Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party tickets are on sale as are Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. This week learn more about that and other Disney News in Around the Mouse.
Walt Disney World Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom Park
New! Magic Kingdom Special Event Tickets On Sale Now: Tickets to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party and Disney’s Night of Joy are now available for purchase.
Tickets for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party include:
- September 15, 18, 20, 22, 25, 27; October 1 – Advance: $68 (plus tax) for adults; $63 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
- October 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, November 1 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
- Halloween – $87 (plus tax) for adults; $82 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
Tickets for Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party include:
- November 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19; December 1, 3, 6, 8, 10, 13, 15 – Advance: $74 (plus tax) for adults; $69 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9); Day of the Event: $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
- November 20, 29; December 4, 11, 17 – $79 (plus tax) for adults; $74 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
- December 18 – $82 (plus tax) for adults; $77 (plus tax) for children (ages 3-9)
Single-day ticket prices for Disney’s Night of Joy (September 11-12) are $65 (plus tax) in advance and $80 (plus tax) on the day of the event (if available). A two night ticket also is available for $115 (plus tax) in advance of the event. Group tickets are also available by calling 877-NITE-JOY (1-877-648-3569). To order tickets or find out more information on any of our Magic Kingdom Park special events, guests can check out Disneyworld.com, call 407-W-DISNEY or contact their travel agent.
New! New Show at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party: This year, there is a thrilling new show planned for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Some of your favorite Disney villains, along with a few new friends, are getting ready to cast a spell on you at the Castle Forecourt Stage. We’ll have more details for you soon about this wickedly delightful addition to the Halloween festivities at Magic Kingdom Park.
Reminder! Diamond Horseshoe Now Open Through April 11: The Diamond Horseshoe in Liberty Square is open now-April 11, from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for lunch and 4:30-9:30 p.m. for dinner. Guests can enjoy hand-carved sandwiches, snacks, and beverages for lunch, and a traditional family-style turkey dinner with all the accompaniments.
Epcot
Reminder! Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Underway: The 75-Day festival opened March 4 and continues through May 17, 2015. Here you can enjoy topiaries of Disney favorites, ten new gardens, play areas and more. You can rock out at the new Garden Rocks Concert Series, featuring artists from the 60’s through 90’s. Delight your taste buds at eleven Outdoor Kitchens, including the new, Latin-inspired Botanas Botanico. Explore Fun Fresh Weekends during the festival with themed special events! This week’s Garden Rocks Concert Series features The Village People April 10-12.
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
New! Star Wars Weekends Shows and Celebrity Guests Announced: This year’s “Star Wars” Weekends will host a new show, new locations for merchandise and autographs with Star Wars celebrities.
Weekend I (May 15 – 17)
- Ian McDiarmid: Senator/Emperor Palpatine (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Amy Allen: Aayla Secura (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones, Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Tiya Sircar: Sabine Wren (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend II (May 22 – 24)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Silas Carson: Ki-Adi-Mundi, Nute Gunray (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones;Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith)
- Vanessa Marshall: Hera Syndulla (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend III (May 29 – 31)
- Warwick Davis: Wald, Wicket W. Warrick (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Daniel Logan: Boba Fett (Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: The Clone Wars)
- Steve Blum: Zeb Orrelios (Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend IV (June 5 – 7)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Jeremy Bulloch: Boba Fett (Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Ashley Eckstein: Ahsoka Tano (Star Wars: The Clone Wars; Star Wars Rebels)
Weekend V (June 12 – 14)
- Frank Oz: Yoda (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace; Star Wars: Attack of the Clones; Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith, Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back, Star Wars: Return of the Jedi; Star Wars Rebels)
- Ray Park: Darth Maul (Star Wars: The Phantom Menace)
- Peter Mayhew: Chewbacca (Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith; Star Wars: A New Hope; Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back; Star Wars: Return of the Jedi)
- Taylor Gray: Ezra Bridger (Star Wars Rebels)
Details are still coming together for the event, but some of the highlights of what’s new for Star WarsWeekends 2015 include:
- “Star Wars: Rebels”– Relive the adventurous twists and turns of the first exciting season of the Disney XD series “Star Wars: Rebels,” in an all-new show with Star Wars Weekends host James Arnold Taylor and a special guest from the show’s voice cast … along with a few surprises!
- Autograph Opportunities – For the first time, autograph sessions with Star Warscelebrities will be held in an indoor location, just off Commissary Lane near Star Tours – The Adventure Continues. For complete details about autograph opportunities, be sure to visit StarWarsWeekends.com prior to your visit.
- Darth’s Mall– Can’t find the droids you’re looking for? Head over to this new complex of shops near Streets of America for the best selection of Star Wars merchandise in this galaxy or any other!
New! Reservations Now Available for Feel the Force Premium Star Wars Weekend Packages: Prepare to ‘Feel the Force’ with special premium packages offered this year at Star Wars Weekends. These dining packages put you close to the action of the Legends of The Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” fireworks and more in true intergalactic-foodie style. Enjoy your morning at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, knowing the Feel the Force Premium Package includes reserved viewing for the Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade from 11 a.m.-noon, with a selection of soft drinks, water and a snack. The grand finale to your day at Star Wars Weekends is the “Symphony in the Stars” Fireworks Dessert Party at 9 p.m. Enjoy Star Wars-themed desserts (including the famous Yoda and Darth Vader Cupcakes above), and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages–all with an up-close view of the fireworks! Guests can purchase Feel the Force Premium Packages for $69 per adult or $39 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included). Be sure to purchase in advance—ticket quantities are limited!
You can expand your universe of choices by upgrading to the Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package. In addition to the benefits listed above, the Deluxe Premium Package allows guests to follow behind the Legends of the Force: Star Wars Celebrity Motorcade down Hollywood Boulevard, provides reserved seating for all of the celebrity talk shows that day in the Theater of the Stars, and offers priority access to Darth’s Mall throughout the day of the package. It also comes with a commemorative lanyard and credential to honor your most impressive day. The Feel the Force Deluxe Premium Package can be purchased for $99 per adult or $64 for children ages 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included). Deluxe tickets can be purchased by calling (407) 939-3463 only—online booking is not available for Deluxe tickets.
Disney’s Animal Kingdom
New! New Birds Join the Flock at Pangani Forest Exploration Trail: Five new species of birds have joined our Pangani flock — bronze mannikins, cut-throat finches, lavender waxbills, pintail whydah and paradise whydah. All bring a variety of colors, behaviors and songs to the already-thriving avian chorus. They may be small in size, but they can generally be seen in large groups flying through the aviary.
Reminder! Additional Food and Beverage Offerings: Additional menu items will be available March 15-April 12 to Guests for the spring season. Isle of Java, Dino-Bites and Harambe Fruit Market will offer full meal options from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. They will return to their original menu offerings after 3 p.m. Isle of Java and Harambe Fruit Market will offer a smoked turkey sandwich, and Dino-Bites will offer a corn dog and chips. Everest kiosk and Bradley Falls will offer full meal options from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. They will return to their original menu offerings after 5 p.m. Everest kiosk will offer a hot dog and smoked turkey sandwich, and Bradley Falls will have a Thai pork sandwich. Drinkwallah will add a smoked turkey sandwich meal from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the cart near Creature Comforts will offer hot dogs from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Additional breakfast options will also be available. Everest kiosk will offer a breakfast meal option until 10:30 a.m. and Harambe Fruit Market will have a breakfast sandwich until 11 a.m.
Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
New! Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter Bus Stop Refurbishment: The Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter bus stop will be undergoing a refurbishment starting April 13. During
the refurbishment, the bus stop will be temporarily relocated near Building 3.
New! All-Star Resorts Arcade Hours Change: Effective immediately, all arcades at Disney’s All-Star Resort are open daily from 7 a.m.–midnight.
Reminder! Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows Now Open: On April 1, Walt Disney World celebrate the opening of Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, the newest addition to the expanding Disney Vacation Club portfolio. Located on Seven Seas Lagoon, this new resort features over-the-water Bora Bora Bungalows and Deluxe Studios with a tropical ambiance, which are sure to transport members and guests to a South Pacific-inspired paradise. Not to mention, Magic Kingdom Park is just a quick monorail ride away!
Reminder! Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto Soft Opening at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort: Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is located off the main lobby of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort; the adjacent Trader Sam’s Tiki Terrace offers views of the marina and Seven Seas Lagoon. Official opening is set for late April, when the coveted Tiki souvenir glassware arrives, but it is currently open in a “soft opening” phase. Full menu or foods and drinks are available now.
Walt Disney World Resort – General
New! Policy Reminders – Selfie Sticks Prohibited While Onboard Attractions: Existing procedures require Guests’ personal belongings to be properly stowed while onboard attractions, trams and other moving vehicles – and this includes selfie sticks. As always, Guests are required to keep hands, arms, feet and legs inside ride vehicles while riding.
New! THE BOATHOUSE at Downtown Disney Opens April 13: The BOATHOUSE will be an upscale, waterfront dining experience that’ll immerse guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain’s piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. The restaurant’s gourmet menu (served daily until 2 a.m.) will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar. The BOATHOUSE is the latest project of Schussler Creative, the creators of Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex and Yak & Yeti at the Walt Disney World Resort.
Update! Richard Petty Driving Experience to Close Permanently: Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Resort will close in early August to make room for future transportation improvements. Guests can call (407) WDW-PLAY to modify their reservation at Walt Disney World Resort. They can also visit www.drivepetty.com to move their reservation to another Richard Petty Driving Experience course, including their Daytona Beach location, or visit www.exoticdriving.com to modify their existing exotic driving experience reservation
Reminder! Frozen Fever Treats Coming to Multiple Locations: The Disney Parks Food and Beverage team has created new treats inspired by the “Frozen Fever” short, which become available April 8. Make today a perfect day with Anna’s Happy Birthday Cupcake, available at select quick-service locations at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. This vanilla cupcake has icy blue buttercream frosting, marshmallows and snowflake candies, topped with a white chocolate Olaf.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Starring Rolls Cafe and ABC Commissary
- Epcot: Sunshine Seasons and Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe
- Magic Kingdom Park: Main Street Bakery and Gaston’s Tavern
- Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: Landscape of Flavors
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: The Mara
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Beach Club Marketplace
- Disney’s BoardWalk: Boardwalk Bakery
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: Contempo Cafe
- Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: Gasparilla Island Grill
Olaf’s Perfect Sundae Day starts with birthday cake-flavored ice cream, piled high with hot fudge, mint marshmallows, brownie pieces, whipped cream, sprinkles and, of course, warm hugs. This sweet treat will be available at select ice cream shops at both Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort:
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: Hollywood Scoops
- Magic Kingdom Park: Plaza Ice Cream Parlor
- Disney’s Beach Club Resort: Beaches & Cream Soda Shop
Guests at select table-service locations will be able to order an ice-cream cake of their own, inspired byPrincess Anna’s birthday cake. At Disneyland Resort, guests can order an individual ice cream cake and at Walt Disney World Resort, guests will be able to order a sweet slice of ice cream cake.
- Epcot: Coral Reef Restaurant
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: Sanaa
- Disney’s BoardWalk: Trattoria al Forno
- Disney’s Contemporary Resort: The Wave … of American Flavors
- Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: Captain’s Grille
Update! Monorail Midday Suspensions: As part of ongoing work around the monorail system, there will be temporary adjustments to operating hours for the Express beam from March 10 through the summer.
Service on the Express monorail will be suspended on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m. During these times, Guests visiting Magic Kingdom Park can use the Resort monorail or watercraft to reach their destination. Resort monorail service will remain continuously available.
Merchandise Events
April 6 – 14: Be sure to stop in and check out some of the latest releases by artist David E. Doss from 1 – 9 p.m., each day, at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
April 10 – April 12: Precious Moments doll designer and artist Linda Rick will be on hand for special appearances and signings of her new Easter collection throughout the day, each day, at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot. Not able to make it? No problem! Representatives from Precious Moments Dolls will be on hand now – April 12 at Heritage Manor at the American Adventure Pavilion in Epcot, and now – April 27 at Once Upon A Toy in Downtown Disney Marketplace.
April 16 – 18: Renowned international artist Larry Dotson is scheduled to appear April 16 – 18 and 23 – 26 at Art of Disney in Epcot. If you are unable to make it, find him, April 30 – May 3 at Art of Disney in the Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Written by Lori Wall: Lori is a lifelong fan and visitor of Walt Disney World! Her love of Disney World has grown through visits with her own family as well as through planning magical vacations for others! Lori is an expert in maximizing vacations while sticking to a travel budget. Contact her about saving an extra 5% off your Disney vacation with an insider tip! Book your vacation with Lori at (845) 698- 0102 or request a price online.