Walt Disney World Park Update

Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction
Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions
| Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Deaths in Disney: Newsworthy?

Last week, in reporting the death of a 12-year-old girl who collapsed
at the Typhoon Lagoon water park, I asked if you felt that deaths not
attributable to any wrongdoing on Disney’s part should be covered by MousePlanet.
You really responded to the question, resulting in my second-largest flood
of mail
in the 2-1/2 years that I’ve been writing for MousePlanet. We’ll run some
of those letters in an upcoming mailbag column, but I’ll sum up the general
sentiments here.

Many of you lament the fact that these incidents make the news, and feel
that deaths that are health-related or not due to any fault on Disney’s
part should not be reported at all in the media. Another large group of
respondents noted that, while these events really should not be reported,
they prefer that MousePlanet continue to cover them because they want
to know the relevant facts and viewpoints not reflected in the mainstream
media, who they feel sensationalize these tragic events because the name
“Disney” makes for great headlines.

Another group feels that, because it can’t always be determined immediately
whether or not Disney is at fault, the stories should at least be covered
until Disney’s role is either confirmed or ruled out. Finally, the last
significant group of respondents feel that it should be reported because
either they want to know everything that happens at Disney parks, or because
they think that the mistakes made by those who died serve as good reminders
to properly plan and behave themselves at Walt Disney World, instead of
letting their guard down and forgetting common sense rules, such as keeping
hydrated on hot, humid days.

After reviewing all of the letters, it looks like the general consensus
is that MousePlanet should continue to cover these stories. However, unless
it is a truly noteworthy story, I may not lead the Update with it. Thanks
for all of your input!

Why the name change?

Last week we reported that the names of the Magic Your Way Plus Pack
and Premium Ticket were being changed to the “Water Park Fun &
More option ” and “Magic Your Way with Park Hopper and Water
Park Fun & More,” respectively. While we had heard that the “Premium
Ticket” and “Premium Package” were getting confused in
people’s minds, we were not certain as to the confusion over the Plus
Pack.

Well, we’ve now heard that in the last couple of months, Disney has sent
out e-mail surveys asking questions about the names of the Magic Your
Way passes as well as other possible pass names, and what guests expected
would be included in each pass name. It appears that the reason for the
change in nomenclature is that people have been ordering base tickets
with the “Magic Plus Pack” option thinking that they were ordering “Park
Hopper Plus” tickets. Experienced guests or those whose research only
included the previous names of the admission passes apparently only registered
the “Plus” and they thought it was the same thing. Hopefully, “Water Parks
& More” will help with that problem, as it does not contain the word
“Plus” and it more concisely tells you what that option gives you.

Polynesian goes online today, remaining resorts also scheduled to get
wired

The Polynesian Resort is scheduled to become the 15th Walt Disney World
resort to provide high-speed Internet service to guests today. All of
the other deluxe (with the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge) and home-away-from-home
resorts already have their high-speed hookups online, and the Coronado
Springs and Port Orleans French Quarter resorts are also up and running.

The expected schedule for the remaining moderate and value resorts is
as follows:

Port Orleans Riverside – September 1

Caribbean Beach – October 20

Animal Kingdom Lodge – October 27

All Star Movies – December 6

All Star Music – January 13, 2006

All Star Sports – February 14, 2006

Pop Century Classic Years – April 19, 2006

The in-room Ethernet connections, which require an LAN cable for connectivity,
will be billed to your room and cost $9.95 for 24 contiguous hours. (If
you first use it at 9 p.m., you’ve paid for it through 9 p.m. the next
night.) Technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by
touching 56 from your guest room phone or on any house phone.

Wi-Fi wireless access is also available at several resorts. The BoardWalk,
Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club and Beach
Club resorts feature access in many public areas, including lobbies, lounges
and pool areas. Check with the resort for details.

The Wi-Fi connections require a wireless interface card in your computer
(available for purchase in hotel gift shops where Wi-Fi is available)
and cost $4.99 for the first 60 minutes or $9.95 for 24 contiguous hours.
Service is provided by Smart City, who also provide technical support
24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 407-938-HELP (407-938-4357).

Of course, you can also access your ISP via a POTS (Plain Old Telephone
System) connection if you wish, though regular resort phone charges will
apply.

If you’re staying at the Swan or Dolphin Resorts, you’ve had high-speed
Internet connectivity for a while. The two resorts have Starwood Turbo
Net High Speed Internet in all guests rooms. With the same requirements
as the in-room access in the Disney resorts (network card in your PC,
CAT5 Ethernet cable in room), the Internet access is included with the
standard $10 per night resort fee.

Tom Joyner tix on sale now

Tickets for the “Disney-MGM Studios Party” during the Tom Joyner
Family Reunion on September 3 are now on sale. The party starts at 9 p.m.
and includes entertainment and many of the Studios’ feature attractions
such as Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.
Live acts include Ashanti, Jill Scott, Lionel Richie, Damon Wayans, Omarion,
Hammer, Shirley Caesar, Smokie Norful, Lil Irocc, Dr. Bobby Jones, and
more. The tickets cost $60 per person and are available by phone at 407-W-DISNEY
(407-934-7639) or online via Ticketmaster (link).

Winn-Dixie status

For those who prefer to stock up on groceries while at Walt Disney World
and who are watching the reorganization or Winn-Dixie with a wary eye,
here’s a bit of good news. There are only a couple of stores along the
common route from the airport to Walt Disney World or nearby that will
be closing. The Winn-Dixie locations at the Hunter’s Creek Shopping Center
and the SouthChase shopping center will be the only ones affected. (Another
one in Winter Park is also closing, but that is likely visited by very
few out-of-towners.) The two closing locations are near each other. The
Hunter’s Creek location is off of the John Young Parkway (SR-423) exit
from the Central Florida Greeneway (exit 10) and the SouthChase location
is off of the South Orange Blossom Trail (US-92/US-441) exit from the
Greeneway (exit 11).

If you use a Winn-Dixie location that was not listed and you’re still
concerned about its status, go to the affected stores list on the Winn-Dixie
web site (link)
and find your store. (The Orlando Daytona region is about two-thirds of
the way down the list.)

MouseFest events announced

The schedule for MouseFest 2005 is starting to fill up. Many Web
sites have announced gatherings to be held all over Walt Disney
World and aboard the Disney Wonder during the event. Check the MouseFest
Web site (link)
for details.

Thus far, MousePlanet is sponsoring three events for this third
annual gathering of the Disney Internet community. First and foremost
is our Mini-MouseAdventure event, a shortened version of MousePlanet’s
signature event (link).
This marks the first time that the event has been held in Florida.
(Last year, a “taste of MouseAdventure” was included in the MouseFest
program guide). The event will run from approximately 10:00 a.m.
until noon on Thursday, December 1. The Mini-MouseAdventure will
be immediately followed by our second event, the second annual Mike
Scopa Dole Whip Meet, at Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

Our final scheduled event will be the first annual MousePad Shocolate
Mousssse Meet at Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot’s France pavilion
at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, following the Mega Mouse Meet
event at the Walt Disney World Swan hotel. For more on the origin
of the Shocolate Mousssse phenomenon among MousePlanet readers,
please see this thread on our MousePad discussion forums.

More information will be released about these events in early September.

Ears to the ground

…After originally reporting that the Pinocchio’s Village Haus quick-service
eatery would be closing on May 8 to begin changing their kitchen over
from burgers to pizza and Italian specialties, then having that change
be pushed back, we’re now hearing that the new menu should debut today.
If anyone out there can confirm that this is or is not true, please let
us know.

…We are hearing unconfirmed reports that the Pooh’s Playful Spot
playground in the Magic Kingdom is targeted for a September 1 opening.

…It is a possibility that the Happy HalloWishes fireworks, debuting
this year at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, may have a couple
of test firings on September 26 and 28 in place of the regular nightly
Wishes performance.

…Aunt Polly’s Dockside Inn on Tom Sawyer Island begins its seasonal
closure August 14.

…The ABC Commissary at the Disney-MGM Studios reportedly closes
September 6-12 for some backstage refurbishment.

…The Newsstand shop on the Streets of America Backlot at the Disney-MGM
Studios reportedly closes September 13-22 to install the Osborne Spectacle
of Lights.

…Speaking of the Osborne lights, we have heard reports that the
large globe was installed last week.

…There’s an interesting article in the Christian Examiner
about Walt Disney World president Al Weiss and his involvement in the
church planting movement (link).

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 1.

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.

Liberty Square Riverboat – will reportedly not be operating
due to refurbishment September 11–19.

Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – will reportedly remain open
during a short refurbishment, September 6–23.

Timekeeper – open 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 underway 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 through October 31. Rumors indicate that the buildings
may be completely gutted and rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club villas.
No confirmation of the conversion yet. Renovations on the rest of the
resort are also underway, and are expected to run through November,
2007.

BoardWalk Resort – 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

Blizzard Beach – Will close for its annual refurbishment
on October 23, and is expected to reopen mid-December.

Typhoon Lagoon – Is expected to close for its annual refurbishment
mid-December, and to reopen in late February or early March.

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 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).

March 2006

ESPN The Weekend. March 3–5. Corporate synergy brings
the cable channel back to the Studios for its third go-round (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.

	Courtyard View	Deluxe Pool View
2005
Through Aug 13	$87	$97
Aug 14 – Sept 29	$83	$93
Sept 30 – Oct 22	$107	$117
Oct 23 – Nov 22	$87	$97
Nov 23 – Nov 26	$107	$117
Nov 27 – Dec 22	$87	$97
Dec 23 – 27	$133	$143
Dec 28 – 31	$179	$189

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.

Adult/Child Total Cost	1-day	2-day	3-day	4-day	5-day	6-day	7-day	8-day	9-day	10-day
Base Ticket	$59.75 / $48	$119 / $96	$171 / $137	$185 / $148	$193 / $155	$196 / $157	$199 / $160	$202 / $162	$205 / $164	$209 / $167
W/ Park Hopper	$94.75 / $83	$154 / $131	$206 / $172	$220 / $183	$228 / $190	$231 / $192	$234 / $195	$237 / $197	$240 / $199	$244 / $202
W/ Plus Pack	$104.75 / $93	$164 / $141	$216 / $182	$230 / $193	$238 / $200	$241 / $202	$244 / $205	$247 / $207	$250 / $209	$254 / $212
	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 3)	(plus 3)	(plus 4)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)
Premium Ticket	$139.75 / $128	$199 / $176	$251 / $217	$265 / $228	$273 / $235	$276 / $237	$279 / $240	$282 / $242	$285 / $245	$289 / $247
Premium, No Expiration	N/A	$209 / $186	$261 / $227	$280 / $243	$308 / $270	$321 / $282	$334 / $295	$382 / $342	$392 / $395	$399 / $347
Advance Purchase Discount	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$7/$6	$9/$7	$11/$9	$11/$9	$11/$9	$12/$9

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 October 2005.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	8/15	8/16	8/17	8/18	8/19	8/20
	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p
8/21	8/22	8/23	8/24	8/25	8/26	8/27
MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p
MK = Magic Kingdom EF = Epcot, Future World EW = Epcot, World Showcase MGM = Disney-MGM Studios AK = Animal Kingdom				BB = Blizzard Beach Water Park TL = Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Italics = Morning Extra Magic Hours Bold = Evening Extra Magic Hours

Entertainment Schedule