Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for September 26 – October 2, 2005

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

News and Views

MousePlanet events at MouseFest

Just a reminder that MouseFest is scheduled for November 30 – December
5 (land) and December 4 – 8 (sea). MouseFest Gold Sponsor MousePlanet
is organizing three events and officially participating in a fourth during
the land portion. For more information and how to let us know that you’re
coming, visit our MouseFest events page (link).
For more information on MouseFest, visit the MouseFest event site (link).

A construction wall blocks off the curb in front of Main Street Station
during its removal. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Magical Express greeters get the boot; more changes possible

Last Wednesday, the Orlando Internation Airport informed Disney that
greeters for the Disney’s Magical Express (DME) services would have to
be removed from the third floor of the airport’s terminal. Disney has
been given until October 31 to remove the greeters from the terminal.

The airport also told Disney that only those travelers that had pre-booked
the DME service would be allowed to use it. The Disney greeters had reportedly
been seen offering the DME service to travelers who had not already booked
it, in violation of the airport’s policy against solicitation. Disney,
for its part, claims that it has not violated the terms of its agreement
with the airport.

The greeters will have to greet travelers with DME reservations at baggage
claim, where all other ground transportation providers are located. Under
consideration are additional changes. At the moment, DME operates out
of Terminal A only. Guests arriving on the B side of the terminal are
directed by greeters to the A side to board their buses. While that might
cost Disney as much as $15 million per year in additional expenses, airport
board chairman Jeffry Fuqua said that it was only fair, telling the Orlando
Sentinel: “It costs more money for Hertz and the others to operate
that way. We can’t set our airport up to operate to Disney’s pleasure.”

A view from the other side of the construction wall shows how long the
construction area is. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Illuminations “inferno barge” damaged by explosion, removed
from show indefinitely

Last Monday afternoon, an Air Launch Firework (ALF) shell detonated prematurely
during setup of the “inferno barge”—the large barge in
the center of World Showcase Lagoon responsible for the huge fire effects—for
the Illuminations: Reflections of Earth show at Epcot. There were no injuries,
but the launch tube was extensively damaged, and the barge (and all of
its effects) have been removed from the show indefinitely, along with
the other ALF system, located atop the United Kingdom pavilion.

What is known, thanks to cast members and eyewitnesses posting on the
discussion forums at WDWMagic.com is this:

• An explosion loud enough to draw guests out of shops around World
  Showcase rang out, and a slab of metal approximately three feet by three
  feet shot 25 feet into the air, landing in the water fifty feet away.
  After the initial smoke from the explosion, there was no additional
  smoke or fire (a good thing, considering how much fuel was aboard for
  the fire effects). Friendship boats were removed from service around
  the lagoon for the rest of the day.
• The barge will be out for an extended period of time while the cause
  of the explosion is determined and a method of preventing a reoccurrence
  is found. If and when it returns, it may need extensive repairs.
• In the meantime, while first-time viewers of Illuminations may not
  know that anything is missing or changed, there are two changes that
  those familiar with the sequence of the show will most notice: the loss
  of fire effects from the barge and the modification of the show’s opening
  two-shell comet explosion effect.

The hidden tribute to the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction at Pooh’s
Playful Spot has been found. The blue Nautilus sub shape (inset) is above
the door frame in Pooh’s house. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Parents of boy who died after riding Epcot attraction: Tighten ride
restrictions

The parents of 4-year-old Daudi Bamuwayme, who died after a ride on Epcot’s
Mission: Space, have asked Disney to consider increasing the height restrictions
for those wishing to enjoy the thrill ride.

Moses and Agnes Bamuwamye wrote to Disney, asking that the minimum height
for the attraction be raised from 44 inches to 51 inches. Their son was
46 inches when he rode Mission: Space, which simulates a trip on a rocket
ship to the planet Mars. The Bamuwamyes and their lawyer stated that the
ride was too intense for smaller children.

Disney stated that the autopsy results are in, and that no link has yet
been found between the current minimum height and the boy’s death. Final
autopsy results may not be available until November.

The menu for the buffet at El Pirata y El Perico is not bringing guests
in to the dining location yet. Photo by Brian Bennett.

New buffet at El Pirata y El Perico not bringing ’em in yet

On the first night of the test of a new buffet dinner at El Pirata y
El Perico Restaurante, traffic was slow and the location closed early.
Let’s hope that the location drums up additional business over the next
week or so in order to get a fair assessment of guest reaction to the
test. Some additional promotion to park guests, either through the park
guides or word of mouth, may be necessary to drive traffic to the underutilized
location.

The test menu is an all-you-care-to-eat buffet featuring: tossed garden
green salad with various dressings; cucumbers, tomato and red onion salad;
pasta salad with herb dressings; barbecue chicken; mesquite grilled Kansas
City steak with maitre d’ butter (grilled on stage); mango barbecue pork
ribs; ranch-style baked beans; corn on the cob; Western fried potatoes;
Mickey mac and cheese; cornbread with honey butter; chocolate cake; cheesecake
and Key Lime pie. Non-alcoholic, non-specialty beverages are included.
The meal costs $21.99 for those aged 10 and up, $9.99 for those aged 3-9.
Prices do not include tax and tip.

The sign at the entrance to Mickey’s Toontown Fair has received its seasonal
overlay in preparation for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Photo
by Brian Bennett.

Ears to the ground

…Note: Today is 90 days from December 25 (Christmas Day). If you’re
going to be at Walt Disney World at that time and want to dine at a table
service restaurant for Christmas dinner, make those Advance Dining Reservations
fast, as they’ll book up really quickly!

…The Happy HalloWishes fireworks will get two test performances
this week, with the show being run tomorrow night and on Wednesday night.
It will not be the complete show, however, and the fireworks around the
perimeter of the park will not be part of the test. They will not be used
until the show’s official debut during the first night of Mickey’s Not-So-Scary
Halloween Party on Friday night.

…MouseSavers (link)
is noting that “special discounted Walt Disney World vacation package
for late October through Christmas is coming very soon.” No further
information was available at press time.

…The complete schedule for the Food & Wine Festival, normally
only seen in the event’s brochure, is now available online for those who
want to plan in advance (link).

…Instead of working a deal with park sponsor Nestle, Disney has
decided to use its own brand—”Goofy’s Candy Company”—to
hand out to trick-or-treaters at Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips,
rumors, and comments. Email us here.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• 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 locker
  rental stand area is being converted to stroller rental, with the lockers
  moving elsewhere. In addition, the curb in front of the station will
  be disappearing to allow easier transit for newly-rented and about-to-be-returned
  strollers. 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 through next spring.
• Haunted Mansion – will be closed for minor mechanical
  refurbishment November 6–16.
• Timekeeper – open seasonally.
• 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 November
  23. Rumors indicate that another new Finding Nemo-based attraction
  may be added.
• Ice Station Cool – closed through late this year for refurbishment.
  It will reopen as “Club Cool.”
• Norway’s Stave Church – closed through 11/14/2005 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.
  Its future is uncertain.

Disney–MGM Studios

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe movie sets – are
  scheduled to open on December 9.

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. However, another rumor states that new DVC lodgings will be
  built on the current site of the Disney Tennis Center at the resort,
  and there is no confirmation of the either rumor yet. Renovations on
  the rest of the resort are also underway, with the tower building being
  done one floor at a time, 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.
• 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

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays –
  Saturdays.

Park Events

September 2005

• 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. 14 – 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. Nov. 25 – Dec. 25. 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).
• College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championship. January 13–16.

February 2006

• National Dance Team Championship. February 3–6.
• National High School Cheerleading Championship. February 10–13.
• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex
  (link).
  Dates in February ? March TBA.
• 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).
• National All Star Cheerleading Championship. March 10–13.

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).
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. April 21
  – June 11. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays,
  gardening demonstrations and the “Flower Power” concert series
  (link).

May 2006

• Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend 5K and 1 Mile (link).
  May 6. The short runs of the ladies-only running weekend take place
  at and near Downtown Disney.
• Women Run the World 15 K (link).
  May 7. The ladies-only run starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the
  Disney-MGM Studios and ends at Epcot.
• Star Wars Weekends. Dates TBA. The popular event is slated
  to return in 2006 (link).
• Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 18–21. Collectible
  bears and dolls at Epcot (link).

September 2006

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 29 –
  Nov. 12. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to
  the Beat concert series (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

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. The Passholder Best Rate program has reduced the advance
reservation requirement from 120 days to 60 days. The program is now accepting
reservations, online only, through February 15, 2006.

Radisson Resort Parkway offers reduced special rate this month only

The Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, is offering a $59.95
reduced special rate valid through September 30. Please note that this
special does not include a free upgrade to deluxe pool view accommodations.

Radisson Resort Parkway releases rates through the end of 2006

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates
through the end of 2006.

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)