Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for December 11 – 17, 2006

Go directly to: News & Views | Coming Soon | Trivia of the Week | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

[Ed. note: I’m just back from MouseFest. Due to the press of the many MouseFest activities demanding attention, the Park Update is a bit truncated and a day late this week. To make up for that, we’ll give you a World Tour of the Holiday storytellers around Epcot’s World Showcase, courtesy of MousePlanet reader Cathy Sowa. We’ll be back to our normal selves next week.]

The Three Kings share the celebration of the Posada at the Mexico pavilion. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

News and Views

Get the good news from Mickey

Now you can have Mickey Mouse tell your family that they’re going to Walt Disney World with a phone call on Christmas Day. If you book a Walt Disney World vacation by December 23, you can sign up to have Mickey deliver the news. Once you have your reservation number for your 2007 vacation, go to MickeyHolidayCall.com to set it up.

You can choose from a Merry Christmas or Happy Holidays greeting. You’ll also need to provide your birthdate and a phone number to call on December 25, as well as your reservation number, to schedule the call. The call will be made between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m., so make sure that you put in a number that you can be reached at during that time.

Special vacation package pricing is available for some dates by going to disneyworld.com/gift.

Sigrid tells the story of Julenissen at the Norway pavilion. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Stick MousePlanet in your ear!

MousePlanet’s big announcement at MouseFest this year was the upcoming debut of the (yet-to-be-named) MousePlanet podcast. Some of you may remember my small note a few months back that I was starting a podcast with a friend as a side project. Well, we’re putting that project aside in order to put together a new podcast right here at MousePlanet. The targeted debut date is January 4, 2007, but we’re not promising that date yet. We’ve got a few final episodes to put together for the Magical Moment Podcast (link) while we try to fine-tune a format for the new show. We’ll fill you in with more details as the debut approaches.

The Monkey King tells his tale at the China pavilion. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Disney unions protest contracting out

A rally was held at the entrance to Disney property by the Crossroads shopping plaza by members of the Service Trades Council Union, the umbrella organization consisting of six of the major unions that represents almost half of Walt Disney World’s 59,000 employees. The rally is to protest the contracting out of custodial, valet, bellhop, baggage handler, rigger and video tech jobs to outside companies, displacing Disney employees. Nearly 600 jobs have been cut in the last year.

The companies taking on the tasks tout that they can do the same job better—while paying lower wages—because the cleaning or baggage jobs are all they do and they don’t have to take time to handle guest issues. The Disney employees who are being displaced to other jobs and shifts note that it is the fact that they did provide guest services that made the Disney experience special, and that now that third parties are doing those jobs, guests won’t be able to count on having their issues resolved by any worker at the resorts.

The rally came on the heels of a complaint filed on November 30 by the National Labor Relations Board, alleging that Disney violated labor laws in contracting out the overnight custodial positions at the resorts. The NLRB claims that Disney did not give proper notice or bargain with UNITE HERE! Local 362 regarding the effect of the change on the employees before changing working conditions for 185 workers. Disney, who was given a chance to settle before the complaint was filed, claims that they fully complied with the labor agreement The company has until December 14 to respond to the complaint. A hearing will be held in February.

The German storyteller relates the tale of the Nutcracker. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Build Your Own Light Saber replaces monorail at Downtown Disney toy store

A big change has been made at the Once Upon a Toy store at Downtown Disney Marketplace. The large monorail display in the central section of the store has disappeared, and has been replaced by a Build Your Own Lightsaber display. The nine-step process (concluding with directions to take your creation to the cash register to buy it) allows guests to choose each part of their lightsaber separately, from the blade (or blades, for a Darth Maul-type device) to the color filter for the blade to glow (red, green, purple, etc.), handle enhancements, and so on.

The display is two-sided, allowing more guests to build toys simultaneously, moving from one end to the other as they follow the directions. Some of the steps are somewhat involved, but the process still appears to be easy to complete. The toy costs $19.95, regardless of what combination of parts is selected, including double-bladed Darth Maul-style light saber. Guests bring their creations to the counter and tell the cashiers whether they have created a “good” saber or a “bad” saber. The cashiers then give the guest an exclusive Jedi or Sith pin to match the saber, and will also provide batteries for the toy.

The displaced monorail toys are now off on the side, and appear to be in sell-off mode. (No discounts, though.)

La Befana tells the story of the Epiphany at the Italy pavilion. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Pleasure Island to change admission policy

Construction on Pleasure Island at Downtown Disney is almost done, and admission changes are coming soon. Effective January 1, all dance clubs on the Island will only admit those ages 21 and over. The days of 18-and-up on Sunday through Thursday night are over. The Adventurer’s Club and the Comedy Warehouse will continue to admit underage children, though those under 18 will require parental supervision.

At the American Adventure, a storyteller relates the story of the Maccabees. The pavilion also features a Kwanzaa storyteller and a chance to meet Santa Claus. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

The Daruma Vendor tells the tale of the Daruma doll at the Japan pavilion.. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

At the Morocco pavilion, the Taarji tells of the Festival of Ashura.. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Quick takes …

…Grad Nites (link) for 2007 will be held on April 20, 21, 27 and 28. Entertainment currently includes Cartel, The Fray, Cassie and Mario Vazquez.

…There was apparently a mix-up with the new plan for booking the Disney Vacation Club member cruise. DVC had to call many people on the morning of December 2 (the early window booking day) and during the following week to tell them that they had been supposed to get a call for round 1 of the member cruise, but had not by mistake, and asking whether they wanted to book the cruise.

Pere Noel tells the tale of Babette’s Chirstmas wishes at the France pavilion. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

…While the valet services at deluxe resorts and luggage services across property are being contracted out, the transition will be closely watched by Disney managers who will oversee the process. The close scrutiny is expected to last through April, at which time the BAGS employees will completely run the service.

…According to the Orlando Business Journal, the Burnham Institute for Medical Research will be signing on for a 10-year exhibit at Epcot’s Innoventions pavilion as part of its deal to build a new research lab in central Florida.

Father Christmas tells tales of Christmas past at the United Kingdom pavilion. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.

Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.

Coming soon

• Dec. 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
• Nov. 13 – Jan. 1, 2007. Hollywood Holly-Day Parade.
• Nov. 13 – Jan. 6, 2007. Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.
• Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2007. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.
• Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. Holidays Around the World.
• Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. Candlelight Processional.
  • Dec. 9–11. Stephen Curtis Chapman.
  • Dec. 12–14. Maureen McGovern.
  • Dec. 15–17. Kirk Cameron.
  • Dec. 18–20. Neil Patrick Harris.
  • Dec. 21–23. Cuba Gooding, Jr.
  • Dec. 24–26. Gary Sinise
  • Dec. 27–30. Marlee Matlin.
• Dec. 23 – Dec. 31, as well as all nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.

Nowell the lumberjack tells tales of Christmas celebrations across Canada. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Trivia question of the week

This week’s question: Who or what pops out of the teapot at the center of the Mad Tea Party? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “How many attractions were opened in the Magic Kingdom on opening day, October 1, 1971?” is:

26. Jungle CruiseSwiss Family TreehouseSunshine Pavilion (Tropical Serenade)Cinderella’s Golden CarrouselDumbo, the Flying ElephantMad Tea PartyIt’s a Small WorldSnow White’s AdventuresFrontier Shooting GalleryCountry Bear JamboreeHall of PresidentsHaunted MansionMain Street horseless carriage, Jitney, fire truck, horse-drawn streetcar and omnibusWalt Disney World RailroadTomorrowland Speedway.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closes for refurbishment December 13–14.
• Timekeeper – is closed for good. The Monsters, Inc.-themed The Laugh Floor Comedy Club will have its official grand opening during a press event January 24–26.
• Splash Mountain – closes for refurbishment January 2–27.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – closes for refurbishment January 28 – February 11.

Epcot

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends – is now open, and will have its official grand opening during a press event January 24–26.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has amazingly returned and will be open through January 1.
• El Rio del Tiempo – closes for refurbishment January 2 – April 1, 2007.
• Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki – closes for refurbishment January 15 – May 25, 2007.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – closes for refurbishment January 2–21, 2007.

Animal Kingdom

• Finding Nemo – The Musical – is now open, and has its official grand opening during a press event January 24–26.
• Kali River Rapids – closes for refurbishment February 5–9.

Resorts

• All-Star Movies Resort – the Fantasia pool is closed for an extensive rehab through February 18. All-Star Movies guests can use the “quiet” pools as well as the main pools at the other All-Star resorts.
• All-Star Music Resort – Conversion of Calypso buildings to Family Suites continues. All work had been expected to be completed by October 13, but that date has not been met. All buildings not containing Family Suites will be renovated between January and June 2007.
• All-Star Sports Resort – All buildings will be renovated between June and November 2007.
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Building 6 (Concierge) closes in September 2007 for a full refurbishment.
• Port Orleans Riverside Resort ? The Riverside Mill food court will be closed for refurbishment from January 2 through mid-April.
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Phase I’s four buildings and Phase II’s eight units are complete, Construction on the six buildings of Phase III is underway, with all six units expected to be completed in mid-2007. The new buildings will comprise two additional sections, to be called The Carousel and The Grandstand. The two buildings in The Carousel have been completed, and the four in The Grandstand are well underway.
• Wilderness Lodge – We’ve gotten further information that all of the scaffolding is not yet down, though there is much less than there had been. The previous information from staff at the front desk was inaccurate.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach – Closed for annual refurbishment October 29, and reopens on January 7, 2007.
• Typhoon Lagoon – Will close for annual refurbishment on January 7, 2007, and reopens on March 18, 2007.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. There will be two performances on New Year’s Eve, a Sunday night.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Hollywood Holly-Day Parade. Nov. 13 – Jan. 1, 2007. The Disney-MGM Studios parade gets a holiday makeover.
• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. Nov. 13 – Jan. 6, 2007. The Animal Kingdom parade trades its Jammin’ for Jingle in this holiday makeover (link).
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2007. Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios (link).
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Dec. 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What’s not to like? (link).
• Holidays Around the World. Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. Epcot’s World Showcase gets storytellers, special entertainment and crafts for kids, the Lights of Winter and a spectacular Christmas tree (link).
• Festival of the Seasons. November 13 – Dec. 31. Downtown Disney gets a holiday makeover (link).

December 2006

• MouseFest 2006. Dec. 3–11. The annual gathering of the Disney Internet community takes place at sea from Dec. 3–7 and on land from Dec. 7–11 (link).
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. Dec. 23 – Dec. 31, plus nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The annual classic returns to the Magic Kingdom.
• Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates the actual New Year (link).
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at the BoardWalk’s own dance club (link).

January 2007

• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 6. Registration is full. [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
• Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration is full(link).
• College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship. Jan. 12-14. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party. Jan. 22, 26, 29, Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 23, 26, Mar. 2, 5, 8. A new hard-ticketed event celebrates the the pirates and princesses in all of us (link).

February 2007

• National Dance Team Championship. Feb. 2-4. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• National High School Cheerleading Championship. Feb. 9-11. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• Twirlmania.February 16?19. Twirlers, auxiliary guard, pom, and dancers descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Mid-February ? late March 29 (link).
• Cheer & Dance National Championships. February 24?25. School & Youth Rec Cheer February 24, All-Star Cheer & Dance February 25 (link).

March 2007

• Cheer & Dance National Championships. March 2?4. All Star/Studio March 2, School Dance March 2?4 (link).
• ESPN – The Weekend. March 2–4. Synergy strikes again as Disney’s flagship cable network returns to the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
• National Kidney Foundation 5K for Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness. March 3. Another race for a great cause (link).
• National All Star Cheerleading Championship. March 9-11. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).

April 2007

• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half Marathon (link). April 1. Strap your skates on to race from the Wide World of Sports Complex to the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot, and back again.
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. April 5 – June 3. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays, gardening demonstrations and the “Flower Power” concert series at the 14th annual event (link).
• USASF Cheerleading & Dance Worlds. April 21–22. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).

May 2007

• Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend 5K and 1 Mile (link). May 5. The short runs of the ladies-only running weekend take place at and near Downtown Disney. Registration is now open (link).
• Women Run the World 15 K (link). May 6. The course starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot. Registration is now open (link).

September 2007

• Walt Disney World Triathlon (link). Sept. 23. Athletes compete in a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. Registration opens soon (link).

November 2007

• Disney Golf Classic (link). Nov. 1–4. Joe Durant returns to defend his 2006 title (link).
• Old Spice Classic (link). Nov. 22, 23, 25. ESPN Regional presents the second annual 8-team, 12-game tournament, featuring George Mason, Kansas State, North Carolina State, Penn State, Rider, South Carolina and Villanova.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Magic Your Way package discounts through March 8, FL resident and AP room rates through February 14

Disney has announced discounts on Magic Your Way packages for January through early March and room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for January through mid-February.

The Magic Your Way deals include free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options added to your tickets and are valid from January 1 through March 8, with possible blackout dates for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday weekend. You must book this rate by December 16. No other discounts apply. To book the package, call Disney directly or your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred travel agency) and request booking code ZCK (standard Magic Your Way package) or ZCL (Magic Your Way Plus Dining).

Room-only discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Florida residents from January 1 through February 14. Discounts are $23 off per night at Value resorts, $46 per night at Moderate resorts and $80 per night at Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. These rates can be booked up to the night of arrival, depending on availability. Discounts are priced off of rack rate. To book the rates, call Disney directly or your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred travel agency) and request booking code FCC (Passholders) or BRL (Florida residents).

Thanks to MousePlanet sponsors Small World Vacations and MouseSavers for this information.

Passholder, Florida resident room rates for October through December

Annual passholder rates have been announced for October 1 through December 23. Of course, there will be no AP rates during peak Christmas Week dates of December 24-31. The rates very by season (the period covered spans regular, value and holiday seasons), but they’ll give you approximately $20 off per night at Value resorts, $40 off per night at Moderates, and $71-$80 per night at Deluxe resorts. The booking code for these rates is FBZ. (The passholder Web site says FCB, so I would guess that both would work.)

Florida Residents have their own discounts, using booking code FBY. Availability dates are October 5 through December 23, and rates are $5 more than the AP rates.

Both of these rates can be booked up until December 23.

New discount deal announced for Canadian visitors

Walt Disney World has announced a new discounted offer for residents of Canada. The deal, available most nights from January 1–11 and January 15 – February 14, offers free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options with purchase of a package. Prices start at US$377 per adult, double occupancy, at Disney value resorts. No other discounts apply. Use booking code ZCV for this offer. Reservations prior to November 2 require a Canadian address, which seems to point to this offer being expanded to U.S. visitors after that date. Packages must be booked by December 16.

Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration rates through the end of 2006

The Radisson Resort Parkway is now the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration! The resort, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their standard rates through the end of 2006. Note that the nightly rates do not include a $7 per night resort fee.

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.

Magic Your Way ticket price guide

Walt Disney World’s entire ticket price structure changed as of January 2, 2005, to the new “Magic Your Way” passes, and prices increased on January 1, 2006, and again on August 6, 2006. Advance purchase discounts are only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 4 days, with higher discounts on those tickets with both options. Prices do not include 6.5% Florida sales tax.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2007.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2007.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for December 2006

Movies begin at 7:40 and (on Friday and Saturday only) 9:15. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30 and a singalong at 7:00.

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.