Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for October 24 – 30, 2005

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

News and Views

Wilma closes parks, but winds only expected at tropical storm strength

After being battered by three hurricanes last year, Walt Disney World
was starting to look like it might escape cleanly in this year’s devastating
hurricane season—until Hurricane Wilma turned for Florida last week.
While the resort area won’t escape cleanly, it won’t be as bad as feared,
either. At publication deadline, predictions were only for tropical storm-force
winds in the Orlando area, though hurricane-force winds were a likelihood
to the south, with the strongest winds predicted to hit Florida at Marco
Island on the Gulf coast and cross the state before heading into the Atlantic
near West Palm Beach.

Wilma, which tied the record for most hurricanes in a year (12) and most
named storms in a year (21, which has since fallen when Tropical Storm
Alpha was named Saturday afternoon) devastated Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula—hovering
in the area for a couple of days—before heading east toward Florida.

Closings and evacuations

Thanks to last year’s experience, Disney had storm-tested plans already
in place. All theme parks and water parks, as well as Downtown Disney
and Disney’s Wide World of Sports, are closed today.

The third showing of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue last night was canceled,
but Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party went on as scheduled. Any guests
who were unable to attend the event should contact Guest Communications
(link) for
refunds on their tickets.

All guests have been evacuated from Fort Wilderness to the All-Star resorts.
Most cast members from Fort Wilderness will be reporting for duty at the
Wilderness Lodge today.

Cast members at all resort locations are being told to report for work
today either no later than 7 a.m. or no earlier than 2 p.m., in order
to avoid travel during the expected peak of the storm. Disney is providing
child care for children of cast members due to the closure of area schools
today.

Reservation restrictions and cancellations, cruise rerouting

Beginning on Friday, only Florida residents were allowed to make new
hotel reservations, so that there would be enough rooms for evacuees.

Guests with check-in dates from Friday, October 21, through today were
able to have the standard fees waived for cancellation or date changes
to the room portion of their trips. Penalty fees for cancellation or changes
to airline tickets were up to the airlines.

A fleet of buses is on standby call for a Disney’s Magical Express evacuation
plan in order to push everybody whose departure flights were cancelled,
delayed or rescheduled, because those whose flights were cancelled will
only be able to rebook at the airport, rather than at the Disney’s Magical
Express check-in desks at the resorts.

The Disney Cruise Line rerouted the Disney Magic, freshly back
from dry dock, from the Western Caribbean to the Eastern Caribbean this
week to keep the ship out of Wilma’s path. The Disney Wonder, which
always takes passage in the East, left Port Canaveral safely on Sunday,
and will be out of harm’s way while Wilma passes through.

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).

Glover holes out Funai Classic win before the storm

In a golf tournament where many big names didn’t make the cut and there
was much ado about the renovations to the marquee Magnolia course, Lucas
Glover sank an extremely difficult shot from a bunker to win the Funai
Classic at Walt Disney World yesterday as Hurricane Wilma approached Florida.

While there was much talk about the lengthening of the Magnolia course
over the summer, the winning four-round total of 265 was one stroke under
Ryan Palmer’s winning total of 266 from last year, and the same as 2003
champion Vijay Singh’s score.

Glover made a 40-foot birdie putt from the fringe of the green on the
17th hole Sunday to go to 22 strokes under par, but saved the best for
last. Starting to struggle on the final hole, Glover first landed in the
left rough before dropping his next shot into the bunker in front of the
green. With things looking grim for his chances to win, Glover slammed
his bunker shot into the air, landing on the green and rolling in from
5 feet away for a final tally of 23 strokes under par.

Glover then had to wait for the final groups to finish before being certain
of his win. Tom Pernice Jr. missed a 15-foot putt on the final hole to
finish one stroke back at 266. Finishing in a five-way tie for third,
two strokes back, were Geoff Ogilvy, defending champion Ryan Palmer, Justin
Rose, Rich Beem and Harrison Frazar.

The tournament still managed to provide some excitement despite the list
of those who did not make the cut and therefore did not play on Saturday
(except to finish the rain-shortened second round) and Sunday, including
Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, the top two on the money list for this year’s
tour.

But will the float go with the parade to Universal Studios this year?

The 79th running of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24
will feature a Disney touch. Walt Disney World is sending the venerable
“S.S. Celebration” Showboat float used in many parades over the years
to New York, where it will carry a host of Disney characters. Joining
Mickey Mouse and friends aboard the 33-foot tall float will be LeAnn Rimes,
who will sing “Remember When,” the theme song for the “Happiest Celebration
on Earth.”

The float has had its 42-foot length fitted out with gold accents for
the golden celebration. “But why is Disney promoting Walt Disney World
if it’s Disneyland’s 50th anniversary?” you might ask. Well, Disneyland
park has had crowds much larger than anticipated for this season, and
Walt Disney World has more than 10 times as many hotel rooms to fill.
Also, Walt Disney World is probably closer to more of the viewing audience
than Disneyland. We can only hope that they’ll at least make mention of
Disneyland, and that they’ll avoid making people think that it’s Walt
Disney World’s 50th anniversary, as some recent commercials seem to do.

The nationally televised parade steps off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November
24.

Ears to the ground

…Low-fare carrier Southwest Airlines has displaced Delta Air Lines
as the airline with the highest percentage of passengers at Orlando International
Airport for the fourth month in a row.

…Budget Travel magazine has honored the Disney’s Magical
Express program with an “Extra Mile” award.

…Assembly of the Yeti animatronic for Expedition: Everest has finally
begun.

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. However, the Carousel has been returned to the list of “seasonal”
  attractions, so its open status may change at any time.
• 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 6–15.
• Donald’s Boat – will be closed for refurbishment November
  1–18.
• 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 November 14 for
  refurbishment.
• Test Track – will be closed for refurbishment January
  9 – February 14, 2006.
• 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

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – will be closed for a brief refurbishment
  November 2–4.
• 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.
• 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.
• Disney’s Vero Beach Resort (DVC Resort) – Roof repairs
  due to hurricane rehabilitation are ongoing and scheduled to run through
  late November.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach – Closed for its annual refurbishment through
  December 24.
• Typhoon Lagoon – Will close for its annual refurbishment
  on December 25, and is expected to reopen in late February or early
  March.

Elsewhere

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

Park Events

Ongoing

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Through Nov.
  13. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the
  Beat concert series (link).
• Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Oct. 25, 27, 28, 30,
  31. The big celebration of the boo-tiful season (link). Oct. 31 is SOLD OUT.

November 2005

• World RUBIK’S CUBE Game Championship. November 5–6. Puzzle
  cube solvers do their thing at the Pop Century Resort (link).
• 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. 19 – Dec. 24. 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 closed
  (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 closed
  (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).
• Cheer & Dance National Championships. February 25–26.
  School & Youth Rec Cheer February 25, All-Star Cheer & Dance
  February 26 (link).

March 2006

• Cheer & Dance National Championships. March 3–5. All
  Star/Studio March 3, School Dance March 3–5 (link).
• 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
  Studios and ends at Epcot.
• Star Wars Weekends. Dates TBA. The popular event is slated
  to return to the Studios in 2006 (link).
• Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 18–21. Collectible
  bears and dolls at Epcot (link).

September 2006

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Dates TBA. The annual gathering
  hopes not to be cancelled by hurricane again this year (link).
• Night of Joy. Dates TBA. Disney’s annual Christian music festival
  (link).
• Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 24. Athletes compete in
  a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run (link).
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 29 –
  Nov. 12. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to
  the Beat concert series (link).

January 2007

• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 6. 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. 5. Registration now open
  (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Passholder Best Rate Program through February 15

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 releases rates through the end of 2006

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates
through the end of 2006. Note that the resort has allocated some rooms
as low as $77.00 weekdays and $87.00 weekends now through December 22.

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

Walt Disney World’s 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 December 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through December 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)