Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for November 14 – 20, 2005

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

News and Views

MouseFest is just over two weeks away!

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).

The pocket guide for MouseFest has been published (link).
Two versions are available, one for viewing (pages are in order) and one for
printing (page will be in order once you assemble the booklet.

Siemens signs on to sponsor Spaceship Earth, Illuminations, Osborne Lights
and more

After a couple of years without a sponsor after AT&T dropped out in 2003,
Spaceship Earth picked up new sponsorship last week when international technology
giant Siemens AG signed a major 12-year deal with the Walt Disney Company.
In addition to sponsoring Spaceship Earth, Siemens will also get sponsorship
of the Iluminations fireworks show at Epcot, and new attractions at Innoventions
in both Epcot and Disneyland. Also, Siemens’ Sylvania lighting division will
get sponsorship of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at the Disney-MGM
Studios, as well as Disney’s Electrical Parade and Walt Disney’s Parade of
Dreams in California.

The deal also includes sponsorship of ABC’s video board in New York City’s
Times Square and further joint technology ventures. This is another in a series
of technology-focused deals made under Disney’s technophile CEO Bob Iger.
In a press release announcing the deal, Iger said, “Embracing new technology
is a key strategic priority at Disney because it supports our commitment to
creating an outstanding guest experience and drives growth for the entire
Company.”

There is no word yet on future changes at Spaceship Earth to reflect Siemens’
sponsorship, though the remaining AT&T logos have all disappeared.

Pleasure Island Update

Last week, we ran a rumor that all buildings on the lake side of Pleasure
Island would be demolished and replaced by themed restaurants operated by
outside participants, inadvertently setting off alarm bells across the Internet
among fans of the Adventurer’s Club. We have now received conflicting information
from another source that indicates that the Adventurer’s Club, at least, will
not be going anywhere. Again, we do not have confirmation either way from
those inside the Team Disney building, so there’s no guarantee that this better-informed
source is the final word, or whether it’s just the Adventurer’s Club or all
of the endangered buildings that are safe. However, due to the conflicting
information, we’re now going to stand down from red alert and switch to wait-and-see
mode until we get final confirmation one way or the other. The information
about the West End Stage, the Hub Stage and the fireworks being done for,
though, is still solid. They will all be gone.

We apologize for stirring up the hornet’s nest, though in all fairness we
did make sure that it was labeled as rumor and not fact due to the lack of
confirmation.

Living Seas news

We’ve just received word that The Living Seas pavilion at Epcot is officially
reopening on November 23. Sea Base Alpha is being renamed to simply “Sea
Base,” with the entrance through the area that formerly housed the exit
hydrolators. And yes, the rumor appears to be true—the entire pavilion
is going to a Finding Nemo theme.

End date of Tarzan Rocks confirmed as early January

All you Tarzan Rocks fans out there might want to hurry up to get
one last viewing of the show. In the November issue of the Mickey Monitor
WDW passholder newsletter, Disney confirms that the show will be “ending
its wild run in early January 2006 to make room for an exciting, new offering.”
We’ve already noted (link)
that the new show will be based upon Finding Nemo, and will debut in
late 2006 or early 2007 after the Theater in the Wild undergoes a major renovation.

Submit your vacation videos for use on this year’s Christmas Parade broadcast

Do you want to have your home videos of your Disney vacation appear on the
Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade telecast? Disney and show producer
Harborlight Entertainment are accepting submissions of home videos for possible
inclusion in the show. According to Disney, they’re “looking for a variety
of video clips—from funny to fun and heartwarming to heartfelt.”
The only requirements are that it was shot in a Disney Theme Park and that
it meets ABC broadcast guidelines.

Make sure that you submit a copy of your original, since they will not be
returning your media. You can submit many formats, including VHS, 8mm, Super
8, Hi-8, Mini-DV and DVD, but must receive your submission by December 8.
We suggest that you read the rules and procedures, available as a PDF file
online (link),
carefully.

Hotel Royal Plaza to reopen in January

The Hotel Royal Plaza on Hotel Plaza Boulevard near Downtown Disney closed
last summer due to damage from Hurricane Charley, and took advantage of that
time for repairs and refurbishment to the 394 guest rooms, meeting space and
public areas. The Royal Plaza is now set to reopen in January (though their
Web site is not accepting bookings before February 1), and has begun an effort
to fill the 140 full-time positions needed to run the resort.

Disney expands events around Florida Classic

For the 26th time—the ninth since Walt Disney World’s first involvement
and the fifth since it took on name sponsorship—historically black schools
Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University meet on Saturday in the
Walt Disney World Florida Classic football game. To tie in with the game,
Walt Disney World will host events at the Coronado Springs Resort on Thursday
and the Disney-MGM Studios on Friday.

Beginning at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Coronado Springs Resort, the Inaugural
Florida Classic Symposium on Sports & Society will feature a discussion of
the business of sports by college and professional athletics executives. Registration
for this event is now closed.

On Friday, Florida Classic Fan Day kicks off at park opening of the Disney-MGM
Studios, featuring marching bands from both schools leading the Hollywood
Holly-Day Parade, a cheerleader squad competition, a step exhibition featuring
various fraternities and sororities to be held on a stage in front of the
Sorcerer’s Hat, a special Florida Classic version of Who Wants To Be A
Millionaire – Play It and a “tailgate party” featuring music
and entertainment.

The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando,
with a telecast on ESPNU.

Disney on Broadway news

In a press release last Thursday, Disney Theatrical announced some of its
future plans. The Broadway production of The Lion King is moving in
its entirety from the Disney-owned New Amsterdam Theatre to the Minskoff Theatre
next June. The show closes at the New Amsterdam on June 4, and the cast and
crew head three blocks uptown (from 42nd & Broadway to 45th & Broadway) to
reopen the show in its new home on June 13.

After The Lion King vacates the New Amsterdam, load-in begins for
the another Disney Theatrical production, with Mary Poppins opening
at the theater in the fall. The Broadway edition of the collaboration between
Disney Theatrical and Cameron Mackintosh begins preview performances on October
14, 2006, and has its official opening night on November 16. The show, which
opened last December at the Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End, may
surprise American theater-goers, as it is much darker than the popular Disney
film.

Finishing out the theatrical round-up, while it was not listed in the press
release, Tarzan begins preview performances at the Richard Rogers Theatre
on March 24, 2006, and holds its grand opening on May 10. Visa cardholders
and Walt Disney World Passholders may purchase their tickets now, while tickets
go on sale to the general public this weekend.

Ears to the ground

…Victoria & Albert’s restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort has
received its sixth straight Five Diamond rating from AAA. It is the only Disney
restaurant to have received this designation from the AAA.

…On the subject of food, Epcot has just named Christine Weissman as
its new executive chef. Weissman replaces Michael LaDuke, who left to join
Darden Restaurants. Weissman moves to Epcot from her previous post as chef
de cuisine of catering at the Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom.

…Disneyland has began a monthly official podcast (link)
last week. Can Walt Disney World be far behind? Probably.

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors,
and comments. Email Mark 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 can still 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 is disappearing to allow easier
  transit for newly rented strollers and those about to be returned. The station
  is also slated to receive new glass, canopies, paint, and so forth.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – is not operating due to refurbishment
  through April 1, 2006.
• Haunted Mansion – is closed for minor mechanical refurbishment
  through November 15.
• Donald’s Boat – is closed for refurbishment through November
  18.
• Splash Mountain – is closing November 17–18 and January
  23–27 for refurbishment.
• Country Bear Jamboree – is closing January 3–7 for its
  return from the Christmas Special to its regular Jamboree show.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – is closing January 4
  – February 8 for refurbishment.
• 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
  24. The entire pavilion has been rethemed to Finding Nemo, and Sea
  Base Alpha has been renamed simply “Sea Base.”
• Ice Station Cool – closed through later this month for refurbishment.
  It will reopen as “Club Cool.” Latest word indicates that it may
  reopen November 17.
• Norway’s Stave Church – closed through November 14 for refurbishment.
  When it reopens, it will feature a gallery focusing on the Viking explorers.
• Test Track – is closing 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

• The Chronicles of Narnia movie sets – are officially
  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.
• Tarzan Rocks – is scheduled to close in early January 2006.
  Its rumored replacement is a show based upon Finding Nemo, which
  would debut in late 2006 or early 2007 after the Theater in the Wild gets
  a complete makeover. The stage, lighting and sound system will all be gutted
  and the theater will be completely enclosed, as with the Lion King theater
  in Camp Minnie-Mickey.

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 four buildings
  and Phase II’s eight units are complete, Vertical construction for Phase
  III’s six units is underway, with the six units expected to open between
  June and December, 2006.
• 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 on February 26, 2006.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays –
  Saturdays. Also dark November 13–15 and December 4–13. An additional
  performance will take place on November 20.

Park Events

November 2005

• 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).

October 2006

• Disney’s Race for the Taste 10K. Oct. 8. The annual Disney
  10K race continues its association with the Epcot Food & Wine Festival
  (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 extended through April 13

The Passholder Best Rate program is now accepting reservations, online
only, through April 13, 2006. In addition, some rates have dropped even
lower, with value resorts going for $49 most nights from January 16 –
February 4, 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 April 2006.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through April 2006.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)