Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Yet further clarification of the “90+10” dining reservation window

Due to some miscommunication, last week we did not correctly pass along
the process for making “90+10” dining reservations when you’ve booked
your stay through a travel agency. We stated that, because travel agency
reservations are entered into the Disney travel system differently than
those made directly by individuals, if you had booked your reservation
through a travel agent, your agent needed to make the call to take advantage
of the extra 10 days of reservations. That is incorrect.

In fact, what was misunderstood is that your reservation number from
the travel agency is not the number that would be in Disney’s reservation
system. You would need to get your Disney confirmation number from
your travel agent, and then you can use that to make your own dining reservations.
It is the travel agency reservation number that would not appear in the
Disney system. We’re sorry for that confusion.

Thanks to MousePlanet readers Rob Kucinski and Lisa Cantwell for bringing
that error to our attention.

Living Seas construction curtails tank tours

Last week, we reported that, despite the closure of the Living Seas pavilion
for refurbishment, in-tank Epcot DiveQuest, Seas Aqua Tour and Dolphins
in Depth programs would continue to operate unless the construction interfered
with the residents of the tank. We are now hearing that at least the Dolphins
in Depth tour has stopped accepting new reservations for tours from August
22 through November 30, though currently scheduled tours during that period
have not been cancelled at this time. Dates during that period may be
released with short notice, most likely based on the construction schedule,
so keep checking back if you really want to go on the tour during that
time. At this time, the Epcot DiveQuest and Seas Aqua Tour are unaffected.

Seasonal hour reductions appear on schedule

Disney has begun scheduling late-season hour reductions at the parks.
Beginning August 21, the Magic Kingdom is dropping nightly performances
of SpectroMagic and Wishes (with Wishes running at 10:00 each night) to
running SpectroMagic along with Wishes three times a week and Wishes running
at the 9:00 p.m. park closing time four nights a week. Effective September
1, Wishes runs at the 8:30 park close four nights per week, with Spectro
continuing to run three nights a week. Starting September 11, on the four
nights per week that the park closes early without Spectro, Wishes runs
at the 8:00 park closing time.

Over at the Disney-MGM Studios, the Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show
has shifted its schedule earlier in the day, with performances now taking
place at 11:00 a.m., 1:55 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. Through August 20, the Stars
and Motor Cars Parade will run at 5:30 p.m. and Fantasmic will run at
9:30 p.m. From August 21 through September 17, the parade will run at
5:00 p.m. while Fantasmic will begin at 9:00 p.m. Starting September 18,
the parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and Fantasmic starts at 8:30 p.m. It’s
uncertain as to whether the stunt show will change its schedule on August
21 and September 18, as well.

Finally, starting on August 14, Disney’s Animal Kingdom will move its
closing time up from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except for August 16,
18, 19 and 20, which will still have a 6:00 closing time. Epcot, as always,
will be unaffected, continuing to close at 9:00 p.m.

Disney has also begun seasonal adjustments at quick service eateries
in the Magic Kingdom. The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station and El Pirata
y el Perico Restaurante have closed for the month of August. The Pinocchio
Village Haus Restaurant have shortened their operating hours during August
and will only be open from 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Outdoor vending carts
will also reduce their hours.

Epcot Extra Magic Hour news

Twice-a-week Extra Magic Hours at Epcot have been extended through the
end of August. We are hearing that the only attractions closed during
these evenings will be Universe of Energy, Innoventions, and the films
in France, China and Canada. Some World Showcase table service dining
locations will also be open late. It has not been determined whether the
closure of The Living Seas later this month will trigger the opening of
another attraction. In addition, there are now six locations at Epcot
where you can pick up your EMG wristbands. The six locations are the main
entrance, the breezeways at Innoventions East and West, the main walkway
between Future World and World Showcase, the bridge between World Showcase
Plaza and Mexico, and the American Adventure.

Teen diver nearly drowns during underwater restoration work near Dolphin
resort

A 16-year-old diver was rescued after nearly drowning in Crescent Lake
while doing shore restoration work near the Walt Disney World Dolphin
Resort, and remains in critical condition at press time. Alan Kringel
was working for Anchor Marine Environmental Services, doing underwater
work on a barrier in the lake. The company had been hired to perform the
restoration project.

According to an Orange County Sheriff’s Office report, only Kringel’s
hands and arms surfaced when he finished work Tuesday. Worried, the other
members of his four-man team tugged at a rope attached to his helmet,
but only the helmet surfaced. Crew members found him tangled in another
rope used for diving and hauled him back into the boat, according to the
sheriff’s report.

Kringel was not breathing and had no pulse when pulled from the water,
and rescuers performed CPR to rescusitate him. He was transported to Orlando
Regional Medical Center by helicopter.

Kringel, who received his diving certification eight months ago, had
been working for the company for about six months. The federal Occupational
Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident.

Increasing Internet usage blamed for closure of Disney call center

Due to increasing usage of the Internet for purchase of merchandise from
Disney Direct and reservations at Walt Disney World, Disney is closing
its call center in Kansas City by February. The Disney Direct Marketing
Onstage Teleservice office is currently staffed by 50 full-time managers
and workers and about 200 part-time and seasonal employees. The office’s
primary function was handling sales for the Disney Catalog, but they also
handled overflow calls for Walt Disney World reservations. Some workers
at the office, which opened in 1990, are being offered the opportunity
to transfer to other call centers. The remainder will get a severance
package.

Ears to the ground

…Reservations for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are
going fast. In fact, over half of the available reservations for the entire
festival were sold out by the second day. If the event that you want to
attend is sold out, Disney has started a waiting list. Call 407-WDW-FEST
(407-939-3378) to make a reservation or get on the waiting list.

…Preparations are apparently underway to reopen the toy shop on
Main Street, U.S.A. The store, currently home to the Disney’s PhotoPass
staff, will continue to house the photographers for another couple of
months before being converted back to retail space. Additional telephone
and computer wires are reportedly being run into the shop, and the back
stockroom has bee filled with toys.

…We are hearing a rumor that Disney is considering bringing back
an Ultimate Park Hopper-type ticket some time next year. In the wake of
the conversion to Magic Your Way passes, the all-inclusive ticket appears
to be the pass that guests miss the most. Of course, if it does return,
look for pricing to similarly front-weighted to the MYW passes, where
the price per day gets drastically cheaper the longer you stay.

…The Magic Kingdom is continuing to ramp down from peak status.
The Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents, Liberty Belle Riverboat and
Carousel of Progress are no longer included in Extra Magic Hours.

…With the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, Epcot’s Mission:
Space attraction is running with an active shuttle program for the first
time. Opened a few months after the Columbia disaster, the attraction
has not had the benefit of a space program to help pique interest.

…The Chip ‘n’ Dale meet and greet that normally takes place near
the Jungle Cruise is moving to the Adventureland Verandah, displacing
Aladdin and Jasmine, who are moving to the Agrabah Bazaar near the Flying
Carpets ride.

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.
• Main Street Railroad Station – under refurbishment
  through December 20. Guests will still be able to board the train at
  the station, though the entrance and exit may be relocated during the
  work. The area surrounding the locker rental stand will be inaccessible
  due to renovations that are rumored to be moving stroller rentals into
  that location. The station is also slated to receive new glass,
  canopies, paint and so forth.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally.
• 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

• The Living Seas pavilion, including the popular Turtle
  Talk with Crush attraction, will be closed for refurbishment from
  August 21 through late November. Rumors indicate that another new Finding
  Nemo-based attraction may be added.
• 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

• 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. Meanwhile, the
  Keister Coaster pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September
  6–26.
• 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.
• Port Orleans Riverside Resort – The Ol’ Man Island
  spa is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–23, while the
  Magnolia Bend quiet pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment
  September 15–24.
• All-Star Music Resort – The Piano pool is scheduled
  to close for refurbishment September 6–14.
• 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. No performances August 16-17 or August 30.

Park Events

Ongoing 2005

• 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. 2–5. 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

• MousePlanet presents a
  mini-MouseAdventure at MouseFest. Dec. 1. Meet at the outdoor
  seating area by Casey’s Corner in the Magic Kingdom at 10:00 a.m. for
  this event. This is a shortened version of
  MousePlanet’s signature event (link),
  and
  marks the first time that the event has been held in Florida.
• MousePlanet presents the
  second annual Mike Scopa Dole Whip Meet at MouseFest. Dec. 1.
  Meet at the Aloha Isle take-out window in Adventureland at noon.
• MousePlanet presents the
  first annual Shocolate Mousssse Meet at MouseFest. Dec 3. Meet
  at Boulangerie Patisserie at Epcot’s France pavilion at 5:00 p.m.
  following the Mega Mouse Meet for this event. For more on
  the origin of the Shocolate Mousssse phenomenon among MousePlanet
  readers, please see this thread on our MousePad discussion forums.
• 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)