Travel Tuesday: March 15, 2016 — Parking and Padding
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.
This week includes changes to some popular RunDisney races, attempts to make a Disneyland classic a little more comfortable, and a possible upgrade for those parking at Walt Disney World that will come at a price.
Disneyland Update | Walt Disney World Update | Other Disney Destination Update
Disney Parks Overall
Disney Parks Gets New Applesauce
Reports indicate that GoGo squeeZ has struck a deal with Disney, making it the official applesauce of Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort. This news after GoGo squeeZ initiated a voluntary recall of select products after food product residue was found in two product pumps in on of their factories during an inspection by the Michigan State Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
This recall follows a previous recall when mold was discovered in the same factory. The company was fined and put on an accelerated inspection schedule. No illnesses have been reported related to either issue.
The partnership has yet to be officially announced. That being said, we were informed that some Walt Disney World dining locations had introduced Gogo squeeZ, but they have been pulled and the use of Mott’s has resumed. We do not know why the applesauce was pulled or if it was related to the recall. Since the alliance hasn't been announced, that could also be a reason that the product is not being used at this time.
runDisney Changes
runDisney has announced several changes to their program. For the 2016 Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend, November 3-6, they are adding a Wine & Dine 10k. Runners can register for both the 10k and the half marathon under the Lumiere's Two Course Challenge.
The Half Marathon will be moving to a morning start time, as the nighttime offerings at the theme parks continue to expand with Rivers of Light and the new Star Wars fireworks show. This will also hopefully allow the race to avoid the weather challenges that have plagued the race during the evening time.
The extended race weekend will begin Thursday, Nov. 3 with the runDisney Health & Fitness Expo followed by Mickey's Holiday 5K on Friday morning at Disney's Animal Kingdom. There will also be an additional day of runDisney Kids Races which will now occur on both Friday at Saturday. The new open registration date for the Wine & Dine races is March 29 at noon ET. Annual Passholders and DVC Members can register March 22 at noon ET.
The former Avengers Half Marathon at the Disneyland Resort is being rebranded as the Super Heroes Half Marathon. The Expo will begin November 10 with the Captain America 5k occurring on November 11. A Doctor Strange 10k will take place through the Disneyland Resort on November 12, with the kids races occuring on that day as well. The Half Marathon will be held on November 13. The Infinity Gauntlet will still be offered for those interested in running both the 10k and the Half Marathon. The new open registration date for these races will be April 12 at noon ET. Annual Passholders and DVC Members can register April 5 at noon ET.
Quick Takes
Quiz: How Well Do You Know the Carousel of Progress
Rubio Asked About Disney Workers During GOP Debate
Disneyland Resort
Disneyland Park
Disneyland Resort is testing padding for the seats on the Matterhorn Bobsleds. This follows several guest complaints that the new bobsleds, which were introduced during the 2012 refurbishment, were uncomfortable. While all bobsleds have had the padding installed, cast members informed us that it is still just a test.
In related news, the Matterhorn Bobsleds has been added to the refurbishment calendar, with the attraction going down on April 18. It is unknown what work will be done during this refurbishment.
Disney California Adventure
Grizzly River Run is set to reopen from refurbishment on March 16. The opening will be short-lived however as the attraction has been added to the refurbishment schedule with a second downtime starting on April 18. We do not know why the attraction has been scheduled for refurbishments close together, with a possible explanation being that the work could not be completed during the first downtime, but park officials wanted the attraction open during the busy spring break period.
Merchandise Events
Disney Artist, Dave Avanzino, will be on hand for special appearances and signings March 19-20, 2016 at Disneyana on Main Street, U.S.A. from 11a.m.-7p.m.
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 |
| Big Thunder Mountain Railroad | Apr. 11 - 14, 2016 |
| Disneyland Monorail | Apr. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Matterhorn Bobsleds | Apr. 18, 2016 - TBD |
| Disney California Adventure | |
| Grizzly River Run | Apr. 18, 2016 - TBD |
| Silly Symphony Swings | Apr. 11, 2016 - TBD |
| Disneyland Hotel | |
| E-Ticket Pool | Jan. 4 - Mar. 11, 2016 |
| Mickey Spa | Jan. 4 - Mar. 11, 2016 |
Walt Disney World
Disney survey asks guests how they would feel about $15/night resort fee to cover DME, MagicBands, FastPass+, EMH pic.twitter.com/KYteMjQGD0
— Scott Gustin (@ScottGustin) March 9, 2016
Surveys went out to guests that have stayed at a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel asking their opinions on a $15 per night Resort Fee. The fee is described as including Disney's Magical Express, MagicBands, FastPass+ access 60 days prior to stay, Resort entertainment and children's activities, Wi-Fi, Extra Magic Hours, and Parking at the resort and theme parks.
All of these services are currently included in the hotel rate, without a resort fee. At one time, the hotels of the Disneyland Resort assessed a resort fee, but have since abandoned that practice.
Walt Disney World has raised the prices of the Disney Dining Plans. The Quick Service Plan, which includes two quick service meals and one snack per night of a guest’s stay and one refillable mug. The old price was $42.84 for adults and $17.47 for children (ages 3-9) and the new price is $44.13 for adults and $19.04 for children.
The Regular Dining Plan includes one table service meal, one quick service meal and one snack per night of stay, plus one refillable mug. The old price was $61.84 for adults and $20.96 for children (ages 3-9) and the new price is $63.70 for adults and $22.85 for children.
The Deluxe Dining Plan includes three table service meals and two snacks per night of stay, plus one refillable mug. Previously this plan cost $111.73 for adults and $32.56 for children (ages 3-9) and now is $115.08 for adults and $35.49 for children.
There have been no changes made to the offerings of the plan at this time.
Magic Kingdom and Epcot
Reports indicate that Walt Disney World will be testing premium parking at the Magic Kingdom and Epcot from March 15-17. The cost would be $15 in addition to the standard parking fee of $20. The parking spots designated for this initative are designed so that guests could avoid using a parking lot tram.
It should be noted that at the Magic Kingdom, the spots are still at the Transportation and Ticket Center, and guests will still need to take a monorail or ferryboat to the Magic Kingdom.
Those that have parking included, such as annual passholders with a parking benefit, could pay the $15 surcharge to upgrade to premium parking.
This is not the first time Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has tested premium parking. In the 90’s Disneyland offered a premium parking option. In addition, paid premium parking has been used at the ESPN Wide World of Sports complex where regular parking is complimentary.
Epcot
It was announced today that Epcot’s Character Spot is expanding to include Joy and Sadness from Pixar’s Inside Out. This location recently expanded to include Baymax from Disney Animation’s Big Hero 6.
Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy will continue to meet guests in the original Character Spot location, while Baymax, Joy, and Sadness will meet in the former Innoventions West location.
Joy and Sadness are expected to begin meeting guests in April.
This week's Garden Rocks musical act is Little River Band. They are known for the song “Reminiscing”
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The rotating seasonal character dining experience at Disney’s Hollywood Studio’s Hollywood & Vine has unveiled its latest incarnation. Guests will be able to meet Minnie and her friends in their garden party outfits during Minnie’s Springtime Dine.
The menu will feature classic picnic food with a twist, like coconut-lavender lemonade and springtime salads like watercress or basil-lime fruit salad. Entrees include barbecue meatballs, buffalo baked chicken, lobster and shrimp mac ‘n cheese, herb-roasted pork and more. Most importantly, for dessert, guests can enjoy passion fruit cheesecake, key lime tarts and banana cream puffs.
Minnie’s Springtime Dine costs $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child, plus tax and gratuity.
Reservations are now open, and are available online at DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
With many new offerings coming to Disney's Animal Kingdom, sadly some must go. Gi-Tar Dan had his final performance at the park after an 18-year stint. For those that want to keep tabs on Dan (a.k.a. Dean Daniels) you can follow him on his official Facebook page.
Disney Springs
Some of the dining locations within Disney Springs have announced some of the special meals they will be offering guests this Easter. Check out some of the highlights:
- Fulton’s Crab House: For its final Easter service before it temporarily closes for renovations, Chef Mark Boor will offer a Lobster Ravioli with tear drop tomatoes, asparagus, prosciutto, chive, basil and champagne beurre blanc ($34)
- Portobello Restaurant: Chef Cristobal Lopez offers a 3-course prix-fixe menu that includes a glass of Cantele Primitivo. Guests can start off with a mixed green salad with fennel, cucumber, and cherry tomato red wine dressing before enjoying an Italian spin on Easter lamb with Lamb Ravioli with roasted mushroom sauce, and finish off on a sweet note with Carrot Cheesecake with caramel sauce. ($50)
- Wolfgang Puck Grand Café: For a seasonally-inspired 3-course menu, Chef Robert Leonardi starts guests off with a Caeser Salad with a goat cheese crostini, tomatoes, and parmesan followed by a Roasted Duck Breastwith ricotta gnocchi, wild mushrooms, and huckleberry reduction. For the grand finale, guests can enjoy a Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing, caramel sauce, and spicy pecans ($75 without wine pairings; $115 with wine pairings)
Events
This week's schedule of Atlanta Braves Spring Training games at ESPN's Wide World of Sports.March 16: Vs Cardinals 1:05pm
March 17: Vs Astors 1:05pm
March 18: Vs Marlins 1:05pm
March 20: Vs Tigers 1:05pm
Merchandise Events
March 16 – 18: Givenchy will be highlighting new releases at Plume et Palette in the France Pavilion at World Showcase and meet international make-up artist Hocine ZeghichiMarch 17 – 18: Meet Kit Heath representative Mary Finnegan from 2- 7 p.m. and learn more about the beautiful, classic and contemporary British Jewelry Designer and the jewelry designs available at The Queen’s Table in the United Kingdom Pavilion at Epcot.
March 17 – 19: Uptown Jewelers inside the Magic Kingdom will be hosting a special PANDORA launch.
March 18-20: Guests can meet artist Jerrod Maruyama who will be on hand for a special appearance and signing of some of his newest releases from 5 – 8 p.m., each day and March 20 from Noon – 3 p.m. in WonderGround Gallery at Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace.
Quick Takes
Get Free Sushi for Seeing La Nouba
Disney Springs Update — A Water Tower Springs Up As Construction Continues
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 |
| 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 | |
| Flights of Wonder | Jan. 25 - Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Warung Outpost | Jan. 25 - Mar. 17, 2016 |
| Boneyard | Feb. 22 - Mar. 17, 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 |
| 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 Beach Club Resort | |
| Stromalong Bay Slide During this time, Guests may use the waterslide at Luna Park Pool located at Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Shuttle transportation will be provided between the hours of 9:00am and 10:00pm. | Mar. 14 - Mar. 18, 2016 |
| Disney's BoardWalk Inn | |
| Flying Fish Restaurant | Feb. 1 - Sep. 30, 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 |
| East Pool Closed for enhancement. Guests may see or hear work in progress. | Re-opening Mar. 17, 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's Yacht Club Resort | |
| Stromalong Bay Slide During this time, Guests may use the waterslide at Luna Park Pool located at Disney's Boardwalk Inn and Villas. Shuttle transportation will be provided between the hours of 9:00am and 10:00pm. | Mar. 14 - Mar. 18, 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 - Dec. 31, 2016 |
Other Disney Destinations
Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line has announce that Star Wars Day at Sea is returning to the Disney Fantasy in 2017. The special sailings are expanding to include both eastern and western Caribbean itineraries after only being included on western Caribbean cruises in 2016. This brings the total number of Star Wars cruises to 15, up from 8.
“Our guests keep telling us that Star Wars Day at Sea is an experience they’ll never forget, that it’s a thrill of intergalactic proportions,” said Karl L. Holz, president of Disney Cruise Line. “In response to guest demand, we’re pleased to create even more Star Wars memories aboard the Disney Fantasy in 2017 with an expanded schedule of these special sailings. Clearly, the Force is alive and well on the high seas!”
Each sailing features a full day of dark side and light side fun, including official appearances ofStar Wars characters, a deck party and fireworks, Star Wars-themed family and youth activities, at-sea screenings of Star Wars films, unique food and beverage offerings, and special merchandise.
The special offerings include:
Force-filled Fun for Everyone
- Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy are onboard for interactions, photos and also may be seen patrolling the decks.
- Kids and families enjoy friendly competition during Star Wars trivia games, putting their knowledge of the film and television sagas to the test.
- Guests are encouraged to bring their costumes and participate in the costume celebration held in the ship’s atrium.
- In “Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple,” Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skills in a final face off with Darth Vader.
- Star Wars-themed arts and crafts, games and activities are offered throughout the day in Oceaneer Club and Oceaneer Lab youth clubs.
- An exciting evening blasts off with a deck party filled with music, a galactic dance party and the arrival of Star Wars characters on the deck stage.
- The grand finale is a spectacular display of pyrotechnics, lighting and sound effects set to a medley of Star Wars
- Event merchandise exclusive to Star Wars Day at Sea is available on each sailing, including a range of collectible items, apparel and trading pins.
- Specialty Star Wars-themed beverages, including non-alcoholic offerings, as well as snacks, dinner menu items and desserts, please the palates of everyone from Padawans to rebel pilots to Tusken Raiders.
- Guests can watch “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story,” the first in a new series of standaloneStar Wars films, to be released on Dec. 16, 2016, as well as all seven films in the Star Wars
Departing Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1 and 15, 2017, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Disney’s private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; March 11, 25; and April 8, 2017, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.