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News and Views

Mickeys for sale

The 75 six-foot-tall Mickey statues of the “75 InspEARations”
display, which began their national tour at Walt Disney World on Mickey’s
75th birthday (November 18, 2003), have been scheduled for auction by
Sotheby’s auction house. The statues, which were decorated by Disney legends
and other celebrities, will be auctioned off on September 27, with proceeds
to benefit charities selected by each artist. The 700-pound statues are
expected to bring in a combined total of over $1 million.

In the run-up to the auction, 15 of the statues will be displayed in
locations around New York City in August, including the New Amsterdam
Theatre and the World of Disney store. A full exhibition takes place from
September 20-26 in Sotheby’s third floor galleries, and will be free and
open to the public.

A catalogue featuring all 75 statues is available for purchase, and the
first 5,000 to buy the catalogue also receive a limited-edition Tuxedo
Mickey pin. You can order the catalogue in advance now by logging on to
www.sothebys.com or by calling 888-752-0002. The price for the catalogue
is $41 including shipping and handling.

You must register if you wish to bid in the auction. You can register
in person at the Sotheby’s New York headquarters any time before the sale,
or via fax when submitting an absentee bid form. Please call the Sotheby’s
Bid Department at 212-606-7414 for further information. Bidding may take
plae either in person, by phone, by an absentee bid or by Internet at
ebayliveauctions.com.

For more information on the charity auction, visit the auction’s web
site (link).

DVC announces Disneyland perks

The Disney Vacation Club has announced a list of perks for DVC members
visiting Disneyland. The perks cover various admission, dining and shopping
purchases. It also does not appear that you must be staying at a Disney
resort on DVC points in order to reap the benefits.

The park admission benefits give DVC members and members of their immediate
family residing in the same household a $20 discount on Deluxe or Premium
Annual Passports. This basically allows members to get a new Annual Pass
for the cost of an AP renewal. There is no discount on AP renewals. (The
family eligibility requirements parallel those for discounts on Walt Disney
World APs.)

Benefits also include discounts on food at two locations inside Disneyland
Park, four locations in Disney’s California Adventure and 11 locations
in Downtown Disney. Shopping discounts are available at 14 locations in
Downtown Disney, and admissions discounts are available for adults at
the AMC Theatres complex in Downtown Disney.

In addition, those who take advantage of the Annual Passport discounts
can also reap the benefits of Passholder discounts. Please note that all
adults must show valid driver’s license or government ID to prove same-household
status for the Annual Passport discount.

These perks are available now, and no end date has been announced. Members
must show their membership card to take advantage of any of these discounts.
See the Disney Vacation Club members-only site (link)
for details.

New Goodings opens on 192

Those that purchase groceries during their Walt Disney World vacations
might be interested to find that Goodings has opened a new store at Water
Tower Place in Celebration. The shopping center is at the corner of Celebration
Avenue and Irlo Bronson Hwy (SR-192). Reportedly, they are planning to
match Publix prices. The new store is open 24 hours a day and has a food
court. The liquor department closes at 2 a.m.

Disney announces Podcasts

Disney has added a number of podcasts to their Web site for those interested
in audio file content from Disney, ABC News and ESPN that are downloadable
to portable MP3 players, such as the Apple iPod. There are many programs
that allow you to subscribe to these podcasts, which will download new
shows automatically as they are posted to the Internet.

The Disney-branded podcasts (link)
currently include “Disney Insider” (similar to the current Disney
Insider e-mail newsletter), “Gears Behind the Ears” (an audio
version of shows available through Disney Motion) and “Last Minute
Book Reports” (a “witty and fun narration of classic novels
for kids”). Future Disney-branded content will include “Radio
Disney Music News” and “Walt Disney Parks and Resorts,”
which will reportedly include “Insider information on Disneyland
Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida, including
behind-the-scenes information and news regarding special events.”
The podcasts are also available through the iTunes Podcast Directory.

Disneyland’s 50th brings special commemorative T-shirts to WDW

As with many special events in the past, guests at Walt Disney World
can purchase a special limited-edition T-shirt on July 17, 2005. With
a logo featuring Mickey Mouse and the castles of Disneyland and Walt Disney
World, the shirt says “Celebrating 50 Years of Disney Theme Park
Magic” at the top and “Walt Disney World Resort salutes Disneyland
Resort, July 17, 1955–July 17, 2005” at the bottom.

The shirt are available while supplies last, beginning July 16 at the
primary gift store at all four theme parks and at several (but not all)
resorts, as well as the Disney merchandise locations at the Orlando International
Airport. The shirt costs $19 for adult sizes (S/M, L/XL, and 2XL) and
$17 for youth sizes (S/M, L/XL).

For the first time, the shirts are also available through the Disney
Gallery web site (link),
through July 18. Supplies are limited and will be available on a first
come, first-served basis.

Food & Wine Festival reservations open in 3 weeks; Eat to the Beat
concerts announced

On Monday, July 25, reservations open for the private events at this
year’s Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, which is scheduled
to run from September 30 through November 13. The Party for the Senses,
Specialty Dinners, Food and Wine Pairings, Wine Schools and Vertical Tastings
can be reserved by calling 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378). More details on
the events should be release shortly on the Walt Disney World web site
(link).

Of course, no reservations are needed for the public events, such as
the 20-plus international food marketplaces (including the new Turkey,
Singapore, Puerto Rico and Chile marketplaces), beer and wine tastings
and the Eat to the Beat concert series, since they are included with regular
Epcot admission.

Disney has also re-themed the annual Disney’s 10K Classic race, scheduled
for October 9, as “Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K” to match
the Food & Wine Festival. The name also echoes the name of the previous
day’s race, the Susan G. Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K.

Meanwhile, the acts for this year’s Eat to the Beat concert series during
the Food & Wine Festival have been announced. The concerts will be
occur daily at 5:45, 7 and 8:15 p.m. on the stage of the America Gardens
Theatre. Appearing will be:

• Sept. 30-Oct. 2 – Kansas
• Oct. 3-6 – Commodores
• Oct. 7-9 – Edgar Winter
• Oct. 10-13 – Kool & The Gang
• Oct. 14-16 – The Gap Band
• Oct. 17-19 – Arturo Sandoval featuring Nestor Torres
• Oct. 20-23 – Starship featuring Mickey Thomas
• Oct. 24-25 – The Beach Boys
• Oct. 26-28 – FamilyStone Experience
• Oct. 29-31 – The Miracles Review featuring Sydney Justin
• Nov. 1-4 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
• Nov. 5-7 – The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman
• Nov. 8-10 – Loverboy
• Nov. 11-13 – Three Dog Night

Mike Scopa’s tips

Mike is currently at Walt Disney World, and passes along these tidbits:

On annual passholder discounted room rates – When checking
in for a stay using the Annual Passholder discount rate, front desk staff
are not only checking for valid Annual Passes, but are actually writing
down pass numbers.

On dining – Despite the sizable crowds at the parks, there
are apparently no difficulties with walk-ins lately at table service restaurants.
Everybody must be too busy standing in line for attractions.

The Disney Dining Experience discount can apparently be used at food
courts and counter service locations when table-service is not nearby.

On transportation – They’ve been pushing people to use the
park-to-park bus routes, rather than having them return to their resorts.

Disney’s Magical Express appears to have eased the parking situation
at Pop Century, as there are a number of available spots despite the resort
being at 100 percent capacity.

On Extra Magic Hours – When visiting evening Extra Magic
Hours at the Magic Kingdom, the first half of the event has been packed,
while the second half is much better.

Visit the park with evening EMH the next morning. Everyone who visited
for Extra Magic Hours will likely not be returning, and the mornings are
light to begin with.

Evening Extra Magic Hours at Disney’s Animal Kingdom are pretty cool.
The place looks nice lit up at night.

World Showcase is completely closed during Epcot Extra Magic Hours. (Note:
We have heard from another source, however, that for this week only, many
restaurants around the World Showcase will remain open later to allow
guests more dining choices during the Extra Magic Hours.)

Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show – Fastpass tickets
are independent from the rest of the Fastpass system. You can grab a stunt
show Fastpass and then immediately get another Fastpass for a different
attraction. The best time to see Lights, Motors, Action is the first show
of the day (1:00). The 3:00 and 5:00 shows are more likely to be delayed
or cancelled by inclement weather.

On Expedition: Everest – Mike has heard a rumor from The
Unofficial Guide‘s Bob Sehlinger that there may be a delay in getting
Expedition: Everest open due to possible theme park safety legislation.

Soarin’ goes to 55-minute waits almost immediately upon park
opening. By mid-afternoon, Fastpasses on Soarin’ are running 7 hours away,
with return times around 8:00 p.m. for Fastpasses received at 1:00 p.m.
The line is running to almost an hour even right before park closing.

Illuminations has added a few lighting effects.

WDW again top RV-friendly attraction in U.S.

Walt Disney World Resort recently received the Welcome Mat Award as
the No. 1 “RV Friendly” tourist attraction for 2005 from the
Good Sam Club, the world’s largest membership organization of RV owners.
Good Sam introduced the Welcome Mat Award four years ago to recognize
businesses that offer top service to RV enthusiasts. This is the fourth
year Walt Disney World Resort has received the Welcome Mat Award. This
year, Walt Disney World also tied for best golf course with Pinehurst
in North Carolina.

Lilliput Lane Cinderella Castle signing event to feature Ray Day

For three days later this month, Lilliput Lane artist Ray Day will be
at Walt Disney World to sign the new Cinderella Castle sculpture, featuring
its Happiest Celebration on Earth decor. The 9-inch-tall sculptures are
a limited edition of 500, and will cost $235. Day will be at Downtown
Disney Marketplace on Friday, July 22, at Epcot on Saturday, July 23,
and Magic Kingdom on Sunday, July 24. For more information, check out
the Disney Gallery web site (link).

Ears to the ground

…A small fire on Big Thunder Mountain Railroad last Tuesday reportedly
caused a moment of excitement for some riders. The fire apparently was
located at a block zone stop point. When the fire caused an emergency
stop, one train was stopped right at the fire. There were no reported
injuries, all were evacuated safely, the fire was quickly extinguished
and the ride resumed operating later that day.

…The “Guide to Magic” handouts distributed at Disney resorts
are now containing monthly information, rather than weekly. The flyers
list Extra Magic Hours, but no longer include park hours. Resort staff
now hand out a separate flyer with park hours.

…The added attractions for Evening Extra Magic Hours at the Magic
Kingdom that we reported last week continue to be part of the EMH for
a few more weeks. In addition, for this week only, Walt Disney’s Carousel
of Progress, Liberty Square Riverboat, Hall of Presidents and Enchanted
Tiki Room: Under New Management have been added for the peak crowds.

…NASA has now officially set a launch date of July 13 for the return
to space with space shuttle Discovery. For those who wish to include the
launch in their vacation plans, remember that everything is subject to
weather and technical delays and the launch may or may not happen on that
date. The launch window runs through the end of July.

…The ESPN Great Outdoor Games takes place this Thursday through
Sunday at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex for broadcast July 13-17
on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC Sports.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• 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 of
  seats and carpeting occurring on a rolling basis; the attraction remains
  open.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is rumored
  to be opening this week for the summer season.
• 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.
• 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 through July
  28, 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 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.
  

Park Events

July 2005

• ESPN Great Outdoor Games. July 7-10. The sixth annual event
  moves to Walt Disney World this year (link).

• A Morning With Harmony Kingdom. July 9. Collectible box release
  at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (link).

• Lilliput Lane castle signing. July 22-24. Ray Day of Lilliput
  Lane will sign limited-edition sculptures of the Happiest Celebration
  on Earth version of Cinderella Castle (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 Ð 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 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)