This is the weekly news, rumors and refurbishments update for Walt Disney World for the week of November 30, 2014.
Here are the three biggest updates from around the resort for the past seven days…
1. Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort may soon reveal its new lobby
Rumors are flowing that the walls around the lobby of the Polynesian’s Great Ceremonial House may soon be coming down. Actually, the walls on the second level of the lobby have already been replaced with more accessible curtains.
Image below is of the former Polynesian Lobby. The new lobby will feature a smaller water feature and more open space.
The time frame for the big reveal is sometime late this month into early January. After seeing several backstage pictures, I can confirm that the fountain that was once there has been removed. In its place is more walking space and a smaller fountain with a tiki statue atop. Greenery is going to be implemented around the columns to give a lush tropical feel and new lighting fixtures will fill the space.
The completion of the main lobby does not mean the refurbishment of the resort is complete. The main pool and the bungalows are still under construction and will remain under construction through spring 2015. Still to be completed is the refurbishment of the entrance in front of the Great Ceremonial House and the refurbishment of the quiet pool has yet to begin. Expect all of the resort upgrades to be completed by the end of 2015.
2. Blizzard Beach, Splash Mountain, Kali River Rapids and more closing for refurbishment in January 2015
Before I get into January, a reminder the the Haunted Mansion is closed until December 20, presumably to add an on-ride photo opportunity. Pirates of the Caribbean will also be closed for one day only on December 17. No reason has been given for the short closure, possibly for new boats that don’t get stuck or have flooding issues, but one can only dream.
Back to January, here are the refurbishments to take note of:
- Blizzard Beach will be closed January 4 – March 14.
- Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be closed January 4 – February 15.
- Splash Mountain will be closed January 5 – January 31.
- Cinderella’s Royal Table will be closed January 5 – early March. A character meal replacement will be offered at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
- Flame Tree Barbecue will be closed January 5 – end of March. The food items offered at Flame Tree will be located at kiosks around Animal Kingdom.
- Kali River Rapids will be closed January 20 – February 2.
- The Liberty Square Riverboat will be closed January 23 – January 27.
Refurbishment dates are subject to change without notice.
3. Disney’s Memory Maker package got a slight price increase
The Memory Maker package is part of Disney’s PhotoPass service and offers an unlimited amount of on-ride and PhotoPass photos for a two week period. The advance purchase price was $149, but has now increased to $169. The onsite purchase price remains the same at $199.
This is likely due to the numerous upgrades to Memory Maker over the last year. The package now includes on-ride video at certain attractions such as the Tower of Terror and the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Memory Maker also now automatically sends your on-ride photos directly to your account if you have MagicBand.
Upgrades to Memory maker are likely to continue over the next year as Disney refines its MyMagic+ service.
