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)

 

 

 

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 Releases Operation Hours for Skyliner Transportation

EPCOT LINE:

September 2019:

•September 29-30: 8 a.m.-10 p.m.

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

 

 

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS LINE:

September 2019:

•September 29-30:5:45 a.m.-11 p.m.

October 2019

November 2019

December 2019

Epcot Entrance Work to Begin April 18th

As previously announced, work is underway across the Walt Disney World Resort to enhance the overall guest arrival experience at Disney’s theme parks and make it easier for guests to travel around the property.

This multi-phased transformation began at Disney’s Hollywood Studios last year with a new entrance allowing guests to enter the park from Osceola Parkway, and work has begun at the tram and parking lot areas at Transportation and Ticket Center.

Beginning the morning of Thursday, April 18, the following operational impacts will go into effect as we work to enhance the main entrance area at Epcot:

•Main entrance: During this initial phase of construction, guests coming from the parking lot will enter Epcot through the security screening area located at the eastside entrance.

Guests coming by monorail, bus, or taxi will continue to enter Epcot through the security screening area located at the westside entrance (closer to the bus stops).

•Trams: During construction, the load/unload zones for the main guest tram will reposition to temporary locations, resulting in an increased walking distance for guests. In addition, tram service will be separated between two tram lanes, similar to the tram service at the Transportation and Ticket Center. These trams will be referred to as the “West Tram” and “East Tram,” and they will service the following lots:

•West Tram lots: Journey, Amaze, Discover, Create

•East Tram lots: Imagine, Explore, Wonder

Changes to DHS Entrance & Parking

The Disney’s Hollywood Studios parking lot is about to get a lot more character! On March 19, each section will be renamed to reflect beloved characters guests can encounter on their adventures in the park: Mickey, Minnie, Jessie, Buzz, Olaf and BB-8. For resort guests, the arrival experience will also be enhanced that day with the opening of two additional bus loops, just steps away from the main entrance.

These milestones are an important step in the multi-phased transformation of the Guest arrival experience at the park, which began last year with a new entrance allowing Guests to enter the park from Osceola Parkway. Construction continues on refreshed parking tram lanes and walkways, additional screening areas and a station for Disney Skyliner.

 

 

These exciting enhancements set the stage for a historic year at the park, which will include the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway.

 

 

Epcot Friendship Boats Now on Modified Schedule

Disney’s original plans to temporarily interrupt Friendshipboat service to Epcot’s International Gateway park entrance have once again been modified.

The boat dock at the International Gateway will now remain in operation until at 9:30 PM each night while work is being done on the nearby Disney’s Skyliner station and suspension cables. Thus, Friendship boat service to and from the International Gateway dock will operate as normal until 9:30 PM, offering guests a convenient transportation option to travel between Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and the resorts on Crescent Lake, including Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resorts, and the Swan and Dolphin Resort.

Previously, it had been announced that the Friendship boats would not be able to service the International Gateway while the Skyliner cables were being installed in that area.

Guests planning on using the Friendship boat service are advised to check with Disney cast members or resort staff to confirm the hours of daily operation. It is not known at this time how long the 9:30 PM curfew will remain in effect.

 

 

Skyliner Construction Impacts as of 11/30/18

As Disney Skyliner construction continues, teams are working to pull the cable that will carry gondolas, moving guests in a new way.

During construction, there will be several overnight impacts beginning the night of Friday, Nov. 30:

1. Nov. 30–Dec. 7:  The last departure for FriendShip boat service will be at 9:30 p.m. nightly. Guests may use the pedestrian walkway or bus service to and from Epcot.
2. Nov. 30, 11 p.m.–5 a.m.:  Intermittent closures will occur on Buena Vista Drive, Epcot Resorts Boulevard, and at the Speedway entrance.
3. Nov. 30–Dec. 2, 11 p.m.–5 a.m.: Intermittent closures will occur on Epcot Resorts Boulevard, at the entrances to Disney’s BoardWalk Resort and the walkway to Epcot.
4. Dec. 2–7, 11 p.m.–5 a.m.:  Intermittent closures will occur throughout Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s BoardWalk Resort, on Buena Vista Drive, Epcot Resorts Boulevard, and the walkway to Epcot.

All traffic is advised to use alternative routes during these hours.

Flagmen will be present to assist with traffic and detours.

2018 WINE & DINE HALF MARATHON ROAD & PARK INFORMATION

•EPCOT:

Event schedule:

Friday, Nov. 2: Fall Feast 5K

Saturday, Nov. 3: Wine & Dine 10K

Sunday, Nov. 4: Wine & Dine Half Marathon

Guest impacts at EPCOT for the Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday, Nov. 4:

Friendship Boat Transportation to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be delayed until 9 a.m. Guests can utilize bus transportation from the Epcot Resorts and Epcot.

From approximately 6:15 – 10 a.m., all Guests must utilize the crosswalks to safely cross the race course at the following three locations:

Pin Central East towards Test Track/Mission: SPACE

Future World Bridge near Agent P’s World Showcase Adventure

At the United Kingdom pavilion

Post-race party at Epcot on Sunday, Nov. 4- 10 p.m.-1 a.m.

A ticket is required to attend the post-race party. Tickets are included for Half Marathon and Challenge runners only. Spectators, 5K and 10K runners can purchase tickets on the night of at Guest Relations. Event Guests will begin to mix in with day Guests at 8 p.m.

Available attractions:

Spaceship Earth

Test Track presented by Chevrolet

Soarin’ Around the World

Frozen Ever After

Food & Beverage:

Fountain View

All Food & Wine Festival Global Marketplaces (excluding the Festival Center)

Les Vins des Chefs de France

Refreshment Cool Post

La Cantina de San Angel

Choza de Margarita

Gelati

Kabuki Café

Canada Popcorn Cart

Norway Beer Cart

Germany Beer Cart

Germany Pretzel Cart

Sommerfest

Fife & Drum Tavern

Morocco Juice Bar

Yorkshire County Fish Shop

Rose & Crown Pub

UK Beer Cart

Merchandise:

Bridge kiosk

World Traveler

After Market Shop

The Gift Stop (including Package Pickup)

Strollers & Lockers at the Main Entrance and International Gateway

Entertainment:

Fountain View Stage- DJ Dance Party

Morocco- Members of the Adventrue’s Club (10:15, 11::15 p.m., 12:15 a.m.)

Germany- Groovin’ Alps (10, 11 p.m., 12 a.m.)

Mexico- Mariachi Trio (10:30, 11:30 p.m., 12:30 a.m.)

Character greetings throughout World Showcase

•ANIMAL KINGDOM:

The following roads surrounding Disney’s Animal kingdom will be temporarily closed during the Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon on Sunday, November 4:

Osceola Parkway Eastbound from Buena Vista Dr. to World Dr. closed for race course from 4:30-9 a.m.

Western Way closed in both directions from 5-8 a.m.

Additionally, Runners will be in the park from approximately 5:45-8 a.m., and a crosswalk will be added near the Main Entrance to assist Guests in crossing the course.

•DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS

Operational impacts for Sunday, Nov. 4:

Runners are expected to enter Disney’s Hollywood Studios at approximately 6:10 a.m. and should be clear of the park by 9:15 a.m. Due to the race course, Guests entering the park during the race will be directed behind Keystone Clothiers to access all park areas.

The right side of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard will only be accessible via the race course crosswalk, located at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Sunset Boulevard.

The smoking location by Tower of Terror will be unavailable until 9:30 a.m.

Friendship boat transportation to and from Disney’s Hollywood Studios will be delayed until 9 a.m. Bus transportation will be available for applicable Guests.

As a reminder, morning Extra Magic Hours has been adjusted to evening Extra Magic Hours on Monday, Nov. 5.

Road Closures on Saturday, Nov. 4, and Sunday, Nov. 5

To accommodate the weekend’s multiple events, major roads, including World Drive, Osceola Parkway, and Epcot Center Drive will be closed or operating under traffic restrictions starting at 3 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 3 and 2:30 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 4. Drivers should closely follow roadway signs and allow for extra travel time.

Skyliner Construction will Affect Friendship Boat Service to Epcot

As Disney Skyliner construction continues near International Gateway at Epcot in the coming months, the International Gateway entrance will remain open to guests traveling along the connected pedestrian walkway.

During construction, Friendship Boat service will remain available to the resort hotels around Crescent Lake as well as Disney’s Hollywood Studios, while service to Epcot is expected to be unavailable from late November until late December. During that time, guests will be able to use bus service or the walkway to access Epcot.

 

 

 

Changes to Minnie Van Service

Several changes have been made recently to the Minnie Van service that was introduced across the Walt Disney World Resort a little more than a year ago.

When the service first debuted, the charge was a flat fee of $20 for transportation anywhere on Walt Disney World property. The price increased to a flat fee of $25 several months ago. Now, the price has changed yet again. Instead of a flat fee, the price for your trip will vary based on the distance traveled. You’ll see the total cost and pay for the service as usual through the Lyft app.

A few months ago, the Minnie Van service was expanded to include shuttle service to and from Orlando International Airport. You can now book this service, which costs $150 one way, up to six months in advance by calling (407) WDW-PLAY or (407) 939-7529. NOTE: You still can not arrange for the airport shuttle service through the Lyft app.

For arrivals: You’ll be picked up near the baggage claim escalators in Orlando International Airport.

For departures: If you’re traveling domestically, Disney asks that you schedule your Minnie Van pick-up at least two hours prior to your flight departure time, and at least three hours before your flight departure if you’re flying internationally.

Even though the Minnie Vans can hold up to eight medium-sized suitcases, you can check your bags in advance at Resort Airport Services/Check-In. (You can’t send your bags separately on Disney’s Magical Express,though.)

The Minnie Van airport shuttle can pick up or drop off from the airport to any Walt Disney World Resort hotel.

Service is NOT available for the Walt Disney World Swan Hotel, Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel, Four Seasons Orlando, Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels, Walt Disney World Gateway Hotels and Walt Disney World Good Neighbor Hotels.