Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Computer crash takes out most of WDW computers, back-end
systems unaffected

Disney resorts around the world were affected last Tuesday, when an outbreak
of a number of computer worms—including some called Zotob. Bozori,
IRCbot and RBOT.CBQ—exploiting a flaw in the Microsoft Windows 2000
operating system crippled computer networks across the Internet, largely
in the United States, Germany, and Asia. At approximately 1 p.m., all
resort computers at Walt Disney World showed a message that they would
be shutting down in two minutes, and to please save all work. A patch
for the flaw had been released by Microsoft on August 9, but the patch
had apparently not yet been applied by Disney. [Many large organizations
delay application of patches while testing to ensure that they do not
break their existing software applications, or to allow the patch distribution
to occur during a scheduled downtime for 24/7 operations. It is likely
that the latter was the case for Disney.]

Front desk, cashier, housekeeping, engineering, reservations, and dispatch
operations at the resorts were all affected. While dining, merchandise
and Fastpass computers at the theme parks went down, attractions (likely
on a different update schedule or different operating system) were not
affected. External systems related to Disney’s Magical Express (both the
buses and the luggage operation) also were unaffected.

The problem affected only the front-end computers. The back-end servers
and mainframes holding the actual data were up and running with no problems,
and no data was lost. Guest reservations already in the system were unaffected.
Tuesday evening, Lisa Haines, Vice President of Strategic Communications
for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts told MousePlanet, “[S]ome of
our domestic business units experienced a very brief interruption today
due to the virus. There was minimal Guest impact though—and all systems
are now up and running again.”

When the shutdown alert appeared, resort staff rushed to print out as
much information as they could, including check-in and check-out lists,
but there was much more than could be printed in the time available. Throughout
the afternoon, the computers came up for perhaps two minutes at a time
before shutting down again. Resorts had to go to their emergency backup
“crash kits” to manually dispense park passes and process check-ins
and check-outs. Staff were positioned throughout the resort to manually
let people into their rooms. Merchandise and dining locations in the parks
also used their crash kits to manually process all transactions.

By late afternoon, Disney had begun trying to push out a patch
fix for
the worm, and it slowly propagated out through the system in fits and
starts. By evening, technical staff were going to each machine
throughout the resort to manually apply the patch to ensure that it
correctly installed. Systems started coming back online at 5:30 p.m. By
7:00, all locations were up with a minimum of one computer, but it took
quite a while before everything was back in full working order.

Extra Magic Hours to get water park test

Disney is going to offer Extra Magic Hours at the water parks on a test
basis from August 27 through September 30. Typhoon Lagoon, which was built
with nighttime lighting, will offer Extra Magic Hours for three hours
after closing. Blizzard Beach, which does not have extensive lighting,
will offer Extra Magic Hours for one hour before opening.

The tentative schedule has Extra Magic Hours at Blizzard Beach on August
31 and September 7, 14, 21 and 28. Typhoon Lagoon’s Extra Magic Hours evenings
will run on August 27 and September 3, 10, 17 and 24.

Marathon, Half Marathon, Fun Run and Inline Marathon news

The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half-Marathon are now at 80 percent
of capacity and slots are filling fast. If you’re thinking of participating,
you may want to hurry up your decision, as the race will probably fill
up in the next month or so as people start to plan and train. If you are
planning to participate, you might want to check out Lani Teshima’s WDW
Marathon Guide here on MousePlanet (link).

Over 2,000 athletes have already signed up for Goofy’s Race
and a Half
Challenge, in which they will attempt to finish both the Half Marathon
on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. Those who manage to complete
the Half Marathon and the Marathon will receive the inaugural Goofy
Medal, in addition to receiving the Donald Medal for the Half Marathon
and the Mickey Medal for the Marathon.

Chicken Little and Abby Mallard will be at the Family Fun Run
following the Half Marathon to give
you a high five as you cross the finish line.

Disney has announced the dates for next year’s Inline Marathon
Weekend,
which will take place April 1-2, 2006. The main event is scheduled for
Sunday, April 2, while the kids’ race will take place on Saturday,
April 1. Registration is now available online (link). The race will
skate through the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot. Discounts are available
for early registration through December 31.

Official “Run Disney” training gear is now available for purchase
online (link).

Swan and Dolphin drop resort fee, switch to pay-as-you-go

Last week, in a rundown of the status of high-speed Internet access at
the resorts, we noted that access at the Swan and Dolphin resorts was
included in the $10 per night resort fee. We’ve now been advised that
the resort fee has been discontinued as of July 28. Guests will continue
to receive a complimentary newspaper and in-room coffee. However, the
other amenities that were included in the fee are now available à
la carte. Health club access will cost $8 per day, and Internet access
will cost $10.95 for 24 contiguous hours. While Internet users will see
a cost increase, everyone else will see their costs drop.

Thanks to reader Dan Fronckowiak for this information.

Disney officially confirms Pooh’s Playful Spot

While it’s been known for a while that Disney was building a
kids’ playground on a portion of the former 20,000 Leagues Under the
Sea lagoon, it had not been officially confirmed until now. The
official release states:

Opening in September is a
delightful new place where parents and children can play or relax
together during a Walt Disney World vacation.

Called Pooh’s Playful Spot, the
whimsically themed area is located directly across from The Many
Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction in Fantasyland and will
immerse guests of all ages in the beloved tales of the Hundred Acre
Wood.

The beautifully landscaped oasis
created by Walt Disney Imagineering offers numerous fun features for
littler guests, including spurting fountains of water, crawl-through
logs and honey pots, a slide, a treehouse for climbing and log-style
benches for grown-ups — all themed to the stories of Pooh, Tigger and
friends.

Unofficial word indicates that the playground will be open on
September 1.

Disney Magic drydock work

Beginning October 1, 2005, the Disney Magic cruise ship will enter drydock in a Norfolk, Virginia, facility for ten days. During the visit, changes include an expansion of the Vista Spa and Salon with three new suites and almost doubling the size of the fitness center. 1,700 square feet will be added to the area. Three conference rooms on Deck 2 will be converted into a fifth location dedicated to children. The new space, called Ocean Quest, will include a replica of the ship’s bridge, allowing children to take the captain’s seat and work through steering simulations.

Additionally, a new LED screen will be installed on Deck 9 near the family pool, allowing films and other video to be presented. Parrot Cay, one of the ships three rotational restaurants will also receive a makeover, allowing the theme and atmosphere change from night-to-night during a cruise. Disney Magic will return to its routes on October 15.

Occupancy, spending up, attendance down at Walt Disney World

In its third-quarter results (April through July 2), released recently,
Disney noted that attendance decreased 1 percent over last year. However,
room occupancy jumped from 1,801,930 room nights to 1,929,840 room nights
which, despite 22,000 more available room nights during the quarter, increased
the occupancy rate from 83 percent to 88 percent. Revenues increased $92
million during the quarter as per capita theme park spending increased
4 percent. The increase in spending was due to increases in ticket prices
and a decrease in promotional discounts.

Ears to the ground

…In October, the World of Disney store at the Downtown Disney
Marketplace will begin a rolling refurbishment and redecoration project
that will run through April, 2006. The store will remain open during
the work.

…Last Thursday, the real-life Expedition: Everest left for the Himalayas
to explore the mountain’s flora and fauna.

…There is a rumor that the entire Downtown Disney area is
slated for an overhaul in the near future. If anybody has any more
information on this, please let us know.

…With The Living Seas pavilion closing for refurbishment, the O
Canada Circlevision attraction has replaced it on the Extra Magic Hours
roster.

…The Guitar Gallery at Downtown Disney West Side closed on
August 9, and the store is being relocated to elsewhere in the Orlando
area.

…As recovery from last year’s hurricanes continues, the
building number signs at the Pop Century Resort are now back up. In
addition, the 70s totem by the porte cochere entryway expected to be
replaced by the end of the year.

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, is closed for refurbishment 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 performance August 30.

Park Events

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).

February 2006

• Twirlmania. February 17-20. Twirlers, auxiliary
  guard, pom, and dancers descend on the Wide World of Sports (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).

April 2006

• Disney’s All-Star Kids Classic. April 1.
  Registration is now open for the kids’ inline race (link).
• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon. April 2.
  Registration is 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 October 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)