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. 

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. 

Around the Mouse: Walt Disney World News, October 10, 2016

What’s New This Week?

Walt Disney World Theme Parks

Magic Kingdom Park

New! Pete’s Silly Sideshow Hours Change: Favorite Disney friends will now greet Guests at Pete’s Silly Sideshow from 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. daily (with closing at 6 p.m. on event nights).

Epcot

New! Muppet Mobile Lab Entertainment: When visiting Future World, be on the lookout for Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his assistant, Beaker, as they conduct field experiments and scientific demonstrations in their one-of-a-kind Muppet Mobile Lab. This new entertainment offering is still just being tested, so there’s no word yet on if it will become a permanent offering.

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:

• Oct 10-11 — 38 Special “Hold on Loosely”
• Oct 12-13 — Jeffrey Osborne — “On the Wings of Love”
• Oct 14-16 — Tiffany “I Think We’re Alone Now”
• Oct 17-19 — Dennis DeYoung “Come Sail Away”
• Oct 20 -21 — Christopher Cross “Sailing”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

New! Halloween Carrot Cake Cupcake Now Available: The Halloween carrot cake specialty cupcake 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, and Trolley Car Café. The specialty cupcake will be available through Oct. 31 and included in the Disney Dining Plan.

Walt Disney World Resort – General

New! “A Princess Royal Reception” at Disney Springs: Guests can experience a limited-time royal engagement as they meet classic Disney princesses at World of Disney. With surprise appearances throughout the month of October, Guests will have a chance to meet Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Tiana or another visiting princess as part of “A Princess Royal Reception,” offered daily at World of Disney from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Upon check-in, Guests will be able to pick up a pager to secure their place in a virtual queue, allowing them to continue exploring Disney Springs while they wait. Disney PhotoPass photographers will be on hand to capture each interaction. “A Princess Royal Reception” will be offered for a limited time Oct. 1-Nov. 1.

New! Bus Service Changes for Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: Resort Guests wishing to go to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park should take a bus to Disney Springs and then take the shuttle from Disney Springs to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. This shuttle operates all day, beginning about 45 minutes before Typhoon Lagoon opens until one hour after it closes. As a reminder, Resort Guests wishing to go to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park should take a bus to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park and then take a shuttle from there to Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park.

New! 45th Anniversary Brings Discounts for Passholders and DVC Members: All Walt Disney World owned and operated table-service locations, except Victoria & Albert’s, will offer a 10 percent discount in celebration of Walt Disney World Resort 45th Anniversary. All Walt Disney World owned and operated merchandise locations will offer a 20 percent merchandise discount on eligible purchases. This enhanced discount is available for in-store purchases as well as purchases made on Shop Disney Parks. In addition, Annual Passholders may also enjoy a 20 percent discount through Sept. 2017 at 45 Walt Disney World owned and operated restaurants (including quick and table service options) in honor of the 45thanniversary celebration. Guests should ask when visiting a store or restaurant if an Annual Passholder or Disney Vacation Club Member discount is available before purchasing to ensure the discount is applicable.

Merchandise Events

Oct 11 – New Adventureland–Themed Disney Tsum Tsum at Disney Parks: The newest series of Disney Tsum Tsum from Disney Parks will be released on October 11, 2016. This series contains seven, 3-inch stackable plush with characters inspired by Adventureland.

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.