Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, October 24, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

Update: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Availability: Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is sold out on Monday, October 31. Currently, tickets are still available for October 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28 and 30.

New! Halloween Treats at Magic Kingdom: Disney Parks offers a variety of pre-packaged and freshly made items including pumpkin-shaped cookies, candy corn cupcakes, and festive Rice Krispies treats. As part of the Halloween collection this year, Disney has released three decorative goodie bags that contain candy corn or pumpkin-shaped gummy treats. Locations with show kitchens offer decorative candy apples in the shape of pumpkins, ghosts, or witches.

Epcot

New! Disney Visa Character Photo Opp Change: The character greeting experience at Epcot exclusively for Disney Visa Cardmembers has moved from Innoventions West to a new location next to Journey Into Imagination with Figment. The location will be open 1:00pm to 7:00pm. Disney Visa Cardholders will be able to meet some of their favorite Disney characters and receive free photo downloads here.

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

All-New Holiday Nighttime Spectacular “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” Coming Soon:The all-new “Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!” holiday spectacular coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios November 14. The show comes to life on, above and around the Chinese Theater with state-of-the-art projections, special effects, fireworks and a rousing seasonal musical score. Led by elves Wayne and Lanny, the duo from ABC/Walt Disney Animation Studios’ animated special “Prep & Landing,” the spirited yuletide adventure to the North Pole features memorable holiday moments from Disney films including “Mickey’s Christmas Carol,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Pluto’s Christmas Tree,” “Bambi,” Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” and more, all building to a festive finale that’s “So tinsel!”

Disney’s Animal Kingdom

New! Kali River Rapids Update: Kali River Rapids is no longer operating during Extra Magic Hours.

Walt Disney World Resort Hotels

New! Gasparilla Grill at Disney’s Grand Floridian Closed for Refurb: Gasparilla Island Grill will be closed for refurbishment through mid-December. During this time, Guests will have a variety of alternative food and beverage options,such as:

• Mizner’s Lounge will offer a selection of grab ‘n’ go meals for purchase from 6 a.m.-midnight, including hot breakfast items. Coffee will be available at 6 a.m. and hot breakfast items at 7 a.m.
• Beaches Pool Bar and Grill will be open 6 a.m.-9 p.m. serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.
• Cítricos Rotunda and Bar will serve as a lounge in the evenings.
• Grand Floridian Café will offer a To Go menu.
• Private Dining will continue to service Guests 24 hours a day.
• Guests will be able to refill their resort mugs at Mizner’s Lounge, Beaches Pool Bar and Grill and Courtyard Pool Bar.

New! Garden View Champagne and Wine Lounge Now Open at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort: As part of a test, Guests will be able to enjoy the Garden View Lounge into the evening while indulging in an elegant selection of champagne and wine. A limited small plate menu to include items such as caviar, charcuterie, and seafood will compliment these beverages for a sophisticated experience. This new dining experience will be available 7-10 p.m., daily through December. At this time, reservations are not available.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

Face-Painting at Disney Springs Marketplace: Halloween is an excellent excuse to get made up by one of the Face-Painting artists at Disney Springs. They create face-painting magic all year long, 365 days a year. While most the guests at Enjoy Your Face are kids, grown-ups can get in on the fun, too! Prices start at just $12 and no appointments are necessary.

New! Meet the Coca-Cola Bear at Disney Springs: A new interactive meet and greet experience featuring the iconic Coca-Cola Polar Bear is now available at the Coca-Cola Store in Town Center. Guests will have the opportunity to feel the chill of the arctic when they visit the beloved bear in his new home. Ready to share plenty of bear hugs, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear is camera-friendly and known for high fives and fun photo moments. The meet and greet experience is located on the second floor of the Coca-Cola Store and will be open from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. daily.

New! Happy Hour at Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar at Disney Springs: Jock Lindsey’s is now serving Happy Hour specials every Monday-Friday, 3-6:30 p.m. The Happy Hour menu features special appetizers including Classified X 3 Chicken Wings, Jock’s Loaded Nachos and Belloq’s Bacon Fries, as well as specials on select draft beer, wine and cocktails.

New! Disney Parks and Resorts Recieve Top Honors: Disney Parks & Resorts have once again been named among the top destinations around the world to stay and play in the 29th annual Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards. These awards celebrate the best of the best in travel according to travelers just like you. The following were recognized with awards this year:

• Walt Disney World Resort:
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort
• Disneyland Resort:
  • Disneyland Hotel
  • Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa
• Disney Vacation Club:
  • Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort
• Disney Cruise Line
• Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa

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.