Walt Disney World
Walt Disney World has debuted a special package designed for preschool families. Beginning May 30 – Aug. 25, 2016, guests can enjoy a three-night, two-day vacation package with theme park tickets starting at $1,021 for a family of three at one of Disney’s All-Star Resorts. For more details click here.
ESPN Wide World of Sports
As was previously announced, Disney’s Night of Joy is moving from the Magic Kingdom to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. Today Disney announced the artist lineup as well as ticketing details.
The current lineup is as follows:
- Friday, September 9 – MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, Francesca Battistelli, Crowder, Matthew West, Stars Go Dim, Zealand Worship
- Saturday, September 10 – newsboys, for King & Country, Young & Free, Switchfoot, Red, Thousand Foot Krutch, Tim Timmons
While it was previously announced that guests of Night of Joy would get a ticket to the Magic Kingdom, it appears that there has been a change in plans. Here are the ticket options announced today:
- A single-night ticket for Friday’s concerts – $39 plus tax (in advance); $45 the day of the show (if available).
- A ticket which would include a day at one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks and the concerts for Saturday night – $99 plus tax (in advance); $114 plus tax the day of the show (if available).
- A 2-Day ticket which includes both nights’ concerts, a day at one of the four Walt Disney World Resort theme parks – $119 plus tax (in advance).
Guests who purchase the 2-Day ticket before August 9, 2016 will also receive one (1) admission to their choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach or Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon from September 6 – September 12, 2016. Group discounts also are available and tickets will go on sale in mid-April.
Epcot
Here is a list of activities happening this weekend as part of Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival
Disney’s Horticulture Heritage
11:00am & 2:00pm, Greenhouse Stage
Lewis Brehm
Disney Horticulture Cast Member
Green is the New Gold
12:00pm, Fresh Epcot Stage
Jim Martin & David Vagasky
The Farmer and the Chef
Herbs From Garden to Table
1:00pm & 4:00pm, Spotlight Stage
University of Florida IFAS Extension
Tips, Tricks and Turnips: Farm to Table Revealed
3:00pm, Fresh Epcot Stage
Jim Martin & David Vagasky
The Farmer and the Chef
This week’s Garden Rocks musical act is The Village People. They are known for the song “Y.M.C.A.”
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
It appears that the area around MuppetVision 3D will be reclassified as “Muppet’s Courtyard.” Currently the area is part of the Streets of America, but with most of that venue closing on April 2, a new designation was in order. This also leads credence to the rumor that once the current refurbishment of Pizza Planet has been completed, it will reopen as a Muppet themed eatery.
It should be noted that Mama Melrose’s Ristorante Italiano is remaining open and will be part of Muppet’s Courtyard as well.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
This is what started the fire today at #festivalofthelionking at #animalkingdom #disneyworld #disneynews pic.twitter.com/oZMtBFHF20
— TheDisneyTeen (@thedisneyteenss) March 21, 2016
A fire occurred late on Monday at Festival of the Lion King as it appears that the Elephant float started to smoke. No guests were harmed as the theater was evacuated safely.
We do not know when Festival of the Lion King will return to normal operation, but it may be as soon as today. Disney teams will investigate the cause of the fire and make any adjustments neccasary.
Disney Springs
The Disney TAG store (Travel/Accessories/Gear) opened at the Marketplace Co-Op. In addition to featuring travel gear such as luggage, neck pillows, and sleep masks, the store features Disney Cruise Line merchandise as well as an airline check-in desk.
Events
This week’s schedule of Atlanta Braves Spring Training games at ESPN’s Wide World of Sports.
March 24: Vs Phillies 6:05pm
March 25: Vs Astros 1:05pm
March 26: Vs Mets 1:05pm
March 28: Vs Astros 6:05pm
Merchandise Events
March 25-26: Best-selling author, Ridley Pearson, will celebrate the release of his newest book, Kingdom Keepers: The Return, Book 2: Legacy of Secrets with appearances at Walt Disney World. On March 25 he will appear at Art of Disney at Disney Springs Marketplace from 4-6pm. He will meet guests at Mouse Gear in Epcot from 10-1 on March 26.
Wristbands will be distributed to Guests at store open on the day of the signing with each purchase of a book by Ridley Pearson. A wristband from the appearance location is required to meet Ridley Pearson and allows the Guest to get two books signed. A limited number of wristbands will be available the day of the signing. Once the wristbands have been distributed, the line to meet Ridley Pearson will close.
Quick Takes
Disney’s The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour – Walt Disney World
New Princess Promenade at Disney’s Grand Floridian — An Event as Lovely as Its Name
Wild Photo Update of Disney’s Animal Kingdom
Pirates of Color: Disney’s Diversity Push Extends to Audio-Animatronics
Details on Nighttime Kilimanjaro Safari Operations Revealed
What Disney’s River Country Water Park Looks Like 15 Years After Closing
A Tragic but Beautiful WDW Character Interaction Story Goes Viral
Walt Disney World Refurbishments
| Magic Kingdom | |
| Monorail The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System is undergoing refurbishment and may be on modified service and/or routes. Guests should check to be sure of the best option available on their day of travel, as alternative transportation options will be available. |
Now – April 2016 |
| Epcot | |
| Soarin’ | Jan. 4, 2016 – Summer 2016 |
| Circle of Life | Feb. 7 – Apr. 2, 2016 |
| Disney’s Hollywood Studios | |
| Pizza Planet | Jan. 19 – Late 2016 |
| Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – Closing Permanently | Apr. 3, 2016 |
| Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – Closing Permanently | Apr. 3, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom | |
| Flights of Wonder | Jan. 25 – Mar. 31, 2016 |
| Warung Outpost | Jan. 25 – Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Boneyard | Feb. 22 – Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge | |
| Concierge Lounge Closed for refurbishment. An alternative lounge location will be available during this time. |
May 7 – 22, 2016 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Inn | |
| Flying Fish Restaurant | Through Summer 2016 |
| Disney’s BoardWalk Villas | |
| Guest Villa Renovations | Through Spring 2016 |
| Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort | |
| Aruba Pool | Feb. 22 – Apr. 15, 2016 |
| Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort | |
| General Construction During this time, Guests will observe construction taking place and certain pathways and buildings may be unavailable. |
Through Spring 2016 |
| Disney’s Wilderness Lodge & Villas | |
| General Resort Refurbishments Due to multiple resort refurbishment projects, Guests will notice construction work in various areas. Noise may be overheard while this work is being completed, but construction will not begin until after 9 a.m. Certain pathways, including the nature trail, will be unavailable. The Hidden Springs leisure pool area (the leisure pool atThe Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge), resort beach, playground, Marina and Recreation fire pit will be unavailable. |
Through 2017 |
| Cub’s Den (Children’s Activity Center) – unavailable | Through 2017 |
| Sturdy Branches Health Club | July – October 2016 |
| Disney Springs | |
| Roadwork on Buena Vista Drive Due to heavy roadwork, expect delays on Buena Vista Drive. It is recommended that Guests use complimentary Walt Disney World Resort transportation from Parks and Resorts to Disney Springs and plan to arrive early for reserved dining and entertainment experiences. |
Through May 2016 |
| Planet Hollywood | Jan. 6 – Summer 2016 |
| Fulton’s Crab House | Apr. 4 – Fall 2016 |