Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for July 31 – August 6, 2006

Go directly to: News & Views | Coming Soon | Trivia of the Week | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Watch out for the Dream Squads

A few more details have leaked out regarding the dreams to be granted during the “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion. Apparently, prizes will include the previously known Golden Fastpass tickets and overnight stays at a new room to be constructed inside Cinderella Castle, but also complimentary Disney vacations for life. In addition, according to Parks & Resorts chairman Jay Rasulo, “special Dream Squads will be encouraged to fulfill more than one million extra special dreams, both large and small, in a first-of-its-kind, ‘only at Disney’ magical experience.” [Read more about the castle overnighter concept from a June 20 article written by staff writer David Koenig here.]

New entertainment coming for the new promotion, too

There will apparently be some additional live entertainment coming for the Year of a Million Dreams. In addition to the already-running Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial, keep an eye out for the Main Street Family Fun Parade, Woody’s Cowboy Camp and the Royal Court Academy. The last will reportedly replace the long-running Sword in the Stone show. (Sword in the Stone is currently on summer hiatus to avoid creating additional congestion in the courtyard near Cinderella’s Golden Carousel and Mickey’s PhilharMagic.) We can only guess that Woody’s Cowboy Camp will take place in the now-empty Diamond Horseshoe Saloon.

Cinderellabration’s demise confirmed

Those aren’t the only changes to entertainment coming this fall. It has finally been officially confirmed that Cinderellabration will hold its final performances on September 16 after a sixteen-month run. The 18-minute show, much disliked by entertainment managers and performers alike for various reasons, including its lack of a villain, will be replaced by a new show that is “very much like Cinderella’s Surprise Celebration.” That show, which was originally expected to return intact following Cinderellabration’s run, would have required set changes in order to be performed on the new stage that was created for the May 2005 debut of the current show.

The plethora of princesses at Cinderellabration will be taking their final bows on September 16. MousePlanet file photo by Lani Teshima.

The new show, expected to start in late September, will not have quite the cavalcade of princesses as Cinderellabration, only featuring Cinderella, Snow White, Princess Aurora and their princes. The Fab Five (Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy and Pluto) will also make appearances, as will six non-character dancers. Addressing the complaint that the current show has no conflict, which renders it boring, Maleficent will provide a touch of evil to the new show.

At this point, we do not know the name of the new show. We’ll pass along new information as it becomes available.

Castle to lose its golden enhancements

The new show for the castle forecourt stage will have a changed backdrop, as well. After almost a year and a half of golden characters, trimmings, and a huge faux magic mirror, Cinderella Castle will doff the decor and receive a fresh paint job.

It appears that a crane will arrive on site on September 10, and removal of the Happiest Celebration overlay will take place over the next few days. Once that’s complete, the castle will be repainted, which is expected to take until December 5. The crane (which will be parked in the courtyard behind the castle) will reportedly be lowered during theme park hours, and only be active at night. The construction wall that will surround the crane will require the walkway from Sir Mickey’s to the Fairy Tale Gardens to be closed, though the Gardens will remain open.

Could the Magic Mirror have predicted its own demise? It will be removed in mid-September. MousePlanet file photo by Brian Bennett.

Construction work on the new “Royal Bedchamber” that will be one of the centerpieces of the Year of a Million Dreams is expected to take place in December, with the room finally ready to receive guests by early January.

Magic Kingdom parade changes near completion

The conversion of the Share a Dream Come True parade to the Disney Dreams Come True parade continues, as the Mickey, Pinocchio and villain floats have already been stripped of their snowglobes. By the time that the new version of the parade officially premieres on August 10 (with new music), the two remaining floats will have been transformed and the three-part princess float will have returned as three separate floats. The venerable castle float will again return to mothballs until it is next pressed into service.

Radisson offers even deeper discounts to MousePlanet readers!

The Radisson Resort Orlando – Celebration, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced even lower reduced rates for MousePlanet readers from August 22 through September 30. Rates start at just $59.95 per night!

Click here to make reservations now. These special rates and discounts are for MousePlanet readers, so remember to book through our links here.

The Magic Kingdom appears to have completely switched over to the new one-finger biometric devices, which seem to be moving guests through much quicker. MousePlanet photo by Brian Warneke.

Chicago Cubs event nears sellout

The Dream Vacation for Chicago Cubs Players & Fans is nearing a sellout, as many repeat fans are signing up for the December 8-12 trip. Additional players and former players have signed on, with the guest list now including returning stars Fergie Jenkins, Gary Matthews, Lee Smith, Jody Davis and Michael Barrett, along with first-timers Ryan Dempster, Matt Murton and Aramis Ramirez.

Guest events with the players include a breakfast/Q&A, time on the field of Crackerjack Stadium, a private Rock ‘n’ Roll Beach Party at Pleasure Island and a special showing of the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular followed by a private Cairo-themed dinner party and a walk through the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.

Packages start at $999 at the All-Star Sports Resort, and range up through $1,459 at the Polynesian Resort. Accommodations are also available at Port Orleans Riverside for $1,149 and the Animal Kingdom Lodge for $1,299. Prices are per person, double occupancy, for adult AAA members. Children ages 3 to 9 pay $100 less, and non-members add $50 per adult.

There is no Web site for this event, so you’ll need to call AAA Chicago at 1-866-4AAA-CUBS (1-866-422-2282). See MousePlanet’s story on the 2005 edition of this event.

Pin celebration changes

If you’re registered for the Disney Pin Celebration 2006 “It All Started With … Walt” event, or if you’re thinking about attending, you might want to check the event’s Web site (link). An update to the event itinerary was posted yesterday. Since we haven’t been watching the event closely, we don’t know what the update is, just that it was just posted.

Pumpkins growing in Mickey-head forms on the vine at The Land pavilion. MousePlanet photo by Matthew Bassett.

When harvested, the Mickey pumpkins look like this. MousePlanet photo by Matthew Bassett.

Adventures by Disney announces next year’s itineraries

Adventures By Disney has announced its destinations for 2007. Returning from 2006 will be Wyoming, Costa Rica, England & France and Italy. Joining them next year will be American Southwest, Mid-Atlantic, Ireland, Austria & Czech Republic, Tuscany, Southern Italy, Spain, and Southern Spain. Dropped from 2006 are the Canadian Rockies and Oahu & Hawaii.

For more information, go to the Adventures by Disney Web site (link).

Quick takes …

…World Drive will see temporary lane closures through August 25 for paving and other repairs. The affected portion of the roadway will be from the Epcot Center Drive overpass south for about 1/3 of a mile. Both northbound and southbound lanes will be affected.

…We are hearing unconfirmed rumors that Living with the Land at Epcot will close from August 21 through September 17 to remove Fastpass machines and install a system to deliver automated spiels. (The rumor states that the live “tour guides” will be no more.) We’re still waiting for confirmation, though, so don’t take it as gospel yet.

Guests file past closed Fastpass distribution kiosks at Living with the Land. MousePlanet photo by Matthew Bassett.

…Walt Disney World will reportedly no longer accept personal checks as a form of payment at any merchandise locations.

…The Grosvenor is apparently the next Hotel Plaza Boulevard resort to get a multi-million dollar makeover, thanks to a restructure of its ownership.

Coming soon

• July 31, reservations open for special events at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
• Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot’s America Gardens Theater, concerts by “tribute” bands
  • Bjorn Again (ABBA), July 22 – August 6
  • Transit Authority (Chicago), August 7–13
• July 28 – August 16, Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex
• August 13 – September 30, “Playhouse Disney in Concert” series at the Disney-MGM Studios
  • Aug. 13-14 – Imagination Movers (ABC Theater)
  • Aug. 15-19 – “Mickey’s Magic Show” (Soundstage 1)
  • Aug. 20-23 – The Doodlebops (ABC Theater)
  • Aug. 24-27 – “Mickey’s Magic Show” (Soundstage 1)
  • Aug. 28 – Playhouse Disney Dance Party (Sorcerer Mickey Hat stage)
  • Aug. 29-Sept. 1 – The Wiggles (Epic Theater)
  • Sept. 2-10 – Johnny & the Sprites (ABC Theater)
  • Sept. 11-16 – Ralph’s World (ABC Theater)
  • Sept. 17 – Playhouse Disney Dance Party (Sorcerer Mickey Hat stage)
  • Sept. 18-24 – Imagination Movers (ABC Theater)
  • Sept. 25-30 – Dan Zanes and friends (ABC Theater)
• September 1?4, Tom Joyner Family Reunion
• September 1?4, DVC members may not pool-hop on these dates

Space Mickey and Space Goofy visit with park guests in their astronaut outfits. They have recently been hanging out near Mission: Space. MousePlanet photo by Matthew Bassett.

Trivia question of the week

This week’s question: How many rows of horses are there on Cinderella’s Golden Carousel? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “What is the only remainder of the planned Beastlie Kingdomme land that is left at Disney’s Animal Kingdom?” is:

The “dragon rock,” visible from the bridge to Camp Minnie-Mickey.

The dragon rock survived the cancellation of Beastlie Kingdomme. MousePlanet photo by Mark Goldhaber.

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

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Liberty Square Riverboat – is not operating due to refurbishment, and will return to service on September 22.
• Mad Tea Party – is closing for refurbishment August 21–22.
• Mickey’s Country House – is closing for refurbishment September 11–15.
• The Hall of Presidents – remains open during a refurbishment September 11–25.
• Timekeeper – is closed for good. The Monsters, Inc.-themed The Laugh Floor Comedy Club is expected to open in January, 2007.
• Cinderellabration – will have its last performances on September 16.

Epcot

• Nemo’s Undersea Adventure – will open this fall in The Living Seas, which will be renamed “The Seas with Nemo and Friends.”.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – is closed for good.

The Liberty Belle’s dock is covered for refurbishment while the riverboat itself is being worked on. MousePlanet photo by Brian Warneke.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It – will close August 19. A new interactive ride-through attraction, Midway Madness, will open in summer 2008.
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – will not be performed September 14–19.
• The Studios Catering Company – is closing for refurbishment September 14–19.
• Fantasmic – will not be performed November 1–8 while work is done on the island stage.

Animal Kingdom

• Finding Nemo – The Musical – will open in the Theater in the Wild on November 12, with soft openings slated to begin on November 5..

Resorts

• All-Star Music Resort – Conversion of the Jazz Inn buildings to Family Suites continues, followed by rooms in the Calypso section. All work is expected to be completed by October 13.
• 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. Captain Cook’s Snack Company is closed for refurbishment and expansion until August 15.
• Contemporary Resort – Work on the tower building is nearly complete, with the final piece in the puzzle being the 14th floor concierge suites, which is closing from July 23 through August 23 for their extreme makeover. The refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in the South Garden Wing also continues, and is now expected to be completed this summer. Rumors now appear to indicate that the North Garden Wing could be completely rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club lodgings.
• Wilderness Lodge – Work is now underway on the replacement of furniture in all rooms, which is expected to be completed by the end of July.
• 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

• Blizzard Beach – Will close for annual refurbishment October 29, and will reopen on January 7.
• Typhoon Lagoon – Will close for annual refurbishment on January 7, and will reopen some time in March 2007.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. Also, no performances July 30 – August 1 and September 17–25.

Park Events

July 2006

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex (link). July 28 – August 16. 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).
• Imagine the Possibilities — A Friendly Figment Reunion. Sept. 7. Fans of the popular purple dragon gather for a sculpture release (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).
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party. Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs. (link).
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 29 – Nov. 12. The 11th 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).
• 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. Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2007. 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. Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. 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. Nov. 13, 17, 27, 28, 30, Dec. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What’s not to like? (link).

December 2006

• Pop Warner Super Bowl. Dec. 3–9. Football players and cheerleaders invade the resort for the pigskin championships (link).
• MouseFest 2006. Dec. 3–11. The annual gathering of the Disney Internet community takes place at sea from Dec. 3–7 and on land from Dec. 7–11 (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 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).
• Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party. Jan. 22, 26, 29, Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 23, 26, Mar. 2, 5, 8. A new hard-ticketed event celebrates the the pirates and princesses in all of us (link).

May 2007

• Disney’s Minnie Marathon Weekend 5K and 1 Mile (link). May 5. 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 6. The course starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot. Registration is now open (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

New room discounts for passholders, Florida residents and general public

Disney has announced new room rate discounts for travel through September 30. New, lower room rates are available to the general public beginning August 19 as room-only reservations or as a Magic Your Way package with or without dining.

Passholders and Florida residents get even lower rates, with value resorts starting at just $59 per night. These rates start August 27, following the already-existing discounts that run through August 26.

To make reservations at the general public rates, use promotional code BPN or BPO for room-only reservations, YYC for Magic Your Way packages and YYD for Magic Your Way Plus Dining. Passholders should use promotional code FAU or FAV, while Florida residents should reference code FAR.

Passholder and Florida resident discounts extended through late summer

New Passholder and Florida resident discounts were announced for the month of August. In addition, the very limited discounts released earlier for July have been extended on the front side to begin on June 30, rather than July 5. Rather than the all-resorts rates that we’ve seen in the past, the earlier rates are very specifically targeted to five resorts ? two Disney Vacation Club resorts and three deluxe resorts, indicating that bookings property-wide are up, with only these five resorts selling below the expected point, necessitating the issuing of discounts. The new rates are available at all resorts.

From August 6-26, the discounts are $25 per night off Value resorts, $50 per night off Moderate resorts and $75 per night off Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. Passholders should use promotional code EZX or EZY, while Florida residents should reference code FAA or FAC.

The earlier discounts are now for June 30 through August 5 at the Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Yacht Club Resort, Beach Club Resort and BoardWalk Inn Resort. (The Beach Club Villas and BoardWalk Villas are not included in the discount.) Discount rates at the DVC resorts begin at $159 per night for a studio room, and rates at the deluxes start at $189 per night in a standard room. Other levels of accommodations at those resorts are also available at higher rates. A limited number of rooms are available at the discounted rates. Passholders should reference promotional code EZT or EZU, while Florida residents should reference promotional code EZW.

To receive the discount, you can either make your reservations through the Passholder or Florida resident Web sites, through travel agents or by calling the special Passholder or Florida resident phone numbers (available at the respective Web sites).

At check-in, Passholders will be required to show an annual pass or exchange voucher, and Florida residents will be required to show proof of Florida residency.

Swan and Dolphin Resort announces special summer deal for teachers, Straight-A students

Florida teachers and Straight-A students will receive more than fifty percent off of the standard room rate at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort (link) this summer. At check-in, teachers must present their school ID and students must present a report card showing all As. Students will get additional perks. When showing the straight-A report card, students will receive a “Straight A Club” cap, which will entitle the wearer to a complimentary character dinner at Gulliver’s Grill at the Swan (when dining with a parent).

The special rate ends on September 4, 2006. Rates are based on availability and do not include tax. To make reservations at this rate, call 800-227-1500 and ask for the “Teachers and Students” special offer.

Cirque discounts for Passholders and DVC members

Passholders and DVC members get 25 percent off Category 2 admission to performances of Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba through September 30, 2006. Each passholder or DVC member can buy up to four tickets. Tickets should be purchased by phone at 407-939-7604 up to 30 days in advance, and must be picked up at the box office with valid Passholder or DVC identification. The offer is not valid on Saturday shows during July, and the show will not be performed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as July 30 ? August 1 and September 17?25.

Golf Price Slice returns

A round of golf at Walt Disney World will be less expensive after 10 a.m. again this summer as the resort is bringing back the Disney’s Price Slice promotion. From May 22 through September 30, greens fees will be “sliced” to $55 for the Magnolia and Eagle Pines courses, $49 for the Palm course and $45 for the Lake Buena Vista course. The rates include the use of an electric cart and are discounted from the before-10 a.m. prices of $89 (Magnolia and Eagle Pines), $79 (Palm) and $69 (Lake Buena Vista). The Osprey Ridge course is not involved in the promotion, as it is closing from May 15 through September 23 for refurbishment. The Tifdwarf grass on the greens is being replaced by TifEagle turf, tee boxes are being laser leveled and other work will also be done. The annual makeover of a selected course has been extremely well-received, with the Palm course going first in 2004 and the Magnolia getting upgraded last year. It is unknown at this time whether the Eagle Pines or Lake Buena Vista course is scheduled for next year. To reserve a tee time, call 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653) or go to the Disney Golf Web site (link). Note that the site appears to have difficulty with browsers other than Internet Explorer.

Special offer for Super Soap Weekend travel from Small World Vacations