Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Magical Express baggage delivery unavailable during off hours

If you plan to land at Orlando International Airport between 11:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m., you should go ahead and pick up your own luggage at baggage claim and bring it with you to the DME bus. In addition, baggage delivery to guest rooms at the Disney resorts now stops at 2:00 a.m., since delivering after 2 a.m. is considered a disservice to guests. You can, however, have your bags delivered from 2:00 to 3:00 if you request.

Note that Magical Express service shuts down completely at 3 a.m., so if your bag does not arrive at the resort by 3 a.m., you will have to wait for your luggage to arrive the next morning after 7:00 a.m. when the service reopens.

Disney’s Express not so Magical for cabbies, limo drivers

The free Disney’s Magical Express service has proven to be a win-win
proposition for both Walt Disney World and guests who plan to stay on
property and not leave during their trip. Guests get free transportation
to and from the resort, and Disney gets a near-guarantee that the guests
(and their money) will not leave the resort. However, this is not a winning
proposition for one group: Taxi cab and limo drivers.

Not only has the new service cut far more business from the drivers
than the previous pay-for-ride Mears bus service, but the drivers feel
that the airport is treating them less than fairly in its rush to accommodate
Disney. In a closed-door meeting with airport officials last week, the
drivers stated their grievances and asked for fair treatment.

The new service is also apparently cutting into car rentals. Based on
an informal survey of the number of available parking slots at this peak
season, there are substantially fewer people renting cars to get to Walt
Disney Word. Even the Pop Century Resort, noted for its overflowing parking
lots, has many open spots.

Alamo introduces online check-in

For those choosing to rent a car from the official car rental company
of Walt Disney World instead of using the Disney’s Magical Express service,
Alamo has introduced a new feature called “Online Check-In.”
Regardless of whether the rental reservation was made online, by phone
or through a travel agent, customers can now check in for their reservation
online and go straight to their car when they arrive at the rental lot.

To use the new online check-in feature, customers provide driver’s license
information, verify options and provide payment information. Once complete,
they print the rental agreement to bring with them. Upon arriving at the
rental lot, customers bypass the rental counter and go straight to the
row where their vehicle type is parked. Vehicle keys are in the ignition.
After choosing a vehicle, customers would just load in their party and
their things, and drive to the exit booth.

With the lengthy wait at the rental desk at peak times, the ability to bypass that line looks like it will be a big help to those with impatient children (and impatient adults).

Disney testing new preschool guide at Magic Kingdom

Disney’s research team is testing out a new way to help the parents
of preschoolers navigate the wilds of the Magic Kingdom this summer. Now
in the second month of a summer-long trial, the guide lists preschooler-friendly
attractions and gives tips about the Fastpass system, how rider swap works,
when to eat, and even theme park etiquette.

Maps are being distributed at City Hall, the Tip Board, the guest relations
window, the stroller rental area, the baby care center, and the vacation-planning
office. Disney is recommending that parents use the guide in conjunction
with the standard park map and the times guide, which are both still available
in booklet holders in the tunnels under Main Street Station when entering
to the park.

While the criteria used to identify preschooler-friendly attraction is uncertain (The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wise Acre Farm is recommended, while the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management is not), the guides look like they would be a great help to parents of preschoolers that have little or no experience at Walt Disney World.

Two new theme park CDs to debut tomorrow

Tomorrow, Walt Disney Records releases two theme park-focused CDs, new
and old. For those who have purchased the six-disc 50th anniversary A
Musical History of Disneyland set but do not have the equipment to
play the bonus vinyl record included in the set, fear not; tomorrow, you
can buy Walt Disney Takes You to Disneyland on CD (buy).
In 1956, the album was the first record released by Disneyland Records,
which later became Walt Disney Records. Walt Disney narrates a tour through
Disneyland, which features music from all lands of the park.

If you’d rather sing along to theme park tunes without having to compete
with the original voices, Disney’s Carafe Series: Theme Park Favorites
(buy) is being released the same day. Featuring songs such as
&#147: Yo Ho (A Pirate’s Life for Me),” “There’s a Great Big
Beautiful Tomorrow,” &#147it’s a small world” and the new Happiest
Celebration anthem “Remember When,” the CD also is coded in
CD+G format so that it will display lyrics on a screen when using a karaoke
machine while still being able to play in a standard CD player, and includes
both instrumental and vocal versions of eight songs.

New benefits announced for Disney Visa card holders

A new benefit was introduced last Friday for Disney Visa card holders
An exclusive character meet-and-greet with a free 5×7 photo is currently
taking place from 1:30-4:30 p.m. at Epcot’s Innoventions West. The offer
is good for up to six people per card, with one free photo per card holder
account. Another new benefit for card holders is a 10 percent discount
on purchases of $25 or more at World of Disney at the Downtown Disney
Marketplace. Certain merchandise is excluded from this offer.

In addition, card holders can get 20 percent off the price of most theme
park tours, and a $50 onboard credit on Disney Cruise Line cruises. All
of the offers are valid from last Friday through September 30, 2006. You
must ask for these discounts. They will not be applied automatically.

Disney gift cards to become available in August

Next month marks the debut of Disney gift cards at Walt Disney World.
Similar to a program already in place at the Disneyland Resort in California,
guests can purchase stored-value gift cards valid at select merchandise
and food-and-beverage locations throughout Walt Disney World. The cards
can be purchased with values from $5 up to $1,500, and can be reloaded
with additional value at any time.

Members of our MousePad discussion boards have found the cards very useful at Disneyland for letting their children be in charge of their own souvenir money. However, note that these cards should be treated the same as cash. If lost, the cards cannot be replaced.

Kennedy Space Center to get $160 million upgrade to Visitor Complex

Facing increased competition for tourists, the Kennedy Space Center
Visitor Complex has announced a $160 million investment in new exhibits,
and signage and entranceway improvements. The nine new exhibits include
a $60 million thrill attraction simulating a space shuttle launch. The
attraction, to open in 2007, will not use the same centrifuge system used
in Walt Disney World’s Mission: Space attraction in Epcot, but rather
will use a more industry-standard motion platform system.

ECV, wheelchair, stroller rental prices go up

Effective yesterday, rental costs have gone up for electric convenience vehicles (ECVs), wheelchairs and strollers. ECV rentals have risen from $30 per day (with $10 key deposit) to $35 per day (with $5 deposit), while wheelchair rentals have risen from $7 per day (with $1 deposit) to $10 per day (with no deposit).

Stroller rentals are also up, though length-of-stay rentals are now available for multiple-day rentals. One-day single stroller rentals are up from $8 to $10 and double stroller rentals have risen from $15 to $18. The new length-of-stay rentals are available at rates of $8 per day for singles and $16 per day for doubles. There are no deposits on stroller rentals.

Ears to the ground

…Walt Disney World Executive Vice President of Operations Lee Cockerell has been named as Orange County’s representative on the Volunteer Florida commission on volunteerism. Cockerell already serves as campaign chair for the Heart of Florida United Way.

…Walt Disney World has come out on top of a reader survey by Meeting
News, a leading convention industry trade publication as the best
upscale property for meetings and conventions.

…It is rumored that a new window on Main Street, U.S.A. will be dedicated on July 18. No word yet on who it will be for.

…Ticket vending machines will be tested at the Contemporary and Pop Century Resorts.

…If you were watching the July 4 fireworks from Boston on CBS last week, you were not hallucinating. The music for the finale was indeed “We Go On” from the finale of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth at Epcot. And yes, they did slightly edit the last few seconds of the song to reach the crescendo more quickly.

…The special edition of the fireworks for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is now apparently called Happy HalloWishes: Grim Grinning Ghosts Come Out To Socialize.

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

• 
  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 – 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
  fundraising 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)