Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for December 22 – December 28, 2008

Go directly to: News & Views | Coming
Soon | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Discounts/Promotions

News and Views

“Kids Free” cruises | Disney
Holidays! | Segway suit settled | ESPN
5K race | Discounts extended | Construction
update | Quick Takes …

[First, a quick note: I apologize for not having anything for you last week.
It’s the first time in years that I’ve missed an Update, but between MouseFest
and returning home to a house without power thanks to the ice storm in the Northeast,
it just wasn’t possible to get a story published. Thanks for your patience.]

Thanks to everyone for helping to make this the most successful MouseFest
ever!

Just a quick note aside from the usual news to thank everyone who attended
MouseFest, especially those who came by to say “hi” at MouseFest 101,
the Mega Mouse Meet or one of our MousePlanet meets. It was wonderful to meet
everyone, and I hope that you all had a great time, as well. I hope to have
a feature article up about the event by the end of the year, but kudos go out
to MouseFest Chairman Dave Marx and the rest of the Executive Committee. We
set the bar pretty high this year.

A big thanks also to those who provided the pieces of this year’s MousePlanet
door prize for the Mega Mouse Meet: Advantage
Vacation Homes, who provided a one-week stay in a three-bedroom vacation
home with a private pool; Owner’s
Locker, who provided a locker with one year of unlimited visits; and MousePlanet
writer Jeff Kober, who provided a copy of his
brand-new book, The Wonderful World of Customer Service at Disney.
Congratulations to MousePlanet reader and MouseStation podcast listener Scott
Morris, who won the prize!

MousePlanet’s Jeff Kober (l.) and Mark Goldhaber congratulate MousePlanet reader
and MouseStation Podcast listener Scott Morris on winning the MousePlanet-sponsored
door prize at the Mega Mouse Meet during MouseFest 2008. Photo courtesy of Mark
Goldhaber.

Disney Cruise Line offers “Kids Free” deal

With the economic recession putting pressure on all sectors of the leisure
travel market, Disney Cruise Line is stepping up with a new “Kids Free” promotion
in an attempt to get families to try out a Disney cruise when they might not
otherwise be able to afford it.

The deal offers free passage (plus government taxes and fees) for children
ages 12 and under on three-night voyages when traveling with two full-fare paying
passengers in the same cabin. The offer is valid on most sailings from January
22 through May 28 in a variety of stateroom cabins.

“At Disney Cruise Line, we pride ourselves on offering a vacation that caters
to the individual needs of every member of the family,” said Disney Cruise Line
President Tom McAlpin. “This special offer is a great value ñ perfect for families
that have never experienced the magic of Disney at sea, or those who want to
come back to create new memories.”

To book your “Kids Free” cruise, visit the Disney Cruise Line Web site (link),
call 888-325-2500, or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers,
MouseEarVacations.com (link)
or Small World Vacations (link)
and make sure to use booking code “FREE.” For more information on other discounted
cruises from MouseEarVacations.com, check out their list of cruise discounts
for MousePlanet readers here on the MousePlanet
site.

The Main Street Railroad Station is lit in seasonal colors at the Magic Kingdom
entrance. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

In Town Square, a giant nutcracker stands guard in front of the park’s Christmas
tree. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Toy soldiers also stand in front of the tree. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Seen from the Hub, the blue lights along Main Street, U.S.A. complement the
falling “snow.” Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Get your holiday spirit on with Disney!

Through the magic of YouTube, Disney experts have provided some tips to help
you with your holiday preparations and festivities.

If you’re really behind in putting up your holiday lights,
get some tips from one of the people behind the Osborne Spectacle of Dancing
Lights:

Planning to make gingerbread houses? Why not take some tips
from an expert?

And if you can’t wait to watch the Walt Disney World Christmas
Day Parade this Thursday, there are a few preview videos to whet your appetite.
Here’s a promotion for the parade telecast itself, including a look at some
of the special features that will air as part of the show:

The stars of Mary Poppins on Broadway, including Ashley
Brown and Gavin Lee, will be performing the stage version of “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”
on Main Street, U.S.A.:

Out at Disneyland in California, to help launch the “What
Will You Celebrate” campaign, Corbin Bleu will launch his new single, “Celebrate
You.”

The parade broadcast – hosted by Regis Philbin, Kelly
Ripa and Ryan Seacrest – will also feature Miley Cyrus performing in the
Magic Kingdom, plus Billy Ray Cyrus, Jose Feliciano, the Jonas Brothers, David
Cook, David Archuleta, the Imagination Movers and Sarah Brightman.

And for a quick look at one of my favorite hidden holiday
treasures at Walt Disney World, here’s a look at the Gingerbread Carousel at
the Beach Club Resort:

Finally, if you’re looking to get a head start on planning
a champagne toast for New Year’s Eve next week, there’s a video on Walt Disney
World’s media site where Walt Disney World Resort wine experts Mark and Cindy
Hoevenaars, both sommeliers, provide
tips on serving champagne.

Disney settles Segway suit

Walt Disney World has settled a lawsuit filed by Mahala Ault, Stacie Rhea and
Dan Wallace asking that personally-owned Segways be allowed for use inside the
theme parks. Disney’s policy had been to disallow their use due to concerns
about their use in crowds and the fact that Segways without speed governors
could pose a danger to guests on foot. After the suit had been dismissed earlier
due to the fact that none of the plaintiffs had any planned trips to the resort,
each plaintiff booked a trip and the suit was allowed to continue.

The settlement, filed in U.S. District Court in Orlando earlier this month,
stipulates that Disney will develop its own four-wheeled, electrically powered
vehicle designed for operation while standing (“ESV”) for use by guests to claim
to have a mobility impairment or disability and need to use a stand-up mobility
device. At least 15 of these devices will be provided at Disney Resorts. The
ESVs will be permitted within the resorts and will be available for rental on
the same terms as ECVs. The new ESVs are expected to be delivered starting around
April 1.

In addition, Disney will pay each of the three plaintiffs $4,000, which may
be applied toward a one-week stay for a family of four at Walt Disney World,
plus Disney will provide each plaintiff with the use of one of the new ESVs
on their next visit to the resort once the ESVs are available. Attorneys for
two of the plaintiffs will receive $70,000 between them, though attorneys for
the third plaintiff are still negotiating with Disney.

In return, Disney can continue to prohibit the use of Segways by guests other
than those on Disney-guided Segway tours on closed courses following Disney-provided
training, using Segways with operating speed governors.

Some MousePlanet readers had the opportunity to play-test the Kim Possible World
Showcase Adventure following our Soarin’ meet at MouseFest. They received their
mission assignment from a “Field Station” themed as a woodworker’s
cart near the Norway pavilion. Photo by Tina Delaney.

Their “Kimmunicator” guided them to their mission at the China pavilion.
Photo by Tina Delaney.

MousePad moderator Chris Salata (l.) and MouseStation Podcast co-host Mike Demopoulos
make a surprising discovery in one of the pavilion’s windows. Photo by Tina
Delaney.

At the conclusion of the mission, the team’s Kimmunicator must be returned to
the themed “Kimmunicator decommissioning drop.” Photo by Tina Delaney.

New 5K race announced

While the Walt Disney World Marathon has sold out, there’s a new endurance
series event that you can sign up for. The ESPN The Weekend 5K race (link),
sponsored by Dick’s Sporting Goods and benefitting The V Foundation for Cancer
Research, will be held on Saturday, February 28 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
in conjunction with the annual synergitic event.

Everyone entered in the race will receive:

• An inaugural ESPN The Weekend 5K presented by Dickís Sporting Goods T-shirt
• Personalized race bib number (if registered before February 2, 2009)
• Goody Bag
• ESPN The Weekend 5K presented by Dickís Sporting Goods Finisherís Medal

Registration is now open (link).
Entry fees are $45 before February 2 and $50 on or after February 2. Guests
can add one-day, one-park theme park tickets for $53 apiece, with a limit of
themselves plus five. Online registration closes Sunday, February 22 or when
the race reaches capacity. If the race has not sold out by February 22, on-site
registration will be available at packet pickup on Friday, February 27. Day
of race registration will not be available.

Runners must be 8 years or older to participate, and must be able to maintain
a 16-minute per mile pace.

For more information on ESPN The Weekend, go to ESPNTheWeekend.com (link).

The Christmas tree at Disney’s Hollywood Studios is surrounded by giant film
reels. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

The marquee sign for the new American Idol Experience attraction at Disney’s
Hollywood Studios rises near Echo Lake. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Hotel occupancy battle continues at Disney extends discounts

Walt Disney World and local hotels continue to battle for the dwindling tourist
dollars. With overall hotel room occupancy in Orlando (not including the Disney
resorts) dropping to 57 percent in early December, it’s obvious that fewer people
are traveling right now. Disney’s promotions have shrunk the predicted drop
in hotel bookings at the resort, but they’re still down 6 percent from last
year.

Disney has extended the Buy-4, Get-3-Free promotion to allow guests to book
through January 24, though the promotional dates now start on February 2. In
addition, room-only rates as low as $49 per night (available through April 2)
can be booked through January 4. The $49/night pricing at Value resorts matches
the special rates available to Passholders, though Passholders can book for
$5 less per night at Moderate resorts and $10 less per night at deluxes and
DVC resorts.

To book your stay, visit the Walt Disney World Web site (link),
call 407-939-7545, or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers,
MouseEarVacations.com (link)
or Small World Vacations (link).

The Viking ship at the Norway pavilion has been removed and replaced with landscaping..
Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Cheap ICE

MousePlanet sponsor Gaylord Palms Resort is offering a special ICE admission
discount (link)
for theme park passholders for the duration of the ICE season (through January
4). Those holding season passes any of the following are eligible: all Walt
Disney World theme parks and water parks, all Universal Orlando theme parks,
SeaWorld Adventure Park, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay, Aquatica, and Wet ën Wild.
Those passholders can receive 1 free child (ages 4-12) ICE admission OR half
off a second adult admission when buying their own admission.

ICE! tickets range from $9.99 – $24.99, depending on the type of ticket, and
day of the week. For more information or reservations, call 407-586-4-ICE (407-586-4423).
To learn more about ICE, visit www.gaylordpalms.com/ice (link).

Construction work continues on the conversion of the Frontierland Fry Wagon
to the Golden Oak Outpost dining location. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Construction update

Here is the listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County
in the last week:

• All four theme parks – Will Call sign graphics.
• Magic Kingdom – Tom Sawyer Island raft launch – Removal of existing
  cedar shakes, installation of new synthetic shakes.
• Magic Kingdom – Pecos Bill – Restaurant counter modifications
  and retiling of part of kitchen.
• Magic Kingdom – Pecos Bill’s – HVAC ducting changes to create
  more cooling in kitchen.
• Magic Kingdom – Magical Celebrations Stage – Demo hardscape
  and planters. New stage building and tech booth, includes all electrical and
  plumbing.
• Magic Kingdom – Provide conduit and wire for new cameras at Pecos
  Bill’s (3), Pinocchio Village Haus (4), Dumbo the Flying Elephant (3), Big
  Thunder Mountain Railroad (6), Casey’s Corner (2), Haunted Mansion (8), Splash
  Mountain (9), Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station (2), Pirates of the Caribbean
  (6), Cosmic Ray’s (5) and Columbia Harbour House (3).
• Epcot – France Pavilion – Remove and replace roof on two portions
  of pavilion.
• Epcot – International Gateway gate complex – Removal of existing
  mod-bit roof and replace with new mod-bit system.
• Epcot – Canada pavilion – Replace beams and perform miscellaneous
  structural repairs, includes all electrical and plumbing.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Add new exterior lighting to shine on
  Tower of Terror attraction.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – Feature Animation – Install a closed
  circuit TV switching system.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom – Creature Comforts – Remove existing
  roof tiles, replace with synthetic slate roofing shingles.
• Grand Floridian Resort – Building 6 (Sugar Loaf Key, Club Concierge)
  – Installation of owner-furnished fan coil unit, rework drain lines,
  install second drain pan, and insulate lines for elevators.
• Grand Floridian Resort – Building 6 (Sugar Loaf Key, Club Concierge)
  – Provide electrical support for the mechanical upgrades to elevators.
• Grand Floridian Resort – Building 7 (Conch Key) – Provide labor
  and materials to perform exterior painting and stair repairs.
• Contemporary Resort – Chef Mickey’s/Outer Rim Lounge – Sign
  package.
• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Upgrade the existing Meadow
  Pool area and add a companion restroom.
• Port Orleans Riverside Resort – Ol’ Man Island pool slide –
  Replace wood columns and timber roof trusses and decorative metal includes
  electrical.
• Old Key West Resort – Buildings 23-26, 49 and 50 – Exterior
  restoration.
• Pop Century Resort – Everything Pop food court – Remove the
  existing warmer tops and install two new Kelvry units at pizza location.
• Pop Century Resort – Everything Pop food court – Upgrade electric
  to meet required power for two Kelvry units at pizza location.
• Blizzard Beach – Lottawatta Lodge – Fabricate and install new
  marquee.
• “Northeast Resort Parcel, Unbranded Residential Property” (site of the future
  private vacation homes adjacent to the future Four Seasons Resort) –
  Infrastructure construction.

Former Adventurers Club cast member Karl Anthony is a man of many characters
with the World Showcase Players at Epcot’s United Kingdom pavilion, here portraying
(Bob) Marley’s Ghost as part of the retelling of A Christmas Carol. Photo
by Mark Goldhaber.

Quick takes …

…The American Idol Experience will officially premiere on February 12
at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, though it’s expected to have soft openings or
sneak previews some time in January.

…The new Disney’s Design a Tee Presented by Hanes shop has soft-opened
at Downtown Disney Marketplace.

…Budget cuts have forced the cancellation of department Christmas parties
at Walt Disney World, though cast member holiday perks have been enhanced. Those
discounts, of course, will still add to the corporation’s bottom line, instead
of being an actual expense.

…Walt Disney World is using a viral email campaign to promote the “What
Will You Celebrate” promotion. For those who haven’t seen it yet, it’s actually
very cool (link).

…The second Walt Disney World Moms Panel (link)
will start its tenure in January with 16 members – one-third more than
the 12 members of the 2008 panel. The panel includes members from Canada and
the United Kingdom.

…A new Magical Moment at the Caribbean Beach Resort has two guests recruited
each day at the pool’s opening to rid the newly-renovated feature pool of a
pirate, who is later locked away in the pirate dungeon.

…MousePlanet has recently joined the Facebook nation. We’re just getting
started, but you can join the MousePlanet
and MouseStation
Podcast groups, or become a fan of MousePlanet
or the MouseStation.
If there’s something that you’d like to see us do on Facebook, let
us know!

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

• Nov. 28, 2008 – Jan. 4, 2009. Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights.
• Nov. 28, 2008 – Jan. 4, 2009. Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.
• Nov. 28 ñ Dec. 24. Festival of the Seasons.
• Nov. 28 ñ Dec. 30. Holidays Around the World.
• Dec. 31. New Year’s Eve at Cirque du Soleil.
• Dec. 31. Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• The Hall of Presidents – closed
  November 1 through July 4, 2009, major infrastructure upgrades, as well as
  for addition of President-Elect Barack Obama.
• Splash Mountain – closed for refurbishment
  January 4–17.
• Dumbo The Flying Elephant – closed
  for refurbishment January 7.
• Mickey’s PhilharMagic – closed for
  refurbishment January 18 – February 6.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed
  for refurbishment February 21–27.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin –
  closed for refurbishment March 2–6.

Epcot

• Tutto Italia Ristorante – is now
  open, but will close at a date to be determined to be completely remodeled.
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure – closed
  for refurbishment January 5 – March 22.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has again closed as such, and
  most likely will only be used as a Festival Center until a new sponsor is
  found.
• Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure – has been delayed. It
  continues testing and will open in “early 2009.”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Studio Backlot Tour – closed for
  refurbishment January 4 – February 28.
• Voyage of the Little Mermaid – closed
  for refurbishment January 27– 29.
• American Idol – under construction in the soundstage
  that formerly hosted Superstar Television and Doug Live! Scheduled to soft-open
  in January 2009, with the official press event scheduled for February 12..

Animal Kingdom

• No currently scheduled refurbishments.

Resorts

• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Phase 1 of
  the Kidani Village annex building for the Disney Vacation Club’s Animal Kingdom
  Villas is expected to open in May 2009, with Phase 2 opening in September
  2009. Jambo House construction is complete.
• Yacht and Beach
  Club Resorts – Stormalong Bay pool area under refurbishment January
  5 – late March. The pool will remain open, but sections will close one
  at a time for work. The three quiet pools will remain open during that time,
  and the Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk Resort,
  with its Keister Coaster water slide, will also be available during the work
  on the Flying Jib slide.
• Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  – Construction continues. The resort opens fall 2009.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Closed for its annual refurbishment October
  26 through March 21. Major work is required on the wave generation machine.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays –
  Saturdays.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Walt Disney World Buy 4, Get 3 Free deal!

From now until January 24, if you book a four-night, four-day non-discounted
Magic Your Way package, you’ll get three additional nights (including tickets)
for free.

The offer is good for stays on most nights February 2-April 4 and April 19-June
27, 2009.

As a bonus, if you travel between January 4 and March 29, you’ll get a $200 Disney Gift Card that you can use to pay some of the costs during your stay. It’s also valid at Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store and disneyshopping.com.

Packages start at net prices of $46 per person per day for a family of four in a standard room at a Value Resort from January 4-February 12 (total package price $1,271). For February 13-April 4, the package price is $1,466 for a per day, per person cost of $53 at a Value resort. Those prices are based on families of two adults, one junior and one child.

Packages for other resorts and lengths of stay are also available.

Here’s Disney’s rundown on pricing and savings:

Prices are based on two adults, one junior (ages 10 to 17) and one child (ages 3 to 9) in a standard room at a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort) or a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Deluxe Villa Resort). Savings are based on the non-discounted price of a 7-night/7-day Magic Your Way package. The discount code for this offer is IUZ.

To book these packages, go to the Walt Disney World Web site (link), call 407-939-7928 or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers, Small World Vacations (link) and MouseEarVacations.com (link). Just remember to book by December 20!

Walt Disney World room-only deal for everyone!

From now until January 4, everyone can book a deep-discounted rate for reservations
most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 2. Lowest rates are through
mid-February, with discounted but not quite as low rates from then through early
April.

Room rates start at prices of $49 per night for a standard room at a Value
Resort from January 4-February 12. For February 16-April 4, the Value Resort
rate is $74 per day. Rates at other resorts are also available.

Here’s Disney’s rundown on pricing:

Prices do not include tax and are based on a standard room at a Value Resort,
Moderate Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe Resort) or a studio at
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort (Deluxe
Villa Resort). The discount code for this offer is OZ.

To book these packages, go to the Walt Disney World Web site (link),
call 407-939-7545 or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers,
Small World Vacations (link)
and MouseEarVacations.com (link).
Just remember to book by December 20!

Disney Cruise Line offers “Kids Free” deal

Disney Cruise Line now offering a “Kids Free” promotion. The deal offers free
passage (plus government taxes and fees) for children ages 12 and under on three-night
voyages when traveling with two full-fare paying passengers in the same cabin.
The offer is valid on most sailings from January 22 through May 28 in a variety
of stateroom cabins.

To book your “Kids Free” cruise, visit the Disney Cruise Line Web site (link),
call 888-325-2500, or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers,
MouseEarVacations.com (link)
or Small World Vacations (link)
and make sure to use booking code “FREE.” For more information on other discounted
cruises from MouseEarVacations.com, check out their list of cruise discounts
for MousePlanet readers here on the MousePlanet
site.

Gaylord Palms offers discounts through January 4 for room-with-ICE

MousePlanet sponsor Gaylord Palms Resort and Spa is offering MousePlanet readers
great discounts for rooms combined with two admissions to ICE (a $40 value)
are just $30 more! You can get the special Just Chillin’ ICE deals by clicking
here.

Discounted ECV rentals for MousePlanet readers through Scooter Vacations

Scooter Vacations, MousePlanet’s mobility scooter rental partner, is offering
MousePlanet readers a 10 percent discount on their scooter rentals by using
code MP10 when making your reservation for any of their five scooter models.

Orlando Fun Tickets offering 5 days for the price of 3

For a limited time, MousePlanet discount ticket partner Orlando
Fun Tickets is currently offering a free
upgrade to a 5-day Park Hopper pass when you purchase a 3-day Park Hopper.
Check out the special offer or any of the other great prices on tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com!

Fall discounts for Passholders

Walt Disney World Annual Passholder discounts on rooms and dining plans are
now available. Discounts are valid for travel dates between September 28 and
December 23.

Passholders should use the following Booking Codes when making your reservation
(standard passholder discount rules apply):

• PWE ñ Passholder rate room only
• DHZ ñ Passholder rate with Dining Plan
• JZJ ñ Passholder rate with Deluxe Dining Plan Rates

MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are Small World Vacations (link)
and MouseEarVacations.com (link).

Passholder rates for early 2009 released

Passholder rates for January 1 – February 12, 2009 have been released,
with value resorts starting at just $49 per night, moderate resorts starting
at $89 per night. Select deluxe resorts (Wilderness and Animal Kingdom Lodges)
starting at $144 per night and studio accommodations at Saratoga Springs Resort
& Spa starting at $179 per night. The rates at value and deluxe resorts
are valid January 2–15 and January 19 – February 12. Moderate resorts
are available January 4–17 and January 21 – February 12. Saratoga
Springs is available January 1 – February 12.

The number of rooms available is limited and minimum length of stay requirements
may apply for Friday and Saturday arrivals. Reservations may be booked through
the Passholder web site or by using code DYS if booking via the Passholder phone
line (407-939-7722) or through a travel agent. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney
travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link)
and Small World Vacations (link).

Disney Cruise Line half-price deposits for online reservations, for a limited
time

The Disney Cruise Line has announced a special deal where any bookings through
the Disney Cruise web site (link)
will only require payment of half of the usual deposit, with the other half
due with the rest of the final payment. The offer is only good on new bookings,
and for category 4-12 cabins only. The offer is available to those booking online
or through their travel agents (though the travel agent would have to book the
cruise through disneycruise.com for the offer). Bookings are also eligible for
the standard $25 onboard credit offer for all online bookings. The deal is available
“for a limited time,” but there’s no word on when the limited time expires.
MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link)
and Small World Vacations (link).

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