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Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, December 19, 2016
What’s New This Week?
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom Park
New! Stitch’s Great Escape Operating Temporarily: Stitch’s Great Escape is available for Guests to enjoy Dec. 17- Jan. 2 before it returns to a seasonal operation on Jan. 3.
Reminder! Meet Santa Claus: Guests can meet Santa at Town Square daily through Dec 24th and see him in the Once Upon a Christmastime Parade.
Epcot
Update! Celebrate The Season at Epcot with Holidays Around the World: Experience time-honored traditions throughout Epcot at Holidays Around the World! This year’s winter celebration features delicious holiday treats, wondrous sights, and joyous sounds. Guests also can meet Santa and Mrs. Claus at The American Adventure and end the night with a special seasonal conclusion to IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Guests can fill their heart with holiday music at the Candlelight Processional performances at America Gardens Theatre at 5, 6:45 and 8:15 p.m. Don’t miss any of the talented celebrity narrators at this year’s production, including:
- Joe Morton December 19 to 21, 2016
- Ming-Na Wen December 22 to 24, 2016
- Jodi Benson December 25 to 27, 2016
- Cal Ripken Jr December 28 to 30, 2016
Reminder! Meet Santa Claus: At American Adventure Pavilion daily through Dec 24th.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New! Holiday Specialty Cupcake: The holiday specialty cupcake, with a chocolate cake and candy cane mint icing, is now available at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. This cupcake will be available at the following locations: Catalina Eddie’s, Rosie’s All-American Café, Starring Rolls Café, Trolley Car Café, and Fairfax Fare. This item is included in the Disney Dining Plan and will be available through Jan. 8.
Reminder! Meet Santa Claus: At Once Upon a Time Shop on Sunset Blvd daily through Dec 24th.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
New! Attractions Time Changes: The Kali River Rapids and Adventures Outpost will no longer operate from park open to park close. Kali River Rapids schedule is: Dec. 18-24, 10a.m.-7p.m. and Dec. 25-31, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. The character greeting with Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse at Adventurers Outpost will operate from park open until 4:30 p.m. These adjusted hours will continue in the following weeks.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
New! Sanaa Kuamsha Breakfast Now Available at Sanaa at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: A new casual quick service dining experience is available from 7 to 10 a.m., where guests can get made-toorder breakfast while taking in a view of the sweeping savannah. Entrees feature flavors with an African flair, the most popular dish is the Boere Breakfast, which features two eggs any style, tomato chutney (fans of the restaurant’s Indian Bread service will recognize this tasty condiment), Tanzanian hash browns, bacon, Boerewors sausage and a Johnny Cake. Other options include a waffle with fresh berries, Sunrise Sandwich and kids selections. Place your order at the register then choose your seat in the restaurant, an adorable animal with a number will help the cast member delivering your food find you. Coffee lovers won’t want to miss out on the press-pot coffee featuring Kenyan 100% specialty grade Arabica beans. Hot drip coffee, tea, milk, soda and juice are also available. Grab n go selections are available as well.
Walt Disney World Resort – General
New! Disney Springs at Walt Disney World Keeps Growing in 2017: With the multi-year makeover of this hip, happening district for dining, shopping and entertainment in the homestretch, still more exciting openings are on tap for 2017. Great new food and beverage venues lead the way including Paddlefish (formerly Fulton’s Crab House), Planet Hollywood Observatory, wine bar George and The Polite Pig.
Reminder! Meet Santa Claus: At Santa’s Chalet near the Christmas Tree by Once Upon a Toy.
Merchandise Events
Magic Kingdom
December 18-22 – Guests can meet artist Larry Dotson at the Main Street Cinema on Main Street, U.S.A. from 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Epcot
December 15-19 – Artist David Doss returns to The Art of Disney shop in Future World. He will meet with guests from 1:00 – 9:00 p.m. each day.
Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to view the latest renovations and closures at Walt Disney World Resort.
Siera is a travel agent with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. She would love to help you plan your next vacation at no cost to you. Call her at 734-771-1290 or email her at siera@destinationsinflorida.com for your free, no obligation quote.
