Walt Disney World Park Update

August 7, 2006 by Mark Goldhaber

Update for August 7 – 13, 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

Ticket prices going up for second time in seven months

After the New Year’s Day price hike, Walt Disney World vacation planners figured that they were safe from another increase until 2007. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. Late Friday afternoon, after the close of the weekly news cycle, Disney announced price hikes effective yesterday. We are hearing (but have not yet confirmed) that existing vacations that are not yet paid in full may be subject to the price increase.

The complete list of changes was posted on our MousePad discussion forums (link) and our ticket price table below has been updated, but here are the highlights:

A one-day, one-park adult ticket has increased from $63 pre-tax to $67 pre-tax. It had been $59.75 through last December, an over-12 percent incrase over the last seven months. The same ticket for a child also increased $4, from $52 pre-tax to $56. From the 2005 price of $48, that represents a 7-month increase of nearly 17 percent.

Two-day base tickets are up $7, while three-day tickets are up $11. From there, the increases drop back down, with four- through 10-day tickets rising between $6 and $8.

While the price for the Water Park Fun & More option has remained level at $50 regardless of length of ticket, with no changes to the number of visits, the Park Hopper option has increased from $40 to $45. The No-Expiration option has increased for all tickets except for the two-day pass. Increases range from $5 to $25, though the increase is not consistent. Most advance purchase discounts have dropped by a buck or two.

One-day, one-park water park and DisneyQuest admissions are up $2 for both adults and children. Wide World of Sports Complex admission has risen 23 cents. A Pleasure Island multi-club pass has gone up a dollar.

These are going to set you back a little further as of yesterday’s price increase. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Annual Passport prices have also gone up again. Annual Passes have gone up from $415 (adult) and $365 (child) to $434 and $382, an increase of $39 and $46 since December. Premium APs have gone up from $539 and $475 to $559 and $493, a hike of $44 and $37 from last year. Disney Vacation Club discounts on Annual Pass prices still apply to the higher rates. AP renewals have now gone up to $394 for adults and $347 for children, while PAP renewals are now $509 and $448.

Florida resident pass prices have risen, as well, with Annual Passes going from $325/$285 (adult/child) to $339/$298. Premium APs go from $429/$379 to $445/$394 and Seasonal Passes go from $215/$189 to $223/$197.

In one measure of relative expense, the cost of an adult 10-day Park Hopper with the No-Expiration option now costs $416, $18 less than an Annual Pass. The adult 10-day Park Hopper with Water Park Fun & More and No-Expiration is $466, $73 less than a Premium Annual Pass.

Whether this increase is to help offset rising operating expenses, to provide more cash for construction of new attraction, to hire additional cast members or some other reason, a second price increase in 217 days is the shortest span in 20 years. (Though it should be noted that this was nearly matched by the 229 days between the May 23, 1999, and January 8, 2000, price increases.)

There is no word yet on whether Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando will follow suit, or if they will wait for the new year to raise prices.

2007 packages now on sale

With the new price hike safely in place, Disney began selling 2007 resort packages yesterday. Packages are now available for up to 14 nights, though the process has not yet been streamlined and the kinks are still being worked out. Essentially, for packages over 10 days, Disney will add a second ticket from 1-10 days to a Magic Your Way package. In some cases, the reservations agent has needed assistance from Guest Services to complete the reservation. We expect that this difficulty will be smoothed out in the near future. We are still trying to ascertain whether the ticketing for the eleventh day would go back to the cost of a one-day ticket or if it would be a smaller, incremental price.

The Disney Dining Plan will have a small increase next year, as the price for adults will go up one dollar to $38.99 per night. The price for children ages 3 to 9 will remain at $10.99 per night.

AAA discounts are also available on the 2007 packages. AAA members will receive 15 percent off at deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts and 20 percent off at value and moderate resorts and Fort Wilderness campsites during value season. Discounts drop to 10 percent at the deluxe and DVC resorts and 15 percent at the values, moderates and campsites during regular and peak seasons. No AAA discounts are expected to be available during the Christmas holiday season.

Thanks to MousePlanet sponsors Small World Vacations (link) for the information, and MouseSavers (link) for the AAA details.

In-room dining now available on Disney Dining Plan

Responding to requests from guests, Disney has made In-Room Dining (a.k.a. Room Service) available on the Disney Dining Plan. The only catch is that it counts as two table service credits, just like Signature Dining locations. Breakfast on the plan includes juice, entree and non-alcoholic beverage. Lunch and dinner provide appetizer, entree, dessert and a non-alcoholic beverage. It’s a steep price to pay for room service, but if you want to do it, now you can.

Dinner shows announce tiered pricing, reservations open for 2007

Disney has also opened up reservations for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, Spirit of Aloha Polynesian Luau and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ dinner shows for 2007. You can make reservations up to 180 days in advance. However, they’ve also introduced tiered pricing and price increases for the Hoop-Dee-Doo and Spirit of Aloha shows as of January 1.

If you want to sit at a table on the floor at Hoop-Dee-Doo (aside from the back row) or lower-level central seating at Spirit of Aloha, you’re looking at Category 1 pricing of $58.99 for adults and $29.99 for children.

Category 2 seating for Hoop-Dee-Doo (last row of floor tables and balcony tables facing the stage) or Spirit of Aloha (the next few tables on the lower level and central and closer seating on the upper level) will run you $54.99 for adults and $26.99 for children.

The least-desirable seating for Hoop-Dee-Doo (the sides of the balcony) and Spirit of Aloha (the far outside tables of the lower level and the furthest back and to the side tables of the upper level) are Category 3, just a hair above current pricing at $50.99 for adults and $25.99 for children.

All prices include tax and gratuity.

Also, note that the Disney Dining Plan will only get you Category 2 or Category 3 seats.

Time is running out on winning one of these fabulous prizes. Who Wants to be a Millionaire – Play It! closes August 19. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Free dining plan causes dining location to extend seatings

Thanks to the popularity of the free dining plan promotion for stays between August 13 and September 30 (reservations for this plan closed back in June), many popular restaurants have long been booked solid for those dates. Responding to complaints of an inability to book favorite meals, Disney has extended mealtimes at several restaurants for the period from August 13 through September 4.

The Concourse Steakhouse, Grand Floridian Cafe and ‘Ohana will begin seating 60 minutes earlier for dinner. Boma will open dinner 30 minutes early. The Liberty Tree Tavern, Crystal Palace and Tony’s Town Square will have extended dinner hours that will vary by day.

The character breakfast at ‘Ohana will seat guests for an additional 30 minutes, and Chef Mickey’s will offer a lunch buffet from 12:30 p.m. until 3:30 p.m.

All of those seatings are now available at the Disney Dine Line, 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station will be adding a dinner buffet for those same dates, but will be for walk-ups only and no reservations will be available.

Dinner shows will also be added during this period. The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show will add a second show on August 20, 27 and September 3. Mickey’s Backyard BBQ is also adding shows on August 18, 25 and September 1.

Candlelight Processional packages announced, booking available as of August 15

One of the most popular reservations each year is the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which combines a dining experience at an Epcot table-service restaurant with reserved seats for the Candlelight Processional, a reading of the Biblical Christmas Story at the America Gardens Theater by a celebrity narrator, backed by a 50-piece orchestra and a 400-voice massed choir.

Dates and most narrators were announced yesterday for this package and, as seemingly with everything today, changes are afoot, including new price tiers.

For starters, all meal times will be during set windows based on the time of the performance to be seen. All seating times will now be prior to showtime.

Those viewing the 5:00 p.m. performance will actually have their meal during “lunch” hours, with seatings between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. This seating will carry a lower price tag than the two “dinner” seatings (see pricing below).

Those wishing to attend the 6:45 p.m. performance will need to be willing to eat dinner with seating times between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The 8:30 p.m. performance (moved back from 8:15) is the only one with close to “normal” meal times, with reservations between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.

Tier 1 seatings at the Biergarten and Garden Grill restaurants (full buffet, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage) runs $27.99 for adults and $11.99 for children at lunch, and $29.99 for adults and $12.99 for children at dinner.

Tier 2 seatings at Nine Dragons, Rose & Crown, Restaurant Marrakesh and San Angel Inn (appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage) runs $34.99 for adults and $11.99 for children at lunch, and $39.99 for adults and $12.99 for children at dinner.

Tier 3 seatings at Chefs de France, Coral Reef, L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, Le Cellier Steakhouse and Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room (appetizer, entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage) runs $39.99 for adults and $11.99 for children at lunch, and $45.99 for adults and $12.99 for children at dinner. Lobster entrees are specifically not included.

Note that there will be no dining packages available for the 5:00 p.m. performance on December 3.

The lineup of narrators (subject to change) features the return of Gary Sinise for Christmas:

November 24–26 – David Robinson
November 27–29 – John O’Hurley
November 30–December 2 – Rita Moreno
December 3–5 – TBA
December 6–8 – TBA
December 9–11 – Steven Curtis Chapman
December 12–14 – Maureen McGovern
December 15–17 – Kirk Cameron
December 18–20 – Lou Diamond Phillips
December 21–23 – Cuba Gooding Jr.
December 24–26 – Gary Sinise
December 27–30 – Marlee Matlin

The Theater in the Wild has been enclosed, but a great deal of exterior decor remains to be completed before Finding Nemo – The Musical opens this fall.. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Disney, competitors announce formal tropical weather policies

While Disney and the other Central Florida theme parks have had informal policies to deal with vacations disrupted by severe storms in place for some time, they all took the step this week of formalizing and publicizing them in order to allay any fears that visitors may have about making reservations for travel during hurricane season.

The Walt Disney World policy would be invoked if a hurricane warning is issued by the National Hurricane Center for the Orlando area or for the guest?s place of residence within seven days before the scheduled arrival date. SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa ensure against any named storm with those same parameter. Universal Orlando’s policy guarantees against the chance that any active named storm may affect their travel.

Disney’s policy also covers the Disney Vacation Club resorts in Vero Beach, Florida, and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

The policies provide for a no-charge cancellation or rescheduling of vacations booked through the respective resorts. However, any special pricing and packages do not carry over to a rescheduled trip, and the same or similar accommodations can not be guaranteed for the rescheduled stay.

Help us out!

Want to help MousePlanet upgrade our park guides? We’re looking to add menu information for all restaurants to our Walt Disney World Park Guide. Send photos or scans of menus (no fair copying from other Web sites) to menus@mouseplanet.com. Please note that there is a 5MB limit on total attachments in a single e-mail.

DVC rumors turn back to North Garden Wing

Yes, the see-saw of rumors about the next Disney Vacation Club location has switched back again to the Contemporary Resort, this time much more strongly. We are hearing that cast members working at the resort have been informed that the North Garden Wing will be closing on October 1 for a complete rebuild into DVC lodgings.

The 16-story resort design that we reported earlier is also surfacing again, but with a different twist. While the ground-level footprint of the North Garden Wing reportedly cannot be changed due to Reedy Creek zoning regluations due to the location’s proximity to Bay Lake, Disney has apparently gotten any zoning variances necessary, as the design clearly shows a new building footprint.

A sharp-eyed reader sent along a link to the Web site of the architectural firm of Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects LLC, whose award-winning design for the Contemporary’s Convention Center back in 1992 apparently helped them to land the next enhancement for the property. The images are about halfway down the New Projects page (link). The C-shaped building surrounds a free-form pool facing Bay Lake, and looks to be even slightly taller than the Contemporary Resort’s tower building. There would also be a fourth-floor walkway from the new DVC lodgings to the Grand Canyon Concourse in the Contemporary tower. The Web site indicates a completion date of 2008.

The designer of the Contemporary Resort’s Convention Center is apparently the designer of the new DVC resort that will be build just north of the tower building. Photo by Matthew Bassett.

[Update: About 10:00 Monday morning, the drawings suddenly disappeared
from the Gwathmey Siegel & Associates web site. At this time, they are
still visible in a discussion thread on the forums at MouseOwners.com (link).]

DVC warns of crackdown on point rentals

In its monthly update e-mail to Disney Vacation Club members, the DVC warned against excessive rentals by members. After reminding members about policies limiting who can use DVC accommodations and facilities, they add: “To maximize the availability of reservations for these permitted purposes, Disney Vacation Club closely monitors reservations and may cancel reserved accommodations if a pattern of rental activity for profit is discovered.”

They are also limited transfers between members. “Additionally, current policies limit Vacation Point-transfer transactions to one transfer per Member or Membership, either as transferee or transferor, during a given Use Year.”

Members are also reminded that the DVC is designed for long-term personal enjoyment, not an appreciable short-term investment

So if you’ve been renting your points regularly, the DVC police may be watching you. Proceed with caution.

Magic Kingdom parade changeover to be complete on Thursday

The conversion of the Magic Kingdom‘s daytime parade from the Share a Dream Come True to Disney Dreams Come True will be complete as of Thursday. The new music, taken from Tokyo Disneyland, will first be used on that day, and other changes will be put into place.

Last week, we reported that the old princess float would be returning as three separate floats. In fact, it will be returning as a single unit. We also reported that the castle float would go back into retirement, but that is also not the case. It will remain in the parade with all of the VIP characters that are currently marching in the parade. Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Pluto and others will now get to rest their feet a little. (Mickey, of course, will remain on his own float.) The VIP characters will be replaced in the walking group with Stitch and other characters.

The only float not to lose its snow globe will be the Peter Pan float, as that globe doesn’t have any characters performing inside of it.

Southern Caribbean cruises feature even more new entertainment

The Disney Cruise Line continues to pull out all the stops to entice cruisers to come aboard the 10- and 11-night Southern Caribbean cruises in September. Following the announcement of $99 per person airfare for those booking packages from East of the Mississippi and $199 per person from West of the Mississippi, they have added all sorts of special entertainment for those cruises.

Muppets Ahoy! will be a new stage show in which Kermit, Miss Piggy, Fozzie, Gonzo and the Swedish Chef are featured, along with Statler and Waldorf in the balcony. A new game show will be featured, called On the Nose, where contestants need to come closest to the correct answer. Disney – The Art of the Story will be a show where “Disney magic and storytelling turn a lion into a king and a beast into a prince through music, dance, emotion, light, sound and color.”

There will also be a new “Mouse 2.0” deck party and cooking demonstrations and wine seminars. The culinary events will feature chef Roland Muller (from the Coral Reef Restaurant at Epcot) on the 10-night sailing and noted restauranteur Michael Jordan (from the Napa Rose Restaurant at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel) on the 11-night voyage.

The 10-night cruise departs on September 7 and the 11-night cruise departs on September 17.

Quick takes …

…Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge for the January 2007 WDW Marathon is sold out.

…The return of the Liberty Square Riverboat has been moved up a couple of weeks. It is now expected to return on September 8.

…The Fantasia pool at the All-Star Movies Resort closes for an extensive refurbishment from September 11 through December 11. All-Star Movies guests can use the “quiet” pools as well as the main pools at the other All-Star resorts.

…We are now hearing that the new Living Seas pavilion (to be called “The Seas with Nemo and Friends”) and the new ride-through attraction (“Nemo’s Undersea Adventure”) are now targeted to open in November.

…The semifinal and final rounds of the 2006 U.S. Open Water Ski Championships will be held during the evenings of September 15 and 16 on Village Lake at Downtown Disney.

Coming soon

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series at Epcot’s America Gardens Theater, concerts by “tribute” bands
- 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
September 8–9, Nights of Joy
September 8–10, Disney’s Pin Celebration: “It All Started With … Walt”

Trivia question of the week

This week’s question: How long is the promenade around the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “How many rows of horses are there on Cinderella’s Golden Carousel?” is:

18.

There are 18 rows of horses on Cinderella’s Golden Carousel. MousePlanet file photo by Brian Bennett.

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 returns to service on September 8.
Mad Tea Party – will be closed for refurbishment August 21–22.
Mickey’s Country House – will be closed for refurbishment September 11–15.
The Hall of Presidents – will remain 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 in November in The Living Seas, which will be renamed “The Seas with Nemo and Friends.”.
The Wonders of Life pavilion – is closed for good.

Disney-MGM Studios

One Man’s Dream – will be closed for refurbishment August 17–18.
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.
Studios Catering Company – will be closed for refurbishment September 14–19.
Backlot Express – will be closed for refurbishment September 20–30.
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 Movies Resort – the Fantasia pool will be closed for an extensive rehab from September 11 – December 11. All-Star Movies guests can use the “quiet” pools as well as the main pools at the other All-Star 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 rooms in the tower building is nearly complete, with the final piece in the puzzle being the 14th floor concierge suites, which will be closed 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. Work is now proceeding on the fourth floor concourse area, with construction walls blocking off much of the floor space. Rumors indicating that the North Garden Wing could be completely rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club lodgings are growing much stronger.
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 September 17–25.

Park Events

Ongoing

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 50 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 will be closed 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

Small World Vacations, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced a special offer for those traveling during this year’s Super Soap Weekend event. The travel agency will give one free One Life, Many Voices CD with each qualifying Disney Magic Your Way Vacation package that falls during 2006 Super Soap Weekend (November 11 and 12) booked with Small World Vacations (link).

The One Life, Many Voices CD is an independent fundraising effort with 100% of net proceeds going directly to aid 2005 Hurricane Disaster Relief, created by the stars of the ABC soap One Life to Live.

The free CD will be mailed with final travel documents. If the guest cancels their Super Soap vacation reservation, the offer is null and void. Small World Vacations’ minimum night stay policy applies. Small World Vacations has donated to the One Life, Many Voices Hurricane Relief Fund on behalf of their guests.

New Radisson offer

The Radisson Resort Orlando – Celebration, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced even lower reduced rates for MousePlanet readers from now through September 30. Rates start at $89 per night from June 30 through August 21 and $59.95 per night from June 30 through September 30!

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

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.

	Standard View	Pool View	Bed & Breakfast Package	Sleep Number – Standard View	Sleep Number – Pool View
2006
Through Aug 19	$105 (M-F) $115 (S,S)	$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S)	$124 (M-F) $134 (S,S)	$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S)	$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S)
Aug 20 – Oct 5	$95 (M-F) $105 (S,S)	$105 (M-F) $115 (S,S)	$114 (M-F) $124 (S,S)	$105 (M-F) $115 (S,S)	$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S)
Oct 6 – Nov 4	$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S)	$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S)	$134 (M-F) $144 (S,S)	$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S)	$135 (M-F) $145 (S,S)
Nov 5 – 25	$105 (M-F) $115 (S,S)	$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S)	$124 (M-F) $134 (S,S)	$115 (M-F) $125 (S,S)	$125 (M-F) $135 (S,S)
Nov 26 – Dec 19	$95	$105	$114	$105	$115
Dec 20 – 25	$115	$125	$134	$125	$135
Dec 26 – 31	$175	$185	$194	$185	$195

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, and again on August 6, 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. Prices do not include 6.5% Florida sales tax.

Adult/Child Total Cost	1-day	2-day	3-day	4-day	5-day	6-day	7-day	8-day	9-day	10-day
Base Ticket	$67 / $56	$132 / $110	$192 / $160	$202 / $168	$206 / $169	$208 / $171	$210 / $173	$212 / $175	$214 / $176	$216 / $177
w/ Park Hopper option	$112 / $101	$177 / $155	$237 / $205	$247 / $213	$251 / $214	$253 / $216	$255 / $218	$257 / $220	$259 / $221	$261 / $222
w/ Water Park Fun & More option	$117 / $106	$182 / $160	$242 / $210	$252 / $218	$256 / $219	$258 / $221	$260 / $223	$262 / $225	$264 / $226	$266 / $227
	(plus 3)	(plus 3)	(plus 3)	(plus 4)	(plus 4)	(plus 5)	(plus 6)	(plus 6)	(plus 6)	(plus 6)
w/ both options	$162 / $151	$227 / $205	$287 / $255	$297 / $263	$301 / $264	$303 / $266	$305 / $268	$307 / $270	$309 / $271	$311 / $272
w/ both options, no Expiration	N/A	$237 / $215	$302 / $270	$337 / $303	$356 / $319	$363 / $326	$395 / $363	$432 / $395	$459 / $421	$466 / $427
Advance Purchase Discount – 1 option	N/A	N/A	N/A	$2/$2	$5/$2	$6/$2	$7/$2	$7/$3	$7/$3	$7/$3
Advance Purchase Discount – 2 options	N/A	N/A	N/A	$12/$10	$15/$10	$16/$10	$17/$10	$17/$11	$17/$11	$17/$11

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through February 2007.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	8/7	8/8	8/9	8/10	8/11	8/12
	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9a-7p TL 9a-7p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9a-7p TL 9a-7p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9a-7p TL 9a-7p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9a-7p TL 9a-7p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9a-7p TL 9a-7p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9a-7p TL 9a-7p
8/13	8/14	8/15	8/16	8/17	8/18	8/19
MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p
8/20
MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK = Magic Kingdom EF = Epcot, Future World EW = Epcot, World Showcase MGM = Disney-MGM Studios AK = Animal Kingdom			BB = Blizzard Beach Water Park TL = Typhoon Lagoon Water Park Italics = Morning Extra Magic Hours Bold = Evening Extra Magic Hours

Entertainment Schedule