Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Cindy’s adds character lunch

Beginning Monday, June 10, Cinderella’s Royal Table added characters
to lunch. Prices are $23.99 per adult and $12.99 per child (ages 3-11).
The new meal is subject to the same $10/$5 deposit and cancellation policies
as breakfast.

Expect the same set of characters at lunch as those that appear at the
character breakfast, but be aware that Cinderella will not be seen in
the dining room during any performances of Cinderellabration, since
she cannot be in the dining room inside the castle if she is on stage
out in front of the castle.

For those counting 90 days back from June 10, the first meals are available
for booking now.

Union asks Disney to reopen contract

After approving a contract offer under pressure from Disney on last November
18, the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) has asked the company to revisit
some health care provisions of that contract. The union, which represents
about 40 percent of all workers at Walt Disney World, recommended that
its members adopt the contract after Disney warned that they would not
extend the previous contract past the date of the vote, and would begin
unilaterally enforcing the higher health care costs in the proposal without
the proposed raises.

Now, the 22,000-member STCU is asking the company to implement an on-site
pharmacy dispensing free generic drugs to employees, and freeze health
care co-payments that are scheduled to rise in the contract’s final two
years.

Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE) Local 362, which is one
of the six member unions of the STCU, is pushing the free generic pharmacy
as a cost-saving measure for both Disney and its employees, stating that
switching to a model that gives more incentive to buy generic drugs would
save the company over a billion dollars and employees well over half a
billion. The union is using numbers from an analysis provided by Sav-Rx
Prescription Drug Services, which runs a similar pharmacy for the union’s
divisions in Atlantic City, Chicago and Las Vegas. The analysis was presented
during contract negotiations and rejected by Disney, which claimed that
the problem with the concept was that costs for brand-name medications
would increase dramatically and offset any savings created by the generic
drugs.

The STCU claims that, with tourism and Disney’s profits from the resort
both up, the company is in a position to help out the employees. Disney
responded that they are planning to honor the terms of the contract, and
would be willing to discuss changes during negotiations for the next agreement.
The current contract expires on April 28, 2007.

Light, Motors, Action! soft opening/test and adjust

Two new attractions begin soft opening dress rehearsals this week, while
two seasonal shows are also opening up this coming weekend for a two-week
run.

The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at the Disney-MGM
Studios held cast previews on Sunday, and soft-opens to guests on Monday.
We have details from a source at the Studios:

While Lights, Motors, Action! will be opening March 14th, it will only
be for ONE WEEK (March 14-19) for ONE show a day at 3 pm in order to
get reactions from guests, test the queue configuration and Fastpass
system.

These shows will be a test and adjust viewing. Once the week is up,
the attraction will close again to finish the last bit of tweaking they
need to do. (The show currently runs at 45 mins, they want it at a 35
min show.) Also, because the crew needs to get used to performing with
the jet skis (which won’t be ready until some time in April, due to
circumstances beyond their control).

However, occasionally it will open for a day or two, only one show
a day again for another test and adjust.

More openings

The new Cinderellabration show debuts at the Magic Kingdom on
Thursday, March 17 at 10:40 and 11:40 a.m. and 4:35, 5:35, 6:35 and 7:35
p.m. Beginning Friday, March 18, is adds a 9:40 a.m. show and drop the
7:35 p.m. show from its regular schedule. No word yet on how many changes
have been made to turn Tokyo’s nighttime show into a daytime show for
Walt Disney World.

Epcot’s Wonders of Life pavillion begins its Easter-time run this coming
Sunday, March 20, and opens through April 2. The three main attractions
(Body Wars, The Making of Me, and Cranium Command) are expected to be
up and running.

The Timekeeper at the Magic Kingdom opens for business this coming Saturday,
March 19, and runs through April 2.

Food and beverage news

The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, formerly the Plaza Pavilion,
holds its grand opening on Tuesday.

Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn on Tom Sawyer Island reopened on Friday, and
remains open (operating from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for the foreseeable future.

El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurante reopened yesterday, and operates with
hours of 11 a.m to 4 p.m. until March 19th, then with hours of 11 a.m.
to 10 p.m. from March 19 through April 2 before closing back down until
the next peak season.

Last Monday, all four Magic Kingdom Park hot dog carts began offering
a bundled meal featuring a hot dog, chips and a large beverage for $6.50.

From March 20 to April 2, Cosmic Rays will be serving breakfast from
7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The food choices, which will only be available
at the Chicken bay, will be very similiar to the breakfast offerings at
the Electric Umbrella at Epcot.

Tom Joyner returning to Walt Disney World

Showing no concern after being washed out last year by Hurricane Frances,
the Tom Joyner Family Reunion will try again this year. The event, scheduled
for September 2–4, features performances by musicians, comedians and
gospel acts, centered at the Coronado Springs Resort and the Disney–MGM
Studios. Performers scheduled so far include Damon Wayans, Ashanti, Omarion,
Hammer, Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, Smokie Norful and Lil iRocc, with
more to be announced. For more information, check out Joyner’s Web site
(link)
or call 1-888-TJ-FAMILY (1-888-853-2645).

Hour extensions

It’s well-known that the weeks before and after Easter are two of the
busiest weeks of the year at Walt Disney World, and park hours are lengthened
in response. This year is no exception, as Disney is instituting what
may the the longest regular hours since opening, if you include Extra
Magic Hours.

From March 20 through April 1, the regular hours for the Magic Kingdom
park are 8 a.m. until midnight, for a 16-hour regular day. However, the
park is holding Morning Extra Magic Hours every day during that
period, lengthening the day to 17 hours.

And just in case the overnight custodial staff didn’t have enough problems
resetting the park in less than seven hours every day, on March 23 and
March 30, the evening Extra Magic Hours have the park hours for resort
guests run from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m., for a whopping 20-hour day! If you
are in the park first thing in the morning on March 24 or March 31 and
the custodial staff is still busy making the park nice and fresh, give
them a nice big thank-you for making it all happen in four hours.

In addition, during that stretch from March 20 to April 1, the Magic
Kingdom’s Share a Dream Come True parade makes its way through the crowded
park twice a day, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Also, Disney’s Animal Kingdom operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day
from March 20 to April 1. Morning Extra Magic Hours open the park at 7
a.m. on March 26. Evening Extra Magic Hours make for very late nights
at that park, running until 11 p.m. on March 22 and 29.

Expanding the nursery at Disney’s Animal Kingdom

In the wake of two elephant births at Disney’s Animal Kingdom over the
last two years, the park is celebrating the birth of a rhinoceros calf.
A Southern White Rhino named Kendi, who was herself the first rhinoceros
to be born at the park in 1999, gave birth to a female calf named Kayla
after 16 months of gestation. Kayla makes her public debut later this
spring.

Also later this spring, another elephant birth is expected at Disney’s
Animal Kingdom. A 26-year-old African elephant named Ibala is expected
to deliver her calf in April. The new calf would join Tufani, born in
May 2003, and Kianga, born in July 2004, as the prime progeny of the park’s
very successful elephant breeding program.

Resorts host egg hunts

Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World Resort hotels host a variety
of special activities to celebrate the Easter bunny on March 27. The Beach
Club, BoardWalk, Saratoga Springs and Hilton Head Island resorts are among
the many Disney destinations planning candy-scramble events for Easter
Sunday. A whistle signals that it’s time for participating children to
collect as much candy as they can.

The Old Key West resort is taking a different approach, as children
will collect plastic eggs that can be redeemed for candy. The youngest
children will still take part in a traditional candy scramble. There will
also be some surprise events, so be sure to check at the front desk for
details.

Vero Beach update

Repairs at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort continue in the wake of the destruction
from the direct hits by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. While the majority
of the resort has been repaired, reconstruction work continues on the
resort’s boardwalk through April, and taking at least through the summer
to complete roof repairs.

In the meantime, the rest of the resort’s operations continue. DVC members
can pre-book turtle-walk programs, which take place on Monday evenings
in June and July, through the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. The
program costs $20 for the first family member and $10 per additional family
member. Participants receive membership in the CCC and an adopt-a-turtle
packet containing sea turtle “adoption” certificates for each
family member. Pre-booking the program allows family members to name the
sea turtles that they adopt. To register to take part in the turtle walk,
call 1-800-678-7853. Space is limited.

Ears to the ground

…Walt Disney World is holding “The Great Disney Job Hunt”
job fair Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Walt Disney World Casting
Center to fill hundreds of positions. The full-time, part-time, and seasonal
roles being offered include airport and luggage representatives for the
new Disney’s Magical Express service, which starts on May 5.

…WDWMagic is reporting (link)
that Epcot’s new Soarin’ attraction begins guest soft openings on Wednesday,
with entrance via a side entry due to continuing construction at The Land
pavilion.

…We’ve received word that the show swap-out refurbishment of Playhouse
Disney Live on Stage is indeed seeingthe addition of JoJo’s Circus to
the show. However, its victim is not the Book of Pooh segment, as previously
reported. Instead, the Rolie Polie Olie segment is dropping from the show
to make room for the little girl clown and her pet lion.

…The next 70-room building at the Saratoga Springs resort is on
track to open this month.

…With the completion of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth”
overlay on Cinderella Castle, the crane for the job has been removed from
its location behind the castle, once again clearing the courtyard.

…Look for a brand-new Steamboat Willie-shaped salad bar to appear
at the Grand Floridian in the near future. No word yet on which restaurant
is receiving the piece.

…The Central Plaza hub’s remaining construction walls, as well as
those around Tomorrowland’s Merchant of Venus shop, come down on Saturday.

…The Magic Kingdom’s resort monorail platform reopens on Friday.

…DVC members now get a 10 percent discount at Starabilias in Downtown
Disney’s West Side. Another new discount is 20 percent off any lunch or
dinner Extra Value Meal at the McDonald’s at Downtown Disney. Also available
is a buy-one-get-one-free offer on breakfast sandwiches at that same McDonald’s.
Please note that the restaurant honors only one discount offer per purchase.

…Main Street’s Harmony Barber Shop has extended its operating hours,
and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through March 26.

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” – finally opens this Saturday
after a long 10-month+ refurbishment (info).
20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – most of the area
has reopened, featuring “coral” type planters and more walkway
space. The remainder is still reported to be transforming into a Hundred
Acre Wood-themed meet-and-greet, with an uncertain opening date..
Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned,
date uncertain.
Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is open
March 19 – April 2.
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 Central Plaza (hub area in front of the castle) –
undergoing more refurbishing in preparation for the Cinderellabration
show coming later this year. The remaining walls will come down on Saturday.
Stitch’s Great Escape – is running at half-capacity while
the show is upgraded. No expected completion date yet.
Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration – last performance was
Saturday, February 26. Reported to be returning after the 18-month “Happiest
Celebration on Earth” festivities end.
Cinderellabration – reportedly begins preview performances
on Thursday. Official opening is May 5. Expected to run until the end
of the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.

Epcot

Soarin’ – officially scheduled to open on May 5, but may
have an earlier soft opening. Cast previews are in early April, and
passholder and DVC previews are April 15–17 during park hours.
The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The
Land—discontinued construction of the queue area for Soarin’. Will
resume upon completion of the construction.
The Land pavilion – closed thru April 26 for completion
of the retheming to match the new 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 from Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, April
2.

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 on May 4. Cast previews were held on Saturday and Sunday, and
the show will have a limited soft opening to the public today for test-and-adjust
purposes.
Playhouse Disney – Live on Stage! – closed April 4–10
for show change-out. A JoJo’s Circus segment will replace the Rolie
Polie Olie segment.

Animal Kingdom

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

Resorts

Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment
of longhouses: Rapa Nui and the suites in Tonga through April 1; Tahiti
April 24 – August 17; Tokelau May – September. Work on the
Great Ceremonial House also appears to be underway: stores moving to
the main lobby area; Captain Cook’s Snack Company expanding to fill
the rest of the rear of the building.
BoardWalk Resort – Conversion of the previous
Disney Vacation Club sales center into 19 additional villa-style accommodations
through June, and the second floor villas located directly above the
project area not available for booking during the construction. Major
pipe replacement project underway in corridors outside guest rooms daily
9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through summer 2005. No work scheduled inside guest
rooms.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Phase I’s construction
of four buildings complete; Phase II’s eight units will open one each
month, beginning in March 2005; Phase III’s the six units due in 2007,
involves razing the old Fairway Villas.
Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – Refurbishment of Stormalong
Bay pool area thru early 2005; certain sections unavailable at various
times. Those parts not immediately worked on are open for use. Flying
Jib slide work reportedly now complete.
Yacht Club Resort – Siding renovation project to continue
through mid-2005.
Beach Club Resort – The Sandcastle Club child care center
closed thru March 31 to refurbish Atlantic Wear & Wardrobe Emporium.
Harbor Club at the BoardWalk Resort reopens for that three-month period.
Sandcastle Club reopens April 1.
Coronado Springs Resort – Exhibit hall construction continues;
scheduled to open spring 2005. Construction noises may be audible throughout
the Casitas section of the resort during the daytime construction.

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon – reopened from annual refurbishment yesterday.
A new water coaster, the Crush ‘N’ Gusher, may not open until
tomorrow.

Elsewhere

Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays –
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

Ongoing

Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports
complex (link).
Thru March 31.

March 2005

Doll & Teddy Bear Weekend (link).
March 18–20.

April 2005

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link).
April 15 – June 5.
Disney Grad Nights (link).
April 22, 23, 29, 30.
Pin Route 498 pin event (link).
April 30.
Walt Disney World Inline Marathon Fitness Expo (link).
April 30 – May 1.
All Star Kids Inline Classic (link).
April 30.

May 2005

Walt Disney World Inline Marathon & Half-Marathon (link).
May 1.
Danskin Women’s Triathlon (link)
May 15.
Star Wars Weekends (link).
Fridays – Sundays, May 20 – June 12.
Florida Half Ironman at Walt Disney World (link)
May 22.

June 2005

Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link1
| link2).
June 2–5.
National Kidney Foundation 5K (link)
June 12.

September 2005

Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link).
Sept. 2–4.
Night of Joy (link).
Dates TBA.
Disney’s International Distance Triathlon (link)
Sept. 23–25.
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link).
Sept. 30 – Nov. 13.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (link).
Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 4, 7, 11, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31.

October 2005

Disney’s 10K Classic (link)
Oct. 9.
Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link).
Oct. 20–23.

November 2005

Festival of the Masters (link).
Nov. 11–13.
Super Soap Weekend (link).
Nov. 12–13.
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights (link).
Nov. 23 – Jan. 8, 2006
Holidays Around the World (link).
Nov. 25 – Dec. 30.
Festival of the Seasons (link).
Dates TBA.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (link).
Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.

December 2005

Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve (link).
Dec. 31.
New Year’s Eve at Cirque du Soleil (link).
Dec. 31.
Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve (link).
Dec. 31.

January 2006

Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo (link).
Jan. 6 & 7.
FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link).
Jan. 7.
Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link).
Registration now open. Jan. 7. [Note: The full- and half-marathons are
now held on separate days. Read our WDW
Marathon Guide.]
Walt Disney World Marathon (link).
Registration now open. Jan. 8.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Summer passholder rates are out

Annual Passholder resort discounts valid most nights from April 17 through
July 4 have been announced. Rates start at $74 for value resorts and $104
for moderates. See the Passholder web site (link)
or MouseSavers (link)
for more information.

Last few days for Southwest Airlines discount packages for Walt Disney
World, Disneyland

Southwest Airlines is offering vacation packages to the Disneyland and
Walt Disney World Resorts. The packages are valid for trips from through
June 2, 2005, and must be booked by this Thursday, March 17. For complete
details, go to the Southwest Vacations site (link).

DVC golf discount, bonus

Walt Disney World golf courses are now offering Disney Vacation Club
members free club and shoe rentals through March 31, 2005. DVC members
can also purchase a DVC Annual Golf Membership for $50 plus tax. The golf
membership grants special prices and perks at the WDW golf courses.

Radisson Resort Parkway announces rates through 2005

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates
through the end of 2005.

	Courtyard View	Deluxe Pool View	Bed & Breakfast Pkg – Courtyard View
2005
Feb 21 – March 17	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95
March 18 – Apr 9	$119.95	$129.95	$137.95
Apr 10 – 16	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95
Apr 17 – June 29	$89.95	$99.95	$107.95
June 30 – July 4	$99.95	$109.95	$117.95
July 5 – Aug 13	$89.95	$99.95	$107.95
Aug 14 – Sept 29	$79.95	$89.95	$97.95
Sept 30 – Oct 22	$89.95	$99.95	$107.95
Oct 23 – Dec 22	$79.95	$89.95	$97.95
Dec 23 – 31	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95

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

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The entire price structure has changed as of January 2 to the new “Magic
Your Way” passes. Advance purchase discounts are only available on
tickets above the base ticket of at least 5 days.

Adult/Child Total Cost	1-day	2-day	3-day	4-day	5-day	6-day	7-day	8-day	9-day	10-day
Base Ticket	$59.75 / $48	$119 / $96	$171 / $137	$185 / $148	$193 / $155	$196 / $157	$199 / $160	$202 / $162	$205 / $164	$209 / $167
W/ Park Hopper	$94.75 / $83	$154 / $131	$206 / $172	$220 / $183	$228 / $190	$231 / $192	$234 / $195	$237 / $197	$240 / $199	$244 / $202
W/ Plus Pack	$104.75 / $93	$164 / $141	$216 / $182	$230 / $193	$238 / $200	$241 / $202	$244 / $205	$247 / $207	$250 / $209	$254 / $212
	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 3)	(plus 3)	(plus 4)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)
Premium Ticket	$139.75 / $128	$199 / $176	$251 / $217	$265 / $228	$273 / $235	$276 / $237	$279 / $240	$282 / $242	$285 / $245	$289 / $247
Premium, No Expiration	N/A	$209 / $186	$261 / $227	$280 / $243	$308 / $270	$321 / $282	$334 / $295	$382 / $342	$392 / $395	$399 / $347
Advance Purchase Discount	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$7/$6	$9/$7	$11/$9	$11/$9	$11/$9	$12/$9

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 May 2005.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	3/14	3/15	3/16	3/17	3/18	3/19
	MK 9a-12a EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7:30p AK 9a-6p BB 10a-5p TL 10a-5p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 10a-5p TL closed	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7:30p AK 9a-6p BB 10a-6p TL closed	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7:30p AK 9a-6p BB 10a-6p TL closed	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7:30p AK 9a-6p BB 10a-5p TL closed	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7:30p AK 9a-7p BB 10a-5p TL closed
3/20	3/21	MK = Magic Kingdom EF = Epcot, Future World EW = Epcot, World Showcase MGM = Disney-MGM Studios AK = Animal Kingdom BB = Blizzard Beach Water Park TL = Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Italics = Morning Extra Magic Hours Bold = Evening Extra Magic Hours
MK 8a-12a EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-8p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-7p	MK 8a-12a EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-8p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-7p

Entertainment Schedule