Walt Disney World Resort Update for February 23 - 29, 2016
by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, staff writer
Advertisement
Walt Disney World Resort Update for February 23 – 29, 2016
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Your first look at The Star Wars Experience | Even more Star Wars entertainment coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios | 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates announced | Share Your Ears promotion and sweepstakes to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation | Egg-stravaganza expanded for 2016 | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Your first look at The Star Wars Experience
The highlight of the "Wonderful World of Disney: Disneyland 60" special that aired on ABC Sunday night was for many fans an 80-second preview of what actor Harrison Ford introduced as "The Star Wars Experience."
The spot provided a very, very brief look at 15 pieces of concept art from the new lands, soon to be under construction at Disneyland in California, and Disney's Hollywood Studios in Walt Disney World. For those who missed the segment, here is the artwork shown during the special, and a transcript of the accompanying narration. Click on any photo to open a larger version and see more detail.
"For almost 40 years, we've watched the Star Wars universe happen on screen. Now, we at Walt Disney Imagineering have joined forces with the imagination of Lucasfilm to bring this galaxy to life at Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts.
Imagineers look over a scale model of Star Wars Land. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
An ink sketch of Star Wars Land concept art. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
An artist creates a digital rendering of a Star Wars Land character. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
Imagine stepping aboard the Millennium Falcon, and actually piloting the fastest ship in the galaxy. Banking left, right; firing the laser cannons. You're in complete control. Imagine finding yourself in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order, in a race against time.
One already-announced ride is based on the Millennium Falcon. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
You've watched the saga, now enter these authentic locales with your every sense engaged. You're meeting droids and aliens. Entering an other-worldly street market; actually tasting the local delicacies. And going upscale at the planet's best dinner club. Or, for the truly adventurous, heading down to the local cantina.
Star Wars Land will let fans step through the screen and into the Saga. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
Star Wars Land will include an "other-worldly street market." Artwork © ABC / Disney.
The new land will include a high-end restaurant. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
A Star Wars Cantina is certain to be extremely popular with fans. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
The stories are epic. The locations breathtaking. Soon, you can experience your own Star Wars adventure, like never before. It's all coming to Disney Parks, the place where Star Wars lives."
A Rebellion base is depicted in the concept art for Star Wars Land. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
It looks like the Empire will also have a base inside Star Wars Land. Artwork © ABC / Disney.
The preview leads us to expect at least two rides, an outdoor marketplace, a bar, and a high-end restaurant—and it opens the door to lots of conjecture. Speculation is fun, and is probably all we'll be able to do for quite a while, so let's make wild guesses based on concept art:
It seems the Millennium Falcon attraction will be a simulator, maybe something like Star Tours, but will somehow include interactive features that allow the rider to be in "complete control." It occurs to me that Mission: Space at Walt Disney World is a simulator with an element of rider interaction, so perhaps we'll see another iteration of that ride system.
The second ride, the one that puts riders "in the middle of a battle between the Resistance and the First Order," struck me as the type of ride most commonly associated with Universal Studios, in which a ride vehicle moves through show scenes projected on giant screens. A few of the folks I follow on Twitter noted similarities to the Transformer ride at Universal. Personally this is not my favorite type of ride system, but it could be interesting to see how Disney makes it their own.
It is no surprise to anyone that Disney is including a cantina in the new Star Wars Land; the only question is how will the company spin the inevitable decision to break with a 60-year-old tradition to serve alcohol in the new venue at Disneyland. The inclusion of a high-end restaurant was more of a surprise to me, only in that the Star Wars universe is almost completely lacking in iconic food items. Blue ice cream is possibly the only obvious menu item for the Star Wars Land concessions, but there's little else in the canon that inspires a fine dining establishment.
One thing that really stuck out to me from the concept art were the number of Star Wars aliens seen in the various settings, and it makes me wonder if atmosphere entertainment will be the real third attraction of the land. A truly immersive experience will rely on a large number of performers to set the scene. I don't expect to see a Star Wars stage show in this land; rather, I expect it to BE a Star Wars stage show, and to be able to interact with the performers.
Disney did not give any additional insight as to when the new land will open, or when more details might be revealed.
Even more Star Wars entertainment coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios
It looks like the Season of the Force promotion at Disney's Hollywood Studios will be around much longer than previously expected, based on the announcements of two new entertainment offerings coming to the park in April.
Starting April 4, a brand-new stage show called "Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away" debuts at the theme park, and will incorporate characters from the original saga and the recent release. Look for Darth Vader, Kylo Ren, Chewbacca and Darth Maul to all feature in the new show, which will be presented on the Center Stage in front of the Chinese Theater several times each day. The Disney Parks Blog says "Captain Phasma will begin leading a platoon of First Order stormtroopers on a march from Star Wars Launch Bay to Center Stage multiple times each day" once the new show debuts.
This summer, Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut a new Star Wars-themed fireworks spectacular, to be called "Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular." This new show will incorporate both pyrotechnic and projected effects, with the Chinese Theater and surrounding buildings providing the canvas.
Disney says, "The show will be punctuated with a tower of fire and spotlight beams, creating massive lightsabers in the sky. This new show will be the most elaborate fireworks display to take place in the history of Disney’s Hollywood Studios."
2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Dates announced
Disney announced last week that the 2016 International Food and Wine Festival at Epcot will be two weeks longer than the 2015 version, starting September 14 and running through November 14, 2016.
There haven't been many details released, but it's safe to make your hotel and air reservations now. At some point it seems likely that the Flower & Garden Festival and the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot will simply flow one into the next, with only the menus changing at the marketplace booths around the World Showcase.
Share Your Ears promotion and sweepstakes to benefit Make-A-Wish Foundation
Last week Disney announced the Share your Ears promotion, promising to donate $5 (up to $1 million) for each photo shared to social media sites Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and tagged with the hashtag #ShareYourEars. The promotion officially ends on March 14, but a quick search of Instagram alone yields over 122,000 posts with that hashtag, so it's almost certain that Disney fans have already made the 200,000 posts needed to yield the maximum donation. (It's also likely that Disney made the $1 Million donation before the promotion even began.)
While Disney will continue to generate weeks of publicity as the promotion continues to spread through social media, the company announced a new component of the campaign Sunday night that will raise even more money for Make-A-Wish.
The Win a “Dazzled” Mickey Mouse Ear Hat from Disney promotion offers a chance to win a Swarovski crystal-studded Mickey Mouse ear hat valued at $25,000. This is, incidentally, a duplicate of the Ear Hat offered during the Diamond Days sweepstakes.
A new contest offers the chance to win a pair of crystal-covered Mickey Mouse ears. Image © Disney.
There are two methods of entry. The first is to make a donation to Make-A-Wish via the contest website on Prizeo.com. The number of entries each donor receives is tied to the amount of money donated, and there are other prizes offered at specific donation levels:
- $5 = 1 entry
- $10 = 2 entries
- $25 = 5 entries and a thank you e-card
- $50 = 10 entries, plus a Share Your Ears campaign t-shirt and thank you e-card
If you donate over $50, you receive one additional entry for each $5 you add to your donation.
If you prefer not to donate, you can enter by mail using an entry form available on the contest website.
The contest ends April 4, 2016. Read the official rules on the contest website.
Egg-stravaganza expanded for 2016
Originally introduced in 2013 as a Limited Time Magic promotion, Egg-stravaganza returns for the fourth time March 2 through 27.
A dozen oversized eggs decorated with images of Disney characters will be placed around the World Showcase lagoon. Egg hunters first purchase a special map and stickers to help locate these eggs, and then place the stickers in the corresponding spots on the map.
The Egg-stravaganza returns in 2016. Photo © Disney.
The maps are $5.95 plus tax (a $1 increase from 2015), and no discounts apply. Maps are sold at the following locations:
- Pin Central
- Port of Entry (Showcase Plaza)
- Heritage Manor (The American Adventure)
- World Traveler (International Gateway)
Once complete, participants return the map to a redemption location to claim their prize—one of six different two-inch-tall "eggs" featuring all-new character designs for the 2016 promotion. The redemption center is located at the Point of Entry store in Epcot.
A look at the half-dozen new eggs created for the 2016 Egg-stravaganza. Photo © Disney.
If you are only in it for the eggs, you don't need to complete the egg hunt to claim your prize—just buy your map at the redemption center and receive your egg. The eggs are awarded randomly, but you may be able to trade with other collectors to complete a set if that is your goal.
We're Hiring!Do you love Disney and have a flair for writing? We're currently looking for columnists to cover new areas of the Disney universe for MousePlanet.com.If you are interesting in adding your voice to MousePlanet, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
Views From Around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka visited Disney Springs and Epcot to get a look at the construction around the resort this week.
Magic Kingdom
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney Springs
This and That
...Toy Story Mania at Disney's Hollywood Studios will close for one day, Tuesday March 15, to connect the newly-constructed third track to the existing track.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Crowd Forecast
|
Advertisement "Do more. Wait less."
|
Resort Events
Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2016 Resort events
- Star Wars Experiences – December 1, 2015 – March 20, 2016 (tentative end date)
- 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – March 2 – May 30, 2016
- Dapper Day at the Magic Kingdom (unofficial event) – Saturday, April 16, 2016. More information at the event website.
- Gay Days at Walt Disney World (annual unofficial event) – June 2–5. More information on the event website. To whatever degree there are "organized" events, the schedule calls for attendees to visit the parks on these days:
- Thursday, June 2 - Animal Kingdom
- Friday, June 3 - Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Saturday, June 4 - Magic Kingdom (the busiest day of the event)
- Sunday, June 5 - Epcot
- Night of Joy – dates to be announced
- 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival –September 14 through November 14, 2016.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – dates to be announced.
- "Jersey Week" – November 6 – 13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
- Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – dates to be announced.
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – dates to be announced.
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – dates to be announced.
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.
2016
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18 – 21, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14 – 17, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3 – 4, 2016. Pre-sale begins March 8, 2016. General registration opens March 15, 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.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Events
Check here to see if a sporting competition might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. We don't list all events here, but focus on the larger sport and cheer events that might result in extra visitors to the theme parks, and make it harder to secure a hotel room. The All-Star and moderate resort hotels are often the home base for these larger events, so it's worth avoiding those properties if possible.
2016 ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events
- AmeriCheer / AmeriDance International Championships – February 27-28.
- 2016 Atlanta Braves Spring Training – March 4 – April 4. See website for game schedule. Tickets, including season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are now on sale.
- Contest of Champions – March 4-6.
- International All Star Championship – March 12 – 13.
- ICU Cheerleading and Dance Worlds Championship – April 21 – 22.
- USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds Championship – April 23 – 25. This event draws over 12,000 participants.
- Varsity All Star’s Cheerleading Championship – April 29 – May 1.
- Special Olympics Florida Summer Games – May 20 – 21.
- AAU National Club Championship – June 30 – July 3.
- Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11 – 12.
- 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl – dates to be announced, but likely either December 3 – 10, or 10 – 17, 2016.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| Feb. 24 |
Disney Springs
|
| Feb. 25 |
Disney Springs
|
| Feb. 26 |
Disney Springs
|
| Feb. 27 |
Disney Springs
|
| Feb. 28 |
Disney Springs
|
| March 2–27 |
Egg-stravaganza 2016 Egg-stravaganza returns for the fourth time March 2 through 27. A dozen oversized eggs decorated with images of Disney characters will be placed around the World Showcase lagoon. Egg hunters first purchase a special map and stickers to help locate these eggs, and then place the stickers in the corresponding spots on the map. The maps are $5.95 plus tax (a $1 increase from 2015), and no discounts apply. Maps are sold at the following locations:
Once complete, participants return the map to a redemption location to claim their prize—one of six different two-inch-tall "eggs" featuring all-new character designs for the 2016 promotion. The redemption centers is located at the Point of Entry store in Epcot. If you are only in it for the eggs, you don't need to complete the egg hunt to claim your prize—just buy your map at the redemption center and receive your egg. The eggs are awarded randomly, but you may be able to trade with other collectors to complete a set if that is your goal. |
| Mar. 2 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 3 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 4 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 5 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 6 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 17 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 18 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 19 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 20 |
Epcot
|
| Mar. 23 |
Disney Springs
|
| Mar. 24 |
Disney Springs
|
| Mar. 25 |
Disney Springs
|
| Mar. 26 |
Disney Springs
|
| Mar. 27 |
Disney Springs
|
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
2016
- Mad Tea Party – closed February 22 – 26 for refurbishment.
- Jungle Cruise – closed March 1 – 3 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 – July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15 – 21 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" – closed August 22 – September 15 for refurbishment.
2016
- Soarin' – closed as of January 4, 2016. Reopens sometime in "summer of 2016" as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film.
- Circle of Life – closed February 7 through April 2 for refurbishment.
- Maelstrom – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
2016
- Toy Story Midway Mania – closing for one day, Tuesday March 15, to connect the new ride track.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closed January 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Studio Catering Co. – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flights of Wonder – show dark January 25 – March 17
- The Boneyard play area – closed February 22 – March 17 for refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach
- None scheduled
Typhoon Lagoon
- Entire park closed January 3 – March 13, 2016 for refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closes April, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 – June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for 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
- Art of Animation – Schoolyard Sprayground closed through March 11 for refurbishment.
- Bay Lake Tower – Bay Cove Pool closed February 1 – March 18 for refurbishment.
- Boardwalk Inn
- Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 - September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Seashore Sweets – closes February 1 as part of the Flying Fish refurbishment.
- Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
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.
|
Discounts for Everyone |
Spring 2016 Family Time package The Family Time package offers a 5-day/4-night Walt Disney World vacation package for a family of 4 for as low as $1,714. The package includes 5-day theme park tickets and a 4-night stay in standard rooms at Disney's All-Star Music Resort for as low as $1,714 for a family of 4. Book this offer through February 28, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights February 22 through March 3, 2016 and April 3 through May 26, 2016. Other great rates are also available for alternate lengths of stay and party sizes for stays most nights February 22 through June 11, 2016. Travel must be booked from December 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016. The Magic Your Way package offers up to 25 percent off on rooms for travel from April 14 to June 11 with a booking window from February 29 to March 31, 2016. Find a full list of resorts and discounts on the Small World Vacations blog. Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 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 $149, a $20 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. |
|---|---|
|
Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
|
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
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. |
|
Discounts for Military Personnel |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount 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 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 – 2016 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. 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. |
|
Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
|
Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
|
Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments.
Comments
That second attraction in Star Wars Land looks like it might be very similar to the Ratatouille ride at Walt Disney Studios in Paris, which has trackless ride vehicles and giant 3-D projection screens throughout the ride.