Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 29 - October 5, 2015
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writer
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Update for September 29 – October 5, 2015
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
20th Anniversary Epcot International Food & Wine Festival | New vacation offers | 2016 Military Salute for Walt Disney World | Disney Vacation Club confirms new Wilderness Lodge project | Disney Springs debuts | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
20th Anniversary Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
The 20th Anniversary Epcot International Food & Wine Festival opened this weekend, bringing a combination of returning favorites and new features. The 2015 event also includes a new high-tech component: Disney is partnering with Facebook to offer Facebook Place Tips at each Marketplace kiosk. You can also use the Facebook app to "check in" at each Marketplace, view the menu online, and collect stamps in a virtual passport (traditional paper passports are also available).
To enable Facebook Place Tips, turn on both location services and Bluetooth on your smartphone. Be warned, however, that doing so could drain your phone battery faster than normal. Fortunately for Disney Visa card holders and others with Chase credit cards, the Chase Lounge once again offers card holders a place to sip a beverage while recharging their phone. While there, you can pick up a wristband to that day's Eat to the Beat concert, subject to availability.
The Food & Wine Festival has expanded well beyond World Showcase this year, with Marketplace kiosks located in Future World. This provides a nice continuity between the World Showcase kiosks, the craft beer showcase in the Odyssey Center, and the Festival Center in the former Wonders of Life pavilion.
New Winter 2015 – Spring 2016 vacation offers
Sue from Small World Vacations shared details of two new discounts available for late 2015 and early 2016. The offers opened to Disney Visa Card holders last Thursday, and to the general public yesterday. Sue notes that 2016 is a leap year, and assumes that the omission of February 29 in the dates is just an error.
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The first is a Play, Stay and Dine package, a new bundle that may save you money compared to booking a la carte. This is the type of offer where you really want to crunch the numbers to see if there is any advantage to booking the package. If you wouldn't normally use the Disney Dining Plan, this may not be the best option for you. There is also a room-only discount available, which may provide a better savings for your trip. We recommend using an experienced travel agent to make sure you're getting the best deal available.
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The second offer is a room-only discount for those who prefer to book a la carte. The discount varies from 15 to 25 percent off depending on travel dates and resort selected:
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| Value & Moderate Resorts |
Valid dates – January 2 to February 28
Valid dates – March 1 to April 13
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| Deluxe and Villa Resort |
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2016 Military Salute for Walt Disney World
Disney has released details of the 2016 Military Salute for Disneyland and Walt Disney World.
If you have taken advantage of this offer in the past, you may have noticed that the new offer is valid during the 2016 calendar year, and not the usual October-through-September Disney fiscal year. According to the folks over at Military Disney Tips, this change was made so that military personnel would have time to receive their tickets in time to make Fastpass+ reservations at Walt Disney World when the 60-day window opens. Previously, military personnel couldn't get their tickets in time to make advance FP+ reservations, limiting them to same-day reservations.
We've summarized the offers below, and you can find all of the detailed terms and conditions on our MousePad discussion forum.
Ticket discounts
From September 25, 2015 through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reserves) or their spouses can purchase Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with:
- Park Hopper Option for $196 each, plus tax
- Water Park Fun and More Option for $196 each, plus tax
- Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $230 each, plus tax.
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 through April 1, 2016.
Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2016.
Hotel discounts
Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call (407) 939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips says the offer is 30 to 40 percent, based on room category.
The new offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid March 20 through April 1, 2016.
Disney Vacation Club confirms new Wilderness Lodge project
We shared back in May that the Disney Vacation Club (Disney's version of a timeshare program) had filed plans detailing an 17-acre expansion of the Wilderness Lodge property. The South Florida Water Management District approved the permit earlier this month, and Disney has now officially announced the project.
The as-yet-unnamed project is said to feature "deluxe accommodations, including waterfront cabins." The blueprints show 26 new waterfront cabins facing Bay Lake. In the filing, Disney said "the project intent is to provide a unique guest experience by placing the proposed cabins close to the shoreline of Bay Lake and surrounded by a natural habitat."
Disney referred to the "14th Disney Vacation Club development and the second at Disney's Wilderness Lodge." This is an important distinction for DVC members who own points at the existing Wilderness Lodge DVC property, which has only 136 units.
Disney has not given a timeline for the construction, but the permit expires in 2020, so the grand opening will certainly be before that. The Polynesian Villas and Bungalows opened less than two years after they were announced in 2013.
Disney Springs debuts; Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar opens
Downtown Disney is no more. Effective today, Walt Disney World has officially begun referring to the area as Disney Springs, which is divided into four areas: West Side, Marketplace, The Landing, and the new Town Center. Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka took a walk through Disney Springs last weekend to check out the latest additions, including the new Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.
Morimoto Asia opens this week, and MousePlanet's Don and Bonnie Fink plan to be on hand to cover the grand opening. The restaurant has posted its menu on its Facebook page, and confirmed that its participation in the Tables of Wonderland program. The restaurant will also be part of the Disney Dining Plan starting in November.
The restaurant admitted via Facebook that there were issues with the planned Open Table.com reservation launch on September 16. The website now says that reservations will open on September 30. Starting September 30, the restaurant will also book reservations directly—call (407) 560-6686. Reservations through the Walt Disney World dine line open November 1.
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Views Around the World
In addition to touring the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival and checking out the progress in Disney Springs, contributing photographer Alan Dalinka visited Magic Kingdom this week to catch up on the latest construction projects.
This and That
...Pirates of the Caribbean reopened this week at Magic Kingdom. During the refurbishment, Disney rebuilt many of the audio-animatronic figures, including Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Barbossa, and redressed several in new costumes. The ride was also enhanced with olfactory effects, with new scents piped into some scenes. There were no changes made to the boats or ride system, as had been previously rumored.
...The Night of Joy event will move to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex for 2016, leaving the Magic Kingdom for the second time since the event debuted in 1983. Disney announced the move last week, saying, "Hosting the concert portion of Night of Joy at the Sports Complex will allow more guests to attend the event, and indoor stages should make for a great music experience regardless of the weather." Night of Joy attendees will still receive admission to Magic Kingdom, and bus transportation will be offered between the venues. Disney did not announce the dates for the 2016 event.
...If you're an actor between 6 feet and 6-foot-3 inches tall, Disney is looking for you to audition to portray a character in the Star Wars Launch Bay. Auditions will be held October 8 and October 9; visit the Disney Auditions website for more information.
...The Disneyland Resort announced last week that its Star Wars: Season of the Force promotion event will begin November 17, and said the dates for the Walt Disney World version would be announced at a later date, but an official Walt Disney World web page has already published the event dates of January 8 through March 20, 2016.
...Registration was a bit slower for the Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend events than we predicted, but the 6.2-mile 10K and Dark Side Challenge (completing both the 10K and half-marathon) are sold out. As of publication, registration is still open for the half marathon, 3.1-mile 5K, and runDisney Kids Races.
...TouringPlans.com reports that Duffy the Disney Bear will have his final meet-and-greet at Walt Disney World on Saturday, October 3. Duffy will reportedly be replaced by Daisy Duck.
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Crowd Forecast
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Resort Events
2015
- 2015 Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 22, 25, and 27; October 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, and 31; November 1. As of publication, only Halloween night is sold out.
- 2015 Epcot Food & Wine Festival – September 26 to November 16.
- 2015 Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, and 29; December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, and 18. As of publication, all nights are still available.
- 2015 Epcot Candlelight Processional – November 27 to December 30
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 27 to December 30
2016
- Season of the Force – January 8 – March 20, 2016
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2015
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. All races are sold out.
2016
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. The 5K, 10K, half marathon, Goofy Challenge and Dopey Challenge events are sold out. Registration is still open for the full marathon and runDisney Kids Races. The deadline to submit Proof of Time for these events is October 6, 2015.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit Proof of Time for these events is November 17, 2015.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14–17, 2016. The 10K and Dark Side Challenge are sold out. Registration is still open for the half marathon, 5K and runDisney Kids Races. Proof of Time must be provided between October 27, 2015, and January 19, 2016.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
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| Oct. 1 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 2–3 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 4–5 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 6–7 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Epcot
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| Oct. 8-11 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Epcot
Magic Kingdom
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| Oct. 12 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 15–18 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 19 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 20–21 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 22–23 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Epcot
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| Oct. 24–25 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Epcot
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| Oct. 26–27 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 28 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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| Oct. 29–31 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Magic Kingdom
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| Nov. 1 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
Magic Kingdom
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| Nov. 2 |
Downtown Disney Marketplace
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
- Diamond Horseshoe – closed through November 19 for refurbishment
- Liberty Tree Tavern – closed through November 19 for refurbishment
- Pecos Bill Tall Tale Inn and Cafe – closed September 28 to October 1 for refurbishment and menu change.
- Walt Disney World Frontierland station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Main Street U.S.A station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Fantasyland station – closed October 12 to November 21 for refurbishment.
- The Magic Behind the Our Steam Trains Guided Tour – not offered during Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
- Peter Pan's Flight – closed November 2–7 for refurbishment.
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority Peoplemover – closed December 7–10 for refurbishment
2016
- Splash Mountain – closed January 10–15 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed January 11–15 for refurbishment.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed January 15 to February 11 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 18–22 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 to July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 to September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" – closed August 22 to September 15 for refurbishment.
- Soarin' – additional screen under construction. Work has no impact on the existing theaters.
- Innoventions West – Think, presented by IBM; The Great Piggy Bank Adventure; and Where's the Fire? closed. The Disney Visa character experience remains open.
- Maelstrom – ride permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
- Innoventions East – Glidden's Colortopia under construction replacing the Test the Limits exhibit. Expected to open late 2015.
- Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – closed October 20–23 for refurbishment.
- Toy Story Midway Mania – second ride track is under construction. Work has no impact on the existing ride.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Primeval Whirl – closed through November 13 for refurbishment.
- Pizzafari – closed through October 20 for refurbishment
- Entire park closed from October 25, 2015 through January 3, 2016 for refurbishment
- Summit Plummet and Slush Gusher – closed for unscheduled refurbishment as of September 19.
- Entire park closed from January 3 to March 13 for refurbishment.
Downtown Disney / Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed January 1 to April 1, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 to June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Downtown Disney Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.
Resorts
- Polynesian – ongoing refurbishment of the lobby and pool area.
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Disney's Boardwalk Inn – Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 to September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Coronado Springs – La Vida Health Club and Casitas pool closed for refurbishment through October 12. An alternate fitness center is available for guest use.
- Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa – Gasparilla Island Grill closed August 23 to September 4 for refurbishment.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins begins October 2015. Expect construction-related closures and noise during the project.
- Disney's Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit close October 26, 2015. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
Current Discounts & 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.
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Discounts for Everyone |
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. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
Up to 35 percent off Disney's Polynesian Villas Studios Disney Visa cardholders receive up to 35 percent off standard view studio room rates through October 3, 2015. The room must be booked either directly through their travel agent or the Walt Disney World Resort. 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. Tours included:
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). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
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 Disney Visa website. 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 at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
Free 5" x 7" character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards 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. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5" x 7" character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Military Personnel |
2014-2015 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Discount Eligible Service Members can purchase 4-day Park Hopper passes for $177 until December 20, 2015 Tickets can be purchased through December 17, 2015. No more than 12 Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by an Eligible Service Member. 2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount From September 25, 2015 through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3, 2016, through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20, 2016 April 1, 2016. 2016 Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40%, based on room category.
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
Cirque du Soliel's La Nouba is offering a Florida resident discount through December 18. Tickets prices range from $49 to $89. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time |
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