaches, this year's edition of the 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). Recently, Disney Parks Blog provided more details about some of this year's marketplaces, noted that bookings are now open for the Tailgate Tastings hosted by ESPN's Monday Football (on select Sundays Starting September 8), listed some of the Radio Disney headliners coming to this year's edition of the Disney du Jour Dance Party, and noted that the calendar is continuing to filling up for the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series which runs until November 19. Only the act(s) performing November 12-14 have yet to be announced. Concert showtimes on Sundays through Thursdays will be the usual 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the showtimes shift an hour later to 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. The Concert Series wraps up on November 19 to allow the America Gardens stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional. Get even more details and make reservations by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407) 939-3378.

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.) during the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (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. All of the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! dates are noted as well. 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.

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

Thanks to a few monorail rides this week, we have lots of views of the construction of the guest "entry experiences" at Magic Kingdom (from the Transportation and Ticket Center to the park's gates) and Epcot. Indeed, at both of those parks, we have views of some of the work going on that guests can see within each, as well as the kiosks being set up for this year's rapidly approaching edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. We close the Views with a few more from around Disney's Hollywood Studios.

A few weeks ago, Disney announced that Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Pluto and Goofy would start to appear on Resort Busses. They have started to appear around the Resort (and, yes, you may see multiple busses with the same character). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Park Entry Construction: Magic Kingdom & Epcot

As we noted in recent months, courtesy trams taking guests from parking to the TTC stop before they reach Seven Seas Drive because the tram loading stations are being reconfigured.

The construction at TTC extends from the ticket booths near the tram tunnel (which is currently a pedestrians-only tunnel) nearly all the way to Seven Seas Drive except for narrow pedestrian corridors leading to security bag check.

Landscaping is underway at the reshaped drainage area on the bus loop side of the Walt Disney World Railroad berm at the southeast corner of Magic Kingdom at Tomorrowland near Space Mountain (not shown to the right of the photo).

Removal of the "Walk Around the World" paver bricks at the entrance to Magic Kingdom is underway, and the former security bag check station on the east side of the plaza has been removed.

Like at TTC, guests are funneled into corridors through the entry-area construction.

It appears that the former security bag check station on the west side of the plaza will be removed soon, as the ceiling fans can be seen atop piles of bricks near the fence.

At Epcot, the tramway has been completely removed at the former tram station under the monorail station exit ramp. Courtesy trams currently drop guests off at the edge of the medical parking area.

Deconstruction of the old pavement under the Epcot monorail station appears to be continuing.

Looking back toward the parking lot from the Epcot monorail station, new concrete work and drainage construction appears to be underway.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom

At the conclusion of one of the trolley shows, the horse was attached to take the car offstage backwards.

The Walt Disney World Railroad remains closed, though guests can still view a train parked at Main Street Station. No reopening date has yet been announced.

The sculpture of Roy O. Disney and Minnie Mouse has been removed from its customary place in Town Square and relocated just outside City Hall. No doubt, Halloween decor will soon be installed, as the first edition of this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is scheduled August 16.

The walkway from Liberty Square to Fantasyland along the Castle moat continues to be closed for widening.

Further to Donald Fink's comments last week, extensive detailed finishes are being installed along the Castle moat below the walkway.

The Fantasyland side of the walkway ends next to the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique.

Only the corner of Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique next to Mickey's Philharmagic (at right in the photo) is still surrounded by construction walls. The shop/salon is open.

Part of the roof over the queue for The Haunted Mansion has been removed (likely) temporarily.

With the roof of the queue removed, unique views of the exterior of The Haunted Mansion were possible this weekend.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

A box surround the base where the former Tomorrowland entrance sign stood on the bridge from the Central Plaza hub to Tomorrowland.

Except for the large number of guests, the view from the PeopleMover to the Central Plaza hub through Tomorrowland is currently unobstructed.

Above the PeopleMover (with its entrance below the ride), the Astro Orbiter is currently closed for refurbishment. Nearby cast members say to expect it to reopen around the end of the month but no reopening date is provided in My Disney Experience.

Construction of the TRON-themed roller coaster continues to alter the skyline of Tomorrowland.

The TRON-themed roller coaster is expected to open in time for the park's celebration of Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary in 2021.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Odyssey is again being repainted (note the light brown meeting the light blue at the windows just below the sign). It is expected that the site will be used as a temporary home for some Future World merchandise and/or food when the closings around the Fountain begin next month for the reimagination of the center of the land gets underway.

Walkway widening continues on the pathway from World Showcase to Future World West.

With the O Canada! Circle-Vision 360 film now closed, and the theatre expected to be used during the upcoming Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, the pavilion's rockwork is covered by tarps reproducing the look of the rockwork.

Liberty Inn at The American Adventure closed last month for reimagining. No date has yet been announced for the opening of the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse in this location.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival gets underway on August 29. Islands of the Caribbean outdoor kitchen returns this year, located on World Showcase Plaza near the bridge to Odyssey.

The India outdoor kitchen will be located at China pavilion near the bridge to Outpost.

The Africa outdoor kitchen will be located at the Outpost between China and Germany pavilions.

The Italy outdoor kitchen will be located in its usual spot at Italy pavilion.

Three outdoor kitchens will be located in Future World West.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction continues at the former Universe of Energy pavilion for its incorporation into the Guardians of the Galaxy themed attraction expected to open in time for the Resort's 50th anniversary in 2021.

Viewed from the monorail entering over the park's gates, the entire Guardians-themed attraction apparently will include the former Universe of Energy pavilion at right, which is connected by a "bridge" (the green portion) to the blue building which will house Disney's longest indoor coaster.

The copper color patch on the exterior of the former Universe of Energy pavilion resembles the color shown in some of the released concept art for the new Guardians of the Galaxy attraction. The fountain that once stood in front of the building has been removed.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Back inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, this photo shows off a water bottle filling station. There are reports of bottle filling stations installed at some other drinking fountains in other Walt Disney World parks too, but this is the first we have seen with a camera handy. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Earth's moon shines over Mickey at the entrance to the park which will see the addition of the planet Batuu when Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge officially opens on August 29.

In Toy Story Land, the view of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge is now almost totally obscured by the surrounding tree-line when viewed from "toy" (human) height. This door does lead to a guest entrance to Batuu, but it is not yet clear when guests will be directed to use it.

All guests can visit Mark Hamill's hand prints in the forecourt of the Chinese Theatre at the end of Hollywood Boulevard. For those not familiar with Star Wars (and there must be a reader or two), Mark Hamill is the actor that played Luke Skywalker in Episodes IV-VIII, and is expected to appear in Episode IX later this year.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Resorts

From the monorail entering Disney's Contemporary Resort, it is possible to see land clearing at the former site of River Country where the next hotel and Disney Vacation Club property, Reflections-A Disney Lakeside Resort is now under construction.

Bay Lake Tower, a Disney Vacation Club property at Disney's Contemporary Resort is undergoing some exterior refurbishment above the Top of the World Lounge. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some land clearing is underway at the Short Take Off and Landing Air strip that has often been used for construction staging since the airport's decomissioning in the early days of Walt Disney World Resort's history. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…This Friday, August 9, Magic Kingdom will join in Disneyland's celebration of the 50th anniversary of The Haunted Mansion by offering special celebratory merchandise at Memento Mori, Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe, and Frontier Trading Post (plus a Pandora charm set at Uptown Jewelers on August 8 and 9). There will also be a themed treat available for sale at the ice cream cart outside the attraction, and Disney PhotoPass will offer special Magic Shots. Special merchandise goes on sale at 7:45 a.m. on Friday, and those heading to the park that early will get access to the attraction that early too. For those attending the final Disney Villains After Hours on August 8, some of the special merchandise will be available to those guests early (but not The Funko Pop items, pins, or Dooney & Bourke bags).

…Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort announced two new quick service food and drink venues will open in the Swan lobby. A new "grab-and-go" dining location named Java will debut later this summer featuring breakfast options, sandwiches, wraps, salads and desserts throughout the day, plus teas, espressos, frappés and coffees, including a special Nitro Brew, cold brewed with liquid nitrogen, as well as wines, beer, juices and more. In the fall, a new frozen drink counter will open as well.

…Lots of restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort will again participate in Visit Orlando's Magical Dining 2019. Including more than 120 restaurants around the Orlando area, the program in its 14th year, runs from August 23 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.

…The Jr. NBA Global Championship is gets underway today at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex and continues through August 11. The global youth basketball tournament brings together 32 teams featuring the top 13- and 14- year-old boys and girls players from around the world, with more than 300 youth basketball players from 40 countries competing over the six day tournament. Dwayne Wade, Twyman-Stokes, Mike Conley, Breanna Stewart, and Coach Rick Carlisle are all scheduled to attend the event, interact with the youth teams, and to participate in leadership development programs. Admission is free. Learn more about the event at jrnbagc.nba.com/.

…Speaking of ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, in 2020, it is teaming with Electronic Gaming Federation to host the national interscholastic high school esports championship tournament. Teams will earn their way into the June 12-14, 2020, national championship by advancing through a series of regional qualifying events this fall and next spring.

…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.



Join the MousePlanet Newsletter Email:

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.

Disney DescenDANCE Party

Wrapping up on the Marketplace Stage this coming Sunday, August 11, 2019, Disney DescenDANCE Party celebrates the Disney Channel movie Descendants 3 (which debuts on August 3). The venue also includes two photo opportunities and "on-screen shout-outs" from stars of the movie. After the celebration's run at Disney Springs concludes, DescenDANCE Party will take over the stage at Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café during the hard ticket Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party event nights starting August 16.

NBA Experience

The new interactive venue's grand opening is scheduled for next Monday, August 12, 2019. Cast member friends and family preview testing has been underway for some time, but guests visiting during the preview have been asked not to share photos until after the grand opening (and I have had the opportunity to visit as a friend of a cast member). NEWThis week, Disney Parks Blog shared a few new views and a recap of the 13 basketball-related activities inside. You can also visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for the pre-opening description and for advance ticket sales which are $34 plus tax for ages 10 and up). The NBA Store has already opened its doors to the public, and we can share those photos. NEW Be sure to watch our social media channels for coverage of the Grand Opening event next Monday morning, and we will have a wrap up in the next Update.

The NBA Store is now open.

NBA Store connects to the NBA Experience itself.

It appears that guests will exit the NBA Experience through the retail store.

In addition to NBA and WNBA merchandise, the NBA Store has an assortment of merchandise featuring Disney characters with a basketball theme and, of course, basketball "ears.""

D-Tech personalized products featuring Disney characters and NBA properties are available as well.

Some of the basketball themed Disney merchandise in the store has been available at other Disney Parks locations in the past (as folks also told us on social media when we posted a photo of these basketballs).

The NBA Experience interior appears largely complete next door and has scheduled its grand opening for August 12.

File Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant

The 8th annual Raglan Road Great Irish Hooley boutique music festival will run Friday, August 30 through Labor Day, September 2. Headliners this year include Billow Wood, Strings & Things, High Time, TradGad, Maca, The Rolling Wave, and Atlantic Bridge. Of course, the Raglan Road Irish Dancers will appear throughout, and the event has no cover charge.

Jaleo

On July 29, Jaleo introduced "Sangria Hour" each day from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sangria Hour includes happy hour-style discounts on selected tapas and $6 beverage specials on draught beer, draft wine (white and red), and sangria roja.

Pepe by Jose

Our contributor, Donald Fink, attended an invited media tasting at the quick-service restaurant connected to Jaleo at Disney Springs.

Nearly half of all the ingredients used at Pepe and (and Jaleo) are imported from Spain, and we can confirm that the food is authentic.

Pepe by Jose is located across from Splitsville.

A green salad called Ensalada Verde comes with Piparra, Peppers, Red Onion, Cherry Tomato, Olives, and a dressing.

One of the hot quick-serve sandwiches is this chicken sandwich called Pollo Frito, a breaded Chicken Thigh with Piparra Peppers, Lettuce, Alioli Brava Sauce, and a Sherry Dressing. It's a bit on the juicy side, so keep the napkins handy.

File Photos & Captions by Donald Fink.

Join Our Networks

On Facebook:

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 and park)
…Disney Villains at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.)
- August 8
…at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1:00 a.m.):
- August 22 & 29
- September 5 & 12
…at Magic Kingdom (9 p.m. to midnight):
- September 19 & 26
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom (9 p.m. to midnight; 7 p.m.):
- August 12, 19, & 26
- September 3, 9, 16, & 23
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (registration required but full)
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- August 8 & 22, 2019
…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
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)
Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) - November 16-17, 2019
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
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 Epcot Disney's Hollywood Studios Disney's Animal Kingdom Disney Water Parks Disney Springs Resorts WDW Golf