Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Star Wars Weekends extended for two more weeks

The frenzy surrounding the release of the final chapter of George Lucas’
space opera has resulted in record crowds at Star Wars Weekends at the
Disney-MGM Studios. Due to the high demand, Disney has decided to extend
the event for an additional two weekends. While there will be no celebrity
guests in attendance, all other events—from Jedi Academy to the special
themed editions of Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It
to character meet-and-greets will all still be up and running. The event
continues June 17–19 and June 24–26.

Darth Vader Mickey beanbag plush available by mail-order

Those who were not lucky enough to purchase the Darth Vader Mickey beanbag
plush before it sold out during the first Star Wars Weekend now have a
second chance. Disney is having more plushes made and will make them available
by mail order (link),
but you must order by Sunday, June 12. The beanbags may be ordered with
a maximum of two per order, and cost $12 apiece with $8.95 shipping per
order. You’ll have to wait for them, too. The plushes will not be delivered
until late September or early October.

Ice Station Cool closed, to be rethemed over next six to eight months

Ice Station Cool at Epcot was shut down for refurbishment last week,
and will be down until late this year or early next year. The location
will be completely rethemed and will reopen as Club Cool.

Gay Day/Gay Days 2005

When an estimated 130,000 members of the Gay/Lesbian/Bisexual/Transgendered
(GLBT) community descended on the Walt Disney World area this past weekend,
the big news was… nothing. The 15th annual gathering, which in the past
has drawn a great deal of media coverage, drew relatively minor coverage
in the Orlando Sentinel, one of which was a listing of the schedule
of events. There were no reports of controversies, protests and so forth
as in previous years.

The event, which now is one of the country’s largest gay-oriented gatherings,
is part of what is now a $54 billion per year gay travel industry. While
Walt Disney World is not an official sponsor of the event, it is the focus
of much of the festivities. This year, a “surprise” pin release
on Thursday was a limited edition pin featuring Mickey hanging onto a
rainbow with the words “Happy Times at Walt Disney World” (link).
This pin will not be available through Walt Disney World Mail Order.

MousePlanet will be presenting a closer, balanced look at the Gay Day/Gay
Days events at Walt Disney World and Disneyland in an article later this
summer. If you were at Walt Disney World this weekend, either independently
or as a participant (whether you’re in favor of the event or against it)
we’d
like to hear from you about your experiences and your feelings about
the event.

Magical Express problems continue

While many guests are having smooth rides with Disney’s Magical Express
(DME), some reports show that there are still some major problems. We
are hearing that, at the Pop Century Resort, as many as one of every three
guests is seeing major delays in delivery of their luggage, with bags
sometimes taking as much as 6-8 hours to arrive in the guests’ rooms.
Apparently, the airlines are delaying release of bags to Disney for many
hours, perhaps in retaliation for the loss of skycap jobs due to the DME
service. This is resulting in a number of bags being delivered as late
as 3 a.m. Disney has apparently been distributing a large number of $150
gift cards to disgruntled guests.

In addition, Disney may not be making it clear enough that guests need
to leave three hours before their flight in order to get through security
clearance, partly because there may be a 2-hour wait with the buses.

Another area of difficulty is with the drivers of the Mears coaches that
shuttle the travelers between the airport and the resort. Reports of surly
drivers are many. These are the first and last “Disney” representatives
that guests see. (Regardless of the fact that these are not Disney employees,
that distinction is rarely made by guests.) This must be putting as sour
a taste in Disney’s mouth as it does for the guests.

New Disney package includes free dining plan

Disney has announced a pair of special offers for the general public
and Florida residents featuring free Magic Your Way Dining plans. The
offers are valid for stays from August 21 through October 4, and must
be booked by July 3 (general public) or July 19 (Florida residents). However,
there are a limited number of packages available, so don’t delay too long
in making your reservation.

Packages include three to 10 nights at a Disney resort, Magic Your Way
basic passes (upgradeable for a fee), the Magic Your Way Dining Plan (one
counter-service meal, a select snack and one table-service meal per day)
and Disney’s Magical Express airport transportation. Prices at value resorts
are $85 per night for adults, with much lower prices for juniors (age
10-17 for the general public, age 10-12 for Florida residents) and children
(age 3-9). Prices are based on double occupancy.

Package codes are YMP for the general public and YMT for Florida Residents.
The package is available now through travel agents and by calling Disney
at 407-93-7713, and will be available online starting June 17.

Cruise Line to cross the pond in 2007?

In last week’s article about the Disney Cruise Line’s summer stay on
the West Coast (link),
Tom McAlpin, president of the Disney Cruise Line, replied to a question
about a return to California in the future by saying, “I wouldn’t
call it a trial run. When we poll our guests—when we look at where
we want to go next?we use comment cards and we use third–party research
to find out where is the demand. We learned that the highest demand is
where we are operating today [in the Caribbean]. The next demand is in
California, and we certainly have seen that—there have been high
levels of demand of Alaska and the Mediterranean.?

We are now hearing that some past Disney Cruise Line cruisers are receiving
surveys regarding possible destinations for 2007. The survey includes
itineraries and pricing. Choices include 7-night Mexican cruises from
the Port of Los Angeles, 7- or 10-night Mediterranean cruises sailing
from Barcelona, 10-night Baltic cruises sailing from Southampton, England
and 7-night Alaskan cruise sailing from Vancouver or Seattle. Pricing
for the various cruises start at $1,799-$2,899 for an inside stateroom,
depending on the itinerary.

In any case, if you’re hoping to cruise from Port Canaveral during the
summer of 2007, it looks like you’ll be taking a 3- or 4-night cruise.

Airport moves ahead with known traveler program

Last Wednesday, Orlando International Airport (MCO) approved a contract
for a pilot “Private Sector Known Traveler Program” (PSKT) to
a combined proposal by Verified Identity Pass, Inc. (Verified ID) and
Lockheed Martin Corporation. Participants in the program will pay a fee
of $80 to $100 per year and provide fingerprint and iris scan identification
for clearance by Federal law enforcement and intelligence agencies. Once
cleared, they will have an exclusive security line and the promise of
no random secondary pat-down. However, they will still be subject to metal
detectors and baggage X-rays.

If the system, to be known as “Clear,” is successful, Verified
ID hopes to expand it to airports nationwide, as well as other locations
requiring security checkpoints. The company hopes to have 3.3 million
cardholders within six years.

Verified ID says that the company will have and store very little about
each cardholder, since approval will come through the Federal government.

As the program gets underway, MCO will provide front-of-the-line treatment
for cardholders at existing checkpoint lanes. As the program expands,
the airport will have specific lanes dedicated to cardholders.

Enrollment to sign up for the PSKT program begins on June 21, and information
regarding the program will soon be available on the airport’s web site
(link). Clearance
is expected to take three to five days.

Ears to the ground

…We now have confirmation that the planets of the Astro Orbiter
in Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland have resumed spinning after years of remaining
static.

…A reader reports that, as of last week, Pinocchio Village Haus
at the Magic Kingdom has not yet made the change to the reported new menu
of pizza and other Italian food options. We’ll let you know when we hear
that the switch has been made.

…Fans of Epcot’s famous purple dragon can register for a special
event release of a scupture of Figment on September 8 (see
events schedule below).

…The glass window in front of the original EPCOT model seen from
the Tomorrowland Transit Authority now sports blue reflective captioning
that states “THE CITY OF TOMORROW IS A GREAT ELECTRIC MACHINE WORKING
FOR YOU.”

…The Toon Park playground in Mickey’s Toontown Fair at the Magic
Kingdom is now closed for refurbishment through June 30.

…Those who listen to podcasts might want to check out Inside the
Magic (link),
a weekly Walt Disney World-focused podcast that debuted on April 13. If
you’ve found any other podcasts focused on Walt Disney World, please let
us know.

…There will be a series of Disney Vacation Club members-only events
at Pleasure Island on certain Tuesday evenings this summer. The gatherings,
which will run from 5-7 p.m., will grant members free admission to Pleasure
Island clubs that night. Details are still being finalized.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Toon Park playground in Mickey’s Toontown Fair – closed
  for refurbishment from June 6–30.
  
• 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.
• Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station – will be closed
  from May 22 – June 11.
• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns
  after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities
  end.

Epcot

• Ice Station Cool – closed through late this year for refurbishment.
  
• 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 – Work is now beginning on the complete
  refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in all buildings,
  which is expected to be completed by June, 2006.
  
• 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 is expected to run through November, 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

• Star Wars Weekends. Fridays – Sundays, May 20 – June
  12. A celebration of all things Jedi and Sith (link).
  

June 2005

• National Kidney Foundation 5K. June 11. A fund-raising run
  for kidney research (link).
  

July 2005

• A Morning With Harmony Kingdom. Collectible box release at
  Disney’s Animal Kingdom (link).

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp. July 29 – August 17.
  The National Football League team heads down I-4 to get in shape for
  the season (link).

September 2005

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Sept. 2–4. The annual gathering
  hopes not to be cancelled by hurricane again this year (link).
  
• A Precious Weekend – Happiness Shared Together. Sept. 3–4.
  Release of first-ever Precious Moments and Disney Character integrated
  figurines (link).
  
• One Little Spark… A Morning with a Purple Dragon. Sept. 8.
  Release of Figment sculpture and limited-edition pin (link).
  
• Night of Joy. Sept. 9–10. Disney’s annual Christian music
  festival (link).
  
• Happiest Pin Celebration on Earth. Sept. 9–11. The big
  fall pin event, held at Epcot’s World Showplace (link).
  
• Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 23–25. Competitors
  race around the resort on water, bike and foot (link).
  
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 30 –
  Nov. 13. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to
  the Beat concert series (link).

• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 6,
  7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31. The big celebration of
  the boo-tiful season (link).
  

October 2005

• Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K. Oct. 8. The annual
  fund-raising run for breast cancer research (link).

• Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K. Oct. 9. The annual Disney
  10K race gets a new name and a theme (link).

• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. Oct. 20–23. The 35th
  annual fall golf classic is played on the Palm and Magnolia courses
  (link).
  

November 2005

• Festival of the Masters. Nov. 11–13. Artists display their
  works at Downtown Disney (link).

• Super Soap Weekend. Nov. 12–13. Daytime stars descend
  upon the Disney-MGM Studios (link).

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Nov. 23 – Jan. 8,
  2006. Millions of lights bombard the eyes at the Disney-MGM Studios
  (link).

• Holidays Around the World. Nov. 25 – Dec. 30. Epcot celebrates
  the season, including the popular Candlelight Processional (link).

• Festival of the Seasons. Dates TBA. Downtown Disney celebrates
  the season (link).

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1, 2,
  4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa
  and cookies. What’s not to like? (link).

• MouseFest 2005. November 30 – December 3. Meet your favorite
  Disney Internet and guidebook authors (including some of us!) at a gathering
  of the Disney Internet community around the World (link).
  

December 2005

• Pop Warner Super Bowl. Dec. 4–10. Football players and
  cheerleaders descend on the resort for the annual championships (link).
  
• Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates
  the actual New Year (link).
  
• New Year’s Eve at Cirque du Soleil. Dec. 31. Cirque puts on
  special New Year’s performances (link).
  
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31. Ring in the New
  Year at the BoardWalk’s own dance club (link).
  

January 2006

• Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo. Jan. 5–7. Check in for
  the weekend’s races and check out the vendors (link).
  
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run. Jan. 7. The shortest run
  of the weekend (link).
  
• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration now open
  (link).
  [Note: The full- and half-marathons are now held on separate days. Read
  our WDW Marathon Guide.]
  
• Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 8. Registration now open
  (link).
  

May 2006

• Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 19–21. Collectible
  bears and dolls at Epcot (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Fall Passholder rates are out

Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts have been released for
August 28 through October 4, with rates starting at $59 per night for
value resorts and $89 per night for moderate resorts. The discount code
to use is EXI. 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 August 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through August 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)