4th of July Festivities at Disney World, Dining Plan Prices for 2016, and Rumors of The Magic of Disney Animation Closing

First off I want to say I'm sorry for the lack of blogs the last few days. I decided not to post anything on Friday after a long week. Then I had the wind knocked out of me on Saturday when I woke up with a pulled muscle in my back. This completely knocked me out of doing anything the whole weekend. I tried yesterday but I just could not begin to think about sitting down to write a blog. Today I feel a little bit better after working so hopefully we will be back to our normal schedule now.

4th of July Festivities Announced for Walt Disney World:

The 4th of July is next Saturday and Walt Disney World today announced its plans for the upcoming patriotic holiday. It will be a 2-day celebration of our nation's Independence Day starting July 3 with themed souvenirs, characters adorned in festive attire, and of course fireworks bursting in the air. The patriotic firework displays will light up the sky in the evenings of July 3rd and 4th. 

On both nights at the Magic Kingdom guests will be able witness a 14-minute firework spectacular will rocket into the air above Cinderella Castle at 10 p.m. called "Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky." At Disney's Hollywood Studios, the "Coolest Summer Ever" dance party will lead into the "Rockin' Fourth of July Celebration" fireworks show, a pyrotechnic, rock 'n roll trip across America, where the DJ will kick things off at 5:45 p.m. with the party going until the fireworks set off at 10:15 p.m. At Epcot Illuminations will have a special red, white, and blue finale at 9 p.m. on both nights.

Epcot will have additional fanfare on the 4th with the Voices of Liberty performing a Fourth of July concert at the America Gardens Theatre at 12:30, 1:45, and 3 p.m. as well as in the American Adventure pavilion at 4:15 and 5 p.m. The Sounds Like Summer concert series will continue at the American Gardens Theatre with "Don't Look Back - A Boston Tribute band" will have performances at 5:15, 6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m. Special patriotic character greeting will be available throughout the day. At the Walt Disney World Resorts guests will be treated to patriotic poolside activities including Fourth of July-themed crafts and games, pool parties, and movies under the stars at select Walt Disney World resorts. 

Walt Disney World Announced Prices for it Dining Plan in 2016:

The 2016 Disney Dining Plan prices have been released and there are slight increases to all the plans. Here are the details:

• Quick Service Dining Plan: $42.77/night for adults, previously $41.99 and $17.54/night for children ages 3-9, previously $16.03
• Regular Dining Plan: $61.82/night for adults, previously $60.64, and $20.98 per child, previously $19.23
• Deluxe Dining Plan: $111.73/night for adults, previously $109.53, and $32.56 for children, previously $29.86.

Rumor: The Magic of Disney Animation to Close at Disney's Hollywood Studios:

In an article today by WDW News Today, reported a rumor that The Magic of Disney Animation is set to close at Disney's Hollywood Studios. It will be closing for major changes to the area. Rumor is that it will close in a few weeks time leaving the park without the "Mushu film," the Animation Academy, and the character meet & greets throughout the area. The Incredibles meet & greet has already been moved out and beed replaced by a Doc McStuffin's meet & greet in the Disney Junior area of the park.

In the new space the Animation Academy would return in a new and expanded space with possible multiple theaters to help with the ever-expanding guests wanting to learn how to draw. Details on the rest of the space remain unclear and sketchy the article says. Maybe Joy and Sadness from "Inside Out" will get a meet & greet in the area. The only solid information the article states is that the space will be closing very soon and that it has to do with the rumored expansion of Disney's Hollywood Studios. This will be a park-capacity change that will help handle the crowds during the periods of heavy construction.