Walt Disney World Introduces 4 New Annual Passes; Full Benefits & Pricing Breakdown np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

As we warned you on Saturday, new Walt Disney World annual passes were indeed introduced this weekend. Walt Disney World’s official website offers a breakdown of the four new passes: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Platinum Plus –

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The main differences are really in the block out dates. Silver retains the blockout dates of the former Seasonal Annual Pass, while Gold will not allow access during the Christmas season and the peak of Spring Break season. Silver is the only of the passes above that does not offer PhotoPass downloads, but it does now offer free parking at the Walt Disney World theme parks.

Parking around the resort also saw an increase overnight. Basic parking at theme parks is now $20, while valet at the resort hotels is $10 for the first two hours and $20 for 3 or more.

The bicoastal Premier Passport also saw a large price increase, now $1439.00 plus tax.

Walt Disney World Introducing New Annual Passes, Now Include PhotoPass Downloads

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Starting tomorrow, gone will be the Seasonal, Premium, and standard Walt Disney World annual passes. WDW is introducing three new passes and new benefits for guests who have them beginning Sunday, October 4th, 2015.

The new annual passes will come in Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Silver will essentially be the Seasonal annual pass, Gold the regular annual pass, and Platinum will replace the Premium annual pass.

Amongst the changes to the benefits of each pass, Gold and Platinum passes now include complimentary PhotoPass downloads.

We were not able to uncover any other details yet, but they should be public as of tomorrow. Stay tuned for more details.

Dirk Wallen’s 10/2/15 WDW Photo Report (Epcot, Frozen, Magic Kingdom, Skipper’s Canteen, etc.)

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

WDWNT Reporter Dirk Wallen visited the Magic Kingdom and Epcot this week and has some newsworthy photos from his trip to share with us today:

New Disney Junior MagicBands have been released

Construction continues on the Frozen meet and greet area in Norway

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Moving over to the Magic Kingdom, work is now taking place on the facade of Castle Couture

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Work on the hub project is finally wrapping up, all of the turrets are now out from behind walls

Facade work continues on the Country Bear Jamboree’s Grizzly Hall

SURPRISE! Golden Oak Outpost is closed again…

Work continues on the Jungle Cruise Skipper’s Canteen Restaurant

They are rushing to finish in time for the holiday season this year

Will they make it?

I think they will

VIDEO: First Look Inside Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

 

Chef Masaharu Morimoto is teaming up with Patina Restaurant Group to open Morimoto Asia as Walt Disney World Resort brings to life Disney Springs, an entertainment-dining-retail district re-imagined from Downtown Disney. Studio V’s design for Morimoto Asia features a new two-story glass entrance, Asian calligraphy facades, and outdoor dining areas with views overlooking Disney Springs. To open in summer 2015 at The Landing, in the heart of Disney Springs, Morimoto Asia is the Japanese master chef’s first pan-Asian dining experience. (Concept renderings courtesy of Studio V.)

Morimoto Asia will open to guests tomorrow at Disney Springs, but today, Disney is sharing a behind-the-scenes look at Walt Disney World’s newest sit-down restaurant:

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Dates Announced for “Star Wars – Seasons of the Force” Event at Walt Disney World

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Disney has confirmed that Star Wars: Season of the Force will arrive at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on January 8th, 2016, running until March 20th, 2016. The event will include special food, drink, and merchandise offerings, as well as a special fireworks show on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. All of the other offerings for the event will have already debuted by December 2015, including a new scene on Star Tours and the Star Wars Launch Bay attraction.

 

The event will replace Star Wars Weekends in 2016. There is still no word if Star Wars Weekends will ever return.

Pecos Bill’s at the Magic Kingdom Introducing Completely Revamped Mexican Style Menu in October np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe at the Magic Kingdom is about to undergo a radical menu overhaul.

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Beginning October 1st, 2015, the new menu will feature fajitas, burritos, and rice bowls. The changes will come after a 3 day closure of the restaurant September 28th through the 30th.

The current menu features items like burgers, sandwiches and fries for the most part.

 

Jedi Training Academy at Hollywood Studios Ends October 4th, New Star Wars Show On The Way np

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

The long-running version of Jedi Training Academy that you know and love will have its final performances on October 4th, 2015 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

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To coincide with the upcoming release of The Force Awakens and Season of the Force, a new version of the show will debut later this year. The new show was already formally announced for Disneyland Park:

Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple

Coming in December, experience a twist on the Jedi Training experience when you will encounter new characters and a new villain from the popular Disney XD series, Star Wars Rebels.

The new villain is expected to be the Inquisitor. The new show should debut at Hollywood Studios by Thanksgiving.

FIRST LOOK: Mickey and Figment Celebrate 20 Years of the Food & Wine Festival at Epcot with New Merchandise for 2015

WDWNT on September 3, 2015

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Even though the Festival doesn’t actually start until tomorrow, merchandise was out in MouseGear today

Shotglass… I mean toothpick holder

Magnet

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They even have a new garbage can salt and pepper shaker for the Festival

We have plenty more photos and coverage from the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival coming over the weekend, so stay tuned!

PHOTOS BY DIRK WALLEN