Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for March 20 – 27, 2006

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

News and Views

Disney’s Magical Express wins extension through 2011

Despite a great deal of opposition from other ground transportation services
and an apparent cost to the Orlando International Airport (MCO), the airport
has extended its deal with Disney’s Magical Express for another five years.
The service, which is currently in a pilot testing phase, had been slated
to run through this December.

The Disney’s Magical Express (DME) service, which provides free transportation
for Walt Disney World guests and their luggage from MCO to the resort, began
its pilot testing phase last May, and by the end of the year had transported
almost 1.18 million passengers, an average of about 4,800 per day. At that rate,
the service would be transporting 1.75 million people per year. That diversion
of traffic represents a tremendous amount of lost revenue for taxi and limousine
services, as well as rental car companies. And since those companies pay MCO
a heck of a lot more per passenger or car than the 50 cents that Disney pays in DME, that
represents a financial hit for the airport.

Under the new deal, Disney will pay 75 cents per passenger beginning next year,
and the airport has the option to raise it to $1.50 per passenger in 2010. Disney’s
argument that the low price doesn’t hurt the airport is that it generates additional
revenue because it drops passengers at the airport two hours early, having already
checked in at their resort, so they spend more on food and merchandise than
they otherwise would. Also, the airport receives money from Aircraft Services
International Group, which handles the baggage between the airport and the resort.
Between Disney, Mears (which runs the buses for Disney) and Aircraft Services International Group, the airport will reportedly receive an estimated total of $4.4 million next year.

A consultant for the airport estimated that MCO lost between $204,000 and $1.1
milion in rental car and other ground transportation income. Under the new contract,
fiscal impact on the airport is estimated to be between a loss of $600,000 and
a gain of $300,000 based on an estimated passenger load of 2 million next year.
With those numbers, it remains to be explained why they signed the deal. While
it’s a great deal for Disney, it doesn’t seem to be quite so good for MCO. It
should be noted, though, that Disney came up with numbers showing that the service
increased revenue at the airport by $1.6 million during the pilot period, and
also streamlined airport operations to the points where a second planned terminal
building may be delayed as the capacity of the current terminal is increased.

Meanwhile, limousine companies are finding their business drying up, sometimes
losing as much as 90 percent of their monthly bookings over their levels from
before the service started. Many have gone out of business. The Greater Orlando
Livery Association, which represents about 100 ground transportation companies,
is looking to meet with the airport to find a way to help their members compete
and stay alive.

A group of airlines at the airport are an extremely interested party, as they
share in both the profits and losses of the airport under the terms of their
gate agreements. On one hand, they will have to make up a portion of any budget
shortfall caused by the DME service, but at the same time, they will save money
due to reduced baggage-handling costs and shorter check-in lines at the ticket
counters.

In the meantime, Disney will be making some changes to the service under the
agreement. The service will be moving from the A side of the terminal to the
B side, where it will get six bus parking spots. (There are more bus spots on
the B side than the A side.) This is a concession on the part of the airport,
as it had been planning to force Disney to operate out of both the A side and
the B side, which would have cost Disney a great deal more to staff and maintain.
If the service exceeds 2.2 million passengers per year, they must open a second
location on the opposite end of the terminal’s B side.

In addition, Disney greeters will return to the terminal’s second level, where
baggage claim is located. In early November, the greeters had been removed from
the terminal’s third level, where travelers arrive at the landside terminal,
to the first level, where guests would actually board the buses. However, they
will no longer be able to wear the large Mickey Mouse hands that they had previously
used to attract passengers. Disney also agreed not to launch a similar service
within 100 miles of MCO. This clause likely was designed to preclude Disney
from launching a DME-like service in Tampa, guaranteeing that Disney traffic
would stay centered in Orlando.

As a result of the agreement, Disney has stated that it now have no plans
to begin charging for the DME service. (Of course, with the deal that they’re
getting on costs, it’s no wonder.) So for guests staying at Walt Disney World,
the upshot is that they can continue to expect to use the DME service
for free. (Of course, the “free” is nominal, as it is likely already
factored into the cost of their hotel rooms.)

We’ll keep an eye out for any further developments on this story.

2007 bookings now available

Room-only availability for most room categories is now open for booking for
most dates in 2007. Pricing is subject to change, as the room rates have not
yet been firmed up for the year, but you can book now to lock in the availability
and apply discounts later if they come available. If you have to have a certain
accommodation locked in for your peace of mind, you can now grab it. Packages,
Disney Vacation Club properties and any discounts will be released at a later
date. Note that, as of press time, these bookings are not yet available on
the Walt Disney World web site. For you, you will need to call Disney or your
travel agent.

Thanks to our friends at Small World Vacations (link),
a MousePlanet sponsor, for the information.

Disney Cruise Line to announce mystery itineraries tomorrow

Three weeks ago (link),
we reported that the Disney Cruise Line would start booking guests on March
28 for the as-yet-unannounced itineraries for Summer 2007 aboard the Disney
Magic. We stated that reports pointed to Mediterranean itineraries between
mid-May and Labor Day weekend. Fourteen-night Trans-Atlantic repositioning
cruises would run May 12-26 and August 18-September 1, with alternating 10-
and 11-night Mediterranean cruises running in between those dates.

Disney will be officially announcing the itineraries tomorrow, almost a week
ahead of the start of bookings. The announcement will take place at Epcot’s
World Showcase, further fueling the anticipation that the itineraries would
be a Mediterranean cruise to European ports. The information from that announcement
will be posted on our Disney Cruise Line discussion forum (link)
tomorrow afternoon, and we hope to have a full report from that announcement
for you next week.

Anticipation of the announcement has been fueled by Mystery at Sea (link),
a page on the Disney Cruise Line’s Web site, which has given clues indicating
various points around the globe. The clues have indicated sites such as Alaska,
Hawaii and the South China Sea, but the most recent clue on Friday shows global
coordinates matching those of Disneyland Paris.

Following its successful tour of West Coast ports last summer, the Disney
Magic is expected to set sail for the Mediterranean Sea for the summer of
2007. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

If the Mediterranean cruise rumors pan out, it would certainly make it easier
for our European readers to enjoy a Disney cruise without having to fly across
the Atlantic. It would also seem to indicate the likelihood of land/sea packages
with Disneyland Paris. The Trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises would also
be the first for the ship since its maiden voyage from the shipyards to its
home at Port Canaveral.

The waiting list (which is currently closed to new requests) is expected
to be cleared by April 3, and on April 4 all remaining berths will become
available to the general public. There will be some availability left in stateroom
categories 4-12 at that time.

If you are not on Disney’s waiting list and want a shot at the remaining
berths, you can contact MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations (link)
to get on their agency’s list, and they will start their attempts at booking
as soon as the phones open up on April 4.

Disney Cruise Line introduces online check-in

For those taking Disney cruises, you can now save time in the boarding process
by checking in from home. The new My Online Check-in service at the Disney
Cruise Line Web site (link)
allows guests to fill out and print all necessary travel forms before they
leave for vacation. Upon arrival at the DCL terminal, guests turn in their
forms and get cleared for embarkation in a much shorter time. Use of the service
is not mandatory, and those who elect not to complete the forms online will
receive the full ticket booklet in the mail.

This new time-saver comes in the heels of last year’s introduction of online
booking of shore excursions and youth activities, as well as spa appointments
and reservations at Palo, the adults-only restaurant.

Stingray Adventure added to Castaway Cay offerings

While we’re on a roll with the Disney Cruise Line, we’ll also pass along
the news that DCL has added a new experience to the events available at its private Castaway
Cay island. Castaway Ray’s Stingray Adventure, a one-hour encounter
with Southern Stingrays, is open to guests ages 5 and up. After an informational
session about stingrays, the group gets into a lagoon where a marine specialist
leads the group. Guests can feed, touch and interact with the rays. Guests
who want more time with the sea creatures can snorkel in the 40,000-square-foot
lagoon.

Prices are $35 (ages 10 and up) and $29 (ages 5-9). Children under age 16
must be accompanied by an adult.

Toy Story breakfast in jeopardy?

Last week, we reported a rumor that the Toy Story Breakfast and Beyond character
meal at Hollywood & Vine in the Disney-MGM Studios would be delayed, but
possibly transformed into both breakfast and lunch. We have heard a new rumor
that the meal has now been delayed further and possibly cancelled due to concerns
from folks at Pixar about how their characters were to be portrayed in the show.
It’s possible that the meal may go on with the character meet-and-greets, but
without the planned Green Army Men show. We’ll let you know as we’re able to get confirmation or
denial of this change.

Pirates update

The latest information that we have on the refurbishment of Pirates of the
Caribbean is that the attraction is targeted to be open from around April 8-9
until April 29-30. The work schedule has most of the scene refurbishments taking
place before that time, with work only remaining on two scenes after the April
opening. Of those two scenes, the well scene will see some work during the first
half of the closure, and some more afterward; the auction scene will not be
worked on at all until after the brief opening.

The attraction is not scheduled to reopen until July 7, but it’s quite possible
that it will be ready for soft openings a week early. We’ll have to wait and
see. Both the interim opening in April and the grand reopening with the new
Jack Sparrow and Barbossa animatronics and the Davey Jones projection in July
are both subject to construction schedules. If the work takes longer than expected,
the attraction may not open, or may be delayed in opening.

Disney chefs cook at Beard House

A team of chefs from Walt Disney World recently headed for New York. On March
9, five chefs and two sommeliers presented a dinner at the famed James Beard
House. The event, billed as “Delicious Disney,” featured chefs Jens Dalhman
(Flying Fish Cafe), Anette Grecchi Gray (Jiko, the Cooking Place), Scott Hunnel
(Victoria & Albert’s), and John D. State (California Grill), pastry chef Erich
Herbitschek (Grand Floridian Resort), and sommeliers Rob Dunham (Flying Fish
Cafe) and Bridget Sherren (California Grill).

Mega-resort to open in Disney’s backyard

The InterContinental Hotels Group has announced plans for a mega-resort to
be built minutes away from Walt Disney World property. The Palazzo del Lago
will be built on 42 acres along the shore of Lake Bryan, between International
Drive and routes 535 and 536. The main entrance to the resort will be from International
Drive.

The $800 million resort, the largest InterContinental hotel worldwide, will
include 1,260 hotel and hotel condominium units, plus another 994 residential
condominiums.

Of the 1,260 hotel units that will make up the InterContinental Resort & Residences
Orlando, 585 will be one- and two-bedroom condominium guest suites ranging in
size from 724 to 1,154 square feet. Prices begin in the low $400,000s. The remaining
675 units will be guest rooms available on a normal hotel basis.

The 994 residential condominiums will be a development consisting of five 18-story
towers, to be called The Villas at Palazzo del Lago. Those condominiums will
be available as one-, two- and three-bedroom units ranging in size from 829
to 2,145 square feet. Prices begin in the $300,000s. The residential condominiums
will include attended lobbies and concierge services, business centers, clubroom
and libraries; valet parking, laundry and housekeeping services, resort signing
privileges.

Sales for both the hotel condos and residential condos begin this week, and
an on-site sales center will open later this spring. Construction on Phase I,
which will include the hotel rooms, hotel condos and the first residential condo
tower will start this fall. The resort is expected to open in early 2009.

WDW concerts debut on Comcast video-on-demand service; WDW vacation contest
linked

Were you unable to catch the after-hours concert in the Magic Kingdom last
year by Jim Brickman or the New Year’s Eve performance at Pleasure Island by
Smash Mouth? If you subscribe to Comcast Digital Cable, you can see them for
free on their On Demand video-on-demand service.

The two shows will air in the Music Specials section of the service’s menu.
Additional Walt Disney World vacation content is available on in the Travel
category of the “Searchlight” section of the Comcast Spotlight section of the
service.

The debut of the shows are timed to help promote the opening of Expedition
Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The attraction officially opens April 7.
In conjunction with the shows, viewers (or anybody else) can go to the Walt
Disney World VOD (Video On Demand) site to register for a chance to win a seven-day
Walt Disney World vacation for four link).

Quick takes …

…A note for those planning to skate in the Walt Disney World Inline Marathon
on April 2 (link):
That is the first day of Daylight Savings Time, so you should be prepared to
lose an additional hour of sleep the night before the race. Registration for
the event is still open.

…Tickets are now being sold that include both bar codes and magnetic stripes.
This may mean that a switch is in the works to an optical-scan system similar
to the one now in use at Disneyland, or it may mean nothing.

…This week’s official podcast from Walt Disney World (link)
will feature WDW President (and VP of Worldwide Operations for Disney Parks
& Resorts) Al Weiss. It should be interesting.

…While non-smoking rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort have now increased
to approximately 95 percent of the available inventory, Disney is not likely
to convert them entirely to non-smoking rooms, as the Disneyland Resort has,
because of the large number of foreign travelers who are less accustomed to
restrictions on smoking.

…Walt Disney World has been recognized by Golf magazine with a Gold Medal,
the eighth consecutive time since 1992 that the resort has been named in its
biennial survey of readers and experts as one of the best golf resorts in the
United States. In the last eight surveys, Disney has received six Gold Medals
(top 25 resorts) and two Silver Medals (top 75 resorts).

Coming soon

• Now – March 29, Spring training home games for the Atlanta Braves at
  Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
  Games are at 1:50 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
  • March 22 (Philadelphia Phillies)
  • March 23 (Cleveland Indians)
  • March 24 (Washington Nationals) @ 7:05 p.m.
  • March 25 (Cleveland Indians)
  • March 27 (New York Yankees) @ 7:05 p.m.
  • March 29 (New York Mets)
• April 1-2, Disney’s Inline Marathon Weekend
  • April 1, Disney’s All-Star Kids Classic
  • April 2, Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half-Marathon
• April 21 – June 11, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
  • Eat to the Beat Concert Series
    • April 21-24, The Nelsons
    • April 25-27, The Buckinghams
    • April 28-May 1, Gary Puckett
    • May 2-4, The Grass Roots starring Rob Grill
    • May 5-8, Paul Revere & The Raiders
    • May 9-11, The Association
    • May 12-15, Davy Jones
    • May 16-18, The Tokens
    • May 19-22, B.J. Thomas
    • May 23-25, Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals
    • May 26-29, The Guess Who
    • May 30-June 1, Tony Orlando
    • June 2-5, Arlo Guthrie
    • June 6-7, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
    • June 8-11, Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
  • Themed weekends
    • April 28–30, Party in the Garden
    • May 5–7, Art In The Garden
    • May 12–14, Mother’s Day
    • May 19–21, Characters in Bloom
    • May 21, Teddy Bears and Dolls, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
    • May 27–29, Memorial Day
    • June 2–4, I Dig Bugs

  ---

Trivia question of the week

Every year, Walt Disney World guests consume over 9.7
million burgers, 7.7 million hot dogs and almost 9.3 million pounds of french
fries. They even eat over 1.6 million turkey legs. So how many Mickey Mouse
ice cream bars do they buy?
(Answer below.)

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

Talk about these stories and more about Walt Disney
World on our discussion forums here.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Walt
  Disney’s Carousel of Progress – has been returned to the list
  of “seasonal” attractions, so its open status may change at
  any time.

• Liberty
  Square Riverboat – is not operating due to refurbishment, and
  will return to service on July 1.

• Pirates
  of the Caribbean – is closed through July 6 for the addition
  of characters from the movie that was inspired by the ride. The attraction
  will reportedly reopen briefly for the peak Easter crowds (we are hearing
  April 9-30) before closing again to complete the refurbishment.

• Timekeeper
  – is closed for good.

• Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration – reportedly
  returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities
  end.

Epcot

• The Wonders of Life pavilion – is closed
  for good.

Disney–MGM
Studios

• No current refurbishments.

Animal Kingdom

• Expedition
  Everest – is scheduled to officially open in Spring 2006. The
  official opening press event is scheduled for April 7, just before the
  peak season of the two weeks surrounding Easter. Soft openings for the
  general public are now underway.

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 this summer.

• Contemporary
  Resort – Work is now underway on the complete refurbishment and
  upgrading of rooms and hallways in the tower building and both garden
  wings, and is now expected to be completed this summer.

• Saratoga
  Springs Resort and Spa – Phase I’s four buildings and Phase II’s
  eight units are complete, Construction on Phase III is underway, with
  the six units expected to be completed in 2007.

Water Parks

• No current refurbishments.

Elsewhere

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

Park Events

Ongoing

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World
  of Sports complex (link).
  February 17 – March 30.

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).

• Grad Nite. April 28-29, May 5-6. High school
  seniors take over the Magic Kingdom after an early closing and party all
  night (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. Registration is now open (link).

• Women Run the World 15 K (link).
  May 7. The course starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and
  ends at Epcot. Registration is now open (link).

• Danskin Women’s Triathlon. May 13-14. Athletes
  compete in a 400 yard swim, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run (link).

• Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 18–21.
  Collectible bears and dolls at Epcot (link).

• Star Wars Weekends. May 19-21 and 26-28, and
  June 2-4 and 9-11. The popular event is slated to return to the Studios
  in 2006 (link).

• Gay Days 2006. May 31 – June 4. The 16th annual
  gathering of the GLBT community at Walt Disney World (link1
  | link2).

July 2006

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney’s Wide
  World of Sports complex (link).
  July 29 – August 17. The NFC South champions prepare for the 2006
  campaign, with practices open to the public.

September 2006

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Sept. 1–4. The
  radio host’s annual gathering returns for another year (link).

• Night of Joy. Sept. 8–9. Disney’s annual
  Christian music festival (link).

• Disney’s Pin Celebration. Sept. 8–10. This
  year’s event is themed as “It All Started With … Walt”
  (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

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Dates
  TBA. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be
  wearing theirs. (link).

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

• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. Oct. 16–22.
  Lucas Glover will try to defend his title at the 36th annual fall golf
  classic on the Palm and Magnolia courses (link).

• Disney Pin Cruise. Oct. 29 – Nov. 2. This
  year’s cruise is themed as “Cruisin’ Through Time” (link).

November-December 2006

• Festival of the Masters. Nov. 10–12. Disney’s
  annual arts festival at Downtown Disney’s West Side, now sponsored by
  Sharpie! (link).

• ABC Super Soap Weekend. Nov. 11–12. Your
  favorite ABC soap opera stars converge on the Disney-MGM Studios (link).

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Dates TBA.
  Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios (link).

• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. Dates TBA. The
  Animal Kingdom Parade trades its Jammin’ for Jingle in this holiday makeover
  (link).

• Holidays Around the World. Dates TBA. Epcot’s
  World Showcase gets storytellers, special entertainment and crafts for
  kids, the Lights of Winter and a spectacular Christmas tree (link).

• Festival of the Seasons. Dates TBA. Downtown
  Disney gets a holiday makeover (link).

• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Dates TBA.
  Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What’s not to like? (link).

December 2006

• 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 2007

• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 6. Registration
  now open(link). [Read our
  WDW Marathon Guide.]

• Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration
  now open(link).

Trivia answer

Over 2.6 million chocolate-covered Mickey Mouse ice cream bars are sold
every year at Walt Disney World Resort.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Magic Your Way package with free ticket upgrades available through June
3

Disney has announced a special offer for vacations between April 23 and
June 3, that will include free upgrades of base Magic Your Way park passes.
The passes will be upgraded with both Park Hopper and Water Parks &
More options at no charge. When booking on the Disney Web site, make sure
to click the “Special Offers” tab on the left side of the page,
or the offer may not appear.

Passholder discounts now available through June 3

Passholders discounts are now available on the passholder Web site for
vacations from April 23 through June 3. When calling by phone, use booking
code EZN or EZO. Florida resident discounts for the same dates are available
on the resident Web site, using booking code BOR. Passholder rates start
at $74 per night for value resorts, resident rates start at $79 per night
for the values.

Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration releases rates through the end of
2006

The Radisson Resort Parkway is now the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration!
The resort, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their standard rates through
the end of 2006. Note that the nightly rates do not include a $7 per night
resort fee.

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

Magic Your Way ticket price guide

Walt Disney World’s entire ticket price structure changed
as of January 2, 2005, to the new “Magic Your Way” passes, and prices
increased on January 1, 2006.. Advance purchase discounts are only available
on tickets above the base ticket of at least 4 days, with higher discounts
on those tickets with both options.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through September 2006.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through September 2006.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for March 2006

Movies begin at 7:40. In the case of a weekend double-feature,
the second movie begins at 9:15. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30
and a singalong at 7:00.

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)