Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 29 - February 4, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 29 - February 4, 2019

 

Writer's note: For those in the North being subjected to this week's deep freeze, please stay safe. Here in Central Florida, we are having a spell of "Florida Cold," but the current forecast does not even call for the region touching as low as the freezing point (Wednesday's forecast temperatures range from the mid 40s to the mid 50s Fahrenheit). You may hear some complaints coming from Floridians, but you probably should just turn the other cheek (after protecting it from frostbite, that is).

If you want to think more warm thoughts, be sure to tune in to GarryMeier.com tomorrow, Wednesday, January 30, for my latest chat with Garry: we recap my recent media-invited cruise aboard Disney Magic that featured the Marvel Day at Sea, the Mickey Mouse & Minnie Mouse celebrations now underway on both coasts, the Epcot International Festival of the Arts, and more. As always, my segment with Garry is appropriate for all audiences; the remainder of the show can include adult humor and words that may not be appropriate for all ages, listeners or all settings. (Listener discretion is advised.)

On to the News and Views…

News and Views

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Maleficent Returns to Disney’s Festival of Fantasy Parade

The Steampunk-style dragon float representing Maleficent from Disney's Sleeping Beauty in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade float returned on Friday to regular fire-breathing performances in the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade (often called "the three o'clock parade"). Readers and park guests may recall that Maleficient has been absent from the parade since a malfunction and resulting fire during its appearance along the parade route in Liberty Square last May knocked it out of service. That fire was doused rather quickly and there were no reported injuries, but the future of the float was not disclosed.

Maleficent once again appears in the parade with Prince Phillip, Fairies Flora, Fauna and Merryweather, and the "Ravens." The entire parade itself is a tribute to Fantasyland stories, including several of the newer Disney and Pixar stories, including Tangled, Frozen, and Brave. All told, the parade includes nearly 100 performers, from dancers to characters, and performers on stilts, wings, and flying rigs.

Watch a replay of our live broadcast of the entire Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade from Friday, January 25, including the return of the float representing Maleficent. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

My Disney Experience shows Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade scheduled to step off daily at 3 p.m. well into the summer. Of course, guests should always check the app or Times Guide on the day of a visit to note schedule changes, as the parade sometimes is run at other times (and, even during very busy periods, twice a day). The parade can also be delayed or cancelled due to rain or other bad weather.

The food and beverage and merchandise folks, of course, have not missed this opportunity for synergy. With Maleficent's return, Disney also announced the limited time return of the Halloween treat, the "Maleficent" cone: lime soft-serve in a black waffle cone, topped with purple sugar and chocolate horns at Storybook Treats in Fantasyland. The park stores have lots of Maleficent-themed souvenirs as well: t-shirts, jewelry, socks, ears, and so forth. The other parks and Disney Springs shops, along with ShopDisney.com have character items too. And, on this note in particular, if you are a maven of Disney Parks food and beverage and merchandise and either live in Central Florida or frequently visit Walt Disney World, MousePlanet would love to hear from you (just click the envelope next to my byline atop the Update).

Reservations Now Open for Toledo—Tapas, Steak & Seafood

The new Gran Destino Tower under construction at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will feature a new unique rooftop restaurant, Toledo—Tapas, Steak & Seafood, when it opens this summer. The restaurant will feature dishes and small plates inspired by the flavors of Spain. For some of the highlights of its expected menu, check out this post on Disney Parks Blog.

For more information and to book reservations, use the My Disney Experience app or visit this page of DisneyWorld.com or call (407) WDW-DINE. The first reservation date shown on the website (as of last night) is July 9 (though there were no tables available when checked).

Hoop-Dee-Doo Food Worker Diagnosed with Hepatitis A

Yesterday, Orlando Sentinel reported that a food service worker at the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground was diagnosed with hepatitis A last week. According to the Sentinel, a Disney spokeswoman said in a statement:

The impacted cast member has not worked since being diagnosed and will not return until officially cleared by the Department of Health. We are not aware of anyone else becoming ill and continue to be engaged with the Department of Health to ensure we have all of the right processes in place to protect our cast members and guests.

According to the Sentinel, Disney is making vaccines available to cast and has thoroughly cleaned and sanitized the restaurant. A food service worker at Morimoto Asia in Disney Springs was previously diagnosed with the virus in November, and Orange County, Florida, itself has seen a spike of 111 cases during the past year compared with an average of only 1.4 cases per year over the previous five years.

The Orange County Florida Department of Health website had not issued a notice regarding the incident as of the time this Update was written on Monday. In response to the infection at Morimoto Asia in November, the Department advised:

Patrons should monitor for symptoms of hepatitis A infection which include sudden onset of abdominal discomfort, dark urine, fever, diarrhea, and yellow skin and eyes (jaundice). Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Hepatitis A vaccine or immune globulin (IG) may provide protection against the disease if given within two weeks after exposure. Therefore, those who consumed food or beverage at the restaurant [within the past two weeks which, for the Morimoto Asia incident was] between November 6, 2018, and November 19, 2018, should promptly contact their healthcare provider to receive vaccination. People who have had hepatitis A disease or previously received two doses of hepatitis A vaccine do not need to be immunized for hepatitis A again.

Orlando Sentinel says that an "effective way to prevent the spread of infection is hand-washing." The disease can cause anywhere from mild illness lasting a few weeks to severe illness leading to liver failure and death in rare cases.

Epcot Concerts News & Calendar

The Disney on Broadway Concert Series brings rotating pairs of performers to the America Gardens Theatre for three concerts each night during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. On the final night of the Festival only, February 25, two pairs of performers—Ashley Brown & Josh Strickland and Kissy Simmons & Alton Fitzgerald White—will join together for the final three concerts. Dining packages are available for all performances at ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407) WDW-DINE. Passholders and eligible Disney Vacation Club Members can receive a 10% discount for dining packages throughout the Festival during lunch and dinner (excludes alcohol, tax and gratuity).

Photos 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. File 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. More of the performers have been announced, including recent additions Steve Auger (Journey former lead vocalist), Air Supply, Rick Springfield, Richard Marx and Starship, starring Mickey Thomas. Previously 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. For more information or reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE or visit FreshEpcot.com.

This summer, Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! will return 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 with multiple performances daily.

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

Visits to Magic Kingdom, Epcot and ESPN Wide World of Sports this week bring you the Views Around the World. Some new views of Disney Springs in our New & Coming Soon to Disney Springs section below.

Magic Kingdom

After a daily flag retreat ceremony in Town Square, an honored veteran, holding the folded American Flag, is presented with a certificate of appreciation to the cheers of Disney Cast Members and guests assembled on Center Street. HDR Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As we mentioned last week, Disney has promised some special "limited time magic" offerings during the Mickey & Minnie Mouse "Surprise 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. This week, I spotted the Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. joining with the Dapper Dans in saluting the famous duo. Inside the Town Square Theater, I also had a chance to sign the guest book in their honor (which is expected to be available throughout the celebration).

Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. appearances from park-opening until early afternoon are listed in the My Disney Experience app and Time Guides. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The My Disney Experience app and Times Guide, however, do not list when Citizens of Main Street\join the Dapper Dans to salute Mickey and Minnie Mouse during the "Surprise Celebration" at Magic Kingdom.

See the Citizens of Main Street join the Dapper Dans in saluting Mickey and Minnie Mouse. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Since the Liberty Belle recently reopened from its and the Rivers of America's long refurbishment, you may now enjoy a 30-second hyperlapse video aboard the steamboat as it makes a complete roundtrip journey from its dock in Liberty Square. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

The space-themed restaurant that Disney announced at the 2017 D23 Expo is taking shape between Test Track and the Mission: Space pavilion. The current state of construction can be seen by taking a ride aboard Test Track. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walk toward Spaceship Earth in the Japan pavilion and it appears to get farther away! Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

With Illuminations: Reflections of Earth taking its final bow later this year, enjoy this short clip of its finale as viewed from World Showcase Plaza. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

With trees removed from a number of backstage areas at Epcot, from the corner of Buena Vista Drive and Victory Way, it is now possible to spot the Italy pavilion with Spaceship Earth in the distance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka. As of publication of this Update, the NFL has not announced whether the Pro Bowl will return to Orlando in 2020 or beyond.

This and That…

…There is a big, nationally-telecast football game coming up on Sunday that folks go out of their way not to refer to by name in media and advertising without the express written consent of that league (so we won't mention it either). Teams from Los Angeles and New England will battle it out on the field in Atlanta, Georgia. Fans who are residents of the winning team's state also "win" the exclusive opportunity to book the "Champions Package" at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort for stays through December 24, 2019 (minimum stay of three nights required). The Package includes $100 meal credit which can be used at Shula's Steak House (named for NFL's winningest coach, Don Shula) or any other restaurant at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. The Champions Package also includes a "one category complimentary room upgrade that does not include suite upgrades." Guests must have valid state identification (which, if New England wins will include New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut) at check-in. More information and details of the offer are available at this page of SwanDolphin.com. More information and reservations are available by calling (800) 227-1500 and mentioning "CHAMPS."

…Update Following last week's announcement on Disney Parks Blog that Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy will debut in Disney's Hollywood Studios on March 31. This week, Disney released a brief video featuring Jay Ward, Creative Director of the Pixar Cars Franchise to discuss the new "show experience" coming to the Sunset Showcase next to Rock'n'Roller Coaster, and allowing guests to interact with Lightning McQueen in an all-new way.

Jay Ward, Creative Director, Pixar Cars Franchise, discusses Lightning McQueen's Racing Academy coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Video ©Disney.

…Update After publication of last week's Update, Disney announced that the new Riviera Resort has begun accepting guest reservations for stays beginning in December 2019. The resort, which is expected to become the 15th Disney Vacation Club property at Walt Disney World, is inspired by the European Riviera and is located near the corner of Buena Vista Drive and Victory Way, adjacent to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. As we noted last week, Disney Vacation Club advised Members that 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.

A little further east on Buena Vista Drive, Disney Vacation Club has installed a digital advertising sign on its iconic tower near Disney's Old Key West Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…For those looking for Adventures by Disney beyond Walt Disney World Resort in 2020, Disney announced more details of its newest slate of European River Cruise Vacations through southern France and its Short Escape itineraries in Paris, Amsterdam and Budapest, Hungary. For more details, see the announcement on Disney Parks Blog, visit AdventuresByDisney.com, or call (800)543-0865 or your travel agent.

…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.

Since our introduction to Captain Marvel aboard Disney Cruise Line's "Disney Magic" last month, the Disney Springs AMC Dine-In Theatres photo backdrop has been changed to reflect her upcoming feature film debut coming March 8. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

NEW Pepe by José Andrés

Chef José Andrés' ThinkFoodGroup announced that it will open its first-ever "brick-and-mortar location" of its Spanish food truck grab-and-go concept restaurant Pepe by José Andrés adjoining its soon-to-open Jaleo restaurant at Disney Springs this winter. Pepe will feature hot and cold Spanish-style sandwiches including bocatas and bikinis, salads, soups and sides along with Spanish sangria. The space will be decorated with an elaborate mural by Marc Jesús, a famous Menorcan painter, featuring his "ever-happy, blue-skinned female characters."

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Wine Bar George

NEW The special menu for Valentine's day includes Filet Mignon, Seared Red Snapper and more. You can pair your entree with a sparkling wine flight or choose from one of 140 wines by the glass, bottle or ounce. For reservations and more information, visit WineBarGeorge.com.

Terralina Crafted Italian

Valentine's Day dinner will be available for $100/couple including a bottle of Sprakling or Rosé. Reservations are available at Terralina's website. The menu includes antipasti to share, two entrees, dessert to share too.

Paddlefish

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

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. You can see the full "Love at First Bite" Valentine's Day menu here.

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

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 Starting February 5, you can join in the celebration of the Chinese New Year as Chinese culture celebrates the year of the pig. Iron Chef Masaharu Morimoto's Sticky Spare Ribs are first braised, then dunked in cornstarch and flash-fried for a crispy crust, and then are doused in hoisin sweet-and-sour sauce; at his pan-Asian Disney Springs restaurant, that is but one of several signature pork dishes on the menu. The restaurant shared its recipe with us and it is posted here on MousePad.

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.

At the existing garages, there is still on-going work underway to upgrade the electronic system that indicates parking space availability. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Orange Garage at Disney Springs provides a birds-eye view of the building that will enclose Epcot's Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster (the blue "box" to the right of Spaceship Earth). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

NBA Experience and City Works Eatery & Pour House NEW Photos

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Crowd Forecast

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Resort Events

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

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2019 Resort Events

2020 Resort Events

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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

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

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

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Current Discounts and Promotions

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

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

 

 

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

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