Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 17-23, 2019

Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 17-23, 2019

 

Writer's note: Another week, another Tropical Storm/Hurricane, Humberto, passed Central Florida without significant impact, and operations around Walt Disney World Resort remained normal. Not surprisingly, Orlando Sentinel confirmed what I suspected last week, Hurricane Dorian did, in fact, prompt a drop in Orlando tourism: Orlando Sentinel says there was a 41.9% drop in hotel stays on August 31 when compared with 2018. But the forecasts of Humberto leading up to this past weekend did not scare off the crowds at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival over the weekend where I attended a Family and Friends Media Day on Saturday.

As is often the case during weekends of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, lots of guests arrive at the park in the evenings. On Fridays and Saturdays during the Festival, the park is open until 10 p.m. rather than the usual 9 p.m. More photos in the Views Around the World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In the Resort Events section below, I have added the additional dates that are now posted for Disney's After Hours hard ticket events at Magic Kingdom through January and Disney's Animal Kingdom through March, 2020. Not surprisingly, there are no dates posted for Disney's Hollywood Studios (because of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge) or Epcot (because of the park's on-going, multi-year transformation). Note that for events after October 5, the advance purchase price will increase from $125 to $129 and the same-day purchase will increase to $139; DVC Members and Annual Passholders will also see a $4 price increase to $99 (all prices are before tax). Disney still notes that "only a limited number of tickets are available for each event" and that guests will "enjoy little wait times" at available attractions, plus ice cream novelties, popcorn, and select beverages at no additional charge.

Beyond the Resort, it is always fun to find alumni of Pleasure Island's Comedy Warehouse and other Disney shows still performing around Orlando. On Friday, a group named We Bring the Funny performed "That Variety Show" at Theatre South in the Doctor Phillips neighborhood, playing many of the improv games that those of that ever saw a Comedy Warehouse show (or the Disney's Hollywood Studios "Holiday Special" versions over the years) are used to seeing.. If you have visited Walt Disney World in the past decade since Pleasure Island's closing, you may still have seen some of these folks performing around the Resort (and, yes, in the spirit of disclosure, I am friends with more than one of the performers, but I also paid for my ticket to the show).

Mark Daniel, Jim Doyle, Brian Bradley, Mary Thompson Hunt, and Jake Lockwood perform in "That Variety Show" by We Bring the Funny at Theatre South, Dr. Phillips/Orlando. (You may also recognize the sparkly shoes of Carol Stein on the keys, but her face is behind Jake!) Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Finally, for your listening pleasure, embedded here is my latest chat with Garry Meier about Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, D23 Expo 2019, Epcot, Marvel/Avenger's Campus, Disney Cruise Line (the new ship and Hurricane Dorian relief efforts), and more.

To hear just my segment, jump to time index 18:44, but the whole show is appropriate for most audiences.

News and Views

Headlines are auto-generated here

Disney's Animal Kingdom to "Roar in" 2020

For the first time in our memory (and, possibly, ever), Disney's Animal Kingdom will remain open on New Year's Eve, December 31, 2019, to ring (or, as Disney says, "roar") in the New Year at midnight. Since the opening of Pandora-The World of Avatar back in 2017, the park has made several attempts at staying open and busy late in to the night. As you might think, it is a delicate balance for the park that is dedicated to caring for a diverse population of animals, including many that are rare and endangered, and providing Disney entertainment to demanding guests with high expectations. Gorilla Falls and Maharajah Jungle Trek both close around sunset, and, though Kilimanjaro Safaris added expeditions after sunset back in 2017, the attraction still often closes earlier than the park for the benefit of the animals.

For New Year's Eve, the park will have specialty food and beverage offerings as well as DJs providing entertainment in Asia, Discovery Island and DinoLand U.S.A. As midnight approaches, the park will encourage guests to gather around Discovery Island and Asia for a special New Year's Eve countdown on the Tree of Life which will be followed by "energetic music and lighting displays." To entice pin traders to visit, the park will also offer a "limited-edition New Year's Eve" pin for sale starting that evening.

As we have previously reported, this holiday season will also be the first time that all of the lands of the park will be decorated for the holidays, including a display by the "ex-pats living on Pandora." The Tree of Life's nighttime awakenings will include new winter projections this year, and the Discovery Island area will feature new animal-inspired lanterns and more. DisneyWorld.com has created a dedicated page featuring the resort-wide New Year's offerings, which is so far rather sparse on details, but we will summarize what we know immediately below.

Magic Kingdom

Like in past years, Magic Kingdom will celebrate New Year's Eve on both December 30 and December 31, complete with Fantasy in the Sky Fireworks. DJ dance parties will also take place in Frontierland and Tomorrowland on both nights. In many past years, December 30 also includes late night Extra Magic Hours for Resort guests, but, as of this posting, no nighttime Extra Magic Hours have been posted for December in My Disney Experience.

Epcot

Epcot International Festival of the Holidays wraps up on December 30. On December 31, World Showcase pavilions will celebrate the new year as the clock strikes midnight in each represented country. Disney says "listen for a festive announcement and gaze skyward for a colorful burst of fireworks to appear."

As in past years, there will also be dance parties at several places around World Showcase and live music at America Gardens Theatre, but the details have not yet been announced.

With Illuminations: Reflections of Earth ending on September 30, the nightly fireworks show on New Year's Eve will be the new (but temporary) "Epcot Forever" which Disney says will be "followed by a countdown to 2020 and a special New Year's Eve display."

Disney's Hollywood Studios

The park has previously announced this year's return of the nighttime spectacular, "Jingle Bells, Jingle BAM!" during the holiday season. In recent past years, New Year's has been rung in with a special midnight showing of "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular," and in years before that, special showings of "Sorcery in the Sky." All that Disney has said, so far, is to "prepare for adventure culminating in a midnight countdown and a stunning fireworks spectacular."

Resort Hotels: Rooftops and More

By New Year's Eve, the Resort will have three resorts with rooftop venues and, therefore, offering entertainment options on New Year's Eve. Disney's Riviera Resort, expected to open in December, will host Mezzanotte at Topolino's: An Italian Masquerade. The recently opened Gran Destino Tower at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort will host Bienvenidos 2020! New Year's Eve at Toledo's. And, of course, Disney's Contemporary Resort will offer an Elegant Evening Under the Stars at California Grill (in addition to the previously announced ticketed parties in its ballrooms).

Atlantic Dance at Disney's BoardWalk Resort will again host a countdown, and a number of restaurants around the resort, including Narcoosee's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will have special dinner options.

Coming Soon: Preview Disney's Maleficent: Mistress of Evil

Starting September 27, Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios will begin showing preview scenes from the upcoming Disney's Maleficent: Mistress of Evil. The new live action film opens in theaters on October 18, and is a follow up to 2014's Maleficent, the tale of the villain from Disney's animated classic Sleeping Beauty who put a curse on baby Princess Aurora. Starting several years after the story told in the original film, Disney says the new film explores "the complex relationship between the horned fairy and the soon to be Queen as they form new alliances and face new adversaries in their struggle to protect the moors and the magical creatures that reside within."

Advance ticket sales are available for the theatrical release of "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil" which opens in theaters on October 18, 2019. Video ©Disney.

The preview scenes will also be shown at Disney California Adventure in the evenings at Sunset Showcase Theater (following daily performances of Mickey's PhilharMagic. It will also be available aboard Disney Cruise Line sailings and, starting September 28, at Walt Disney Studios Park at Disneyland Paris.

First Look at Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind Ride Vehicles

Since last fall, we have known that the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster under construction at Epcot on and behind the site of the former Universe of Energy pavilion was going to be a "storytelling coaster" that Disney Parks, Experiences and Products Chairman Bob Chapek has described as "family-friendly." Indeed, his description and slides of the coaster during his keynote at the IAAPA conference in Orlando made it sound like a combination of the elements of one of Disney's dark rides where your omni-mover ride vehicle is pointed to what the storytellers want you to see with a modern roller coaster.

At last month's D23 Expo 2019 in Anaheim, he announced that the new attraction would be named Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind and would feature a reverse launch. Disney Parks Blog has released video produced by Walt Disney Imagineering showing off the attraction's new "OmniCoaster ride system" which is intended to "direct your eyes to the story happening around you" and thereby "fully immerse you in the attraction's story from the minute you take off."

Walt Disney Imagineering shows off the Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Remix OmniCoaster ride vehicle. Video © Marvel/Disney.

The attraction, which Disney repeatedly has said "will open in time for the 50th anniversary of Walt Disney World Resort in 2021" will start in the "Galaxarium," which it describes as "a planetarium-like exhibition that explores the similarities and mysteries of the formation of Earth's galaxy and Xandar." As Epcot's multi-year transformation continues, the part of Epcot the new attraction is located in will change its name and theme from Future World (East) to World Discovery, featuring attractions themed around, science, technology and galactic exploration. You can guess where the new attraction fits in that. When originally announced, the attraction had a backstory tied to a childhood visit to Epcot by Peter Quill (Star-Lord), but it is unclear whether that story still plays a role.

The "Galaxarium" likely will be under the roof of the former Universe of Energy pavilion which, as of Saturday, started to take on some of the copper coloring that previously has been shown in concept art released by the park. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Processional News and Calendar

The American Gardens Theatre presents 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. 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, but the Food & Wine Festival continues until November 23.

Joey Fatone will be appearing "With Friends" from November 12-14, 2019, for Eat to the Beat Concerts. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the Fountain of Nations closed effective September 8, the Dance du Jour party takes place on a stage on the Future World East side of Innoventions East during this year's Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The slightly early end of the Eat to the Beat Concert Series allows for preparation of the theatre for the seasonal return of Candlelight Processional. During the Epcot International Festival of the Holidays, 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.), from November 29 to December 30. Neil Patrick Harris, Gary Sinise, Whoopi Goldberg, Pat Sajak, Steven Curtis Chapman, Edward James Olmos, and Lisa Ling are all scheduled as celebrity narrators. Guaranteed seating is available by booking a breakfast, lunch, or dinner Candlelight Processional Dining Package at select Epcot eateries. Availability is limited and advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days prior to your visit. Bookings for Candlelight Processional Dining Packages opened on July 3. EpcotHolidays.com is the page where you can find Festival information and Candlelight Processional Dining Packages (or call 407-WDW-DINE).

Neil Patrick Harris is scheduled to return to Epcot to narrate Candlelight Procession for the 12th year. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

For the convenience of our readers, all of the scheduled Eat to the Beat Concert Series performers and announced Celebrity Narrators for Candlelight Processional at America Gardens Theatre are shown in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. We will add the Disney on Broadway 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

As noted above, on Saturday, I was invited to attend Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Family & Friends Media Day at the park. We start with views from that hosted day focused on the the Festival, then move on to the changes going on at the park as a result of its multi-year transformation that is now getting further underway with closings around Future World. I also had a chance to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom over the past week, and don't forget that in the Disney Springs section of the Update are some of my latest views around there too.

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

With cheese being a focus of the 2019 Festival, Cheese Seminars are one of the special, limited capacity, separate admission required activities guests can attend for on select Saturdays in World Showplace. Two of the friends that I invited to join me during the Family & Friends Media Day event were able to purchase reservations to attend the ninety minute "New World Cheeses and Old World Wines" session hosted by Max McCalman. The seminar focused on the "unique marriage of Eastern seaboard state cheeses and Western Europe's most acclaimed wines." My friends told me that they thoroughly enjoyed the Seminar.

The first Cheese Seminar offered during this year's Festival, "New World Cheeses and Old World Wines" was held at World Showplace on September 14, 2019. Six more Cheese seminars, each with a different theme, are scheduled on select Saturdays through November 9. Photo courtesy Karen & Carl Helwing.

The agriculture video on the Living with the Land boat ride has been updated with new scenes and narration. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walt Disney World invited us to enjoy a dessert party at the conclusion of Saturday's Family & Friends Media Day, and it included special glasses for viewing Illuminations: Reflections of Earth which ends its nearly 20-year run on September 30. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot Construction & Transformation

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

This and That…

…Orlando Sentinel reports that felony charges have been filed against ex-Disney employee Patrick Spikes (known on Twitter as @BackDoorDisney and notorious for showing pictures of backstage areas and other things Disney does not permit the public or media to photograph) and his cousin Blaytin Taunton for dealing in stolen property, grand theft, and burglarizing a structure at the Magic Kingdom between July 2018 and January 8, 2019. Orlando Sentinelreports that Spikes is also charged with attempted evidence tampering and burglary of a building at Epcot. The charges relate to alleged thefts of costumes from Haunted Mansion and, apparently, clothes from "Buzzy" the animatronic at the former Wonders of Life pavilion.

…The updating of the look of the Disney Resort bus fleet rolls on. Earlier this summer, the Resort debuted the "sensational six" characters (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Daisy, Goofy and Pluto) decorating buses. This month, Disney began rolling out new looks from The Lion King, Monsters, Inc., and Moana. Disney Parks Blog says more are in the works, including Frozen and others. The refurbished buses have new blue seats and laminate floors; some also have USB charging ports. For those wondering: there are multiple buses with the same character (e.g. yes, there is more than one Mickey Mouse bus), and the character decoration of the buses do not provide a clue to its route (you still need to pay attention to the digital signs and listen to the driver and onboard announcements).

Mickey now decorates many Disney Resort Buses, as do the rest of the "sensational six" and now characters from "The Lion King," "Monsters, Inc." and "Moana" with more to come. Disney characters also decorate the gondolla cabins of the soon-to-open Disney Skyliner. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…And, speaking of Disney Skyliner, cast member family and friends previews are about to get underway of the new Disney Skyliner gondola transportation system. (A cast member friend has invited me along, and, if we can share on social media, we will next Monday.) Following those cast previews, we have been invited to a media preview on September 27, and then the lines officially open to guests on September 29. The Disney Skyliner connects Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios with Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Pop Century, Disney's Caribbean Beach and the upcoming Disney's Riviera Resort (plus, since the Epcot station is at the International Gateway, I suspect those at Disney's BoardWalk and Yacht & Beach Club Resorts plus those at Walt Disney World Swan & Dolphin Resort may decide to hop aboard at some point, though the route is not a direct connection from Epcot to Disney's Hollywood Studios).

Preview some views from and of the Disney Skyliner in action. Video ©Disney.

…On the Disney Skyliner line, we have also been invited to a media preview of Disney's Riviera Resort next week. The next Disney Vacation Club property, located next to Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, is due to open to guests December 16 (for those that do not know, you do not have to be a DVC Member to make a reservation to stay at a DVC property). In the meantime, Disney Parks Blog has been sharing more and more little details that we have been passing along from time to time. So, while we expect a more comprehensive discussion of what to expect at Disney's Riviera Resort in a coming Update following the preview, this week we pass along Disney Parks Blog's latest peek: "S'il Vous Play," the interactive waterplay area for young guests inspired by Disney's Fantasia.

…With 25 more Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights left on the calendar between tonight and its final 2019 edition on November 1, #DisneyParksLIVE presented a live stream of the hard ticket event's exclusive new fireworks show, "Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular" on Sunday night. You can watch the replay of the new show hosted by Jack Skellington below. Remember that the Party is not included in regular park admission; tickets remain available for all remaining Party dates and range in price based on date from $79 to $135 (per person plus tax; $5 less for ages 3-9) when purchased online in advance. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for more information and to purchase tickets.

Watch the #DisneyParksLIVE replay of Sunday's showing of "Disney's Not So Spooky Spectacular" at Magic Kingdom. Video ©Disney.

…Disney Parks Blog shared some menu details and the name of the new Beauty and the Beast-inspired lounge replacing Mizner's Lounge at Disney's Grand Floridan Resort & Spa this fall. Located on the second floor of the lobby behind the band loft, the new "Enchanted Rose" lounge celebrates the live action version of the film with four unique spaces: a room focused on a chandelier is inspired by Belle's ball gown; a formal library showcases classical baroque designs and French furnishing; a garden room is inspired by the "enchanted forest surrounding the castle;" and an outdoor patio "will evoke the romance of Beast's garden terrace." The menu will include "shareable bites," cocktails, martinis, spirits, beer, cider, and non-alcoholic options.

…Following last week's introduction of the Arendelle Aqua merchandise collection, a tribute to Disney's Frozen, Disney Parks Blog released its Foodie Guide for the treats and beverages available at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resorts that let you eat up and drink up the color too.

Merchandise from the new Arendelle Aqua collection can be found in many shops around the Resort, including Discovery Trading Company at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…As we noted in our Views Around the World sections in last week's Update and the week before's Update, two of Disney's Hollywood Studios retail locations have emerged from long refurbishments: Keystone Clothiers on Hollywood Boulevard now features Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge "commemorative" merchandise (as opposed to the merchandise you can only purchase when visiting Batuu); Legends of Hollywood on Sunset Boulevard (which now extends into the storefronts which used to sell Planet Hollywood branded merchandise) focuses on the "glamour from the golden age of Hollywood" with merchandise from Pandora jewelry and "couture fashion." Refurbishment of Mickey's of Hollywood continues.

…REMINDER: Lots of restaurants around Walt Disney World Resort (including several at Disney Springs) are again participating in Visit Orlando's Magical Dining 2019. Including more than 120 restaurants around the Orlando area, the program in its 14th year, runs through September 30, 2019. Participating restaurants offer special prix-fixe dinners for $35 per person, and $1 for each meal served benefits local charities. Visit the official website for Magical Dining 2019 for the list of participating restaurants and more details.

…REMINDER: Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort presents the return of its Food & Wine Classic on Friday, November 8, and Saturday, November 9. For its 10th year, the Classic will debut a surf party-themed area called Hang 10 on the resort's beach, with a live band, decorations, and two new dishes: Fry Basket (clams, shrimp, oysters and fries) and Hearts of Palm Ceviche. The area will also offer new beverage selections, including Spritzes and hard seltzer water. Returning themed areas include The Pig and The Poke, Chinatown, Carnival Corner, The Bubble Lounge, and a beer garden. For information and tickets, visit SwanDolphinFoodandWineClassic.com or call 1-888-828-8850.

…REMINDER: Special extra Extra Magic Hours for Disney Resort hotel guests began September 1, and 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).

…Finally, we have noticed in My Disney Experience that there are no performances of Magic Kingdom's The Muppets Present...Great Moments in American History in Liberty Square or The Royal Majesty Makers in Fantasyland after September 30. As September 30 is the end of Disney's fiscal year, one may speculate whether these entertainment offerings are not in the next budget…

…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 (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 Disney Parks Blog notes that the Disney's Days of Christmas store in the Marketplace is now offering Halloween Personalization on Halloween decorative items. Some items are pre-personalized, other qualifying items can be customized starting at $3/word or art element.

NEW Views Around Disney Springs

Halloween merchandise is plentiful in World of Disney store.

Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.

Morimoto Asia

NEW MorimotoFest, a Morimoto Asia celebration in the spirit of Oktoberfest, will be held on Sunday, October 6, from 12:30 to 3 p.m. featuring pairings of Pan-Asian bites from ten food stations featuring sushi, a raw bar, ramen, dumplings, stir fry, and Morimoto's signature spare ribs, and fall-themed craft beers from Crooked Can Brewing Company, Red Light Red Light, Cask and Larder, Sideward Brewing, Hourglass, Orange County Brewers, Tactical, Bowigens, Motorworks, and The Tank. DJ Jimmy Joslin will be providing live entertainment during the event, and there will be exclusive merchandise available for sale. Tickets are $55/adult and $25/children ages 4-12, with premium seating available for a party of four at a private booth with "dedicated butler-style service" for $500. For more information and tickets, visit MorimotoAsia.com.

Wine Bar George

Join George for a blind tasting of six wines during the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Learn to taste wine like a professional on September 21 from 3:30-5:00 p.m. Tickets and more information are on this EventBrite webpage. Afterwards, as always, stay for dinner and choose from more than 140 wines by the glass, bottle and ounce alongside small plates and family style entrees.

Beatrix

As announced last month by Disney Parks Blog, Beatrix restaurant by the Chicago-based Lettuce Entertain You Enterprises will open a new venue at Disney Springs West Side (at an unspecified date and location). Now that Bongo's has closed, that location is a likely site, but we await official news.

Beatrix is your neighborhood restaurant, coffeehouse and grab-and-go market featuring healthy food options including vegetarian, gluten-free, and vegan along with fresh-squeezed juice cocktails. The restaurant will also offer a bakery and full-service bar with a selection of all-American beer and wine.

There are several existing Beatrix restaurants in Chicagoland which you can read about at Beatrixrestaurants.com.

The Edison

The Second Annual "A Gatsby Evening at The Edison" has been rescheduled to Thursday, September 19. Guests are invited to get "dolled up in your best flapper attire, donning your 1920s style suits" to celebrate the great novel by "dancing the night away in style." A few glasses of complimentary Moet Champagne will be served and a selection of passed signature appetizers will be available for attendees. The evening's entertainment includes a red carpet arrival, live music, stilt walkers, an aerialist, dancers, a crystal balancer, a magician and a complimentary photo station. Doors open at 7 p.m. but only to guests 21 or older. Tickets are $79/person (plus tax and gratuity) with more information at this Patina Restaurant Group web page. The Edison is offering Cast Members a 15% discount for the event.

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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

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

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.

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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.

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

For Everyone

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For Military Personnel

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