Magical Express to Cease Operations Friday (3/20)

The Walt Disney World Resort recently confirmed that Disney’s Magical Express will cease motorcoach operation this Friday evening until further notice.

On Friday, motorcoaches will pick up guests based on their current scheduled Resort departure time up until 5 p.m.

Guests wanting to utilize Disney’s Magical Express to return to the Orlando International Airport must be scheduled for the last Resort departure time or find alternative transportation.

Below are the last scheduled departure times for Friday, March 20, 2020:

•All Star Resorts:

All Star Sports – 16:55 (4:55 PM)

All Star Music – 16:35 (4:35 PM)

All Star Movies – 16:45 (4:45 PM)

•Animal Kingdom and Victory Way Resorts:

Animal Kingdom Lodge Kidani Village – 17:00 (5:00 PM)

Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House – 16:40 (4:40 PM)

Coronado Springs/Gran Destino – 16:45 (4:45 PM)

Disney’s Art of Animation – 16:55 (4:55 PM)

Pop Century Resort – 16:35 (4:35 PM)

•Magic Kingdom Resorts:

Bay Lake Tower – 16:50 (4:50 PM)

Contemporary Resort – 17:00 (5:00 PM)

Wilderness Lodge and Copper Creek Villas- 16:40 (4:40 PM)

Polynesian Resort and Villas and Bungalows – 16:50 (4:50 PM)

Grand Floridian Resort and Spa and Villas – 17:00 – (5:00 PM)

Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground – 16:35 (4:35 PM)

•Disney Springs Resorts:

Saratoga Springs Resort – 16:50 (4:50 PM)

Old Key West Resort – 17:00 (5:00 PM)

Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – 16:40 (4:40 PM)

Port Orleans Riverside Resort – 16:50 (4:40 PM)

•EPCOT Resorts:

Boardwalk Resort and Villas – 16:45 (4:45 PM)

Yacht Club Resort – 16:55 (4:55 PM)

Beach Club Resort and Villas – 16:35 (4:35 PM)

Caribbean Beach Resort – 16:45 (4:45 PM)

Disney’s Riviera Resort – 16:55 (4:55 PM)

 

 

 

Matsuriza Taiko Drummers Leaving EPCOT for Good After 25-Year Run

 

Matsuriza (the female drummers who have been performing in Epcot for more then two decades) will no longer be there once the park reopens after the temporary closure due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

Here’s the official statement posted on the Facebook page of one of the performers:

“We’re deeply saddened to announce that Sunday, 3/15/20 will be Matsuriza’s last day performing at Epcot indefinitely.

We had a fantastic 25 year run on the pagoda stage working with some of the best managers and tech team on property. Performing at the Japan Pavilion has been an honor, representing our heritage and culture to millions of guests from all over the world.

It really has been a dream come true and we’re very heartbroken to see it come to an end so suddenly. We are beyond grateful to the Walt Disney World Co. for giving us the most amazing opportunity of a lifetime.

And to our fans, YOU are what we will miss the most. Thank you for all of the love and support you have have given us throughout these years. It is our biggest hope that one day Disney will bring us back.

Until then, sayonara.

Domo arigatou gozaimashita. Otsukaresamadeshita.

 

 

Disney Transportation Adjustments (as of 3/14/20)

Walt Disney World Resort confirmed that select transportation options will be available to guests that will be staying on property after all the theme parks and water parks close due to the Coronavirus outbreak.

Here is what’s changing starting Monday, March 16:

•Resort Monorail

•Buses connecting on-site resorts to Disney Springs​

•Additionally, buses will start running BETWEEN resorts during the park closures.

NOT OPERATING:

•Disney Skyliner

•Express Monorail connecting the Transportation & Ticket Center to the Magic Kingdom Park

•EPCOT Monorail

•Buses connecting the on-site resorts to the parks

Disney Issues Statement About Coronavirus

Earlier today, Dr. Pam Hymel, Chief Medical Officer of Disney Parks, Experiences and Products released the following statement regarding the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and how it’s currently affecting the parks:

“As you may know from the news, COVID-19, commonly known as novel coronavirus 2019, has become a more widespread concern.

As part of our commitment to the health and well-being of our Cast [Members], Guests, and the larger community, we are carefully monitoring this evolving situation and are in regular contact with health agencies for information and guidance. Our parks and resorts are welcoming guests as usual and we continue to implement preventive measures in line with the recommendations of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other health agencies.

Our parks and resorts have high standards of cleanliness, which assists with illness prevention, and we have health and safety protocols in place, such as:

 

•Training for Cast Members, with ongoing reinforcement on a regular basis

•Defined cycles for frequent cleaning and disinfection of targeted areas

•Easy access to handwashing facilities and hand sanitizers

•Quick response to spills, trash, and other situations

•End of day sanitation procedures for restroom, kitchen, and other facilities

•Frequent cleaning and “wash down” of outdoor locations, including walkways and queues

Additionally, our onsite health teams and leaders are communicating with our cast members about illness prevention, including the guidance of the CDC.

The CDC recommends everyday preventive actions to help stop the spread of germs, such as staying home when sick, washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, following proper respiratory cough etiquette, avoiding close contact with people who are sick and avoiding touching eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

The CDC provides more detailed information on its website and, as always, your personal physician is a valuable resource for specific medical questions you may have.”

 

 

Runaway Railway Media Event Impacts on DHS

Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be hosting a media event on Tuesday, March 3. Some of the park’s entertainment offering will be impacted by this event.

•PYRO TESTS FEB. 29-MARCH 2

In preparation for the media event, pyrotechnic effects will be used around the Chinese Theatre and Theater of the Stars overnight on the following dates and times:

•February 29, 10 p.m. (Chinese Theatre)

•March 1, 9:15 p.m. (Theater of the Stars), 11:15 p.m. (Chinese Theatre)

•March 2, 1:30 a.m. (Chinese Theatre), 10:30 p.m. (Chinese Theatre)

Guests staying at nearby hotels should not be impacted by these tests.

 

•NIGHTTIME SPECTACULAR AND ENTERTAINMENT ADJUSTMENTS

Due to activity taking place in front of the Chinese Theatre, Wonderful World of Animation and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular will not take place on the evening of March 3.

Fantasmic! will occur as scheduled at 8 p.m.

In addition to that, the showtimes of Beauty & the Beast – Live on Stage, Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular!, and the operating hours of several character greetings will be adjusted on Tuesday, March 3.

Please consult the Times Guide & MDX for more information that day.

 

 

𝐷𝑖𝑠𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝐷𝑖𝑛𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑁𝑒𝑤𝑠!

Starting February 27, 2020, guests will have a new Dining Plan Option when booking their Walt Disney World Resort hotel package. The all-new “Disney Dining Plan Plus” takes everything guests love about the Disney Dining Plan and adds even more flexibility.

Disney Dining Plan Plus is a brand-new Disney dining plan option only available as part of a Disney Resort hotel package.

This new plan allows guests to redeem their two meals each day in any combination of either Table Service, Quick Service, or Character Dining, or a combination.

In addition, a Disney Dining Plan Plus package includes two snacks per night, one Disney Resort hotel refillable drink mug (which can be used at any Disney Resort hotel quick-service locations), and at each meal, unlimited refills of fountain sodas, single-service teas and brewed coffee, or one specialty non-alcoholic beverage, or for Guests 21 and older with valid ID, one beer, wine or cocktail. Meals can be redeemed in any order and in any combination.

Unused meals or snacks rollover day to day so Guests can use them whenever they want during their stay.

Guests can start using the Disney Dining Plan Plus as soon as February 28, 2020.

Changes to Epcot Operational Hours UPDATE: 2/21/20

UPDATE:

Just a few days ago, the Walt Disney World Resort announced that the operating hours of select Epcot attractions would be reduced starting February 23. Yesterday evening, Disney announced (internally) that this decision was reversed.

 

 

The operating hours of some shows and attractions at Epcot will be reduced. Most of the impacted offerings will close an hour before the rest of the park starting February 23, and three of them will no longer operate during evening Extra Magic Hours.

The following attractions will close earlier than the rest of the park starting February 23:

•All Kidcot locations: Closing at 8:00 p.m. (currently closing at 9:00 p.m.)

•American Adventure: Last show to take place at 8:15 p.m. (currently closing at 9:00 p.m.)

•Awesome Planet: Last show to take place at 8:00 p.m. (currently closing at 9:00 p.m.)

•Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along: Last show to take place at 6:00 p.m. (currently closing at 7:00 p.m.)

•Canada Far and Wide: Last show to take place at 8:00 p.m. (currently closing at 9:00 p.m.)

•Impressions de France:Operating from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. (currently open from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.)

•Reflections of China: Last show to take place at 8:10 p.m. (currently closing at 9:00 p.m.)

Additionally, the following attractions will no longer be included in evening Extra Magic Hours starting February 23:

•American Adventure

•Awesome Planet

•Canada Far and Wide

 

SuperBowl LIV Viewing at Disney

There are countless places to watch the Superbowl while vacationing at Disney, but so far, here are the confirmed locations & any specials they are offering:

•All Star Resorts

Recreation teams will be showing it on their big screen

•Art of Animation

Landscape of Flavors: will show the game throughout the televisions in their dining room

Drop Off Bar: will show the game and will offer a drink special: Finish Line for $15

•Boardwalk

ESPN Club: 3 p.m. seating, $100 with minimum for Food and Beverage orders

Atlantic Dance Hall:5:30 p.m. seating (unable to sell food within due to contract/Guests can purchase food on the boardwalk and bring in their own food)

Big River Grill – Will be showing the game

Bellvue Lounge – Will be showing game

•Coronado Springs

Three Bridges –  will be showing game

Rix Sports Bar and Grill – Will be showing game

•Fort Wilderness Campgrounds and Cabins

Crockett’s Tavern – Will be showing game

•Animal Kingdom Lodge

Victoria Falls: Adding an additional 55″ television to the two small ones

•Polynesian Resort

Barefoot Pool Bar:will be showing game

Tambu Lounge: will be showing game

Oasis Bar and Grill(For Polynesian Guests Only) will be showing game

•Pop Century

Petal’s Pool Bar: will be showing game

In the Food Court:  Purple section will have it on the television

•Saratoga Springs

The Turf Club Bar and Grill: Will be showing game

•Wilderness Lodge

Geyser Point: will be showing the game

Reunion Station (Only for DVC Guests): Hosting an event for a maximum of 28 Guests with food and beverage for $45 (additional beverages available for purchase)

Territory Lounge: Will be showing game

•Yacht & Beach Club

Crews Cup: Will be showing game

Martha’s Vineyard Lounge: Will be showing game

Ale and Compass Lounge: Will be showing game

•ESPN Wide World of Sports

ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill: Will be showing game

•Disney Springs

Splitsville: Will be showing game

Rainforest Café:Lava Lounge will be showing game

Planet Hollywood:Will be showing game

Paradiso 37: Will be showing game

The Boathouse: Will be showing game

Taste Track Update

The Electric Umbrella restaurant is expected to close in the coming weeks at Epcot, leaving Future World East without a quick-service location for the foreseeable future.

While the restaurant is closed to receive a completely new look and an updated menu, a temporary kiosk will open near Test Track during the Festival of the Arts, offering some of the menu items guests can currently find at the Electric Umbrella.

The new Taste Track Burgers and Fries kiosk will offer burgers and salads. The full menu should be available soon.

Cast Members to Preview New Epcot Films

Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members have been invited to experience some of Epcot’s new films during a special preview on January 16. The three films that will be available during this special event include the following:

• “Awesome Planet” in The Land pavilion showcases the Earth’s beauty and diversity in a 10-minute film featuring spectacular imagery, in-theater effects and an original musical score from Academy Award-winning composer Steven Price.
• “Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along” in the France pavilion is directed and produced by Don Hahn, producer of the animated and live-action “Beauty and the Beast” films, and invites Guests to participate in a twist on a tale as old as time. It also features narration from Angela Lansbury, who played Mrs. Potts in the original film.
• “Canada Far and Wide in Circle-Vision 360” in the Canada pavilion is an update to the previous “O Canada!” film with new scenes, a new musical score by Canadian composer Andrew Lockington and new narration by award-winning actors Catherine O’Hara and Eugene Levy.

Registration is now open on the Event page of The HUB, a Cast Member-only website.