Walt Disney World Update: Seven Dwarfs Mine Train, Polynesian Village, Harambi Nights & Disney’s Halloween and Christmas Parties

Honestly, I didn’t know what else to call this blog post. Walt Disney World Update Palooza is probably shorter!  Disney had a captive audience of media professionals this week and boy oh boy did they take advantage of having them there.  Normally this information comes out a little at a time, but it was a steady stream of exciting news from the Mouse yesterday. I don’t want you to miss any of it and I’m going to sum it all up in one post.

Not only did we get Free Dining, Room Only Discounts, and Fast Passes for the Mine Train… we got ALL this extra magical goodness going on. 

Think of this as Sum It Up Saturday: The Seven Seas Lagoon version.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train Dedication
The morning started off with the short but sweet (like Dopey!) dedication of the new ride.  I was up way early here in Arizona to watch the live streaming video on the Disney Parks Blog.  Attractions Magazine was there onsite and captured this video for you.

The BIG news that came out of this announcement:  official opening date of May 28. Get your Fast Pass+ now for rides this summer!

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
The Poly is undergoing a lot of renovations this next year- including going back to it’s 1971 name.  While many of us Poly lovers are sad to see things go (like this beautiful waterfall in the lobby!) we are also excited to hear about the changes coming.

I’m especially happy about one big change:  Trader Sam’s Grotto is coming!  The west coast version is a blast to visit at the Disneyland Hotel so I’m thrilled to see the same form of entertainment/food/drink magic transporting to the Poly next year. 

Animal Kingdom
Jambo, everyone!  I’ll admit this is the park I visit the least.  Animal Kingdom is worth a trip to see all the amazing details & storytelling but I always felt it needed more.  If you don’t have park hoppers and it closes at 5pm it’s short changes you on park time for the price!  Disney is looking to change some of that with a couple of big offerings announced yesterday.

Rivers of Light is a new evening offering for the park and it’s coming soon!  It looks like a cross between the World of Color show at California Adventure with some elements of Fantasmic from Hollywood Studios.  The concept image looks breathtaking and I’ll be sure to stick around after dark for this option.

image from the Disney Parks Blog

They are also plussing the night with the new hard ticket called Harambi Nights.  To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Lion King (yeah- let that one soak in.  20. Years) the park will offer a night celebration including food, drinks, the Festival of the Lion King (returning to a new theater this summer!) and a street party after the park closes.  Here’s the link to the Disney Parks blog for all the details.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party Dates Announced
Mickey?s Not So Scary Halloween Party:
Dates: September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, & 28
October 2, 3, 5, 9, 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, & 31
Pricing $74 and up plus tax (varies depending on dates) 

Mickey?s Very Merry Christmas Party:
Dates: November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, & 30
December 2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, & 19
Pricing $62 and up plus tax (varies depending on dates)

We attended the Christmas Party last year as part of the Wine and Dine weekend and had a blast!  Mr. Shenanigans and I hope to make the Halloween party as part of Tower of Terror this year.  If you are in town for any of these dates, I highly recommend purchasing the hard ticket for these events. 

Phew!  Tons of great stuff happening around the World this year.  What news are you most excited about?  Will you be hanging around Trader Sam’s or checking out Harambi Nights?