Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 22-28, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 22-28, 2019

 

Writer's note: Just weeks into 2019, Walt Disney World Resort has rolled out something new in each of the parks and its new hash tag "#NowMoreThanEver" on its social media (and, especially, during our busy Disney-hosted media tours of both Disney's Hollywood Studios and Magic Kingdom this past Friday). In fact, throughout just about all of our regular sections of the Update this week, you can find something refreshed or new or, at least, newly announced to be returning in 2019—including the return of Disney H2O Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, to the return of Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! at Epcot, and a new 4-Park Magic Ticket for everyone.

Mickey balloons and princess balloons are not new to Magic Kingdom, but a whole lot of Mickey-themed experiences, food and merchandise debuted in the park on Friday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For even more coverage, watch for specific links to Instagram Highlights created along the way. As always, these links will open in a new window or tab, so you will not lose your place in this Update by clicking. For example, you can see all of our #NowMoreThanEver Instagram Stories here. Now, on with the Update…

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Mickey & Minnie’s Surprise Celebration Now at Magic Kingdom

While Mickey and Minnie's 90th birthdays were officially marked back on November 18 (and we celebrated along with and provided coverage of D23's Destination D), the daily in-park celebrations just began at Magic Kingdom this past Friday. As regular readers here and visitors to Disney Parks on both coasts know, Disney has a way of celebrating milestones for well-more than a day or two. This celebration is scheduled through September 30.

Magic Kingdom's two headline entertainment offerings celebrating Mickey and Minnie are their updated (now joint) meet and greet inside the Town Square Theater and the Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party. Both new offerings are more in the nature of "freshening up the entertainment" rather than "do not miss" attractions. As Disney says it produces more live entertainment at Walt Disney World than anywhere else around the world, so keeping it fresh is important. "Live entertainment is the heartbeat of Walt Disney World Resort, and we have an incredibly diverse variety of entertainment offerings that we bring to guests every day in our parks and resorts," said Betina Buckley, vice president of Disney Parks Live Entertainment.

At Town Square Theater, the banners have been changed and some of the little details within now celebrate both Mickey and Minnie. As previously advertised, Mickey and Minnie wear their new celebration outfits to greet guests.

The banners and signs both outside and inside Town Square Theater have been updated to reflect the celebration focusing on both Mickey and Minnie. Inside, we will leave it to you to discover some of the more nuanced changes to the meet and greet room itself. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey and Minnie now greet you together in Town Square Theater in their new celebration outfits. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey and Minnie also wear their new celebration outfits when they participate in the newest version of the Street Party which uses updated versions of the Move it! Shake it! Dance & Play It! Street Party mobile stages that parade down Main Street U.S.A., stop in fixed positions around the Central Plaza (hub) in front of Cinderella Castle, and then parade back up Main Street. In addition to updating the mobile stages, the major changes to the party are that it now uses live singers and, as you would expect from its name, Mickey and Minnie are the main focus with their mobile stage stopping square in front of the castle itself. To this writer, the refreshed "show" was better than its predecessor, though, admittedly, that could be owing to the fact that the "dance music" selections performed were more what you might find on a radio station that younger guests would call rock and roll "oldies."

Mickey and Minnie wear their new celebration outfits in the Street Party too. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As the focus of the Street Party, Mickey and Minnie's mobile stage stops directly in front of Cinderella Castle. They are joined by two live singers on their platform. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Lots of other characters join in the celebration, including several that have not been a regular part of a park parade in recent memory. Many characters also have new special celebratory costumes or costume elements. The Street Party is scheduled two or three times daily; check My Disney Experience or the Times Guide for step-off times.

After the Central Plaza celebration concludes, the mobile stages parade up Main Street U.S.A. back toward Town Square to the new tune of "Get Your Ears On." Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Lots of new Mickey and Minnie themed merchandise is now available in the park (and, indeed, all around Walt Disney World)—some of it, as we have shown on our Social Media channels, very similar to Disneyland Resort counterparts. Some new specialty food and beverages have also been introduced, though, it seems, not to the extent seen on the West Coast. Disney Parks Blog has published a brief "Eats and Treats" guide for the Magic Kingdom's Celebration and notes that supplies of some can be limited.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney has also promised some special "limited time magic" offerings during the celebration. These unannounced entertainment offerings can involve all sorts of performers on Main Street U.S.A. or elsewhere, or they can take the form of events that pop up with only a limited amount of advanced notice. When we see one or learn of one to come, we will report it. If you hear about one or some, please let us know!

Epcot International Festival of the Arts Underway Through February 25

The Epcot Internation Festival of the Arts has returned for the third consecutive year, and its opening day, Friday, was quite busy. The Festival, first launched in 2017 as a "Disney Weekends Only" (Thursday through Monday) offering is now a full, seven-days-a-week Festival that celebrates Visual Arts, Culinary Arts and the Performing Arts through February 25. It is actually "chalk-full" of lots of little details (including sidewalk chalk artists)—more than we can cover in the Update, and more than even a cursory look at its landing page on DisneyWorld.com will detail.

Figment, the spirit of imagination, is the main character associated with Festival of the Arts. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like the arts themselves, Disney's categorization of the arts into "visual," "culinary," and "performance," really are not meant to be hard and fast separate categories. For example, painter Trevor Carlton, a Disney Fine Arts artist, is both a visual artist and a performer. On the Fountain View stage, he rapidly creates Disney Fine Art before the crowd. When he is done with a work, he caries it over to a nearby temporary Disney Fine Arts shop (tent) where it is available for a guest to purchase.

On Friday afternoon, Trevor Carlton rapidly painted a portrait of Stitch, "performing" on the Fountain View Stage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Within minutes of its creation, Trevor Carlton's work was on display and for sale at the Disney Fine Arts shop (tent) near the stage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka

At the Media Preview on Wednesday, Trevor Carlton created a portrait of Figment in about 13 minutes. Look carefully in the photo above and you may spot it at the Disney Fine Arts shop in Future World. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The media preview also included a performance by Disney on Broadway stars. See the Epcot Concerts section below for more detail about the return of the concert series. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Festival also provides guests an opportunity to participate in creating visual works too and "performing" for a camera (guests' and/or Disney PhotoPass photographers'). Along the wall in World Showcase Plaza near refreshment port, guests can select a paint color and paint-by-number squares of a mural. Guests also have the opportunity to "get into the art" by stepping into dimensional photo locations where Disney PhotoPass photographers or guests may capture their performance in the art.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Odyssey building between Future World and World Showcase again serves as the Festival Center. Each day, guests can sign up at a desk in the Festival Center for seminars conducted each morning on different art-related topics or Animation Academy sessions throughout the day at no extra charge. Guests can also sign up in advance for paid workshops that are conducted in the Festival Center. The Festival Center also has a selection of merchandise available for sale (including Passholder exclusive items) and one of the food studios is located there as well.

The Odyssey Festival Center is located between Test Track in Future World and Mexico pavilion in World Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Animation Academy is taught several times each day and is included in the price of park admission. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Festival merchandise runs from Fine Art pieces, to pins, Figment "ears" headbands, logo merchandise and more. Not shown here, the Figment scavenger hunt is back as well. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Limited edition Festival themed Magic Bands are also available. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On the culinary side too, the Festival's food and beverage offerings are treated as visual arts. For the media preview, in particular, the foods were shown along with artistic works representing them. As in past editions of Festival of the Arts, at the "Food Studios" themselves, the plating is done more "artistically" than other Festivals. The full foodie guide is available at Disney Parks Blog.

The popular "Pop Art" Tarts return to the Festival this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Colorful beverages are part of the Festival too. The beer flight is paired with candies (and they are served together at the Food Studio, as they were at the media preview shown here). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Painted Panda studio at China pavilion includes an artist hand crafting sugar candy following ancient methods. The creations are from the Chinese Zodiak.

Party with Pixar Pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios

As regular readers and recent visitors to Walt Disney World know, Disney's Hollywood Studios is currently in the middle of a major makeover that will conclude late this year with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge. Until then, the park that celebrates its 30th Anniversary on May 1, continues to make changes large and small. Last Summer, the park opened Andy's backyard (also known as Toy Story Land), featuring the brand new Slinky Dog Dash Coaster and Alien Swirling Saucers. Also part of Toy Story Land is the new entrance for Toy Story Mania! The old entrance for that attraction was located in a part of the park called "Pixar Place" which closed with the opening of the new land.

The Pixar Place area has been re-designated Municiberg, the home of the Incredibles. So, while the Toy Story Gang all "live" on the other side of the Toy Story Mania building, the corridor now serves as the home to a new group of Pixar characters. The air conditioned meet and greet area has become The Edna Mode Experience, where guests can meet the famed super-suit designer herself. Outside, guests can interact with citizens of Municiberg and partake in "The Super Shindig" dance party which includes "An Incredible Celebration" featuring Mr. Incredible, Mrs. Incredible, and Frozone.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Just outside of Municiberg, in Walt Disney Presents, the meet and greet area inside has reopened as the new home of Mike and Sulley from Monsters, Inc. Guests wait in a queue decorated with concept art for the Pixar-created Monsters University and encounter Mike and Sulley in front of Boo's door.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of The Lion King

June 15 marks the 25th Anniversary of the release of Disney's The Lion King in theaters. As the park that already has the most tributes to that film, Disney's Animal Kingdom is the most natural place to celebrate that milestone. As of last Friday, the park now does so with the Hakuna Matata Time Dance Party on the Discovery Island Stage from 11:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. daily which includes opportunities to dance with Timon and Rafiki. As the "party" at the stage is continuous, it is hosted by DJs and live bands that take turns on the stage, along with a crew of live dancers and the characters that interact with the crowd. In addition to appearances by Timon and Rafiki, we also spotted dance party appearances by characters unrelated to The Lion King, including Koda from Brother Bear, Meeko from Pocahontas, Baloo from The Jungle Book, and Terk from Tarzan.

Further celebrating The Lion King, the park has installed dimensional backgrounds at the park entrance and on Discovery Island saluting the film. Of course, Festival of the Lion King continues its daily schedule of multiple shows throughout each day as well, and the park now has a wide selection of The Lion King-themed merchandise in its shops and kiosks. Check out this Instagram Highlight for very brief video clips and more from our visit to the park on Saturday.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Donald's Dino-Bash continues in DinoLand U.S.A., notwithstanding the possibility that Chip and Dale may cause trouble. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Starting Memorial Day weekend and running nightly through September 30, the Tree of Life "Awakenings" projection show will further honor The Lion King with new animated projections on the Tree and music. Also, as film fans are aware, Disney is releasing a photorealistic version of The Lion King in theaters on July 19. Some may refer to this film as "live action" even though it contains computer-generated images to distinguish it from the original's style of traditional animation. The new film is directed by Jon Favreau and stars the voices of Donald Glover, Seth Rogen, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Billy Eichner, John Oliver, Keegan-Michael Key, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and the original film's James Earl Jones reprising his role of Mufasa.

Plan Ahead for Halloween

Just after we published the Update last week, Disney Parks Blog announced that tickets for this year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom have gone on sale. The hard ticket, after-hours party takes over Magic Kingdom for a total of 36 nights in 2019, running all the way to November 1.

The party nights are:

• 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

As a hard ticket event, admission is not included with a daytime visit to the park. Party tickets start at $79.

Plan Ahead for H2O Glow Nights

Not long after the Halloween party nights were announced, Disney Parks Blog announced this summer's return of Disney H2O Glow Nights at Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Starting May 30, like last summer, H2O Glow Nights are a hard-ticket, after hours party from 8 to 11 p.m. on Thursday and Saturday nights. Like other hard ticket events around Walt Disney World, guests with H2O Glow tickets can mix in to the park as early as 6 p.m. on event nights which are scheduled through August 24.

During the party, the park's water attractions are open, usually with shorter than daytime waits. There is a beach party headlined by "Partysaurus Rex" and character meet and greets with Toy Story's Buzz Lightyear, Woody and Jessie around the park. The park sells special food and beverages as well, and there is an adults-only area too.

As a hard ticket event, admission is not included with a daytime visit to the park. Party tickets start at $59 plus tax for adults/$54 plus tax for children ages 3-9, when purchased in advance either online or by calling (407) 939-1872. On event days, tickets are $69 plus tax for adults/$64 plus tax for children.

Epcot Concerts News & Calendar

Just as this year's run of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series got underway this past weekend, Disney announced that Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! will return to the America Gardens Theatre this summer 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.

Of course, right now, the headline event three times daily through February 25, during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, is the Disney on Broadway Concert Series. Dining packages are available at ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. (Workshops around the Festival can also be booked at the website or by calling (407) WDW-TOUR.) Passholders can receive a 10% discount for these dining packages throughout the Festival during lunch and dinner (excludes alcohol, tax and gratuity).

Pairs of Disney on Broadway performers take the stage at America Gardens Theatre three times nightly for the entire 39 days of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. Singing duos Kerry Butler and Kevin Massey, and Meredith Inglesby and Steve Blanchard performed during last week's media preview; each pair has several more shows scheduled for Epcot guests in January. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

While Jeff Lee, Staff Associate Director for Disney Theatrical Productions in New York told us that the Disney on Broadway Concert series not only serves to spark interest in national touring productions (some are on-going, some are upcoming) of "Frozen," "The Little Mermaid," and "The Lion King," but given the international nature of Epcot's audience, it serves to promote the nearly 80% of Disney Theatrical's productions that tour outside the United States. The Festival, of course, also makes use of numerous other venus around the park to celebrate performing arts. The Fountain View Stage in Future World, for example, hosts painters creating Disney Fine Arts works live on stage like Trevor Carlton (discussed above) and other performing arts groups and musical acts, and in front of the stage, the Living Statues entertain during other times of the day. As always, check My Disney Experience, the Times Guide, and signs for details.

Jeff Lee, Staff Associate Director for Disney Theatrical Productions in New York, and David Baldree, Producer with Disney Parks Live Entertainment (with one of the Living Statues as a backdrop) spoke with us about the global reach of Disney Theatricals and how the Festival furthers international interest in its shows. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Also expanded to seven days a week, beginning on March 6, the Garden Rocks Concert Series takes the stage three times nightly through June 3. Part of the schedule of performers has been released. Announced returning performers include The Spinners and Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone, and new to the Festival performers include TobyMac, Steven Curtis Chapman, Sister Sledge, and Colin Hay of Men at Work. Reservations open this Thursday, December 13. For more information or reservations, call (407)WDW-DINE or visit FreshEpcot.com.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Disney on Broadway Concert Series performances at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. The performers announced so far for the Garden Rocks Concert Series that follows later this year have also been added to the calendar. While our Google Calendar of Epcot Events includes a list of the scheduled performers, it is 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, indeed, if when 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

In addition to all the Views amongst the News above, we have more from all Four Theme Parks this week too.

Magic Kingdom

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Banners celebrating the park's upcoming 30th Anniversary line the walkway to Toy Story Land. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The park has removed the tails from the Slinky Dog Dash Coaster vehicles. It is unknown when they will return. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

The ascent of Expedition Everest reveals a view of the on-going construction of the new 15-story "Gran Destino Tower" overlooking Lago Dorado at Disney's Coronado Resort which is scheduled to be completed this July. Beyond it to the left, the blue structure next to Spaceship Earth is the enclosure for Epcot's future Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster. To the right of Gran Destino Tower in the distrance is the future Disney's Riviera Resort tower which is the next proposed Disney Vacation Club Resort, scheduled to open this Fall.

This themed area across from the entrance to "UP! A Great Bird Adventure" recently emerged from behind construction walls.

This and That…

…Updating last week's news of the on-savanna birth of a new Masai giraffe calf at Kilimanjaro Safari in Disney's Animal Kingdom: mom and calf are now backstage nursing and bonding and are expected to stay backstage for the next month or two. The cast and Kilimanjaro Safaris drivers are helping choose the name for the baby male calf.

…Augustus, the Nile hippopotamus born at Disney's Animal Kingdom is celebrating his first birthday. He was the first hippo born at the park in more than a decade. Disney Parks Blog shared an interview with his primary keeper, Lindsay Wick, highlighting some of the milestones in Augustus' development.

Disney's Animal Kingdom presented Augustus, the Nile hippopotamus, with a special birthday "cake." Video ©Disney.

…Disney Parks Blog announced that Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy will debut in Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 31. The new "show experience" will occupy the Sunset Showcase next to Rock'n'Roller Coaster, and will tell "the untold story of Lightning McQueen—as told by Lightning McQueen" from the Disney-Pixar Cars films.

…Disney Vacation Club advised Members in an email this week that Disney's Riviera Resort will begin taking rental reservations from the general public this month for the new property opening this Fall. Later this Spring, DVC Members will be able to book stays using Vacation Points from "protected inventory which is being held just for [DVC] Members." DVC has not yet announced the exact dates but says it will do so once the property's official opening date is confirmed.

…Give Kids the World Village, the Kissimmee-based nonprofit resort which fulfills wish vacations for critically-ill children visiting the Central Florida theme parks, kicked off its new Disney-focused event series last week with an evening with former Executive Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World, Lee Cockerell, and his son, recently-retired Vice President, Magic Kingdom Park, moderated by Jeff Barnes. Lee and Dan both shared insights about management and leadership, as well as stories from their decades-long careers at Walt Disney World and Disneyland Paris. Future programs are expected to include other leaders that played roles in creating the "Magic" at Disney Parks and beyond, and we will pass that information along, as all the proceeds from these events benefit the organization's mission. Read more about the organization at GKTW.org. Also, congratulations go out to Wendie for being the first to request the complimentary tickets we were able to offer courtesy of GKTW, and thanks for saying hello at the event!

Dan Cockerell (left) and Lee Cockerell (right) joined Give Kids the World President Pamela Landwirth at the conclusion of the January 17 event to meet VIPs and invited media. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Beyond Walt Disney World, the new Margaritaville Resort Orlando is offering a special Valentine's Day/Presidents Day Weekend Package, including dinner at On Vacation Café, a bottle of champagne with dinner, and couples massage. Margaritaville also is offering a 4th night free promotion when hou stay 3 or more nights. For more information and booking, visit Margaritaville Hotel Orlando's Specials Page. Note: though the Specials Page shows the 4th Night Free promotion booking dates as through December 31, 2018, its booking calendar still shows availability through March 31, 2019. For questions, contact Margaritaville at (407)479-0950.

…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. Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly.

NEW The culmination of Walt Disney World's celebration of NFL Pro Bowl Week (that began yesterday at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex) will be a pep rally at the Disney Springs Marketplace Stage this Saturday, January 26. Shows taking place at 4 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. will feature NFL Team Mascots and Cheerleaders, NFL and Disney Trivia, a DJ Dance party and more. Disney Springs will also host a pop-up NFL Shop featuring team jerseys, T-shirts, lanyards, keychains, mini-helmets, footballs and tumblers. All this week, over at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, fans can check out AFC and NFC team practices, participate in activities such as the 40-yard dash and the revamped NFL Skills Showdown, featuring several new events for the NFL's top skill players, including the 40-yard Splash, a Gridiron Gauntlet obstacle course, and a Precision Passing contest (events at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex are open to the public, with no charge to guests.) The NFL Pro Bowl game itself returns to Orlando's Camping World Stadium on Sunday, January 27, 2019. Tickets are on-sale and also will be sold at Disney Springs; game tickets this year include access to the Player Red Carpet, KidZone, fireworks, and more.

Terralina Crafted Italian

NEW Terralina’s first Wine Dinner of the year will be held tomorrow, Wednesday, January 23, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. An exclusive 4-course dinner prepared by Executive Chef Justin Plank with expert pairings featuring Italian wines is available for $75 (plus EventBrite fee). Tickets and additional details can be found on this EventBrite page. Guests must be at least 21 years old to attend.

NEW Valentine's Day dinner will be available for $100/couple including a bottle of Sprakling Le Dolci Colline Rose Spumante.

Paddlefish

NEW In Paddlefish's "Seafood Secrets Cooking Class" on January 25, from 1-3 p.m., on the restaurant's 3rd deck rooftop, Executive Chef Steve Richard will share secrets behind some of the restaurant's favorite dishes. Tickets are $60 each (plus EventBrite fee), and are available on this EventBrite page.

NEW Paddlefish is continuing its "Rooftop Wine Experiences" the 2nd Tuesday of every month. February's event will be dedicated to wines of Napa and March's event will explore wines of Burgundy. For more information and $40/person (plus EventBrite fee) tickets, visit this EventBrite page.

Paddlefish is still offering its "Buzz Pop Cocktails" - "a nostalgic push pop with a twist for adults 21 and over." They can be purchased anywhere within the restaurant and come in an assortment of flavors.

Maria & Enzo's Ristorante

NEW Valentine's Day at Maria & Enzo's Italian tratoria set in a 1930s-style airline terminal includes two Antipasti selections – Salumi E Formaggi and Chilled Duo of Oysters; entrees will include a Duo Of Lobster and NY Strip or a traditional Roasted Vegetable Lasagna. Dessert choices include Bittersweet Chocolate Ganache Tart featuring salted caramel, bourbon raspberry jam, and ricotta gelato. For reservations, visit MariaAndEnzos.com.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

NEW Valentine's Day in the Italian speakeasy-inspired, Prohibition-Era "Hide away" restaurant and bar can include craft cocktails like Limoncello Gimlets and Luciano Spritz, and Roman-style dishes including entrees such as handmade pasta, fresh fish, chicken, and steaks. The signature Salumi e Formaggi platter is made to order and features a selection of imported cured meats and aged cheeses for sharing. For reservations visit EnzosHideawayFL.com.

Morimoto Asia

NEW You can dine on Valentine's Day under the "sky-high chandeliers" in Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's first Pan-Asian restaurant. For reservations visit MorimotoAsiaFLA.com.

Status of Parking Availability at Disney Springs

Those who visit Disney Springs during the weekends or during busy times of the year at the Resort know that the two parking structures often fill to capacity during those peak times. Even the flat lot on the West Side can fill up during very busy times! Construction continues across Buena Vista Drive at the site of the new "Lemon" garage that will connect to Disney Springs by a series of pedestrian bridges. We have not yet heard when the new structure will be open, but stay tuned and, if you are driving on Buena Vista Drive, observe the overhead signs directing cars to the garages and lots with availability.

Crowd Forecast

Advertisement "Do more. Wait less."
	Save time and money at Walt Disney World. TouringPlans.com can help you avoid falling into the typical tourist pitfalls. Our Disney Crowd Calendar shows you the least crowded park to visit every day of the year, customized Touring Plans save you hours in line for Disney's best rides, honest restaurant reviews, how to save on Disney tickets, the best hotel rooms to ask for, and so much more. Everything can be accessed on our site or on Lines - Mobile Wait Times App which also shows to current and estimated wait times for attractions. Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Disney Crowd Calendar. Date Overall Tuesday, January 22, 2019  7 / 10 Wednesday, January 23, 2019  7 / 10 Thursday, January 24, 2019  6 / 10 Friday, January 25, 2019  6 / 10 Saturday, January 26, 2019  8 / 10   Check out the Disney World Park Crowd Levels page on TouringPlans.com for park-specific predictions and recommendations on which days to visit and avoid particular parks! See Disney World crowds for the next 365 days. Get Disney World wait times on your iPhone, Android or Smartphone. Do more. Wait less.

---

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. More runDisney event information

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

2019 Resort Events

2020 Resort Events

---

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. If the menu bar does not work on your screen, please let us know by email (include which Browser and Operating System you are using)!

---

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).

For Everyone

For Annual Passholders

For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders

For Military Personnel

For Florida Residents

For Disney Vacation Club Members

For Canada Residents

For U.K. Residents

If you can't see the categories, please let us know by email (include which Browser and Operating System you are using)!

Share, Links, Comments & More