This week at Walt Disney World, Disney’s Hollywood Studios changes its hours, a new refurbishment is announced, plus a subscription-based annual upcharge is introduced!
Outside Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando Resort announces musicians for its annual Mardi Gras festival plus medals for the inaugural Character Race are unveiled!
1. MuppetVision 3D sets refurbishment date
In addition to all the other refurbishments happening now that Walt Disney World’s slow season is here, it was confirmed this week that MuppetVision 3D will be closed from January 26 through to February 8, with a planned reopening to guests on February 9 2020. During this refurbishment the Grand Arts theater that houses this show will be getting new seats and curtains.
2. Blizzard Beach set to reopen from refurbishment later this month
And speaking of refurbishments, though Blizzard Beach was originally scheduled to reopen to guests on January 5, it looks like this park’s reopening has now been pushed back further to January 20 2020.
3. Disney announces Club runDisney upcharge subscription
Disney has announced a new subscription upcharge for guests who participate in runDisney events throughout the year. This new service has several levels, which include the following benefits:
Silver ($265) : This membership includes an exclusive jacket, access to the lowest race registration pricing all year, the ability to participate in a new Virtual 10K in Fall 2020 that is exclusively for Club runDisney members, and special Club runDisney designation on race bibs during on-site events.
Gold ($479): Includes everything at the Silver tier as well as early registration access with a guaranteed spot in the half marathon or marathon distance each race weekend.
Platinum ($798): Includes everything at the Gold level as well as early registration with a guaranteed spot in one distance each race weekend; upgraded corral placement; and an exclusive Expo experience with early admittance to the runDisney Merchandise Shop, a special character meet and greet and access to a Club runDisney Lounge with expedited race packet pick-up.
Club runDisney memberships will go on sale on Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 10:00 AM.
4. Disney’s Hollywood Studios changes schedule
In an effort to deal with the overwhelming popularity of Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has cancelled morning Extra Magic Hours on March 1, 8, 15, 22, and 29 and replaced them with evening Extra Magic Hours.
In addition, from now through Thursday, January 23, the park will open at 7:00 AM daily (it was originally scheduled to open at 8:00 AM) as crowds continue to arrive early to experience this attraction.
5. Imagination Pavilion to stay open late this winter
Over at Epcot, hours at the Imagination pavilion are being extended. Now that this pavilion is home to several character meet and greets (in addition to the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival and of course Journey Into Imagination) this pavilion will operate from park open to park close for an the foreseeable future (these attractions previously closed early at 7:00 PM). This change will take effect immediately, and will likely remain in place while much of Epcot is closed for refurbishment.
6. Annual passholders to receive discount on Festival of the Arts dining package
Annual passholders can save 10% on Disney on Broadway Concert Series Dining Packages, which kick off with the Epcot International Festival of the Arts next week on January 17th. With this package guests a fabulous lunch or dinner that includes guaranteed seating at the day’s Disney on Broadway show at the America Gardens Theater.
7. DVC gets new dining discounts
Image: Disney
Disney Vacation Club members now have access to a number of new discounts at dining locations around Walt Disney World, including the following:
- 20% off all purchases of non-alcoholic beverages and food at Joffrey’s kiosks.
- 10% off at Blaze Pizza at Disney Springs
- 10% off the Yesake kiosk at Disney Springs
8. Universal unveils music lineup for 2020 Mardi Gras event
Universal has announced the musicians that will be performing for Mardi Gras 2020, which will run daily from Feb. 1 – April 2. Check out the full lineup and performance schedule below:
2020 Mardi Gras Headliners Lineup
- Feb. 1 – The Roots
- Feb. 8 – Karol G
- Feb. 15 – Bell Biv DeVoe
- Feb. 16 – +Live+
- Feb. 22 – Kool & the Gang
- Feb. 29 – TLC
- March 7 – REO Speedwagon
- March 8 – Dustin Lynch
- March 13 – Luis Fonsi
- March 14 – The All-American Rejects
- March 15 – Diana Ross
- March 20 – Chris Young
- March 21 – Earth, Wind & Fire
- March 22 – Marshmello
- March 28 – Why Don’t We
- March 29 – Gavin DeGraw
9. Universal Orlando Resort unveils medals for 5K and 10K
Universal’s inaugural Epic Character Race 5K and 10K weekend is coming up on February 1 and 2, and to celebrate Universal has shared a first look at the medals finishers will receive after they complete one (or both!) races!
