Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Miscellaneous rehab news

The current hub rehab at the Magic Kingdom includes: lowering the planters
to allow better viewing of Wishes and the upcoming Cinderellabration show,
removal of the curbs for better guest flow during the post-Wishes exodus
and maintenance of the statues.

The Partners statue of Walt and Mickey is enclosed in a small shed to
protect it while the rest of the Hub is under construction. Photo by Alex
Stroup.

While Dumbo is closed for rehab (January 10 – February 12), there
will be a Dumbo ride vehicle on display behind the Carousel for photo
opportunities.

The walkway on the left side of the entrance ramp to The Land pavilion
has been ripped up. The planter full of palm trees in the center of the
ramp, under the little dome like structure, appears to be untouched. Also,
the Garden Grill’s rehab date has been extended to April 25th, well beyond
the reopening of the pavillion itself.

The new sand castle pool slide at the Old Key West Resort has opened,
and is located directly between the main pool and the children’s wading
pool.

Refurbishment continues on the Astro Orbiter, where there seems to be
hope that the planets will again spin when work is completed. Photo by
Alex Stroup.

We are hearing that Playhouse Disney ? Live On Stage! at the Disney-MGM
Studios will be “closed for show change out” from April 4-11. We have
no word yet what that term indicates.

Marathon and Half Marathon to split up next year

Disney has announced that next year, the Walt Disney World marathon and
half marathon will be held on consecutive days, rather than simultaneously,
as in the past. The half-marathon will take place on Saturday, January
7, while the marathon will be run the next day.

Both races have traditionally taken place on Sunday, with half-marathon
runners finishing in the Magic Kingdom parking lot, while the marathoners
crossed the finish line in the Epcot parking lot. The 2006 half-marathon
will have a new course that starts at Epcot, goes to and through the Magic
Kingdom, then finishes at the marathon finish line back at Epcot.

Thanks to the new split-date schedule, Disney expects to be able to register
more runners for the half marathon, projecting a total field for both
races in 2006 of 26,000, as opposed to 24,000 runners in 2005.

Work continues on San Francisco Street on the Streets of America backlot
at the Disney-MGM Studios. Photo by Alex Stroup.

Georgia-Pacific signs multi-faceted sponsorship deal

As we reported back at the beginning of December (link),
Disney has signed the Georgia-Pacific Corporation to a sponsorship deal
that will include naming rights in several locations. Details were officially
announced at a New York City press conference on Friday. When the Lights,
Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show opens in March at Disney- MGM Studios,
it will be presented by Brawny paper towels. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ pavilion
and Chip n Dale’s Campfire Sing-a-long at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
and Campground will both be sponsored by Dixie disposable tableware. In
addition, Georgia-Pacific products, such as Quilted Northern bath tissue,
Angel Soft toilet paper, Vanity Fair napkins, Dixie cups, plates and bowls,
and other products will be utilized by guests and Cast Members at Walt
Disney Parks and Resorts. Another Georgia-Pacific brand, still to be determined,
will be a presenting sponsor of Disneyland Resort’s Big Festival Area
in California.

The scenery for the Ligbts, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show appears
to be complete. Photo by Alex Stroup.

The stunt show set includes a huge video display screen. Photo by Alex
Stroup.

AirTran signs deal to sell Disney packages

AirTran Airways has signed a joint marketing agreement with Walt Disney
World to allow those booking flights on the discount carrier to book their
Disney vacation at the same time. The Atlanta-based airline will offer
the packages both on their web site and via their phone reservation system.

Drivers for the stunt show are rehearsing during park hours. The roar
of engines and smoke are quite intense. Photo by Alex Stroup.

A car is split in half crosswise in the stunt show. The same effect divides
a famous Disney Volkswagen during the show. Photo by Alex Stroup.

Earl of Sandwich to begin franchising

When Earl of Sandwich opened its doors last March, its owners stated
that their plans were to franchise the concept nationwide. Now that plan
is moving forward.

Robert Earl, who is best known as owner of the Planet Hollywood chain,
has hired Lynette McKee, most recently Burger King’s vice president of
U.S. franchising, to lead the franchising effort. Earl plans to have 60
franchise locations open by the end of the year.

Plans are for franchises to fit one of three sizes, ranging from 900
to 3,000 square feet, as compared to the 10,000-square-foot location at
Downtown Disney. It is not expected that any of the locations will be
freestanding.

Motorcyclists rehearsing for the stunt show ride past the attraction’s
FastPass distribution area. Photo by Alex Stroup.

Beaver tail saga continues

After we noted in last week’s Update that beaver tails were no longer
being sold at Trapper Bob’s at Epcot’s Canada pavilion, we received some
interesting mail. Reader Sean Rouse noted that he had contacted the supplier
of the beaver tails pastries, and received a response that they were surprised
to hear the news and were trying to find out if it was in fact true. We
have not yet received an update from Sean as to the latest word from BeaverTails.

At the same time, we also heard from a former Canada pavilion cast member,
who has started a campaign to bring the pastries back to Trapper Bob’s.
He states that the food & beverage management of the pavilion “switched
to a reheated product in 2000 and sales started falling. After 9/11 they
began shutting the booth during the day. Now they’ve stopped BeaverTail
sales entirely do to ‘poor sales’… hmmmm.” He is asking people to phone,
write or fax Disney, and to sign his online petition (link).

We’ll keep you updated as we hear more about this pastry war.

Props from the move “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” are now located
in the “boneyard” on the Backlot Tour at the Disney-MGM Studios. Photo
by Alex Stroup.

Ears to the ground

…According to a story posted at D-Troops.com (link),
real animators will no longer be leading the “Animation Academy”
portion of the Art of Disney Animation attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios.
As of February 1, the lesson on how to draw Disney characters will be
led by a regular cast member, tracing a template. Don’t bother asking
for advice on how to get a career as an animator any more, folks. They
won’t have a clue.

…We’re hearing that the signage around the I-4/U.S. 192 construction
has caused a great deal of confusion among drivers, including for some
locals. Authorities are working on improving the signage, but please be
careful driving in that area, nonetheless.

Figment greets visitors at his new place at Epcot’s Imagination pavilion.
When questioned, Figment admitted that he did, indeed, still miss the
Dreamfinder. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

…Last Thursday, the height requirement at Stitch’s Great Escape!
in the Magic Kingdom was increased from 35 to 38 inches to “achieve the
best possible experience for our younger guests.”

…Though we had mentioned it at the beginning of the project, we
forgot to confirm for you that coffee makers are now available in all
deluxe and moderate resort hotel rooms, in addition to the mini-refrigerators.
Regular and decaffeinated coffee packages and condiments are now provided
at no additional charge and will be replenished on a daily basis.

During the peak holiday season at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, the Discovery
River Boats circled the open area between Asia, Dinoland and Discovery
Island, carrying entertainers. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

…The Trail’s End Restaurant at Fort Wilderness will be accepting
Priority Seatings starting January 19.

…Confirming that the new show will be open before then, the final
daily showing of Lights! Motors! Action! on April 8 will be canceled due
to a private event on the Streets of America.

The band and characters aboard the Discovery River Boats played tropical
interpretations of holiday music. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

…Fantasmic will have two shows every Tuesday in April, at 8:30 p.m.
and 10 p.m. (Tuesdays feature the morning Extra Magic Hour at the Disney-MGM
Studios.)

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• “it’s a small world” – closed through March
  18, 2005 for rehab (info).
  
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – currently being transformed
  into a Hundred Acre Wood-themed meet-and-greet. Reopening date unknown.

• Astro Orbiter – closed December 20 – March 12, 2005.
  
• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – scheduled rehab has
  now been postponed until after completion of work on the Astro Orbiter.
  
• Cinderella’s Royal Table – closed for rehab January 17–27,
  2005. Lunch and dinner resume on January 28, while character breakfasts
  return on January 29.
  
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – closed January 10 – February
  12, 2005.
  
• Liberty Square Riverboat – will not be operating January
  23 – February 8.

• Timekeeper – opens seasonally.
• Jungle Cruise, the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New
  Management, the Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear
  Jamboree – open at 10 a.m. every day.

• The Hub area in front of the castle – undergoing more
  refurbishing in preparation for the Cinderellabration show coming later
  this year. Reopening date uncertain.
  
• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration – last performance on
  February 26, 2005. Expected to return after the 18-month “Happiest
  Homecoming on Earth” celebration (commemorating the 50th anniversary
  of the original Disneyland Park in California) ends.
  
• Cinderellabration – begins preview performances in March
  2005. Expected to run until the end of the 18-month “Happiest Homecoming
  on Earth” celebration.
  

Epcot

• Soarin’ – is officially scheduled to open in May 2005,
  but may have an earlier soft opening.
  
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The
  Land – discontinued construction of the queue area for Soarin’.
  Expected to resume upon completion of the construction.
  
• The Land pavilion – closed January 2 – March 31,
  2005 for completion of the Soarin’ attraction.
  
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – open seasonally. The Pure
  and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop have
  been removed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and
  The Making of Me attractions now open when the pavilion is open.
  The pavilion will be open February 12–26.
  

Disney-MGM Studios

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, an American version
  of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from the Walt
  Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris – is officially scheduled to
  debut in May 2005. Rumor has it that the show will soft-open on March
  13.
  
• Fantasmic – will not be performed January 24-26.
  
• The Imperial Walker in front of Star Tours – will receive
  a rehab from January 4–March 11.
  
• Mickey Avenue – will undergo work on an expansion from
  January 4–March 11.
  
• Stunt Show merchandise cart – will undergo some work from
  January 9 – February 25.
  

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May and
  June, 2005.
  
• Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.
  

Resorts

• Port Orleans Resort – Ongoing two-year extensive rehab
  of its rooms. Phase I’s French Quarter has reopened. Phase II is underway,
  and involves Riverside going through a phased rehab. The Magnolia Bend
  mansions appear to be completed. Alligator Bayou will close in sections.
  
• Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment
  of longhouses. Rapa Nui and the suites in Tonga are currently being
  worked on through April 1. Still scheduled: Tahiti April 24 – August
  17, and Tokelau May – September. Work on the Great Ceremonial House
  also appears to be underway. We hear that all of the stores will be
  moved to the main lobby area, and that Captain Cook’s Snack Company
  will be expanded to fill the rest of the rear of the building.
  
• Caribbean Beach Resort – The Trinidad North quiet pool
  is closed from January 4 – February 7.
  
• BoardWalk Resort – Conversion of the previous Disney Vacation
  Club sales center into 19 additional villa-style accommodations will
  continue through June. The second floor villas located directly above
  the project area will not be available for booking during the construction.
  In addition, a major pipe replacement project is underway in corridors
  outside guest rooms daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through summer 2005.
  No work is scheduled inside guest rooms.
  
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Construction continues
  on the rest of the resort; the four buildings of Phase I are complete,
  the eight units of Phase II are due in 2005, and the six units of Phase
  III are due in 2007. Phase III will involve the razing of the old Fairway
  Villas.
  
• Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – An overall refurbishment
  of the Stormalong Bay pool area is running through early 2005. Certain
  sections of the pool will be unavailable at various times during the
  project. Those parts of the main pool not immediately being worked on
  will remain available for use. The main Flying Jib slide will be closed
  only from January 3 to February 25, 2005, due to a painting project
  in that area. During the work on the slide, Yacht and Beach Club guests
  may use the Keister Coaster slide and Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk
  Resort.
  
• Yacht Club Resort – A siding renovation project is expected
  to continue through mid-2005.
  
• Beach Club Resort – The Sandcastle Club child care center
  will be closed from January 1 through March 31 to allow for the refurbishment
  of the Atlantic Wear & Wardrobe Emporium. The Harbor Club at the BoardWalk
  Resort will resume operations for that three-month period, with operations
  returning to the Sandcastle Club on April 1.
  
• Coronado Springs Resort – Construction continues on the
  86,000-square-foot exhibit hall that is scheduled to open in spring
  2005. Construction noises may be audible throughout the Casitas section
  of the resort during the daytime construction.
  

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – is closed for its annual refurbishment
  from December 12, 2004 – March 12, 2005. It reopens with a new
  water coaster, the Crush ‘N’ Gusher.
  

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through
  Saturdays.
  
• The All Star Cafe at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex
  – now closed Monday–Wednesday. Open Thursday–Sunday,
  from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  

Park Events

February 2005

• Twirl Mania – The Twirler’s Championships (link).
  February 18–21.
  
• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports
  complex (link).
  February 17 – March 31.
  
• Contest of Champions Cheer, Studio, and Dance/Drill Nationals
  (link).
  February 25–27 and March 4–6.
  
• ESPN The Weekend (link).
  February 25–27.
  

April 2005

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link).
  April 15 – June 5.
  
• Walt Disney World® Inline Marathon (link).
  April 30 – May 1.
  

May 2005

• Star Wars Weekends (link).
  Weekends in May – June TBA.
  

June 2005

• Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link1
  | link2).
  June 2–5.
  

September 2005

• Night of Joy (link).
  Dates TBA.
  
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link).
  September 30 – November 13.
  

October 2005

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (link).
  Dates TBA.
  
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link).
  October 20–23.
  

November 2005

• Super Soap Weekend (link).
  Dates TBA.
  
• Festival of the Masters (link).
  November 12–13.
  
• Holidays Around the World (link).
  November 25 – December 30.
  
• Festival of the Seasons (link).
  Dates TBA.
  

December 2005

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (link).
  Dates TBA.

• Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve (link).
  December 31.

• New Year’s Eve at Cirque du Soleil (link).
  December 31.

• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve (link).
  December 31.

January 2006

• Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo (link).
  January 6 & 7.

• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link).
  January 7.

• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link).
  Registration now open. January 7.

• Walt Disney World Marathon (link).
  Registration now open. January 8.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Discounts for early 2005 are out

Resort discounts starting in January 2, 2005 have been announced. Discounts
are good through April 16. Room-only and Magic Your Way packages are available.
See the Walt Disney World web site (link)
or MouseSavers (link)
for more information.

Radisson Resort Parkway announces rates through 2005

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates
through the end of 2005, and has reduced their rates for much of the rest
of this year. Guests can receive a complimentary upgrade to deluxe pool
view accommodations for the remainder of 2004 simply by typing in the
code of “UPGR” in the promotional field of the reservation.

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

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging visitors to buy their theme
park tickets before they even leave home by offering a slight discount
on advance purchases. You can save as much as $12 per adult, per ticket
with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program. These prices are
before the 6.5 percent Orange County sales tax.

You can also receive these Advance Purchase Savings with packages purchased
through AAA.

The entire price structure will be changing on January 2 to the new “Magic
Your Way” passes. See the summary in the December 6 WDW Update (link)
for more details. Advance purchase discounts will only be available on
tickets above the base ticket for at least 5 days. Discounts for adults
are $7 (5 days), $9 (6 days), $11 (7 days), and $12 (10 days). Child (ages
3-9) discounts are $6 (5 days), $7 (6 days) and $9 (7 or 10 days). We’ll
have a pricing grid for you next week.

Annual Passholders

Receive 10 percent off the price of their lunch meal at selected
Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants, and the discount is good for
up to three guests. The offer is valid Mondays through Fridays. Call 407-WDW-DINE
(407-939-3463) for locations and reservations.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through March 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through March 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)