Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for November 28 – December 4, 2005

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

News and Views

Are you ready for 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). Look for the MousePlanet table on the right when you enter the Mega Mouse Meet on Saturday.

The pocket guide for MouseFest has been published (link). Two versions are available, one for viewing (pages are in order in the document) and one for printing (pages will be in order once you assemble the booklet. Pocket guides will also be available at the event, including the MousePlanet-sponsored events, but if you want to be prepared ahead of time, go get ’em.

The exterior of Expedition: Everest looks complete from the walkway from Dinoland, U.S.A. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

New biometric entry testing

Back on September 6 (link), we reported that Disney was working to roll out an update to the “Ticket Tag” biometric entry system, where any body part could be used in the scanners, as long as it was consistently used. We’ve now received word that a new system was tested recently at the Magic Kingdom for a couple of days, and that just one fingertip was used. While this will eliminate the issues of guests having to line their fingers up correctly each time, it certainly won’t assuage the fears of those who believe that Disney is scanning their fingerprints, rather than the shape of their fingers. It is rumored that the new system will go live some time next summer. We’ll pass along more information as we get it.

Expedition: Everest blends into the scenery very well in this view from the bridge between Discovery Island and Africa. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Movie updates at the Studios

We’ve received word of two changes to movies that are part of attractions at the Disney-MGM Studios. First, the movie at the One Man’s Dream attraction is no longer hosted by former Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Julie Andrews now hosts the film about Walt Disney’s life. The movie is otherwise unchanged.

Meanwhile, over at the Great Movie Ride, the film montage at the end of the attraction received an update some time during the last week. Newly represented films include Chicago, Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo and Chronicles of Narnia. The only deletion confirmed so far is that The Lion King was replaced by Finding Nemo. It’s fairly certain that those who look for ulterior motives will read many things into that substitution. Whether there is any basis for that is, of course, subject to debate.

This close-up view of Expedition: Everest from the walkway from Dinoland, U.S.A. shows the track coming out of the mountain. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Early installation of holiday displays explained

Last week, Steve Kiskamp reported on a cast member’s speculation as to the reason that the holiday displays were being put up earlier, and little by little, rather than all at one at Thanksgiving time to have a “magical changeover.” We’ve now received word on why the schedule was changed.

We’ve been told that the change in decorating schedules has nothing to do with cutbacks at all, and that this year’s decorating is actually costing more than usual. The reason that the decor went up earlier this year is the same reason it went up earlier last year and the year before: guest feedback. Many people only get to go to Walt Disney World once in a lifetime, and many come prior to Thanksgiving expecting Disney to have its holiday decorations already up (after all, “they are up at the local mall, and we’ve heard how pretty it is here for Christmas”).

There is and always has been a small crew at Holiday Services who does all of the preparation year-round for the seasonal displays. The actual installation does require temporary seasonal workers every year. The changes in the installation schedule are reportedly solely due to the desire to “satisfy, surprise, and delight” guests at the theme parks.

The Osborne Lights are up, and pretty much cover everything in sight on the Streets of America backlot. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Radisson Resort Parkway announces special low rate for MousePlanet readers!

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has allocated some rooms as low as $59.95 most days now through December 22. Blackout dates are December 2-3 and December 9-10. Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.

Shuttles, limos, Disney join to fight airport proposal.

Last week, shuttle and limo drivers joined with Disney and Mears to fight an airport proposal to ban all limo drivers and shuttle services from the baggage claim area on the airport’s second level, instead relegating them to the ground transportation area on the first level. The shuttle and limo drivers are upset because, among other things, travelers expect that, if they are paying for a limo service, their driver will meet them and take care of getting their luggage from baggage claim to the car and losing that will make people less likely to want to use a car service. The airport intends to install and staff ground transportation information kiosks on the second level to direct people to services on the first level.

The courthouse on the square outside the Lights, Motors, Action Stunt Show appears the same as always. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Sports Talk Live events gone?

It has been reported on our discussion forums that the Sports Talk Live events will no longer be held at the ESPN Club at the Boardwalk resort, and that the talent booking coordinator for sports celebrities has been fired. The Sports Talk Live show enabled those at the restaurant to interact with sports celebrities and ESPN personalities and ask them questions. We do not yet have independent confirmation of this story.

Some of the display has been extended back around to the area behind the MuppetVision theater, which does help thin out the overload on the main display, though it still is a bit overwhelming. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Ears to the ground

…The parks were busy last week, but did not reach capacity.

Time is running out to see Tarzan Rocks. The show is currently scheduled to close for good in eight weeks. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
Talk about Walt Disney World on our discussion forums 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 – is not operating due to refurbishment through April 1, 2006.
• Country Bear Jamboree – will be closed January 3–7 for its return from the Christmas Special to its regular Jamboree show.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – will be closed January 4 – February 8 for refurbishment.
• Splash Mountain – will be closed January 23 – 27 for refurbishment.
• Timekeeper – open seasonally.
• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

• Club Cool – now open! Go get that Beverly!
• Norway’s Stave Church – has now reopened.
• 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. It is now expected to open one final time from December 18 through the end of the year, then close for good.

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 – scheduled to close on January 21, 2006. Its rumored replacement is a show based upon Finding Nemo, which would debut in November 2006 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

• All–Star Movies Resort – The Fantasia pool will be closed January 3 – early February for refurbishment. Guests can use the Mighty Ducks pool or take a complimentary shuttle service (10 a.m. – 10 p.m.) to the other All–Star resorts to use the pools there.
• Wilderness Lodge – Roaring Forks Snacks will be closed January 9 – late March for refurbishment. Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist Point will remain open, and grab-n-go items will be made available elsewhere during the refurbishment.
• 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.

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. No performances December 4–13.

Park Events

November 2005

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Thru Jan. 8, 2006. Millions of lights bombard the eyes at the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
• Festival of the Seasons. Thru Dec. 24. Downtown Disney celebrates the season (link).
• Holidays Around the World. Thru Dec. 30. Epcot celebrates the season, including the popular Candlelight Processional (link).
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Nov. 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).
• World Baseball Classic. March 3-11. Baseball’s best players from Australia, Domincan Republic, Italy and Venezuela square off in the first round of the international tournament (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 $59.95 most days 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)