Clerical

Edit: Disney released a partial Candlelight Processional narrator list today.  Unlike most things that are “subject to change,” this is one that actually does change often, so don’t necessarily write these down as “in stone:”

• 11/23 – 11/25 Isabella Rossellini
• 11/26 – 11/29 Neil Patrick Harris
• 11/30 – 12/01 Whoopi Goldberg
• 12/02 – 12/04 TBA
• 12/05 – 12/07 TBA
• 12/08 – 12/10 TBA
• 12/11 – 12/13 Jodi Benson
• 12/14 – 12/16 Olivia Newton John
• 12/17 – 12/19 TBA
• 12/20 – 12/22 Trace Adkins
• 12/23 – 12/25 Gary Sinise
• 12/26 – 12/28 TBA
• 12/29 – 12/30 Marlee Matlin with Jack Jason

Edit 2: Released via Facebook today, Disney is offering a discount on the new PhotoPass+ Package.  Details here.

Disney extended the close at Epcot on December 26, 27, 28, 29, and 30 to 10:30pm.  Thanks to Jen for alerting me to that change.  The current hours for those dates are 9am – 10:30pm.  I’m still expecting Disney to move the open to 8am, but we most likely won’t see that change until the middle of November, most likely the 16th or 19th.

Hollywood Studios is closing at 7pm on Wednesday December 5th, which is an hour earlier than most days around it.  Fantasmic is still currently scheduled at 6:30pm.  I’m expecting the Pop Warner Party to occur after hours on this date.  In 2011, that caused the Studios to close at 5pm.  Should the close be moved to 5pm, Hollywood Studios would see even lower crowds and be even “more” recommended.  However, you wouldn’t have he opportunity to see Fantasmic or Osborne Lights on that date.  If you want to cement your plans as much as possible and guarantee that you’ll be able to see Fantasmic and the Lights, then I recommend Monday December 3rd.  I updated the December Crowd Calendar/schedule to show these changes.  None of the changes affect the recommendations.

Disney extended the Food and Wine Festival through November 12th, which is the Monday Veterans Day Holiday.  I changed Epcot’s recommendations on November 12th and 13th because of that.  Epcot is no longer expressly recommended on Monday November 12th because of the Festival complication.  See the November Crowd Calendar if you’re concerned about whether or not you should change your plans.

An indoor Meet and Greet is coming to Disney’s Animal Kingdom.  Beastly Bazaar will close August 12, 2012 and will reopen at some point in the future as the Meet and Greet area.

You may recall Beastly Bazaar looks like this and is located on the walkway into Asia from Discovery Island.  It currently stocks generic merchandise and offers the current Picnic in the Park sandwiches.

Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue is not closing for a refurbishment this fall.  I’m not sure where that rumor started or what exactly would be refurbished should one take place.  Don’t talk to me about Fort Wilderness DVC construction either.  Beginning October 1st, show times will be 4pm, 6:15pm, and 8:30pm.  Reservations should now be available.

I’ve been trying to make my way into the new Dumbo tent queue, but have been foiled for one reason or another on each of my three attempts.  I will get into that tent, even if it’s the last thing I do as a celebrity Disney blogger.

I have some other updates around here somewhere.  Food at the Art of Animation Resort (plus pictures when it’s sunny!).  Big Thunder Mountain after refurbishment, though I freaked out on the ride and don’t have a video yet.  More Flatbreads from Pinocchio Village Haus.  Snow White’s Scary Adventures last night, though that’s been covered to death.  I have a lot of mundane Magic Kingdom stuff.  I took pictures of every car for Cars Weekend at Downtown Disney for some reason.  I guess I should get to it.