Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Candlelight Processional dining packages now available under Disney
Dining plan

Disney has apparently changed its policy and is now allowing guests to
make reservations for the Candlelight Processional dining package at Epcot
using their Disney Dining plan credits. Guests still need to leave a credit
card to hold their package, but the meal itself will be charged to the
dining plan. Thanks to MousePlanet reader David Wickwire for passing this
along.

Another “corpse flower” expected to bloom at Animal Kingdom this weekend

Last summer, Disney’s Animal Kingdom featured a rare bloom of a Titan
Arum (known as the “corpse flower” because of the odor that it emits)
that opened up from July 17-19. This year, another of Disney’s collection
of four Titan Arum plants is expected to bloom over Labor Day weekend.

An example of the titan arum from the United States Botanical Garden in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy United States Botanical Garden.

While last year’s bloom checked in at 61 inches, this year’s Arum is
expected to rival the world record nine-foot bloom set in Germany. “Because
of the size of the tuber it’s growing on, there is the potential for this
flower to set a Guinness World Record when it blooms,” said Disney horticulture
manager Wendy Andrew.

The plant is growing at Rafiki’s Planet Watch.

Popular Hotel Plaza restaurant closes

Arthur’s 27, a popular restaurant on the top (27th) floor of the Buena
Vista Palace, has closed after 22 years. The restaurant was best known
for its fabulous view that afforded diners a view of fireworks at the
Magic Kingdom, Epcot and the Disney-MGM Studios. The space, as well as
the former Laughing Kookaburra bar, will now be used for private functions.

Time running out for runners

Registration for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon has closed, and
registration for the full marathon is expected to follow in the near future.
If you’re planning to run and haven’t signed up yet, you’d better hurry.
For more information about the Walt Disney World Marathon, you might want
to check out Lani Teshima’s WDW Marathon Guide here on MousePlanet (link).

Disney on Ice goes to the Magic Kingdom with The Incredibles

The newest Disney on Ice show goes where no ice show has gone
before—to the Magic Kingdom. The somewhat long-named Disney
Presents Pixar’s The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure brings
the superhero family to the Florida theme park. The show features highlights
from such favorite attractions as “it’s a small world,” Pirates of the
Caribbean, the Mad Tea Party and the Haunted Mansion. The finale features
a parade down Main Street, U.S.A., which provides an opportunity for the
Feld Enterprises production to feature the Fab Five characters, as well
as princesses and other Disney characters.

The new show skates previews at The Lakeland Center in Lakeland before
moving down the road to officially open at the TD Waterhouse Center in
Orlando on September 9. The tour will take the show to arenas in 20 states
between now and Memorial Day 2006.

Downtown Disney to host waterski championship

Village Lake at Downtown Disney hosts the U.S. Open Waterski Championships
September 9-11, 2005. Viewing will be free from around the lake, though
most of the events will occur near the West Side complex. Boat transportation
between Downtown Disney and the nearby resorts (Saratoga Springs, Old
Key West and Port Orleans) will be suspended until 5 p.m., and those resorts
will not supply watercraft rentals to prevent pleasure boaters from interfering
with the event.

Ears to the ground

…Reminder: The Disney-MGM Studios will close early (at 7:00) this
Saturday (9/3) for a Tom Joyner Family Reunion event and the Magic Kingdom
will close early (at 6:00) next Friday and Saturday (9/9-10) for the Night
of Joy events.

…The Pooh’s Playful Spot playground on a portion of the site of
the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon opens Thursday, with Cast
Member previews Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The playground
has already been added to Magic Kingdom park maps.

…The Wonders of Life pavilion has been removed from the latest Epcot
park maps. This doesn’t bode well for the pavilion’s future.

…We have a report that refurbishment of the South Garden Wing of
the Contemporary Resort has been extended to September, 2006. At this
time, Disney Vacation Club representatives are neither confirming nor
denying rumors of a conversion to DVC accommodations.

…We’ve heard that the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station will reopen
on Sunday.

…The Happiest Celebration on Earth and free dining plan promotions
have been so successful that crowds in the restaurants have caused cast
member dining discounts to be rescinded between the hours of 5 p.m. and
8:30 p.m.

…In order to increase the size of crowds in each showing, the Honey
I Shrunk the Audience attraction has switched from a “continuous shows”
schedule to running twice an hour, on the hour and half-hour.

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 – a large part of the
  area has reopened, featuring corral–type planters and more walkway
  space. Another large portion 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 scheduled to open 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, and has been removed from park maps.
  It’s future is uncertain.

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 is closed
  for refurbishment through September, 2006. 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. Additional performances September 4.

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)