There are less than two weeks until MousePlanet’s MouseAdventure, April 29! We would love to hear your tips on playing, and also any stories of past adventures (or misadventures). Just click on the e-mail link above to submit your story. We might feature your tips in an upcoming podcast or mailbag!
Walt Disney World Update author and MouseStation podcast host Mark Goldhaber answers the first selection of letters this week. Adele writes:
What have you heard about the 20,000 Leagues ride reopening with a Nemo theme? Thanks, I read the Walt Disney World update every week!
The 20,000 Leagues ride at Walt Disney World is gone for good, and the lagoon has been filled in. So far, the Pooh’s Playful Spot playground is the only thing to be built in that area, though there are plenty of rumors about possibilities. What you’ve probably heard about is the conversion of the Submarine Voyage: Adventures in Liquid Space attraction at Disneyland to a Finding Nemo theme. That attraction will open later this year. For more information on that, check out the Disneyland Updates on our site. There has been a lot of stuff written about it (and lots of construction photos) over the last several months.)
Thanks for writing!
Alyssa P. writes:
My girlfriend just returned from Walt Disney World where she spoke with a cast member who told her the following:
“MGM is going to become Pixar, not Disney Studios. The change to Pixar will result in their losing the rights to Indiana Jones, so the stunt show will be removed.” I asked her if this would affect the ride at Disneyland, and she said yes. The new ride in MGM is a Monsters Inc. version of the Buzz Lightyear ride in Magic Kingdom, not Toy Story as previously reported. Lastly, he said Disney is going to build a new theme park (like an Islands of Adventure type).
I don’t know if there is any merit in any of this, but just letting you know what the CM told her.
I’ve learned over the years that cast members sometimes know even less than we do, and the rumors that come from them can’t always be trusted.
In this case, there are indeed rumors that the Disney-MGM Studios may become the Disney-Pixar Studios in 2009, for the park’s 20th anniversary. There’s no confirmation on that yet. The deals with Lucasfilm for the rights to Indiana Jones are completely separate from any naming rights for the park.
The attraction at the Studios has been confirmed as Toy Story Midway Mania, and sample scenes were shown and described by top Imagineering executive Tom Fitzgerald at the press event in January.
And a fifth park is a loooong way off, as there is still work that needs to be done to improve the existing parks before they make the capital investment into another park.
The rumors are interesting, but I’d have to question where the cast member actually heard them. Of course, you never know until you check into these things whether they’re true or not. Thanks for passing them along.
Carol-Ann writes:
I thought I had read on your Web site a section that listed when certain conventions or gatherings would be held at Disneyland. I am trying to find out if any are going on around May 6? Your Web site had mentioned if booking a trip it would be best to avoid these times.
Could you help me out or direct to where I might find out this information? Thank you
According to a note in the February 13 Disneyland Park Update, the schedule is at the Anaheim/Orange County Visitor and Convention Bureau’s Web site (link).
Timm writes:
I can’t wait for Mondays to read your updates. I would like to give you an official “thanks.” I do have a question: We are going to Walt Disney World in October and are trying to think about and plan Advance Dining Reservations. In order to do so—you know the drill—we have to know where we are going on what days. Is there a schedule of concert appearances for Little Ones Travel Time so we know when we want to go to MGM?
Thanks for your kind words about the Update! It’s letters like yours that make it fun to do.
Unfortunately, there have been no further details released about the entertainment schedule for Little Ones Travel Time. As I get more information, I’ll put it in the Update. Otherwise, your best bets are either to keep an eye on the preschoolers experience link on the Walt Disney World Web site or the Disney-MGM Studios link on Steve Soares’ Walt Disney World Live Entertainment Web site (link).
The acts are often the same for a week at a time, though, so I’d recommend for now that you make up your schedule as if the same act will be there each day of your stay, and if you find out differently, you can adjust your schedule at that time.
Enjoy your trip!
In this next group of letters, Eyes on Orlando editor Brian Bennett answers some reader mail on a range of Walt Disney World topics. Charles R. writes:
I have recently visited your site and enjoyed all of the photos and articles that you have posted. I am interested in obtaining a blueprint of a Chinese-style building to build in my yard, such as a style of the Yong Feng Shangdian Store. However I only want the outside appearance as I actually want to build similar to a Chinese pagoda. I have been looking for a blueprint but I have not been too successful. I would really be so thankful if you can help me.
I don’t know where to suggest you begin on your search. Frankly, I would suspect that you would really need a custom design for any such specific-style building to ensure that it fits on the property you have available and meets all of the necessary building codes.
I would suggest that you contact a local architect in your area and share your vision with him or her. A small investment in proper design may just save you a fortune in avoiding fines and fees if you don’t meet those local codes.
Kelly writes:
We are planning on going to Disney World in October 2007. Does the food court have a microwave? Do they offer things like mashed potatoes and macaroni and cheese? We are taking a 6-year-old and just wondering what kinds of food they have. We will be staying at the Caribbean Beach Resort. Any information on the food court that you have will be great.
I’m not sure which food court you’re talking about. Each of the resorts have either a food court or a small snack shop that serves lighter meals. In general, the resort food courts and snack shops have several kid-friendly options. Burgers, chicken strips, macaroni and cheese, and sandwiches are typical fare—but exactly what is on the menu of each of those varies from location to location. You will almost certainly be able to purchase one of several kid’s meals which would include a beverage and a side (typically either a fruit or fries at the parents discretion). Each of the theme parks have counter-service restaurants that serve similar food.
Microwaves are not typically available at the food courts and restaurants, but are available in some cases. I’d suggest you contact the specific resort where you’ll be staying to clarify that point. Hope that helps.
Martha Y. writes:
My church is replacing their playground. We liked the safety surface at Pooh’s Play Spot. How do I find out where to order the rubber woodchip-like surface? Where could I order wood tunnels, slides, and trees stumps like at Pooh’s?
I have no idea where to buy such equipment. I know that the rubber surface material can be purchased at home improvement stores such as Home Depot and Lowes (at least that is true here in Florida), but the result will be more like a rubber mulch and not the “stuck-together” surface that has been installed at Pooh’s Playful Spot and other such play areas at Walt Disney World.
I would suggest that you do a Google search for playground equipment and find two or three companies that specialize in designing and building playgrounds. I’m sure that they would know a lot more about this than I do.
Mike writes:
What do the interior of the rooms look like at the All-Star Movies Resort?
The All Star rooms contain a pair of double beds, a bathroom, and a sink (located near, but outside the bathroom door). A television in an armoire that includes three drawers and some shelves for clothes, and a small table with two side chairs make up the rest of the furnishings. The rooms are small, about 260 square feet, and are the smallest rooms at any of the Disney-owned resorts at Walt Disney World.
Still, the price is right and the resorts are nice and have some themed-style to them. Compared to moderate chain motel off property, I would highly recommend the All Star resorts!
