Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 11-17, 2019

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer

June 11, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 11-17, 2019

Writer's note: This week, I had the privilege of attending the press junket for Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 4, which will be released in theaters on June 21. As part of the junket, I had an opportunity to screen the film (which I thoroughly enjoyed), attend an after-hours party in Toy Story Land, and to attend press conferences with Producers Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera, Director Josh Cooley, Christina Hendricks (voice of "Gabby Gabby"), Tim Allen (voice of "Buzz Lightyear"), Keanu Reeves (voice of "Duke Caboom"), Annie Potts (voice of "Bo Peep"), Tom Hanks (voice of "Woody"), and Tony Hale (voice of "Forky"). I am not yet allowed to share a full review of the film, but when I am, it will appear as a separate article here on MousePlanet.

The "Toy Story 4" Press Junket included two press conferences. The first featured Producers Mark Nielsen and Jonas Rivera, Director Josh Cooley, Christina Hendricks, Tim Allen, and Keanu Reeves. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The second panel featured the producers and director joined by Annie Potts, Tom Hanks, and Tony Hale. I had the opportunity to ask Tom Hanks about his emotional performance of Woody's final scene in the film. (It is spoiler free, particularly, because you know by now that Pixar movies have emotional scenes.) Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

I also attended a media event that included the new Disney Villains After Hours event at Magic Kingdom. More detailed information about that is in the News and Views. For folks interested in Florida Resident Discounts, some new ones were announced last week and are included in the appropriate tab of the Discounts section below.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Conservation Station to Reopen July 11 With New Animation Experience

The Conservation Station at Disney's Animal Kingdom, including Rafiki's Planet Watch, Affection Section, and the Wildlife Express Train, will reopen to guests on July 11. There was some concern last year when Conservation Station closed that the attractions in this part of the park would not reopen, but earlier this year the park announced that it would reopen this summer.

Yesterday, Disney Parks Blog announced that when Conservation Station reopens, it will add a brand-new activity, The Animation Experience. Continuing the park's celebration of Disney's The Lion King, the new experience is "inspired by Walt Disney's own passion for ensuring his animators could develop realistic characters and settings by spending time with animals." Guests will learn about some of the park's animals then have the chance to create a personalized piece of Disney art through an instructor-led animation class. Favorite characters from The Lion King will be the stars of The Animation Experience, as guests learn to draw Simba, Zazu, Pumbaa, Timon, and more. Each session will be different, and FastPass+ reservations are now available.

Walt Disney. Image
For more than 60 years, animals have been a part of Disney storytelling. Photo ©Disney.

The theme parks have not had a regularly-offered opportunity to learn to animate characters since the Animation building at Disney's Hollywood Studios became Star Wars Launch Bay back in 2015.

Disney Villains After Hours Events Run Weekly at Magic Kingdom Through August 8

Disney Villains After Hours, the latest version of a Disney After Hours hard ticket event, debuted at Magic Kingdom last Thursday night and Disney invited us to a media event that included experiencing the event. The limited access event runs weekly on Thursdays (except July 4; that week it will run Monday, July 1) through August 8, and Disney Parks Blog reported that the inaugural event sold out.

Disney Villains After Hours Concept Art
Disney concept art featuring the "Villains Unite the Night" stage show promotes the Disney Villains After Hours Event. ©Disney.

Lighting around the park was themed to the Disney Villains After Hours Event. Panoramic Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Villains After Hours offers its attendees the opportunity to mix in the park as early as 7 p.m. on an event night and then enjoy low to no wait times for at least 20 park attractions from 10 p.m. until 1 a.m. Like the other After Hours Events, attendees can enjoy complimentary popcorn, ice cream novelties, and select bottled beverages during the event hours. Disney Villains After Hours events adds to the "After Hours" event offerings with live entertainment, a DJ-hosted dance party, attraction overlays, photo opportunities, and event-exclusive opportunities to buy specialty merchandise, food and beverages. As disclosed in advance, the event does not include villain meet and greet opportunities; nevertheless, that has been the complaint most heard on social media and from some attendees.

Of the additions, I most enjoyed seeing Maleficent the Dragon parade float from the daytime Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade making its way through the park breathing fire at night. The Event Guide showed Maleficent at Night scheduled at 10:40 p.m., 11:45 p.m. and 1:20 a.m. (Attendees should check the Guide for the particular schedule and route because, at least on opening night, the first two showings were scheduled to start and end in Frontierland with a loop around the Central Plaza Hub; the final performance was scheduled to begin in Frontierland and then continue all the way up Main Street U.S.A. to the parade doors.)

A highlight of the Disney Villains After Hours event is seeing Maleficent breathe fire along the parade route from time to time during the night. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Maleficent at Night features the dragon breathing fire through Liberty Square several times during Disney Villains After Hours events. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The new Villains Unite the Night stage show, clocks in at over 20 minutes, starring Hades and Meg from Hercules with appearances by Jafar, The Queen, Dr. Facilier, and Maleficent. It is a nice addition to an After Hours Event in concept, but, in my opinion, the show is a bit too long and repetitive especially for a three hour event. Certainly on the upside, with attendance capped at a lower level than hard ticket Halloween and Christmas parties, it is much easier to get a good view without having to use the precious event time to save a viewing spot long before the show. The show itself is visually impressive, making good use of digital projections on the castle to provide a more villainous backdrop. Likewise, the cast performances are strong and, indeed, unlike some castle shows, several performers speak their parts live (rather than lip-syncing to recordings), which is a great touch.

Meg and Hades from Disney's "Hercules" host the Villains Unite the Night show.

Digital projections on the castle give it a more villanous look.

The show includes fireworks launched from and around the castle.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Villains Unite the Night is exclusively presented during Disney Villains After Hours events. This is the entire show. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like last year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, for Disney Villains After Hours, Pirates of the Caribbean added a live pirate to the queue and to the ride itself. Over at Space Mountain, guests again have the opportunity to ride in almost complete darkness during the event. To my ear, the soundtrack on the ride was tailored to Disney Villains more specifically than we heard during Halloween last year, which was also a nice change.

Pirates of the Caribbean includes some live pirates during the event, as it did during last year's Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Specially decorated photo spots were located around the park, but they were not character meet and greet opportunities.

A DJ hosted a dance party at the castle in between showings of Villains Unite the Night.

Like the other Disney After Hours events, this event provided unique opportunities to view Main Street U.S.A. largely clear of guests.

The projections on the castle provide a different backdrop for a mostly empty Main Street U.S.A. during Disney Villains After Hours.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

You may recall that Disney previously invited us to experience Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom last July (we wrote about it here), and the debut versions at both Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios back in December (we wrote about those experiences here). When Disney announced the Disney Villains After Hours event, I personally bought a ticket to attend the debut event before Disney invited media to attend. I will be returning to the event later this summer using the ticket I purchased and will report a more personal take on the night after that visit. Until then, I reiterate what I have said about the prior After Hours Events:

they are specifically NOT at a price-point designed or intended for everyone. As someone who has a very limited amount of time in Central Florida, like a business traveler attending a conference, you might think of a night of Disney After Hours like an evening at a concert, theater, or sports event from a price standpoint. For a parks fanatic, someone who wants to ride and re-ride attractions or spend a lot of time with characters, this can also be a special treat kind of experience. In sum, for those that have planned their visits to Walt Disney World Resort with FastPass+ reservations, with multi-day tickets (or Annual Passes), Disney After Hours retains only its unique aspect: do you want that Disney PhotoPass photo of you alone (or as a couple or family) on a Pirates of the Caribbean boat? Would you like to have Main Street U.S.A. mostly to yourself? Those are all pretty "cool" opportunities that this event can provide. If you hate crowds and hate lines, these events may be just what you have been hoping to find. For Disney Resort Guests, there are times of the year that Extra Magic Hours may provide a similar experience without additional cost (except for the food and beverages).

Whether what Disney Villains After Hours events adds to that when figuring in its additional price depends upon how you view its enhancements and whether you are a guest who likes seeking out and buying exclusive specialty merchandise, food and beverage. Indeed, Disney Parks Blog announced that the Thursday, June 13 event, will be guests' first opportunity to purchase new Magic Mirror Metallic merchandise (though the entire collection will debut to the public the next day, June 14). If you are someone that wants to get up close with Disney Villains, this event lets you see Maleficent the Dragon up close a few times, and see some more on stage, but there are no meet and greets for you; Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is the only place that consistently offers those opportunities, but those lower-priced events have a higher capped attendance level.

Special themed food and beverage offerings and merchandise was available for sale around the park exclusively during the event. Event Guide ©Disney.

Disney displayed the specialty food and beverage offerings at the media event held before the first Disney Villains After Hours event. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Exclusive event merchandise available for purchase at Disney Villains After Hours events was also shown to media. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Several Disney Villains say goodnight to guests as the Disney Villains After Hours event winds down its final hour. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Though not available for meet and greets, Lady Tremaine interacted with guests from atop Main Street Station.

Gaston posed and bragged to guests departing the event.

Cruela de Vil also had words for guests.

Captain Hook was his usual silent self.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

For more information on Disney Villains After Hours and to purchase your tickets, visit DisneyWorld.com/VillainsAfterHours or call the Disney Reservation Center at (407)939-2742. Disney Villains After Hours tickets cost $139 plus tax in advance and $144 plus tax on the event night. Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Members can take advantage of a $30 discount and purchase tickets for $109 plus tax.

Disney Musicals in Schools Program Supports Central Florida Schools

On May 29, dozens of local Central Florida elementary school students took to the stage and stepped into the spotlight as part of the grand finale act of the 2018-2019 schoolyear's Disney Musical in Schools program, held at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Orlando, Florida. The students recently completed a 17-week immersive program, designed by Disney Theatrical Group, that encourages youth to embrace their passion for musical theatre and explore their artistic expression.

The program is made possible in Central Florida through a $50,000 grant from Walt Disney World Resort to Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, who partner together to bring this unique and immersive arts experience to local children. The experience culminated in a special finale performance at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, where students had the opportunity to perform their favorite number from their school's production on a Broadway-caliber stage in front of a cheering crowd of their family and friends.

"Our vision is Arts for Every Life and through collaborative programs like Disney Musicals in Schools we fulfill that mission by creating access to the arts for elementary students right in their schools," said Kathy Ramsberger, president and CEO of Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts. "Together with the students and teachers, our teaching artists and partners like Disney help us to produce this remarkable grand finale event."

For more than four decades, Walt Disney World Resort has helped to foster and strengthen the local Central Florida arts community by supporting various organizations that bring unique art and theater experiences to children and families. Disney Musicals in Schools has reached nearly 20 Central Florida elementary schools since its introduction to Central Florida in 2016.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! returns to the America Gardens stage on Friday with multiple daily performances through August 18. Star-Lord and Gamora along with an "alien" band will take the audience on a "musical journey" that showcases hits from Star-Lord's Awesome Mix tapes. Check the Times Guide and the My Disney Experience app for the daily schedule.

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

Repeating from last week, Disney Parks Blog announced the first four returning Celebrity Narrators for this year's edition of Candlelight Processional: Whoopi Goldberg (12/6-7), Pat Sajak (12/16-8), Steven Curtis Chapman (12/22-4), and Edward James Olmos (12/25-6). Held at the America Gardens Theatre, the 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-December 30). 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 will begin on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages starting July 3 (or call 407-WDW-DINE).

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). It runs a record 87 days this year, through November 23, but the three-times-nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series will only run until November 19. This year, showtimes on Sundays through Thursdays will be the usual 5:30 P.M., 6:45 P.M., and 8:00 P.M., while on Fridays and Saturdays, the showtimes shift an hour later to 6:30 P.M., 7:45 P.M., and 9 P.M. The Concert Series wraps up on November 19 (before the Festival's end) to allow the America Gardens stage to be prepared for the 2019 edition of Epcot's Candlelight Processional.

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

While most of the views this week are in the Disney Villains After Hours event discussion above, we have a few more to share around the World. The newest views around Disney Springs are included in the Disney Springs news section.

Magic Kingdom

From the California Grill atop Disney's Contemporary Resort, the scope of the vertical construction of the TRON-themed roller coaster next to Space Mount is apparent. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

A new Skyliner sign faces the gondolas arriving at the station outside the gates of the park.

Exterior refurbishment is underway at the retail shops along Hollywood Boulevard (all of the shops on this side of the street are now closed for refurbishment).

Bo Peep is now meeting guests in Toy Story Land.

During the "Toy Story 4" press junket, Woody was greeting invited guests with his new friend Forky in Toy Story Land. We have not yet confirmed whether Forky will be in Toy Story Land during regular park hours.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

As the park continues to celebrate Disney's "The Lion King," the maintenance gate across from Pizzafari along the pathway to Pandora-The World of Avatar now features a scene that seems inspired by the movie as well.

On Kilimanjaro Safaris, a giraffe that stops on the road will cause a delay since it has the right-of-way.

Construction continues around the tram loading and unloading area outside the gates of the park near medical parking.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Gran Destino Tower is expected to open in July.

The new Three Bridges Bar & Grill is also expected to open in July. The pedestrian bridges are already open.

A model in the Convention Center shows the areas of new construction that are part of the resort's reimagining that is expected to be completed next month.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…With Disney-Pixar's Toy Story 4 being released on June 21, we learned this week that Disney planted some Pixar "Easter Eggs" in the Google Street View of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. There are eight of them that were hidden throughout the land on the day they were captured—have you spotted them? Let us know in the comments to this Update's post on Facebook or below. We'll provide a list of correct responses later this month! For those of you that would just rather go shopping for Toy Story 4 merchandise at the park, Disney Parks Blog has a look at many of the items available around the Resort, including those in the new pop-up merchandise location just off the exit hallway inside Toy Story Mania!

The pop-up shop in the exit area of Toy Story Mania! is themed like the rest of the exit hallways of the attraction.

Bo Peep's sheep are available as a mug in the pop-up shop.

The pop-up shop is rather small and can be seen on your left as exiting the attraction (or you can walk all the way in the exit pathway, into the exit hallway where you will see it on your right).

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Last week we reported that D23: The Official Disney Fan Club announced that this year's D23 Expo in Anaheim, California will include more information about the future of the reimagination of Epcot. This week, D23 released more of the schedule for the three day long convention, highlighted by: August 23, Disney Legends Award Ceremony in the morning and a first look at Disney+ (the new Disney streaming service coming in November) in the afternoon; August 24, The Walt Disney Studios presentation at its upcoming films (both live action and animation, from Disney, Pixar, Marvel to LucasFilm); August 25, Disney Parks, Experiences and Products' Chairman Bob Chapek will discuss what's new and what's next for the resorts around the world. Single-day tickets are still available for August 23 and 25 only. Visit D23Expo.com for more information and tickets.

…Walt Disney World Golf has introduced a limited run of custom-designed, Mickey Mouse inspired driver head covers featuring "Swinging Mickey" and the 1971 Walt Disney World Golf logo in time for Father's Day. For more information, see Walt Disney World Golf Blog. Walt Disney World Golf has also introduced a new Golf Membership program for Disney Vacation Club Members. We have provided the details below in the Discounts section under the DVC tab.

…REMINDER: Give Kids the World Village has announced its next two speaker series events featuring legendary Disney Cast Members and Voice Actors. On Disneyland's 64th anniversary, July 17, Disney veterans Tom Nabbe, Bill Sullivan and Bill Hoelscher will share stories of their fabled careers, stretching from the Disneyland's launch to the opening of Walt Disney World. On August 3, Paige O'Hara, voice of Belle from Beauty and the Beast, and Linda Larkin, voice of Jasmine from Aladdin, will share stories of the magic behind the scenes of these loved Disney characters. Details:

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. at Give Kids The World Village, 210 S Bass Road, Kissimmee, FL 34746
July 17: Legendary Disney Cast Members: General Seating $35; Preferred Seating $50
August 3: Disney Voice Actors O'Hara & Larkin: General $50; Preferred $75; VIP Package $150

Advanced ticket sales are now available for the July 17 event on this eventbrite.com webpage. Advanced sales tickets are available for the August 3 event on this eventbrite.com webpage. For more information about these and other GKTW events, visit GKTW.org. Since 1986, Give Kids The World Village has welcomed more than 165,000 families to its 84-acre “storybook” resort in Central Florida. Children with critical illnesses and their families are treated to weeklong, cost-free vacations, complete with accommodations, donated attraction tickets, meals and more.

…Disney Cruise Line announced its Fall 2020 itineraries and sail dates, including its Halloween on the High Seas Cruises and Very Merrytime Cruises, with departures from New York, Florida and Texas. See the itineraries on the Disney Cruise Line website. Booking opens for the public on June 13; Disney Vacation Club Members have an advanced booking window on June 12, and others may have other early booking privileges too.

…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.

NEW While folks attending the hard ticket June 13 Disney Villains After Hours event will have the first opportunity to purchase Magic Mirror Metallic merchandise at Magic Kingdom (as noted above), Walt Disney World Annual Passholders will have an exclusive V.I.Passholder Exclusive Shopping Opportunity on Friday, June 14 from 9 to 10 a.m. at World of Disney store at Disney Springs to purchase both Imagination pink and Magic Mirror Metallic merchandise. Passholders can get the 20% Passholder discount for purchases during the event. All guests can purchase the collections starting at 10 a.m. For a look at some of the items, check out Disney Parks Blog, which is also showing off breakfast at The Daily Poutine and some treats coming to The Ganachery and select churros carts on June 15.

NEW Views Around Disney Springs

This kiosk near Paddlefish now has roof decor that reminds us of the clouds and sky of the "Toy Story" movies.

The photo backdrop outside the AMC Dine-In Theatres now promotes "Toy Story 4," which is opening June 21.

Exterior and interior renovations continue at the AMC Dine-In Theatres.

While no new show information has been announced, the exterior of the Cirque du Soleil theatre has received a grayer shade of paint.

The Michael Jordan-themed Trophy Room store in Town Center has closed. Its online business continues at TrophyRoomStore.com.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Raglan Road

Raglan Road recently welcomed its new Irish executive chef, Mark O'Neill. He previously worked with some of Europe's top chefs in several Michelin-Star restaurants. In Raglan Road's most recent newsletter, he shared a bit of his vision for the venue: "I'd like to do really great gastro-pub food, to have our team creating really nicely executed dishes like we have back home in Ireland. We'll be developing fresh, made-from-scratch food that's vibrant to the palate. It's important that we stay in front of the modern Irish food trend and keep our guests excited about great new dishes on the menu."

Strings & Things, the Irish Folk/Trad crossover four-piece band from Tipperary and Galway returns in mid-June for a yearlong residency. The band last performed at Raglan Road from June through September last year and during the pub's Great Irish Hooley.

Bongo's Cuban Café

Orlando Sentinel reported that the restaurant will close in August and quotes its owner, Cuban-American pop icon Gloria Estafan as saying as its twenty-two year lease draws to an end this summer, "They are growing in a different direction, and we are growing in a different direction." Gloria and her husband and business partner, Emilio Estefan, announced that they will open a new restaurant, Estefan Kitchen at the Margaritaville Orlando Resort.

Bongo's will close its West Side restaurant and shop in August. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka

Wine Bar George

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

Terralina Crafted Italian

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

Paddlefish

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

Enzo's Hideaway Tunnel Bar

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Edison

The Edison at Disney Springs is hosting "Havana Nights" beginning at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays: June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, August 7, August 21, September 4, September 18, October 2, and October 16. The no additional charge nights feature a five piece band from 8 p.m. to midnight (trading the spotlight with a DJ from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.) playing Latin renditions of musical styles from instrumentals to pop. Complimentary salsa lessons will be available at any skill level, 7:30-11:30 p.m. and Havana-inspired specialty craft cocktails will be available to order during the entire night.

Parking Update

Following the recent opening of the Grapefruit Garage, the upgraded system notifying drivers of parking space availability in the Orange Garage appears complete. The newly-installed signs at parking entrances separately note available medical parking by level in addition to general parking. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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)
…Disney Villains at Magic Kingdom
- June 13, 20 & 27
- July 1, 11, 18 & 25
- August 1 & 8
…at Disney's Hollywood Studios (including two "special" events):
- June 14, 21 & 28
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom:
- June 4, 11 & 18
Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic:(registration required)
…at Disney's Animal Kingdom
- July 18, August 8 & 22, 2019
- Registration filled for Members with Resort Reservations
- Registration opens for all Members: June 12, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
…at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon
- September 18 & October 16, 2019
- Registration opens for Members with Resort Reservations: August 14, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
- Registration opens for all Members: August 28, 2019 at 9 a.m. Eastern
Mickey & Minnie's Surprise Celebration at Magic Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
Party with Pixar Pals at Disney's Hollywood Studios – January 18 - September 30, 2019
25 Years of The Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom – January 18 – September 30, 2019
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