What’s New at Walt Disney World and Disneyland This Week
New things are popping up every day at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. Join us each week to find out what’s new at Disney! This week features updates on the Magic Kingdom Park construction, various events taking place in the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland.
What’s New This Week
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
Catch up on all the latest Disney News & Events happening at Disney World & Disneyland. Here is a peek of some of the events & news you might have missed:
New! Seven Dwarfs Mine Train News: Additional construction walls came down around the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train this week! The side of the mountain closest to Be Our Guest Restaurant and the new castle walls is now visible to guests. More of the twists and turns of the track is revealed and guests will have a great view of any ride vehicle testing! Also, the new attraction’s logo was released this week as well.
New! Anna and Elsa from ‘Frozen’ Heading to Magic Kingdom Park: We’re excited to share that Anna and Elsa, from Disney’s Academy Award-winning film “Frozen,” will soon move from Epcot to Magic Kingdom Park. Starting April 20, they’ll join some of their fellow Disney Royals at Princess Fairytale Hall, where Disney FastPass+ service will be available for this character greeting experience.
New! “Maleficent” sneak peek coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios April 18, 2014: The thrilling final trailer for “Maleficent” has just been released, and starting April 18, 2014 a special extended sneak peek will be playing daily at Disney’s Hollywood Studios in the ABC Sound Studio through mid-June.
New! Castle Painting in Progress: Back in January, we informed you Cinderella’s Castle would have a crane in view through the end of March for removal of the Dream Lights as well as routine painting. Painting has been taking place on the castle turrets for the past week or so, which has included a “new” silver color. While Disney has not released a statement, Cast Members tell us this silver color is more or less a “primer” and the turrets will be returned to their usual blue hue soon.
New! Draw Olaf at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Animation Academy at The Magic of Disney Animation: Recently, a few characters from Disney’s “Frozen” were added into the rotation of Disney characters the character artists teach guests how to draw every day. With the popularity of “Frozen,” it’s not surprise that Olaf has become one of the most requested characters at the experience. We had the opportunity to draw Elsa back in February too!
New! Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider Set to Debut at Disney Parks: Acclaimed author Ridley Pearson will appear at Walt Disney World in celebration of the release of his newest book, “Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider.” It is the much-anticipated, final addition to the Kingdom Keepers saga. Ridley will be making special appearances on the following dates at Walt Disney World Resort:
- March 26 – Once Upon a Toy, Downtown Disney Marketplace (4-6 p.m.)
- March 27 – Writer’s Stop, Disney’s Hollywood Studios (9-11 a.m.)
- Wristbands will be distributed to guests on the day of the signings at the event location.
Update! Changes in Progress Around Iconic Magic Kingdom “Hub”: According to the Disney Parks Blog, “We’re adding several new elements to the area, including sculpted gardens, additional pathways, expanded restaurant seating and even a special viewing area for fireworks and other performances.” Other enhancements will include new trees and more landscaping in the Central Plaza area. To make it easier to move around, two additional pathways will be built around the plaza. Also, seating outside of Casey’s Corner and The Plaza restaurant will nearly double in size. This multi-phase enhancement project has already begun and it’ll be completed in 2015. Casey’s Corner seating has already been increased. The castle moats were drained in preparation for construction, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe’s former outdoor seating is now enclosed and the Swan Boat Landing has been removed. Also, the Hub popcorn cart has been relocated near the entrance of Adventureland while the work takes place.
New! Happy Hound Kiosk at Downtown Disney: Stop by the Marketplace to visit the new Happy House kiosk. Located behind Fun Finds, this unique kiosk offers accessories for your canine companion, including leashes, glamour collars, food bowls, outfits, jackets and an assortment of squeaky toys!
Reminder! Annual Passholders Can Customize and Order MagicBands: Annual Passholders will soon be receiving MagicBands as the phased rollout continues. Log on to DisneyWorld.com to access your My Disney Experience account. Make sure your annual pass is linked to your account under ‘MagicBands & Cards.” Under “Your Orders,” you should see an option to customize and order your Band! Your Band will ship at the end of the month or as soon as you click the button that says “Ship MagicBands now.”
Reminder! Registration Now Open for Fit Challenge at ESPN Wide World of Sports in September: The sport of competitive fitness, which is growing rapidly nationally and internationally, is coming to ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort, the site of the inaugural Disney Fit Challenge this September. Capitzlizing on the growing CrossFit phenomenon, Disney Fit Challenge will be a three-day event (Sept 26-28) involving athletes competing in different fitness challenges that test an athlete’s speed, strength, skill, endurance, balance and power. Registration opened March 18.
Reminder! New Epcot Illuminations Dessert Party Debuted Last Week: Make your visit to Epcot extra sweet with tempting treats, spirited drinks and a VIP view of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. Savor international desserts and wines in an intimate, exclusive setting and enjoy a clear view of the World Showcase Lagoon as it erupts in color and sound during the Epcot nighttime fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth. The dessert parties will be held Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights from 7:45 PM to 9:20 PM. Advance reservations are highly recommended and can be made up to 180 days in advance. The cost is $49.99 for adults and $29.99 for children, prices include tax. Park admission is required (and not included).
Reminder! Watch for Coupons on Quick Service Dining Receipts: Certain quick-service locations in Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks will give a merchandise coupon attached to your receipt March 18 – April 28. The coupon offers 20% off purchase at participating merchandise locations during store opening and 1 p.m between March 18-April 29.
Reminder! Disney Vacation Club hosts Food Truck Tuesdays at Saratoga Springs Resort: Food trucks inspired by Walt Disney World Theme Parks will visit Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa as part of a Membership Magic experience. Created for Disney Vacation Club Members but open to all Guests, this limited-time food truck service will take place near the Grandstand Pool on March 11, 18, 25 from 5-8 p.m. Food will be available for purchase, and complimentary cupcakes will be will be provided with meal purchase while supplies last. In addition to the food trucks, Disney Vacation Club will host a face painter, balloon artist and caricature artist that Members and Guests can enjoy.
New! Merchandise Events:
- March 21-26: David E. Dons will be appearing daily at The Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Stop in and find a new piece of art to add to your collection
- March 26 – 27: Are you a fan of Ridley Pearson? Are you ready for the release of “Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider”? If your answer was yes, then be sure to check out all the details on Ridley Pearson’s appearances and details on the last book in the beloved Kingdom Keepers series.
Closures and Refurbishments
Magic Kingdom
- Splash Mountain Jan 6 – Mar 21, 2014
- Splashdown Photos Jan 6 – Mar 21, 2014
- Monorail – MK Express Jan 21 – Mar 21, 2014
- Pinocchio’s Village Haus Feb 17 – Mar 30, 2014
- Big Thunder Mountain April 7 – 9, 2014
- Pirates of the Caribbean April 28 – May 1, 2014
- Tomorrowland Transit Authority – Peoplemover May 3 – June 30, 2014
- Astro Orbiter May 3 – Aug 20, 2014
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
- None
Epcot
- None
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
- Festival of the Lion King Jan 6, 2014 – summer
- Camp Minnie-Mickey Jan 6, 2014 – permanent closure
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
- Roof Refurbishment Mar 1 – May 3, 2014
Disney’s Contemporary Resort
- 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 Jan 21-Mar 21, 2014
Disney’s Polynesian Resort
- General Construction Dec 2013 – March 2015
- The Never Land Club Jan 28 – Apr 27, 2014
- Great Ceremonial House Lobby March – December 2014
- Capt. Cook’s to close and an alternate dining experience will be available Mar 26 – Jun, 2014
- 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.
- 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 Jan 21-Mar 21, 2014
The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
- General Construction including jackhammering work Mar 26-27
Disneyland Resort in California
New! The D23 Expo Will Return to Disneyland in 2015: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event is returning to Anaheim in 2015. D23: The Official Disney Fan Club will present the D23 Expo the weekend of August 14-16 at the Anaheim Convention Center, right across the street from the Disneyland Resort. Once again, all the wonderful worlds of Disney will come together under one roof including film, television, music, games and – of course – theme parks!
New! Vinylmation Trading Locations at Disneyland Resort: Guests who visit Disneyland Resort can trade Vinylmation at the following locations: Disneyland Park – The Star Trader and Disney Showcase, Downtown Disney – D Street, and Disney California Adventure Park – Off the Page. Disneyana no longer offers Vinylmation trading.
New! Dark Chocolate Raspberry Gourmet Apple at Disneyland Park: The newest addition from the Disneyland REsort Candy Making team is an over-the-top apple concoction! This month’s caramel apple has been covered in dark chocolate and has been encased with semi-sweet chocolate and white chocolate chips and almonds. They have infused raspberry into white chocolate and drizzled it over the entire apple. YUM!
New! Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider Set To Debut at Disney Parks: Acclaimed author Ridley Pearson will appear at the Disneyland Resort in celebration of the release of his newest book, “Kingdom Keepers VII: The Insider.” It is the much-anticipated, final addition to the Kingdom
Keepers saga. Ridley will be making a special appearance at Disneyland Resort March 29 at Disneyana, Disneyland park (10 a.m. – Noon).
Reminder! Watch for Coupons on Quick Service Dining Receipts: Certain quick-service locations in Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort theme parks will give a merchandise coupon attached to your receipt March 18 through April 28 The coupon offers 20 percent off purchase at participating merchandise locations during store opening and 1 p.m. between March 18 and April 29.
Reminder! Big Thunder Mountain Railroad Reopened March 17: In addition to an upgraded track, restoration of the historic Rainbow Ridge Mining Town, repainting on portions of the mountain and updates to the ride vehicles, the refurbishment also includes some new surprises that guests should lookout for when they ride again after March 17th!
Reminder! Disneyland Today is the Official Social Media Source for Disneyland Resort: Beginning March 10, Disneyland’s official source for in-park social media updates and information, Disneyland Today, will expand to cover the entire Disneyland Resort. Joining forces with DCA Today, Disneyland Today will answer questions and provide real-time tips and updates for both Disneyland and Disney California Adventure Park and now the Downtown Disney District and all three resort hotels. Be sure follow @DisneylandToday on Twitter and Facebook (Facebook.com/DisneylandToday) for updates and in-park opportunities during your visits.
New! Merchandise Events
- March 22: Meet artists Jeff Granito and Michelle Romo who will be appearing at WonderGround Gallery from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. as we celebrate some of their newest releases.
- March 22: Local Southern California artist Noah will be on hand for a special appearance and signing from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District as we release his newest piece titled “Faith, Trust and Pixie Dust” featuring Tinker Bell.
- March 28: Calling all Traders! Disney Trading Night will take place from 5 – 8 p.m. in the Pacific Ballroom at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel. So if you are looking to meet avid and novice traders, make friends, or share stories about your collections, then this is the place for you.● Appearing as the Artist in Residence at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout the month of March is local artist Jeff Granito. Look for special artist showcases on the following dates: February 28 and March 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22, 28 and 29 from 5 – 9 p.m.
Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to download the latest renovations and closures at Disneyland.
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