Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click on these links and make a qualifying purchase, I will receive a small commission from those purchases.
Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, October 31, 2016
What’s New This Week?
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom Park
New! ‘Once Upon A Time’ Projection Show Begins November 4: A new nighttime projection show, “Once Upon a Time,” will debut at Magic Kingdom Park on November 4. In this new show, Mrs. Potts from “Beauty and the Beast” shares bedtime stories with Chip, taking them (and all of us) on a magical trip through the most adventurous scenes from favorite Disney films like “Cinderella,” “Peter Pan,” “Alice in Wonderland” and “The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh.” The show, which was inspired by one of a similar name at Tokyo Disneyland Park, uses projection mapping technology to cover every nook and cranny of Cinderella Castle in vibrant images that appear almost three-dimensional. “Once Upon A Time” will replace the current “Celebrate the Magic” projection show, which will end its run on November 3.
New! ‘Goofy’s Festive Fiasco’ Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom Card: Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party will return to Magic Kingdom Park November 9, and this year Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom fans can pick up a special Goofy-themed game card on party nights.
Epcot
Reminder! Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Now Under Way: The 21st Annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has begun! Let Epcot be your global tasting table – enjoy the longest festival yet with 62 days to taste, sip and shop culinary creations from around the world. Don’t forget to stop by the nightly Eat to the Beat Concert Series performances at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. Here are some of the upcoming acts:
- October 30 to November 1, 2016 – Hanson
- November 2 to November 3, 2016 – Soul Asylum
- November 4 to November 6, 2016 – Delta Rae
- November 7 to November 9, 2016 – Boyz II Men
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New! Club Villain Dates Extended: Reservations for Club Villain at Sunset Showcase in Disney’s Hollywood Studios have been opened for select dates, November through January. Shows will be hosted every Friday and Saturday nights in November and December and on Friday nights in January Reservations are now available, and can be made by visiting DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
New! The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Renamed: The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge have been renamed Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. This name change is part of the transition plan to add the proposed Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in 2017.
New! Victoria and Albert’s Wins Award: Victoria & Albert’s at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa was voted the No. 2 restaurant in the United States in TripAdvisor’s 2016 Travelers’ Choice awards. The restaurant remains the only Florida restaurant on the illustrious list. Victoria & Albert’s also is a AAA FiveDiamond Award winner.
Walt Disney World Resort – General
New! Disney Television Specials to be Taped Nov 9-13: Filming for upcoming holiday television specials will take place November 9-13 in all Walt Disney World theme parks. The television specials will air on ABC and the Disney Channel in November and December. While some portions of the filming may take place before or after park operating hours, Guests are welcome to observe the filming as it takes place during standard park operating hours.
New! Check Dining Receipts for Coupons: From Oct. 27 through Nov. 22, select quick-service restaurants (QSR) at the Walt Disney World Resort theme parks will print a merchandise discount on receipts, offering 10% off a future purchase at participating Disney Springs merchandise locations valid Oct. 27 – Nov. 23. Eligbile locations include: Disney’s Days of Christmas— Disney’s Design a Tee— Disney Pin Traders— Disney’s Wonderful World of Memories — Goofy’s Candy Company— Marketplace Co-Op— Marketplace Fun Finds— Mickey’s Pantry— Once Upon a Toy— Tren-D— World of Disney.
New! Stargazer Lounge Coming to Planet Hollywood: The theme of the re-imagined Planet Hollywood Observatory will still feature stars from the big screen but much of the new focus will be on stars in the sky, as the restaurant completes its transformation into a turn-of-the-20th-century observatory. Food and drink menus are soon to be revealed, but guests can expect more famous movie memorabilia, video screens, cutting edge music and a store featuring themed merchandise. Opening later this year in Town Center at Disney Springs, the restaurant will feature Stargazer Lounge where you’ll find signature craft cocktails with names that reflect the planets and space travel. Here’s a sneak peek at two of the cocktails, The Observatory and the Sparkling Sputnik. The Observatory is a sweet sip with with Stoli vodka, tangy Limoncino Bottega, Monin Peach Tea and an infusion of bubbles from Maschio Prosecco. The effervescent Sputnik combines prosecco, sparkling water, fresh lime juice and fragrant mint leaves
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.
