runDisney Princess Half Marathon, New Resort Mugs, and Robin Thicke to Perform at Universal Studios!
Are you making your way to Disney for the Princess Half Marathon this weekend? If so, good luck! I know there are so many runners converging on the Happiest Place on Earth to enjoy a fun run for the whole family!
There are new things popping up every day at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort and Universal Orlando Resort. Each week, I try to share “What’s New” in Disney news and at Universal Orlando! This week features updates on the runDisney Princess Half Marathon, new resort refillable mugs, Robin Thicke’s upcoming performance at Universal Mardi Gras and more!
What’s New This Week?
Walt Disney World Resort in Florida
New! Princess Half Marathon Weekend Feb 20- 23: runDisney will host the 2014 Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend presented by Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Epcot, Magic Kingdom Park and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Thursday, Feb. 20, through Sunday, Feb. 23. The event includes:
▪ Disney’s Fit for a Princess Expo (Thursday Saturday)
▪ Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend Breakfast (Friday, Feb 21)
▪ Cinderella Royal Family 5K (Friday, Feb 21)
▪ runDisney Kids Races (Friday and Saturday)
▪ NEW* Disney Princess Enchanted 10K (Saturday, Feb. 22)
▪ NEW* Disney Glass Slipper Challenge (Saturday, Feb. 22 Sunday, Feb. 23)
▪ Disney Princess Half Marathon (Sunday, Feb. 23)
▪ Happily Ever After Party (Sunday, Feb. 23)
Please note that many roads will be closed around Walt Disney World to accommodate the races. Allow extra travel time all weekend.
New! Epcot 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Extended in 2014: The 19th Epcot International Food & Wine Festival kicks off earlier than ever this year, beginning September 19. Guests are invited to enjoy an extra week of festivities, food and paired beverages from around the world September 19 to November 10.
New! Rapid Fill Mug New Designs Now at Walt Disney World Resort Hotels: Last week, we
announced the new mug design was coming and this week, we have already seen them out a few resorts. The new mugs feature a brandnew design, new colors (blue, red, yellow and purple), and a sticker on top of the mug that advises Guests to activate mug at cashier.
New! Downtown Disney Marketplace Boat Dock Closing: Beginning Feb. 22, the Downtown Disney Marketplace boat dock will temporarily close. During this time, the Sassagoula River Cruise docking location will relocate to the Pleasure Island boat dock. In addition, internal boat transportation (Water Taxi) service for Downtown Disney Guests will only be available between the Downtown Disney Pleasure
Island and West Side docks. We expect to reopen the Downtown Disney Marketplace dock this fall.
Reminder! 2014 Pro Soccer Classic from Feb. 19 to March 1: The MLS and Orlando City Soccer Club return to the Walt Disney World Resort for the 2014 Pro Soccer Classic from Feb. 19 to March 1. This actionpacked event gives fans an up close and personal look at their favorite hometown club as they square off against their future MLS rivals at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, home to Orlando City Soccer in 2014. Single and multiple session passes are on sale and parking is free!
New! Merchandise Events:
▪ February 14 – 21: Are you a fan of David E. Doss? Mark your calendars, David will be appearing daily at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace. Stop in and find a new piece of art to add to your collection.
▪ Feb. 2123: Precious Moments dolls at Once Upon a Toy (Linda Rick tentative appearance)
▪ February 22: Make sure to mark your calendar for a special Steampunk artist signing at Art of Disney
in Downtown Disney Marketplace as we celebrate the release of artwork and collectibles inspired by turn of the century inventors and writers, as well as artwork inspired by Disney attractions, icons and innovations that have been cultivated from this view of the future from the past. Disney Design Group artists Costa Alavezos, Alex Maher and Mike Sullivan will be on hand from 2 – 5 p.m. to sign their masterpieces.
▪ Feb. 26March 2: Artist Greg McCullough will be on hand for a special artist showcase at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.
Closures and Refurbishments
Magic Kingdom
▪ Casey’s Corner Jan. 6 Feb. 19, 2014
▪ Splash Mountain Jan. 6 Mar. 21, 2014
▪ Splashdown Photos Jan. 6 Mar. 21, 2014
▪ Agrabah Bazaar Jan. 7 Feb. 13, 2014
▪ Aladdin and Jasmine will be greeting Guests at the entrance to Adventureland (just before the bridge).
▪ Liberty Square Riverboat Jan. 21 30, 2014
▪ Monorail MK Express Jan. 21 Mar. 21, 2014
▪ Pinocchio’s Village Haus Feb. 17 Mar. 30, 2014
▪ The Plaza Restaurant Feb. 17 Mar. 15, 2014
▪ Tip Board Cart Closing Permanently Feb. 26, 2014
▪ Big Thunder Mountain April 7 9, 2014
▪ Pirates of the Caribbean April 28 May 1, 2014
Disney’s Hollywood Studios
▪ Backlot Tour Jan. 5 Mar. 1, 2014
Epcot
▪ None
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
▪ Festival of the Lion King Jan. 6, 2014 summer
▪ Camp MinnieMickey Jan. 6, 2014 permanent closure
Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
▪ Closed for annual refurbishment Dec. 22, 2013 Mar. 17, 2014
For a complete list of closures and refurbishments, click HERE.
Reminder: Disneyland Resort Offers Two or Three Days of Fun at Special Prices for Southern California Residents: Southern California residents can “show their Disney side” in 2014 as the Disneyland Resort once again presents a ticket offer especially for them, with options for two or three days of fun and adventure at the parks – all at special prices. Southern California residents may purchase a 2day ticket with their choice of one park per day for just $129, a 2day Park Hopper ticket for just $164, a 3day ticket with their choice of one park per day for just $159, or a 3day Park Hopper for just $194. (Jan. 6 to June 6, 2014. Blockout days March 31April 20, 2014).
Reminder! New Club 33 Platinum, Executive and Affiliate Membership Cards: Beginning Feb. 17, Club 33 Platinum, Executive and Affiliate Cardholders will receive replacement Membership Cards. The replacement cards are RFIDenabled and utilize the branding of Disney Premier Passport. The cards resemble the Disney Premier Passport and have the Club 33 logo on front. After February 10, 2014, previous Platinum, Executive and Affiliate Membership Cards (black with silver Club 33 logo) are no longer valid for park entry at the Disneyland Resort or Walt Disney World Resort.
New! Merchandise Events
▪ February 22: Join us as we celebrate the launch of the newest exhibit to line the walls of The Disney Gallery in Disneyland park inspired by Steampunk. Make sure to mark your calendar for a special artist signings at Disneyana as we celebrate the release of artwork and collectibles inspired by turn of the century inventors and writers, as well as artwork inspired by Disney attractions, icons and innovations that have been cultivated from this view of the future from the past.
▪ February 22 – 23: Stop in and check out the latest releases from artist M. Andonia from 1 – 4 p.m. each day at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District. Learn more here.
▪ Scheduled to appear as the Artist in Residence at WonderGround Gallery in the Downtown Disney District throughout February is artist Liana Hee. Look for special artist showcases on the following dates: February 1, 7, 8, 14, 15, 21, 22 from 5 – 9 p.m.
Closures and Refurbishments
Click here to download the latest renovations and closures at Disneyland. Universal Orlando Resort

Reminder: Robin Thicke Set to Perform This Saturday at Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras Celebration: The excitement of Mardi Gras continues this Saturday, Feb. 22, with an electrifying performance by R&B sensation Robin Thicke. 4:00 p.m. – French Quarter Courtyard Opens, 7:15 p.m. – Mardi Gras Parade Starts, 8:00 p.m. – Concert Begins.
Reminder: Guests Can Enjoy the Spirit of the Big Easy at Universal Studios Florida on Saturday
and Select Nights through May 31: Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration is underway and continues through May 31. Along with the live concert, guests can experience the spirit of the legendary Bayou bash during the dazzling Mardi Gras parade, featuring 12 vibrant floats, including three new additions celebrating Jules Verne’s novel, “Around the World in 80 Days.” Guests can also visit Universal Studios Florida’s very own French Quarter Courtyard to enjoy delectable Cajun cuisine and see performances by bands pulled straight from Bourbon Street. The excitement of Universal Orlando’s Mardi Gras celebration
is included with admission to Universal Studios Florida.
Austin Mahone to Play Hard Rock Live at Universal Orlando: Wed Feb 26, 7:00 pm: This show was previously scheduled for Oct 18. Tickets to the previous show will be honored. Doors open at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $29.50. TELEPHONE: 407351LIVE (5483).
Velvet Session at Hard Rock Hotel with Edwin McCain Feb 27, 2014: Admission is $29 online or $35 at the door and includes FREE specialty drinks & finger foods and warmup tunes from 6:308:30pm, plus FREE valet parking. Cash bars and live band from 8:00pm onward. Velvet Bar hosts the city’s only rock ‘n’ roll cocktail party on the last Thursday of the month.* Each “session” combines creative cocktails with live music from some of the hottest rock bands.
Complimentary WiFi at onsite Universal Orlando Resort Hotels: As of January 22nd, 2014, onsite guests will receive complimentary WiFi in their rooms at all four (4) resort hotels at Universal Orlando. There will be two levels of service. The Premium Wireless will be complimentary for up to 4 devices in the room which will be optimal for surfing the web and checking email 512kb. There will be an option to upgrade to Premium Plus for $14.95 per day up to 8 devices 3meg. This will be optimal for streaming music, entertainment, VPN and Large file transfers. Complimentary Premium WiFi in the common areas will continue as normal.
Closures and Refurbishments
Universal’s Islands of Adventure
▪ Jurassic Park River Adventure®: 2/18 2/27
Universal Studios
▪ Universal’s Cinematic Spectacular: 2/22, 2/26 & 3/1: No shows scheduled
That’s all for What’s New Around the Mouse!
