There are new things popping up every day at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Join us every week to read about “What’s New” in Disney news and at Universal Orlando! Most of these items have been released on Chip and Co so in case you missed it we are serving them up nice, hot and fresh for you.
What’s New This Week?
New! FastPass+ Test Expanding to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot: As part of the ongoing
testing process for MyMagic+ , the test will expand to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot. This testing
builds on the success of the current tests in progress at Disney’s Animal Kingdom park and Magic Kingdom
park. Beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Thursday, Jan. 23 at Epcot,
the FastPass+ test allows Guests (including those not staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel) visiting
any of the theme parks the ability to make three FastPass+ selections for the current day at that theme
park using FastPass+ kiosks. Disney’s FASTPASS Service (using paper FASTPASS tickets) will not be
available throughout the duration of this test at any of our theme parks.
New! Spice Road Table Now Open in Morocco Pavilion at Epcot: Last week, we reported
Spice Road Table was in soft opening stages and now it’s officially open! With fantastic views of World
Showcase Lagoon and IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth from almost every angle of the restaurant,
pretty Spice Road Table officially opened Jan 20, 2014, an authentic taste of the Mediterranean at the
Morocco Pavilion in Epcot. Along with the new eatery, there’s live entertainment from Mo Rockin’ Band,
henna tattoos, a “juice” bar and a shop stocked with great Mediterranean flavors to carry home (from olives
to spicy harissa and mint tea). It’s a lively spot, not to mention it’s gorgeous and the small plates
(tapas style) foods are great!
Reminder! Monorail Service Unavailable: Beginning January 21, monorail service on the Magic
Kingdom Resort and Express beams will be temporarily unavailable on weekdays during nonpeak times,
between 11:30am and 7:00pm, to accommodate planned maintenance. During this temporary adjustment
watercraft and additional buses will be available. The Epcot line is not affected.
New! The Smokehouse Now Open on Downtown Disney West Side: The Smokehouse is now open.
This new quick service restaurant serves up barbeque and smoked favorites outside the House of Blues on
the Downtown Disney West Side. Reservations are not required and prices range from $6.99 to $12.99. At
this time, Disney Dining plan is not yet accepted. Quick service entitlements will be accepted in the future.
New! D23 Destination D Announced for Walt Disney World July 26th & 27th: Destination D: Attraction
Rewind is the name of this year’s big event, taking place July 26 and 27 at Walt Disney World. The event
will give guests the opportunity to visit — or revisit — beloved Disney attractions of the past, featuring
Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries. Attractions included in the celebration will be
Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rare concept art
and images, vintage video, and stories. There will also be several presentations dedicated to the 1964–65
New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.
D23 Fanniversary Celebrations Announced: For the third year in a row, D23 will hit the road, visiting
cities across the U.S. to commemorate dozens of magical Disney milestones celebrating landmark
anniversaries this year. Hosted by Disney archivists and the D23 Team, D23?s Disney Fanniversary
Celebration events will be held in Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Orlando, New York City, Seattle, and other
cities in fall 2014. Fanniversary 2014 will revisit some of the most beloved theme park attractions, animated
and liveaction films, characters, TV series, and more than 90 years of Disney history including Donald
Duck, the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, Sleeping Beauty, Haunted Mansion, Disney’s Hollywood
Studios, The Little Mermaid, and many more. Fanniversary events will be open to the public, with special
admission prices and surprises created for D23 Members in attendance.
New! Super Bowling Spectacular 2014: Come out for the Big Game and support a great cause! Clean
the World’s (an Orlandobased nonprofit that saves lives around the world with recycled hotel soap) is
hosting it’s 2nd annual Super Bowling Spectacular on Sunday, February 2, starting at 5:30pm at Splitsville
Luxury Lanes at Downtown Disney® West Side. It is the place to be for the Big Game! Tickets can be
purchased in advance at www.cleantheworld.org/bowl. Cost: $85 per person includes 3 hours of food and
drink. (Bowling will not be available for this price). Everyone in the party must be 21 or over with valid
photo ID.
Highlights:
• Complimentary appetizers and buffet from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
• Open bar from 6:00pm to 9:00pm
• Three full bars serving premium brands
• 40 flatscreen TVs all showing the game
• Free parking
New! Aladdin and Jasmine Temporary Greeting Location Update: Now Feb.13, Aladdin and Jasmine
will be meeting Guests at the entrance to Adventureland (just before the bridge). This is a slight change as
we previously reported they were meeting at the Veranda Porch. When the refurbishment of the Agrabah
Bazaar completes next month, they will return to their usual location.
New! Winter Summerland Winter Course Closed for Refurb: Beginning Monday, January 20, the
Winter course at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be closed due to refurbishment. The
course will remain closed until further notice. The Summer course will still be available for Guests to play form 10:00am-11:00pm daily.
Reminder! New characters coming to Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine on Jan. 26, 2014: Starting Jan. 26, 2014, Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First will join the cast of Disney Junior Play n’ Dine at Hollywood & Vine. Guests will get the chance to meet Doc McStuffins and Sofia the First and dance along with them during a fun, new musical number right there in the restaurant!
New 2014 Promotion Begins Disney Family Time Resolutions: Disney launched disney.com/resolutions where Disney celebrities are sharing how they plan to resolve to spend more time with family in 2014. A new video will be uploaded everyday in January. On disney.com/resolutions, they are also awarding a vacationaday from December 31, 2013 through January 31, 2014! So enter every day for your chance to win because this is the year to spend more quality time with the people you love most. Good luck!
New! Merchandise Events:
- Jan 23-26 – Refresh your skincare routine with Guerlain’s ultra effective in-depth treatments from Orchidée Impériale Skin Care. Infused with orchid extracts, Orchidée Impériale helps promote skin renewal, youthfulness and luminosity. Come experience the benefits of the orchid at La Signature Shoppe in Epcot.
- Jan 23-26 – Guests who purchase $100 or more of Guerlain products will receive a complimentary product sample.
- Jan 24 – Vinylmation Combo Pack Figure: the Indiana Jones series launched on January 10 at the D Street locations in Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts, and on the Disney Parks online store. This series was designed by Thomas Scott, lead Vinylmation artist with Disney Design Group, and features characters from the Indiana Jones film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” Disney artist Maria Clapsis designed the combo pack figure which will be released on January 24.
- Keep an eye out for special Dinsey Pin and Vinylmation releases this month in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Closures and Refurbishments – Don’t forget to check out month Refurb Schedule!
Magic Kingdom
- Casey’s Corner 01/06/14 -02/15/14
- Splash Mountain 01/06/14 -03/21/14
- Splashdown Photos 1/6/14 -3/21/14
- Aladdin and Jasmine will be greeting Guests at the entrance to Adventureland (just before thebridge).
- Liberty Square Riverboat 01/21/14 -01/30/14
- Barnstormer 2/3/14 -2/5/14
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority 2/10/14 -3/27/14
- Pinocchio’s Village Haus 2/17/14 -3/30/14
- The Plaza Restaurant 2/17/14 -3/07/14
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- Backlot Tour 1/5/14 -3/1/14
Epcot
- None
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Festival of the Lion King 1/6/14 tbd
- Camp MinnieMickey 1/6/14 permanent closure
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
- Closed for annual refurbishment 01/06/14 -03/17/14
Resorts
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
▪ Grand Slam Quiet Pool Deck 2/11/14 -2/13/14
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas
▪ Kiddie Pool Wet Deck Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open 1/21/14 -2/14/14
Disney’s Boardwalk Villas
▪ Villas Quiet Pool & Spa 2/3/14 -3/7/14
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
▪ Pool slides pools remain open 01/27/14 -02/07/14
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
▪ Bay Lake Tower Kiddie Pool Wet Deck Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open. 1/13/14 –
2/7/14
▪ Monorail Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended
on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be
available. 1/21/14 -3/21/14
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
▪ Victoria & Albert’s 1/19/14 -1/29/14
▪ Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished
starting in early January and scheduled to complete in August. Guest buildings will be taken out of
inventory and will not be occupied by Guests while work is being performed.
▪ Monorail Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available. 1/21/14 -3/21/14
Disney’s Old Key West
▪ Sandcastle Pool 1/13/14 -1/31/14
▪ Goods to Go 1/20/14 -1/30/14
▪ Gurging Suitcase 2/5/14 -2/28/14
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
▪ Volcano Pool Slide 1/13/14 -1/31/14
▪ The Never Land Club 1/24/14 -4/11/14
▪ Beach & Sunset Point Access to the east portion of the beach, near the Transportation and Ticket
Center, and Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. However, all other
amenities will not be affected. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been
taken off the market during the renovation period.
▪ Monorail Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended
on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be
available. 1/21/14 -3/21/14
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort French Quarter
▪ Doubloon Lagoon Pool transportation will be provided for Guests to swim at Ol’ Man Island Pool at
Disney’s Port Orleans Resort Riverside 01/13/14 -02/28/14
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort
▪ Congress Park Pool 01/22/14 -01/23/14
▪ Paddock Pool 02/1/14 -02/13/14
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
▪ Yacht Club Quiet Pool 1/21/14 -2/7/14
▪ Beach Club Quiet Pool 2/3/14 -2/4/14
Downtown Disney® Area
▪ Cap’n Jack’s Marina Closed
▪ Parking Lots H,I,J,K Closed
▪ Fuego closed
▪ Wetzels Pretzels closed 10/20/13
▪ Team Mickey Athletic Club 1/27/14 -6/13/14
Disney Golf Courses / Miniature Golf
▪ Winter course at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be closed due to refurbishment.
Disneyland Resort in California
New! Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup at Disneyland Park: If you’re looking for a
place to have a rootin’ tootin’ good time with some of your favorite Disney friends – then listen up,
partner! Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup in Frontierland at Disneyland park is the place to
find Disney characters and more! You can even watch trick ropers and meet some of our famous Disneyland
Resort horses. Big Thunder Ranch Jamboree Character Roundup is open Fridays through Sundays, so stop
on by!
New! Merchandise Events
▪ January 25 – 26: Rounding out our artist showcases at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney
District is M. Andonia who will appear from 1 – 4 p.m. each day.
▪ January 25 – 26: Meet artist Bob Elias from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Disneyana in Disneyland park, as he
signs some of the newest pieces in his collection.
Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to download the latest renovations and closures at Disneyland.
Universal Orlando Resort
Reminder! Harry Potter Celebration Event This Weekend: Join Harry Potter™ fans from around the
world for interactive experiences, exciting demonstrations, and more during A Celebration of Harry Potter™
at Universal Orlando® Resort, January 24 – 26, 2014. Come and celebrate all of Harry Potter’s adventures
with interactive experiences, exciting demonstrations, and more. The celebration kicks off with a Harry
Potter™ Tribute on Friday – a special evening event featuring select cast members and awardwinning artist,
Kazu Kibuishi, who recently reimagined the Harry Potter book covers.
Other special activities over the weekend include:
▪ A wand masterclass hosted by Warner Bros. Studio Tour London – The Making of Harry Potter,
featuring Wand Combat choreographer Paul Harris and a special guest
▪ Q&A sessions with members of the Harry Potter cast
▪ Panel discussions that cannot be missed with MinaLima creators of the graphics seen in the movies
▪ Pottermore – an exclusive behindthescenes look at Pottermore.com the free interactive website from
J.K. Rowling (Saturday & Sunday)
▪ Plus, guests can explore the oneofakind Harry Potter Expo with interactive activities for fans including
a vignette of movie props from Harry Potter: The Exhibition and The Sorting Hat™ experience.
▪ And More
New! Universal Releases New Trailer for Diagon Alley: Another new trailer has been released and is
building excitement for Diagon Alley, which will open in 2014 at Universal Orlando Resort. Watch here.
Mardi Gras Dates and Concerts Announced: It’s the most spectacular celebration of the Big Easy spirit
outside of New Orleans itself Mardi Gras at Universal Studios®. Bring the whole family for a party filled with
music and fun as only Universal Orlando® Resort can throw. Feb 8 May 21, 2014. This year’s concerts
include Robin Thicke (Feb 22) and The Wanted, May 10, plus 18 other concerts:
▪ FEB 8 DAUGHTRY
▪ FEB 15 BARENAKED LADIES
▪ FEB 16 THOMAS RHETT
▪ FEB 22 ROBIN THICKE
▪ MAR 1 COLLECTIVE SOUL
▪ MAR 8 PRINCE ROYCE
▪ MAR 14 CODY SIMPSON
▪ MAR 15 FOREIGNER
▪ MAR 21 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAR 22 GAVIN DEGRAW
▪ MAR 28 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAR 29 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ APR 5 SKILLET
▪ APR 12 LYNYRD SKYNYRD
▪ APR 19 KOOL & THE GANG
▪ MAY 3 NELLY
▪ MAY 10 THE WANTED
▪ MAY 17 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAY 24 TO BE ANNOUNCED
▪ MAY 31 TO BE ANNOUNCED
New! Comedian Ralphie May Performs at Hard Rock Live Orlando Jan 24: The comedian Ralpie May
will be performed at Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando Resort on January 24, 2014. Tickets are $35 for
reserved seating. Reserved balcony tables are available for purchase through the Hard Rock Live box office
at 4073515483.
Kids Eat Free at Loews: The program has been extended to include dates of January 5 – March 13, 2014,
with a minimum of a 3night stay at our onsite deluxe Loews hotels, kids can enjoy meals at our resorts!
• Valid for breakfast, lunch & dinner (during restaurant hours of operation)
• One FREE kids meal with purchase of EACH adult entrée
• Children up to 9 years old
• Valid for kids menu and buffets only
• Beverage included (select drinks only)
• Gratuity included on the kids meal only
Telemundo’s hit Sunday night reality show, “La Voz Kids” will be taping at Universal Orlando®Resort: January 18–22 at 1:30PM & 5:00PM. Come see a wide variety of young talented singers competing to be the next music star and be part of the audience.
Closures and Refurbishments
▪ Dudley DoRight’s Ripsaw Falls®: 1/6 2/1
▪ Beetlejuice’s Graveyard Revue™: 1/5 1/31
▪ Disaster!SM A Major Motion Picture Ride…Starring YOU: 1/13 1/19
▪ TWISTER…Ride It Out®: 1/20 2/1
To book your family’s magical vacation please contact Gretchen, an agent with Destinations in Florida, at gretchen@destinationsinflorida.com or 818-519-0777.
Let our friends at Destinations to Travel help you book your next Disney Vacation. They are the preferred Travel Agency of Chip and Company and Disney Addicts, and who we use ourselves.
Get started below for your FREE No Obligation Quote.
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We’ll be there for the food and wine festival this year! #ymbada
Great information, would never had known about the monorail being closed part of the day if I had not read this, thanks! #ymbada