Travel Tuesday: March 1, 2016 — Expanding Flowers, Gardens, and (Disney) Springs
Welcome to Travel Tuesday — your guide to what's happening around the Disney Parks and beyond! If you're planning a Disney vacation or are about to embark on one, we'll let you know what changes, additions, and experiences you can expect.
In our first edition, we'll look at the big ticket news affecting both domestic parks plus a new attraction opening in Disney California Adventure, the annual Flower and Garden Festival returning to Epcot, and lots more. Let's jump into this week's update:
Disneyland Update | Walt Disney World Update | Other Disney Destination Update
Disney Parks Overall
Seasonal Pricing
The big news of last week was Disney's change to seasonal pricing for one-day tickets while raising the prices of many multi-day tickets. You can read a full report here, but there is a silver lining. With the price being lowered for one-day tickets on low travel days, the down payment required for guests purchasing annual passes with monthly payments has decreased as they use the lowest cost ticket for this purpose. Of course, it means that the monthly price increases, but that increase is spread out over 11 months.
This move was not unexpected as Universal Studios Hollywood has already adopted this model, and many other industries from Major League Baseball to Uber price in a similar fashion.
Egg-Stravaganza
Once again, the Easter Egg hunt is returning to the Disneyland Resort and Epcot. From March 2–27, 2016 (or while supplies last), guests can search for special hidden “eggs” themed to Disney characters and record their discoveries by placing the corresponding sticker on the specially themed Egg-stravaganza map. The cost is $5.95 (no discounts), plus tax at the following parks and locations.
Disneyland Resort
- Disney California Adventure park – Elias & Co., Humphrey’s Service & Supplies, Off the Page,Oswald’s, Sarge’s Surplus Hut and Treasures in Paradise
- Disneyland park – Disneyana, Disney Showcase, “it’s a small world” Toy Shop, Little Green Men Store Command, Pieces of Eight, Pioneer Mercantile and Stromboli’s.
- Downtown Disney District – Anna & Elsa’s Boutique, D Street, Disney Pin Traders, WonderGround Gallery and World of Disney Store
- Hotels of the Disneyland Resort – Acorns Gifts & Goods, Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa; Mickey in Paradise, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel; and Fantasia Shop, Disneyland Hotel
Walt Disney World Resort
- Epcot – Pin Central, Port of Entry (Showcase Plaza), Heritage Manor (The American Adventure) and World Traveler (International Gateway)
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Finally addressing a long-standing concern at the Blue Bayou, Reddit user Tofinochris posted that lighted menus have been introduced at the Blue Bayou. The low light levels, due to the attraction that passes by, have caused many diners to have difficulty ordering because they couldn't read the menu. Hopefully this new development will help.View post on imgur.com
Disney California Adventure
Luigi's Flying Tires finally has an opening date. The attraction is set to make it's official debut on Monday, March 7. An Annual Passholder preview will be held on Friday, March 4 from 9am to 10pm. The attraction has a 32 inch height requirement.
Events
March 5: The WonderGround Gallery at Downtown Disney will be showcasing new works by Disney artists. Brian Crosby, Jeremiah Ketner, Sho Murase and Gabby Zapata from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more here.
March 5-6: Meet artist Jeremiah Ketner and see some of his latest releases from 2-5 p.m. at the WonderGround Gallery this weekend. Learn more here.
Quick Takes
Refurbishments
| Disneyland Park | |
| Autopia | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Davy Crockett's Explorer Canoes | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Disneyland Railroad | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Disneyland Railroad - Mickey's Toontown | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Disneyland Railroad - New Orleans Square | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Disneyland Railroad - Tomorrowland | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Fantasmic! | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Jungle Cruise | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Mark Twain Riverboat | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Pirate's Lair on Tom Sawyer Island | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Sailing Ship Columbia | Jan. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Indiana Jones Adventure | Feb. 29 - Mar. 3, 2016 |
| Mad Tea Party | Mar. 7 - 9, 2016 |
| Disney California Adventure | |
| Soarin' Over California | Feb. 22 - 25, 2016 Feb. 29 - Mar. 1, 2016 |
| Grizzly River Run | Feb. 15 - Mar. 15, 2016 |
| Disneyland Hotel | |
| D-Ticket Pool | Jan. 4 - Mar. 11, 2016 |
| E-Ticket Pool | Jan. 4 - Mar. 11, 2016 |
| Mickey Spa | Jan. 4 - Mar. 11, 2016 |
Walt Disney World
Magic Kingdom
The Liberty Square location for Sorcerer's of the Magic Kingdom has now closed. Guests wanting to participate in the experience can still visit the Main Street location inside the Firehouse.
The Diamond Horseshoe is becoming a new table service. The new fixed price offering will cost $33 plus tax for adults, and $19 plus tax for ages 3-9. The meal will begin with a Frontier Salad then each diner will have a choice of one of the following entrees.
- Barbeque pulled turkey, served over corn bread with seasonal vegetables
- Spit-roasted ham, served with country beans and seasonal vegetables
- Stewed beef, served with mashed potatoes and seasonal vegetables
Epcot
The expanded Flower and Garden Festival begins March 2 at Epcot. New this year are the La Isla Fresca and Cider House Outdoor Kitchens which will bring a record 13 festival kiosks to the World Showcase Promenade. Huey, Dewey and Louie, make their topiary debut with Donald and Daisy in the park’s signature front-entrance garden. Xylophones, drums and chimes will take child’s play to tuneful levels at the new Harmony Gardens play area featuring “leader-of-the-band” Mickey Mouse topiary.
This weekends Garden Rocks performer is The Orchestra starring former members of ELO (Evil Woman). The concerts occur on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at the American Gardens Theatre.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Reports are circulating around that several of the "Citizens of Hollywood" streetmosphere performers will be cut. While this is just one of the many "efficiencies" Walt Disney World is undertaking, the fact that many of the performers have become fan favorites has made this one tougher to take for many people.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
John Frost at The Disney Blog has shared some images of the new LED lighting system that will illuminate Kilimanjaro Safaris at night. The LED will emit either a yellowish sunset glow or a blueish moonlight color. These nighttime Safaris are a way to increase the park's nighttime capacity as Rivers of Light and Pandora will drive more guests to the park after sundown.
Disney Springs
Disney has announced over 30 new retail and dining concepts that are coming to Disney Springs. You can get more info here, but here is a list of the newly announced locations.
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Events
This weeks schedule of Atlanta Braves Spring Training games at ESPN's Wide World of Sports.March 1: Vs Orioles 1:05pm
March 3: Vs Tigers 1:05pm
March 5: Vs Pirates 1:05pm
Merchandise Events
March 2 – 6: Check out the latest releases from long-time Disney artist Larry Dotson appearing at Art of Disney in Epcot each day.March 2 – 6: Check out some of the newest fragrances and cosmetics from Guerlain at La Signature in the France Pavilion at Epcot's World Showcase.
Quick Takes
Phil Smith, Walt Disney World’s First Employee, Passes Away at 83
The 50 Greatest Walt Disney World Quotes – Past and Present
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 |
| Jungle Cruise | Mar. 1 - 3, 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 |
| Toy Story Midway Mania - 1 Day Only | Mar. 15, 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 | |
| Kali River Rapids | Jan. 4 - Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Flights of Wonder | Jan. 25 - Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Warung Outpost | Jan. 25 - Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Boneyard | Feb. 22 - Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Isle of Java | Feb. 22 - Mar. 5, 2016 |
| Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park | |
| Annual Refurbishment | Jan. 4 - Mar. 19, 2016 |
| Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort | |
| Bay Cove Pool | Feb. 1 - Mar. 18, 2016 |
| Soft Goods Refurbishment | Apr. 2 - Oct. 14, 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 Art of Animation Resort | |
| Schoolyard Sprayground | Jan. 4 - Mar. 11, 2016 |
| Disney's BoardWalk Inn | |
| ESPN Club: Yard Arcade & Retail Closed to make way for a new experience. (Does not affect ESPN Club dining area.) | Jan. 6, 2016 |
| Flying Fish Restaurant | Feb. 1 - Sep. 30, 2016 |
| Seashore Sweets' Closed to make way for a new experience. | Feb. 1, 2016 |
| Disney's BoardWalk Villas | |
| Guest Villa Renovations | Through Spring 2016 |
| Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort | |
| Old Port Royale - Path of Travel Impacts Guests in some parts of Martinique and Trinidad North may experience some construction noise. | Jan. 3 - Feb. 28, 2016 |
| 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 |
| East Pool Closed for enhancement. Guests may see or hear work in progress. | Through Spring 2016 |
| Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside | |
| Ol' Man Island Pool | Jan. 11 - Mar. 4, 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 |
| Mickey's Pantry / The Spice & Tea Exchange | Feb. 29 - Mar. 14, 2016 |
Other Disney Destinations
Disney Cruise Line
The Disney Cruise Line Blog is pointing to a deleted tweet that seems to indicate that the Disney Wonder will be calling upon Mazatlan in October 2017.
The Disney Wonder had been scheduled to visit Mazatlan in 2011, but joined other cruise lines in pulling out citing safety concerns.