- Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…at Magic Kingdom (10 p.m. to 1 a.m.):- November 18
- December 9
- October 19, & 26
- November 5, 13, & 19
- December 7, 14, & 18
- Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic: (registration required)
…at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon- October 16, 2019
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom (hard ticket required)
- October 15, 17, 18, 20, 21, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31
- November 1
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 29 - November 23, 2019
(Eat to the Beat Concerts end November 19) - Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – October 31 - November 3, 2019
- Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort Food & Wine Classic – November 8-9, 2019
- Dapper Days at Walt Disney World (Unofficial Events) – November 16-17, 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)
- 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
Advertisement
Walt Disney World Resort Update for October 15-21, 2019
Writer's note: So this former Chicagoan received some tasty news this week about a new neighbor moving in to Lake Buena Vista, Florida:
A magical place is finally coming to the Orlando area…Portillo's is officially opening in Lake Buena Vista, FL! Click to sign up for our sneak peek meals and vote to have our food truck visit you in the Sunshine state before we open!☀️🌭https://t.co/uT58Uk6CYh pic.twitter.com/HXxb2Cxnxw
— Portillo's (@portilloshotdog) October 9, 2019
Yes, indeed, Portillo's, the restaurant chain known for its Chicago-style hot dogs, beef sandwiches, and chocolate cake (among other things), has announced that it is opening a location just a few moments down the road from Walt Disney World Resort! Portillo's has operated two locations in the Tampa area for the past several years, and during my visits, I found the food quite spot-on to the flavors I expected (and wanted!) having visited Chicagoland locations many, many times in the past.
As Walt Disney World Resort visitors may realize, making food taste like you expect from another region is no easy job, as Central Florida's water is different enough than that found in other places that it can change food flavors—just ask the folks that decided that, at least when it opened, Via Napoli at Epcot needed to bring in water from somewhere else in the country to get its pizza crust to have the flavor someone familiar with Neapolitan pizza expects. Future Updates may follow this off-property location's development a bit more than we usually follow off-property venues for, well, obvious reasons.
Speaking of off-property (but not Chicagoland), I will be away from the Update for the next couple of weeks. While I may pop up on our social media channels with a post here and there, it is time for a little writing break before this winter's bigger push of news comes along when Walt Disney World Resort shifts into its winter holidays celebrations. I will see you back on the Update in November. And, remember, as I wrote last week, I no longer receive email through the envelope icon next to my byline above, so if you have something to say that you want all of our followers to know about, please provide your comments at the bottom of the Update (via MousePad) or under the post with a link to this Update on our Facebook page, or if you want to say or ask something less publicly, send a private message to MousePlanet on Facebook Messenger, or a direct message on MousePlanet's Instagram or Twitter pages.
News and Views
Headlines are auto-generated here
Disney Skyliner Flies Again
On October 5, the new Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system which opened to guests on September 29, suffered a malfunction that resulted in operating delays which left some guests in their passneger cabins above Walt Disney World Resort for about three hours. Yesterday, following what Disney describes as "a complete review with the manufacturer" and "adjustments" to processes and training, the Disney Skyliner reopened to guests.
Disney Parks Blog announced the reopening along with newly specified operating hours, some further expected downtime for system updates, and even the delays inherent in regular operations:
Beginning today, [Monday, October 14, 2019,] guests may travel aboard Disney Skyliner from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. However, system updates later this week will result in the following modified operating hours for Oct. 16-18:
- Oct. 16: The Disney Hollywood Studios line will be closed while the other two lines will be available from 1 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
- Oct. 17-18: All lines will be open from 1 p.m. – 10:30 p.m.
Similar to ski lift systems, Disney Skyliner may slow or come to some stops during the ride, particularly when we need to accommodate guests who require additional time to load their cabin. We want to assure you that the comfort of every guest is important to us.
When Disney Skyliner opened on September 29, it was providing "flights" in time for hotel guests to attend Extra Extra Magic Hours that began at 6 a.m. at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It was also operating during evening Extra Magic hours during its week of operation. The morning Extra Extra Magic hours are scheduled to end on November 2. It is unclear whether Disney Skyliner will operate outside the newly published times in the future.
The new gondola transportation system was built to give guests at four Disney resort hotels (Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Caribbean Beach, and the as yet to open Disney's Riviera Resort Disney Vacation Club property) an alternative transportation means for getting to Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. Guests at those hotels along the lines continue to have other transportation options, including Disney buses, to get to and around the parks and other parts of Walt Disney World whether or not Disney Skyliner is operating.
Notwithstanding the "complete review," Disney released no further information about the cause of the "unexpected downtime" of the system. Photos on social media on the night of the malfunction showed several of the passenger gondola cabins leaning into one another inside the turn station at Disney's Riviera Resort, and, near one of the cabins, there appeared to be broken glass on the ground. Disney has seemed to go out of its way to avoid words like "accident" or "crash" to describe the incident, and we have seen no evidence or official information to further understand exactly what happened to the new transportation system or the sequence of events tha led to the photos published by news outlets.
While there were no reports of major injuries relating to or arising out of the "malfunction," Orlando Sentinel reports that at least one person was taken to the hospital in connection with the incident, but no further information about the person's condition was released. As we noted last week (and is again reiterated in the Sentinel), a union spokesman for Reedy Creek Fire Department complained that the rescue operation following the malfunction required nearly all the Department's personnel; a Reedy Creek spokeswoman disputed that claim.
Orlando Sentinel has also published a photo of a new sign posted near the entrance to the station at Disney's Skyliner station that says, "Similar to other gondola systems around the world, flights aboard DISNEY SKYLINER may occasionally be interrupted with stops and delays." Disney Parks Blog also said that the Resort is "improving how we communicate with guests during their flight" and offered its "deepest apologies to the guests impacted by the malfunction that resulted in extended operating delays," last Saturday, October 5.
Preview Race Medals For 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend
The 2020 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend takes place at Walt Disney World Resort February 20-23, 2020. With registration on runDisney.com underway (and some races all ready sold out), this week Disney Parks Blog revealed the individual race finisher medals that celebrate Disney Princesses: 5K celebrates Moana, 10K celebrates Pocahontas, Half Marathon celebrates Cinderella, Fairy Tale (19.3 Mile) Challenge celebrates The Three Fairies from Sleeping Beauty, and Kids Races celebrate a few characters from The Little Mermaid.
Disney Princess 5K medal celebrates Moana and "the ancient gem, the heart of Te Fiti."
Disney Princess 10K medal celebrates Pocahontas.
Disney Princess Half Marathon medal celebrates the 70th anniversary of the release of Disney's "Cinderella."
Finishers of the 2020 Disney Fairy Tale Challenge earn a medal celebrating the Three Fairies from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty" and the 19.3 total miles of both the 10K and Half Marathon.
The Kids Dashes and One Mile Run medals celebrate characters from Disney's "The Little Mermaid."
Photos © Disney.
Get Away Today Cruise Sale
MousePlanet sponsor Get Away Today is holding an exclusive cruise sale with extra discounts and perks on all of the major cruise lines, including the Disney Cruise Line. Vacation planners can receive up to $300 onboard credit on select Disney Cruise Line sailings, which includes the new 2021 itineraries.
Need a further nudge to consider booking a Disney Cruise Line voyage or planning some other visit to Disney Parks & Resorts today? Well, just yesterday, Disney Parks Blog announced that both received the highest honors in a Newsweek survey ranking America's best customer service, and, indeed, Disney Cruise Line ranked as the number one company overall, across all of the industries in the survey, as well as in the "Cruise Line Operator" category.
Of course, Get Away Today's offer extends to other cruise lines too, including packages with free pre-paid gratuities on Royal Caribbean and up to $200 onboard credit on Norwegian Cruise Line. Both of these deals can be combined with Kids Sail Free offers on select sailings.
You can see all of the specials on the agency website, and then book by phone at (877)510-2929. Be sure to tell them MousePlanet sent you! But, note, that these special offers end today, Tuesday, October 15.
And, whether or not you are planning on traveling soon, that same Newsweek survey placed Disney Store atop its best customer service list in the "Toy" category too. Read about the Newsweek survey and its results here.
Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar
American Gardens Theatre continues its presentation of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series three times nightly through November 18 as part of this year's edition of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Eat to the Beat Concert showtimes are scheduled Sundays through Thursdays at 5:30, 6:45, and 8:00 p.m., and on Fridays and Saturdays, an hour later, at 6:30, 7:45, and 9:00 p.m. The entire schedule is published, but, of course, always keep an eye out for signs when you enter the park noting last minute changes. There are even more details and you can make reservations for dining packages including guaranteed concert seating by visiting TasteEpcot.com or calling (407)939-3378. Eat to the Beat Concert Series concludes on November 18 to begin preparing the stage for Candlelight Processional, but the Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23.
With the November 29 opening of this year's Epcot International Festival of the Holidays three times nightly performances of Candlelight Processional return and continue through December 30. The show combines a live orchestra, massed choir and celebrity narrator in the retelling of the traditional Christmas story. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, Lisa Ling, Isabella Rossellini, Marlee Matlin, and Ming-Na Wen are all scheduled as celebrity narrators this year, with two more narrators yet to be announced. Guaranteed seating for all performances 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 and more information is available on EpcotHolidays.com or by calling (407)WDW-DINE.
From January 17 to February 24, 2020, Epcot International Festival of the Arts returns and the America Gardens Theatre will again host nightly Disney on Broadway Concerts three times nightly. More information about the Festival and the shows is available on ArtfulEpcot.com or by calling (407)939-5277. From March 4 to June 1, 2020, the park presents the 27th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival with its, as yet unspecified schedule, Garden Rocks Concert Series.
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. We will add the Disney on Broadway Concert Series performers and Garden Rocks Concert Series performers when they are announced. You can add the entire 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
We have just a few Views to share this week.
The latest new Disney Resort bus exterior we spotted features Figment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That…
…Attention Tiki Mug collectors: today, October 15, Trader Sam's Grog Grotto at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort will again offer up a limited release of the Hatbox Ghost Tiki Mug featuring the empty hat box and the ghost's head on his shoulders. Wristbands will be distributed at Trader Sam's Tiki Terrace starting at 9 a.m. Eastern. The Grotto itself will open at 1 p.m., and beverage purchase is required to get the mug (Grim Grinning Grog features pineapple-mango dark rum, Bermuda black rum, blood orange, lime juice, a trio of tropical juices, and dashes of aromatic bitters and there will be a non-alcoholic alternative as well). If the Tiki Mug supply lasts after October 16, wristband distribution will begin at 10 a.m. on each of the following days and the Grotto will open at 3 p.m. If you are looking for the version with the head in the box, you need to head out to the West Coast, where you'll need to get a wristband at the Disneyland Hotel Convention Center starting at 7 a.m. (with the line opening at 5 a.m.) or at Trader Sam's Enchanted Tiki Bar.
Limited Edition HatBox Ghost Pins, Tiki Mugs, and Ornaments will be available starting today at Walt Disney World. Images ©Disney.
…A Hatbox Ghost Ornament and Limited Edition Hatbox Ghost Pin will go on sale at BouTIki at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort also beginning at 9 a.m. Eastern today, October 15 (and, on the West Coast, at Disney's Fantasia Shop at Disneyland Hotel at 7 a.m. Pacific).
…A "Tradition English Breakfast Platter" is now available at Rose & Crown Pub in the U.K. pavilion every Saturday from 9-11 a.m. The platter includes eggs, sausage, toast, baked beans, and mushrooms.
English Breakfast Platter is available at U.K. pavilion's Rose & Crown Pub on Saturday mornings. Image ©Disney.
…Speaking of food and beverages at Epcot, Orlando Sentinel's Dewayne Bevil did his annual calculation of the cost of buying all 97 special food items offered during Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and determined that the total for one of each this year is $542.35, with an average cost per item of $5.60 (an increase of 30¢/item from last year). Add in all of the beverages, including multi-item choices (like beer flights), and your total 2019 cost is $1,266.95 (not including park admission and parking, of course).
…Mickey's of Hollywood at Disney's Hollywood Studios has reopened, completing the reimagining of the park's Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard retail merchandise locations. Mickey's of Hollywood is sort of the "Emporium" of this park, and its new art deco d&eacuate;cor design is intended to evoke the glamor of Hollywood. Its merchandise mix for its reopening features the new Arendelle Aqua collection and Halloween-themed items, along with an assortment of toys and more.
The reimagined Mickey's of Hollywood has opened at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Image ©Disney.
…In our Views Around the World in last week's Update, we noted the soft opening of the Enchanted Rose at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The new lounge located on the second level of the main lobby has now officially opened. The venue, replacing Mizner's Lounge and the neighboring retail shop, is inspired by the live action version of Disney's Beauty and the Beast with four areas: the bar area featuring a chandelier inspired by Belle's golden ball gown; the library with baroque designs and French furnishings (and nods to the once human staff of the Beast's castle); the garden room inspired by the enchanted forest; and the outdoor patio. Read more about its menu and inspiration on Disney Parks Blog.
…As we have reported before, when Disney's Animal Kingdom begins its first-ever parkwide celebration of the winter holiday season on November 8, Tree of Life Awakenings will include new holiday scenes too. This week, Disney Parks Live Entertainment released a look at their work-in-progress on the nightly winter holiday themed projections on the Tree of Life.
Disney Parks Live Entertainment show the current work-in-progress of the holiday Awakenings coming to the Tree of Life starting November 8. Video © Disney.
…In the meantime, The Animation Experience at Conservation Station in Disney's Animal Kingdom continues to teach guests how to draw animal characters from Disney's The Lion King throughout the day. Starting October 18, the theme of the program will turn toward villains, so, while Scar and Ed will remain in the rotation, Bruce from Finding Nemo, Hopper from A Bug's Life, ShereKahn from The Jungle Book, and Tic Toc from Peter Pan will enter the rotation too. FastPass+ reservations for the experience continue to be available, but, of course, don't forget to allow yourself enough time to take the train from Harambe to Conservation Station for the session.
…This week, Disney and LATAM Airlines Group showed off the new "Stormtrooper Plane" that celebrates and advertises Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Disney's Hollywood Studios. The Boeing 777 aircraft's exterior was designed by Disney's creative team along with Lucasfilm, and it will fly routes from São Paulo, Brazil to cities including Orlando, Miami, Madrid, Frankfurt, Paris, and London. All ten of the Star Wars films will be available for viewing on the plane's onboard entertainment system.
A LATAM Airlines Boeing 777 celebrates the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge at Walt Disney World as the new "Stormtrooper Plane." Video ©Disney.
…For golfers, Walt Disney World Golf has complimentary bag tags featuring Mickey, Minnie, Donald, and Goofy, available from the Starter at the first tee or from the on-course Player's Assistant when you are playing a round on Disney's Magnolia, Palm, Lake Buena Vista, or Oak Trail courses, respectively. Take a look and get more information on the official Walt Disney World Golf blog.
…REMINDER: Special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests are scheduled daily through November 2, at Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Disney's Hollywood Studios (including, of course, its Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge area).
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your email in the box below.
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New & Coming Soon at Disney Springs
This section collects all of the Disney Springs retail and dining events we are aware of in one place along with our most recent views of the area (including those immediately under this paragraph). Event items NEW to the Update are marked accordingly. For even more of the latest news around Disney Springs, follow its official Twitter Feed: @DisneySprings.
Views of Disney Springs
Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
Enzo's Hideaway
On Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, come dressed as your favorite prohibition-era character to receive a 25% discount on "gourmet tunnel bar dishes and swanky libations."
The Edison
Also on Friday, October 26, and Saturday, October 27, from 10 p.m. until 2 a.m., the Edison will host its annual costume contest. Guests in costume receive a 25% discount on food offerings and beverages all night long. No tickets are necessary.
Wine Bar George
Wine Bar George continues its salute to Epcot International Food & Wine Festival with Hennessy Week with ticketed tastings and parties October 8-12. For more information and tickets, visit WineBarGeorge.com/events.
On Saturday, October 19, join Master Sommelier George Miliotes and Jean Trimbach for a four course lunch with eight different wines from Trimbach. "With a history dating back to 1626, 12 generations of winemakers have tirelessly drawn on their passion for Alsace wines, ensuring the wines they produce stand out for their quality and authenticity." Noon to 3 p.m. for $140/person. For more information, tickets, and even more events, visit: winebargeorge.com/events.
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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.
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Upcoming Events
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend - October 31 - November 3, 2019
- 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
Just click the year you want to expand (or close).
2019 Resort Events
2020 Resort Events
- Disney After Hours: (hard ticket required; park entry at 7 p.m., event hours vary by published date and park)
…at Magic Kingdom (8 p.m. to 11 p.m.):- January 6 & 13
- January 17 & 20
- January 9, 16, 22, & 30
- February 6, 13, 19, & 27
- March 5, 12, 19 & 26
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend - January 8-12, 2020
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts - January 17 to February 24, 2020
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend - February 20-23, 2020
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival - March 4-June 1, 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.
Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system – daily operating hours are now published as: 8 a.m. until 10:30 p.m. except:
- October 16 – Disney's Hollywood Studios line closed; Other two lines will be available 1–10:30 p.m.
- October 17-18 – All lines open from 1–10:30 p.m.
View the different areas of the Resort by scrolling horizontally and selecting the one you want to read about.
Magic Kingdom
- The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History – its final scheduled shows were performed October 5, 2019.
- Move it! Shake it! MousekeDance it! Street Party – two performances scheduled daily only through November 2, 2019.
- Royal Majesty Makers – no longer has scheduled appearances in Fantasyland as of October 2019.
- Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial – Final show was September 29, 2018.
- Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as "available seasonally throughout the year"
Be aware that it is increasingly unlikely it will reopen; the attraction's lobby is usually used for greeting Stitch - Walt Disney World Railroad – Closed as of December 3, 2018 to accommodate TRON construction (reopening to be announced). Guests can visit a Walt Disney World Railroad train at Main Street Station.
Epcot
- NEW Test Track – Will close for refurbishment January 13-February 26, 2020
- Impressions de France – Closed for refurbishment related to sharing the theater with "Beauty & the Beast Sing-Along" which debuts January 2020
- Gallery of Arts and History (Morocco Pavilion) – Closed for refurbishment.
- O Canada! – the film has been retired and the theatre currently is the Appleseed Orchard marketplace during the 2019 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival; "Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360" will debut as the new film in January 2020.
- Reflections of China – the film will be retired and will be replaced with "Wondrous China" presented in a seamless 360° digital format.
- Future World "transformation" closings – Major transformation announced at D23 Expo 2019.
Closings and relocations include:- Innoventions - all exhibits now permanently closed, effective September 8, 2019
- Club Cool closed effective September 8 (to reopen in "a new capacity at a future merchandise location")
- Fountain of Nations closed effective September 8
- Fountain View featuring Starbucks closed effective September 8 (will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall, 2019)
- Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot - relocated September 8 (look for signs in Future World West)
- Electric Umbrella will close in Winter 2019-20. (New dining options to be announced)
- Mouse Gear will close in its current location in Winter 2019-20. (It will move to a temporary home to be announced)
- Art of Disney will operate from a temporary location before eventually relocating to Heritage Manor at The American Adventure
- Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind to open in its place in approximately 2021. - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – Closed February 3, 2018.
New film entitled "Awesome Planet" will debut in January 2020 - Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – Show retired: September 30, 2019.
Epcot Forever debuted October 1 for a limited run which will be followed by a new nighttime spectacular "HarmonioUS" in 2020 - Liberty Inn - the fast-casual restaurant closed for reimagining starting July 8, 2019.
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue will open later in 2019 in its place.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- March of the First Order – concluded parades down Hollywood Boulevard on July 6, 2019.
First Order Stormtroopers have "redeployed" inside Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge - Star Wars: Path of the Jedi – Currently only available during Star Wars Guided Tours
- The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017.
The new Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2020.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Primeval Whirl – is listed as "temporarily closed" with no further published information
As of October 13, 2019, no FastPass+ service is available for the attraction for at least 30 days.
Disney Water Parks
- Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park is closed for enhancements with no announced reopening date.
Disney Springs
- Bongo's Cuban Café– Closed in August 2019
Beatrix from Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises coming to the site at a date to be announced. - DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
The NBA Experience opened on the site on August 12, 2019. - La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
A new Cirque du Soleil show is in development with previews to begin March 20, 2020, and its world premiere April 17, 2020.
Disney Resorts
- Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Mizner's Lounge replaced with "Enchanted Rose" a larger venue with a Beauty & the Beast theme.
- Caribbean Beach – The overall construction project at the Resort is expected to be completed 2019–20. The resort's new lobby, restaurants and other amenities, including Sebastian's Bistro, Centertown Market, and Banana Cabana are all now open.
- Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Big Blue Pool will close for refurbishment beginning in Fall 2020.
- Disney's Beach Club Resort – Beaches & Cream Soda Shop will be closed for refurbishment through winter 2019.
Walt Disney World Golf
- No known closures.
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
Mid-Day Magic Tickets
Disney has introduced a new park ticket that provides one admission per theme park each day after 12:00 p.m. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information.
Gift of Magic
For stays most nights January 1 through April 25, 2020, guests can save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort Hotels when booked by January 1, 2020. The offer also includes a $30 Disney Gift Card for each person (ages 3 and up) on the reservation if the reservation is upgraded to a package that includes 6-day or longer theme park tickets. Lots more details are available by visiting this page of DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407)939-2735 or your travel agent.
Fall & Holiday Season Resort Hotel Offers
Save up to 20% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels in late 2019. Book through December 24, 2019 for stays most nights November 10, 2019 through December 24, 2019.
Deluxe Villas and Resort rooms are offered at up to 20% off; Moderate Resort rooms up to 15% off; Value Resort rooms up to 10%. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for all the details, exclusions, dates and availability, or call (407)939-2727 or your travel agent.
Meal Vacation Package Offers
If you are considering a Walt Disney World Vacation Package that includes a non-discounted 5-night/6-day stay, Disney dining plans are included in the package when include the hotel and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights November 17 to 27, and December 8 to 23, 2019. Deluxe Villa and Deluxe Resort packages include the free Disney Dining Plan; Moderate and Value Resort packages include the free Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan. Everyone in the same room must be on the same package and the theme park tickets must be valid for admission on the date of check-in and be used within a limited number of days (which varies by length of stay). Gratuities are not included. Kids between ages 3 and 9 must order from children's menu where applicable. The package does not guarantee access to any specific table-service restaurants.
Read more information and exclusions, and check availability on this page of DisneyWorld.com, or call (407)939-7216 or your travel agent.
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount
Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $169, a $30 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.
Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com.
For Annual Passholders
| Expect to be required to show your Passholder Card and matching photo ID to receive a discount and other benefits. |
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Benefits & Promotions
Epcot encourages Annual Passholders to make repeat visits to the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival by offering a number of benefits and a few "gift" items. Like recent past festivals, there are two complimentary magnets available to Passholders during the Festival ("while supplies last"). Through October 14, Passholders (with valid pass and matching photo ID) could have received a complimentary Chef Minnie magnet; from October 15 through November 23, Passholders can also get a complimentary Chef Remy magnet. Passholders that visit the Festival four times (as tracked by using the AP to enter the park rather than checking in at any particular location inside the park) can also receive a complimentary Chef Minnie wooden coaster set. All of the Passholder "gifts" can be picked up at Mouse Gear or Disney Traders (one of each per Passholder during the specified timeframes and only while supplies last).
In addition to the usual 20% Passholder discount available on merchandise purchases in the park, there is also a 10% discount on Eat to the Beat Concert Series dining packages. The Festival will also have an assortment of Passholder-exclusive tee shirts, caps, mugs, pins, and more. For Passholders that purchase a special $100 Chef Minnie Disney Gift Card at Mouse Gear, Disney Traders, the Bridge Kiosk or Port of Entry (with valid pass and matching photo ID), they will also receive a $10 digital bonus to use at select Table Service restaurants at the park including Akershus Royal Banquet Hall, Biergarten Restaurant, Coral Reef Restaurant, Garden Grill Restaurant, Le Cellier Steakhouse and Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room (where the usual 10% AP discount also remains available).Other Discounts and Benefits
The other usual Passholder discounts and benefits continue as well. The updated list is at DisneyWorld.com/PassBenefits.(You may need to sign in to see the full list applicable to your pass.) Don't forget about the dedicated V.I.PASSHOLDER SUPPORT service for questions about Passholder benefits and recommendations. Call (407)WDW-PASS or on-line chat (via chat button on this page of DisneyWorld.com) daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Eastern, by email (via a web form), or in-person at Liberty Square Ticket Office in Magic Kingdom, Ticket Central at Disney's Hollywood Studios, or Ticket Corner at Disney's Animal Kingdom.
Many dining locations offer Passholders 10% discounts during some or all meal periods (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity).
The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. Remember, not all merchandise locations at Walt Disney World are owned and operated by Disney, but some of the non-Disney participants (including restaurants) offer discounts between 10 and 20% to Passholders as well. Note, the current terms and conditions include, "Discount is for personal use only and may not be used to purchase merchandise with the intent to resell the merchandise."
The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort.
The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort.
For the current list of Passholder Extras visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Passholder Extras include information about V.I.Passholder Perks, discounts on Disney After Hours events, Animal Encounter and tour discounts, Water Park discounts, Golf discounts, and more.
Magic Strollers, "a Disney featured stroller provider," offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP18 to arrange your rental. It is listed on the "Passholders Extras" page of the Passholder website (last checked September 9, 2019).
Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders
| Reminder to MagicBand users: You must still show your Disney Visa credit card to receive discounts and other benefits. Discounts are not automatically applied even if you have linked your Disney Visa credit card to your MagicBand. |
To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information.
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks
Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS
15 percent off select guided tours
Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs.
10 percent off select restaurants
Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions.
10 percent off merchandise
Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the this page of disneyrewards.com.
Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin, Basin White, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom.
15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services
Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions.
10 percent off select recreation experiences
Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
- Carriage Rides at Disney's Port Orleans Resort and Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
- Horseback Trail Rides at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Epcot
Present your Disney's Visa Card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).
Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios
Present your Disney's Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website).
For Military Personnel
2019 Military Promotional Tickets
January 1 through December 19, 2019
- Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$241.00
- Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $291.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $257.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $307.00
Prices do not include tax and tickets must be used by December 19, 2019.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.
U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19, 2019.
For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.
2020 Military Promotional Tickets
January 1 through December 18, 2020
- Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets –$265.00
- Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $315.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $283.00
- Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $333.00
- Six-Day Park Hopper Tickets – $301.00
- Six-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets – $351.00
Prices do not include tax. Six-Day Tickets must be purchased by December 13, Five-Day Tickets by December 14, Four-Day Tickets by December 15. Tickets may be used from January 1 through December 18, 2020.
Prices may be lower at U.S. military base ticket offices.
U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 from January 1, 2020, through December 18, 2020.
For more information, definitions and details, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). Each ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.
Special pricing for Memory Maker is available at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows when purchased by eligible service members or their spouses. No more than two Memory Maker products can be purchased by an eligible service member or their spouse. No more than two Memory Maker products may be purchased at the special price by the service member or spouse. Usual Memory Maker restrictions apply and a MagicBand is required to receive some digital content.
Special Rates at Resort Hotels
U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2019, for stays most nights through December 19, 2019. For 2020, discounts are available most nights January 1 through April 4, and April 19 through December 18, 2020, when booked by December 18, 2020. Offer excludes suites in Moderate and Deluxe Resort hotels, 3-bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. For 2019 rates, call (407)939-4249 for information and reservations, and find 2019 eligibility details listed on this page of DisneyWorld.com. For 2020 information and details, visitthis page or call (407)939-7825.
Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Florida Residents
| Expect to be required to show proof of Florida Residency for discounts and benefits. |
Seasonal Flex Ticket
Florida residents can purchase tickets for use on most dates through February 29, 2020, without picking a specific start date. The tickets, which can be used on non-consecutive days, must be purchased by December 17, 2019, and used in their entirety by February 29, 2020. The tickets are blocked out November 21-28, 2019, and December 18, 2019, through January 2, 2020.
- 3-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day plus tax)
- 4-Day 1-Park Per Day Seasonal Flex Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day plus tax)
Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com and click on "Read More" in the Florida Resident Seasonal Flex Tickets section. That page also provides a link where Florida Residents can save 40% on 4-Day Tickets and 30% on 3-Day Tickets compared to the non-resident prices of the same tickets when selecting specific visit start dates.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For Disney Vacation Club Members
Member Benefits and Discounts may be found on this page of DisneyVacationClub.com. Note: some benefits and discounts are only available to those with a valid Disney Vacation Club Membership Card which is only available to Members owning at least 75 Vacation Points purchased directly from Disney Vacation Development, Inc.
Call DVC Member Services at (800) 800-9800 to take advantage of most offers.
If you know of an offer that you think most Members do not know about, please drop us an email with the details.
For New England Residents
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort celebrates February's big football game victory by the team from New England by offering the Champions Package to residents of New Hampshire, Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. For stays through December 24, 2019 (minimum stay of three nights required), the Champions 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. It also includes a "one category complimentary room upgrade that does not include suite upgrades." Guests must have valid state identification at check-in from an eligible state. 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."
For Canada Residents
Until February 2020, Canadian residents can save 20% on theme park tickets. They must be purchased by February 7, 2020, and the offer is NOT available at theme park ticket windows. Visit Disneyworld.ca/tickets for more information.
All adults using Canada resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canada residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. The offer itself requires advanced purchase; it is not available at Walt Disney World Resort theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions.
Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
For U.K. Residents
You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. For early 2020 arrivals, the site advertises a package including free dining, $100 gift card, and 14-Day Ultimate Tickets for the price of a 7 Day Ticket with Memory Maker.
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details.
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Comments
Thanks again for an excellent update Alan. We will miss your weekly reports. I am one of the old dinosaurs that has chosen not to adopt any of the social media hoopla. I have seen some of my friends get really loopy about it.
So I won't be able to contact you that way.
And thanks for writing about the drawing class at Animal Kingdom. I don't remember ever seeing that and it is definitely something we would like to do.