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News and Views

Disney’s Tragical Express?

We’re hearing more complaints about the early days of the Disney’s Magical
Express bus and luggage service, both from guests and cast members. Reported
issues include:

• Luggage failing to arrive for over a day


• Luggage not making it back to the airport on time


• People who had only room reservations not being in the system so that
  when they showed up no one knew what to do with them


• 31 cast members quitting the first day.

On the first day alone, some reported 7,000 people throughout the resort
did not receive their luggage, got the wrong luggage or had some other
difficulties in obtaining it, while some people waited several hours for
a bus to take them to a resort. It seems that all is not going swimmingly.

The program, which has already been nicknamed “Disney’s Tragical Express”
by several cast members, is a new guaranteed luggage delivery system that
is supposed to “magically” transport the luggage that is checked by guests
at their home airport to their resort room before they arrive, or at least
shortly after they arrive.

We have heard several reports of guests not receiving their luggage for
a day or more, with Disney having to reimburse them for the cost of items
such as clothing and toiletries for them to use while waiting for their
own belongings to arrive.

Cast members apparently also have their own headaches working with the
system, with some guests taking their own luggage instead of leaving it
to be picked up by the program, guests screaming at managers, inadequate
training, lack of information and staffing (probably due to the 31 people
who quit) and “more logistics problems than can be mentioned.” There are
also some hard feelings due to the many people who are losing all or part
of their income due to the new system, from sky caps and cab drivers who
are losing customers, to bellhops at the hotel who have fewer guests to
carry bags for. Frustrations with the system are provoking un-Disneylike
responses from many cast members, who are trying to do their best in the
situation.

In the meantime, if you plan to use Disney’s Magical Express in the near
future, have some patience with the cast members involved, as they are
doing their best to handle all of the issues that are arising with the
new program. In addition, you probably want to make sure that you have
at least one day’s worth of clothing and toiletries (and all of any medication
you may be carrying) in your carry-on baggage. That way, you’ll be able
to enjoy yourself, even if your luggage is still making its way to your
room.

We’ll bring you more updates on the system as we hear them.

Tarzan Rocks update

Those who want one last chance to see Tarzan Rocks before it closes
for good will apparently have a little more time. We’ve received word
that the show’s closing has been moved back from September to January.

Some of the other items from Mike Scopa’s note last week are already
being updated. It appears that the entire show will not be exported to
Hong Kong. Instead, Hong Kong will have a show featuring several small
pieces of the Tarzan Rocks music and Tarzan, but it’s a medley
show featuring many Disney characters and music.

Back at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, while the theater will be enclosed and
air conditioned, the new show may not be based on The Jungle Book,
contrary to what we had heard last week. The latest word that we’ve received
indicates that money has been put into the beginning of a Finding Nemo
show. Yes, Finding Nemo. In between Dinoland, U.S.A. and Asia.
Go figure; I don’t understand it.

Girl abused at WDW found, safe, in Pennsylvania

The search for a young girl who appeared in a series of sexually explicit
photos taken, among other locations, at Walt Disney World’s Port Orleans
Resort French Quarter (link)
has come to a successful conclusion. The girl, now 11 or 12 years old,
was found in the Pittsburgh area after authorities found a match in one
of several law enforcement databases of child pornography.

The girl, originally from Russia, had been adopted by a Pittsburgh-area
woman from a foster home. The girl had been placed there after Matthew
Mancuso, her previous adoptive father, was arrested in 2003 and convicted
in 2004 of forcing a young girl to appear on pornographic photos found
on a computer disk in his home. Mancuso was sentenced to 15 years and
8 months in prison for the crime, and charges that he abused the girl
are still pending. It is unknown at this time if the charges related to
the same girl. He had adopted her when she was 5 years old.

Three weeks ago, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office released a photo
of another girl who appeared in other photos with the same background
as those of the girl that they were searching for, stating that the second
girl was not thought to have been molested and that she had not appeared
in any pornographic photos (link).
On Thursday, the FBI received information that linked this case to the
Pennsylvania case.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Office has stated that they don’t want to
see Mancuso out of prison again, but will not press charges as long as
Pennsylvania can guarantee his incarceration so as to avoid dragging the
victim through another trial.

The investigation had involved the FBI, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office,
the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and U.S. Immigrations
and Customs Enforcement.

Elephant who lost calf in childbirth dies of infection

Disney’s Animal Kingdom lost another elephant on Saturday, as Ibala,
the 26-year-old elephant who had lost her calf in childbirth three weeks
earlier (link)
died of a severe infection of the uterus and abdominal cavity. Disney
veterinarians had planned to wait for Ibala to naturally expel the calf,
but decided to remove it after finding that Ibala was still having contractions.
Ibala died hours later. Our condolences again go out to all those involved
in the elephant program at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

Contemporary Resort refurbishment news

We’ve heard from another insider about the refurbishment at the Contemporary
Resort. It seems that there is indeed a plan in place to convert the South
Garden Wing in the a Disney Vacation Club resort, but no one is certain
until the first worker knocks down the first wall. However, construction
delays are occurring because of a lack of labor due to continuing hurricane
repairs in Central Florida. Renovations will continue through the rest
of the resort (which is current expected to remain a regular hotel) with
an overall completion date of June 2007 for the entire resort.

Our source was able to view one of the two showrooms already completed
at the resort, and describes the room:

The rooms are done in beiges and browns, with a matching bedding and
carpeting. There are two separate double sinks with a very modern feel
to them. There is a 16-inch by 9-inch format High Definition TV (looks
to be flat panel) mounted in the wall. This is accompanied by a sophisticated
remote. The marble flooring in the bathroom and toilet are the same,
but the door to the toilet been replaced with a sliding door. It all
has a very modern, Pier One feel to it. If you look up to the sixth
floor from the Portico at the far right you will see two rooms with
new brown railings replacing the old green ones. These are the showrooms.
From the outside hallway you can see samples of the new carpet.

I was very impressed with the look of the new rooms. Gone are all of
the garish art deco features and feel. While I am sure many will miss
the feel of the old rooms, the new decor is far superior. The only downside
I see is that the Contemporary will once again become a hot ticket and
I will not be able to stay there at a reasonable price.

As we receive any further information on the transformation of the Contemporary,
we’ll let you know.

Disney Magic on its way to California

On Saturday, the Disney Magic left Port Canaveral on its first-ever,
transcanal voyage. The 4,997 nautical mile repositioning cruise brings
the ship from Florida to the Port of Los Angeles in San Pedro on May 28.
The 14-night cruise stops at Castaway Cay, as well as Curacao, Acapulco,
Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, along the way. After its arrival in Los Angeles,
it saila on 12 seven-night voyages before returning to Florida via another
two-week repositioning cruise.

Advance reservations for shipboard dining and services now available
for Disney Cruise Line

The Disney Cruise Line is now allowing guests to make reservations for
shipboard dining and services, instead of having to make that mad rush
upon boarding. Guests who are registered at disneycruise.com and whose
cruise is paid in full may make advance reservations for dining at Palo,
shore excursions, spa services and children’s babysitting and youth activities.
Reservations may be made online at disneycruise.com or by calling the
Disney Cruise Line at at 800-951-3532.

There are preferred classes of guests here, so be aware that some things
may be sold out before you even get the chance to register. Concierge-level
cruisers may make reservations up to 105 days before embarkation. Castaway
Club members (those who have sailed on the Disney Cruise Line before)
may make reservations up to 90 days prior to embarkation. All other cruisers
may start making their reservations 75 days prior to embarkation.

Disney to outsource 1,000 IT jobs; 230 of the jobs in Florida

One day after announcing a 30 percent increase in profit and two months
after the appointment of Tony Scott as the company’s new Chief Information
Officer, The Walt Disney Company announced that 1,000 technology jobs
would be outsourced. The positions, 230 of which are located at Walt Disney
World, will be outsourced to two companies, IBM and Affiliated Computer
Services, with IBM (based in Armonk, New York) taking on the data center
and applications jobs, and Dallas-based ACS handling client-service and
telecom positions.

The news was broken to staff at two meetings last Thursday by Disney
Vice President of Human Resources Megan Barnett and Vice President of
Client Services Don Mattox, who attempted to portray the arrangement as
a positive change. “You are in the IT business, but Disney is not,” employees
were told by Mattox. Added Barnett, “Disney is an entertainment and hospitality
company. These are technology companies. They offer training that we couldn’t
possibly supply.”

While IBM and ACS will likely hire those already in the positions, keeping
them on in their current capacities, non-technical employees in the division
may be offered positions elsewhere at Disney or may even be laid off.
Most of the employees provide technical and network support to the other
employees at all of Disney’s locations.

For those employees who will be transitioning, meetings with the new
employers will be scheduled for June. Their last day of work for Disney
will be July 16, and their employment with IBM or ACS will begin July
17.

Contract negotiations with IBM and ACS are still in progress, but Disney
said that their goal is to negotiate comparable packages in salaries,
benefits and vacation time for the affected employees.

New Happiest Celebration glow medallion available; Pal Mickey pin

The new Happiest Celebration on Earth interactive glow medallions are
now on sale for $15.02 ($16.00 including tax) at all locations that carry
Happiest Celebration merchandise. The medallion, which matches the one
embedded in the palm of Pal Mickey version 2.0, is a large, gold three-circle
Mickey head logo pin with the gold-on-blue castle logo in the “head”
circle. It also comes with a lanyard that it can be clipped on to. There
are red, green and blue LEDs outlining the medallion, which can do 10
different light shows. They do shows in various attractions, when in the
presence of parades, or when you push Pal Mickey’s hand in the general
vicinity.

In addition, if you’re thinking of getting a Pal Mickey version 2.0 in
the parks, go to the Pal Mickey page (link)
of the Walt Disney World Web site. There is a game where the winner’s
certificate will allow you to get a free Pal Mickey pin with the purchase
of any Happiest Celebration on Earth edition Pal Mickey. The online game
and certificate are available through Septmber 30, 2005. You must redeem
certificates by September 30, 2006.

Vero Beach Resort update

As reported earlier, roof work due to hurricane rehabilitation is continuing
at Disney’s Vero Beach Resort, and is expected to last through November.
According to the Disney Vacation Club, while those staying at the resort
“may hear limited amounts of noise during daylight hours and see
scaffolding in affected areas throughout the day, the work isn’t creating
tar odors or other disturbances.”

In the meantime, Eb and Flo’s Rentals has created a new menu of massage
options:

• Swedish Relaxation Massage ($40 half session, $60 full session)
• Pregnancy Massage ($40 half session, $60 full session)
• Sports Massage ($45 half session, $70 full session)
• Deep Tissue Massage ($50 half session, $75 full session)
• Chair Massage ($25 for 15 minutes)
• Any massage treatment may be enhanced with Aromatherapy (an additional
  $10 fee)

For more information, or to schedule an appointment, contact Eb and Flo’s
Rentals.

The resort also recently changed the operating hours for its food and
beverage operations.

• Sonya’s restaurant is open for dinner 6–10 p.m. Thursday-Sunday.
  A la carte breakfast will be served 7–11 a.m. on Saturdays. Brunch
  will be served 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Sundays.
• Shutters restaurant serves breakfast 7–11 a.m., lunch 11:30
  a.m. – 3 p.m. and dinner 5–10 p.m. daily.
• Inn-Room Dining is available 7–10 a.m. and 5–10 p.m. daily.
• Bleachers is open 11 a.m.–5 p.m. daily.
• The Green Cabin Lounge also is open from noon to midnight daily.

Orlando airport to test eye-scan security for staff; frequent fliers
next?

Orlando International Airport will shortly begin a pilot test of new
security equipment that uses biometric technology to identify and grant
access to authorized areas for certain employees and vendors. The equipment
takes a picture of the irises (the colored parts of the eye) of individuals,
compares more than 250 unique characteristics with a database of known
authorized individuals, and verifies the identity of those who should
be granted access. The pilot will involve approximately 500 of the airport’s
15,000 employees and vendors.

Reportedly, the scanning equipment will work even if the user is wearing
glasses or contact lenses. A portion of the test will likely revolve around
the use of sunglasses. The test will be conducted outdoors at a vehicle
access point into secure areas of the airport. The test will be utilize
the biometric scanners in parallel with existing security measures.

The test is part of a nationwide field test of the iris-scanning equipment
this summer being conducted by the Federal Aviation Authority. San Francisco
International Airport is already using biometric authentication, where
employees have the shape of their hand scanned before they are granted
access to ramps.

Orlando International will soon begin their live test of the “Private
Sector Known Traveler Program,” which was announced in February. This
optional program will allow frequent fliers to provide some personal data
– along with biometric measurements – on an application, and
pass a security assessment which includes checks with federal law enforcement
and intelligence data sources. The traveler will then be able to have
quicker passage through airport security checkpoints. It is possible that
this program will include similar iris-scanning technology. This program
could begin as soon as later this month.

Ears to the ground

…Star Wars Weekends kick off this week with special guests Daniel
Logan (Young Boba Fett) and John Goodson (Concept Model Maker – Episode
III). One new feature this year allows guests to “choose their path and
fulfill their destiny” in two distinct zones—The Rebel Base, celebrating
the “good guys” of the Rebellion in a themed area near the Star Tours
attraction, and The Imperial Sector, presenting elements themed to the
evil Empire on Mickey Avenue.

…Commemorative Disney Dollars were released May 5. Dumbo ($1), Donald
($5) and Stitch ($10) appear on the new Disney Dollars created for the
Happiest Celebration on Earth, along with Mickey Mouse on the first-ever
$50 bill. The reverse side of every bill features the original Sleeping
Beauty Castle from Disneyland Park flanked by the years 1955 and 2005.
A second series of uniquely designed $1, $5 and $10 bills will debut on
Feb. 5, 2006, which will be the halfway point of the Celebration.

…Disney is currently testing a lunch buffet at the Coronado Springs
Resort’s Maya Grill, daily from noon until 2 p.m for $17.95 per person.
That price is valid for adults and children.

…A new shop featuring a variety of kitchen gadgets named Mickey’s
Pantry recently opened adjacent to the Earl of Sandwich Restaurant at
Downtown Disney Marketplace, on the site of the old Goofy’s Candy Co.
(which is now located further east, on the former site of Disney at Home).

…Prices at the Disney Vacation Club are going up again on June 19,
when the Member Vacation Point price increases from $95 to $98 per point.

…The Haunted Mansion is expected to go down for refurbishment in
the near future.

…Fans of Kryssa, who hosted the countdown of Top 7 Things to Do
at WDW on resort TV, will be disappointed to hear that the program has
changed and now features a new hostess. Stacey hosts a new Top 7, which
includes all of the new attractions that were opened for the Happiest
Celebration on Earth.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Peter Pan’s Flight – closed for refurbishment from May
  22–26.
  
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – most of the area
  has reopened, featuring corral–type planters and more walkway space.
  The remainder is transforming into a Hundred Acre Wood–themed children’s
  play area featuring slides, climbing structures, and interactive pop-jet
  fountains. The area, to be called “Pooh’s Playful Spot,” is
  expected to open around September..

• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned,
  date uncertain.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is currently
  closed.
• 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.
• Stitch’s Great Escape – is running at half-capacity while
  the show is upgraded. Work on the first theater has been completed.
  We do not have an expected completion date on the second theater yet.
• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration –reportedly returns
  after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities
  end.

Epcot

• 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 is currently closed.
  

Disney–MGM Studios

• No current refurbishments.
  

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May –
  July, 2005.
  
• Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.
  The likely official opening date is April 22, which is both Earth Day
  and the park’s birthday, but previews may start as early as February
  2006.
  

Resorts

• Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment
  of longhouses: 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.
  
• Contemporary Resort – The South Garden Wing will be closed
  for refurbishment from May 30 – October 31. Rumors indicate that
  the buildings may be completely gutted and rebuilt as Disney Vacation
  Club villas. No confirmation of the conversion yet. After the South
  Garden Wing is complete, renovations will continue through the rest
  of the resort, which will run through June, 2007.
  
• 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 are opening one each
  month, through October 2005; Phase III’s the six units due in 2007,
  involves razing the old Fairway Villas.
  
• Yacht Club Resort – Siding renovation project to continue
  through mid-2005.
  
• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort (DVC Resort) – Roof repairs
  due to hurricane rehabilitation are ongoing and scheduled to run through
  late November.

• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel – Repainting of the building’s
  exterior is underway. Regular hotel operations are not affected.
  

Water Parks

• No current refurbishments.
  

Elsewhere

• Magnolia Golf Course – Closed for major renovation from
  May 9 – September 10.
  
• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays –
  Saturdays. There will be no performances Jun 5–20.
  

Park Events

Ongoing

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link).
  April 15 – June 5.
  

May 2005

• 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 11.
  

July 2005

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp (link).
  July 29 – August 17.

September 2005

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link).
  Sept. 2–4.
  
• Night of Joy (link).
  Sept. 9–10.
  
• Walt Disney World 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, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31.
  

October 2005

• Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K (link)
  Oct. 8.

• Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K (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

• Pop Warner Super Bowl (link).
  Dec. 4–10.
  
• 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

Late-summer Passholder and Florida resident rates are out

Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts have been released for
July 5 through August 27, with rates starting at $74 per night for value
resorts and $99 per night for moderate resorts. Discount codes are EXE
for passholders and EXF for Florida residents. See the Passholder 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.

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

Disney’s Summer Price Slice discount returns to golf courses

Summer Price Slice is back with reduced-price greens fees on tee times
after 10 a.m. daily from May 2 through Sept. 29 on Disney’s five 18-hole
golf courses.

Golfers can play the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $60
(compared to a normal seasonal greens fee of $119) or Eagle Pines for
$50 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $109). Post-10 a.m. rounds on
the Magnolia, Palm or Lake Buena Vista courses are $45 (compared to a
normal seasonal fee of $89-$94). Prices include golf cart rental.

Disney’s Summer Price Slice also gives golfers the opportunity to play
afternoon rounds late into the day. Golfers can take on Osprey Ridge after
3 p.m. for $35 ($30 after 5 p.m.). Eagle Pines, Magnolia and Palm start
at $30 after 3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.). Rounds at Lake Buena Vista start
at $25 after 3 p.m. ($20 after 5 p.m.).

For tee times, call 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653) or go to the Walt Disney
World Golf web site (link).

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The entire ticket price structure changed as of January 2, 2005, to the
new “Magic Your Way” passes. Advance purchase discounts are
only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 5 days.

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 July 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through July 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)