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Walt Disney World Park Update

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Update for September 5 ? September 10, 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

Dining Plan participants returning

Three weeks ago, we reported that many restaurants were not listed as participating on the Disney Dining Plan for 2007. We listed two possible reasons for the change, the first being that the Disney did not have time to negotiate next year’s contracts with the third-party restaurant owners by the time that they needed to release the package information, and the second being that the third-party owners were taking a financial hit by getting reduced compensation for meals due to static payments when they might be full anyway.

It seems that the answer was the former. We have been informed that all of the Epcot and Downtown Disney restaurants that participated in the 2006 Dining Plan have signed back on for 2007. However, the Dining Plan brochure on the Walt Disney World web site (link) has not been updated to reflect the additions yet.


Work continues on the Food & Wine Festival location between Epcot’s Morocco and France pavilions. Photo by Brian Warneke.

Magical Beginnings ordering service

Here’s another interesting service that Disney is offering during the “Little Ones Travel Time” Magical Beginnings promotion: Disney has a service that allows you to place a merchandise order for items to be delivered to your room upon arrival. This online ordering service (link) is only available to those with reservations at a Disney-owned and operated hotel with arrival during the promotion period (August 13 ? September 30).

The available merchandise is a very nice cross-section of the items that you are likely to want to have right off the bat for your preschooler, and is listed in five categories:

  • Theme Park Essentials
    • Vacation Autograph Book Disney Princess Autograph and Photo Book
    • Mickey Mouse Autograph Pen
    • Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse Flop Pens
    • Mickey Ears
    • Cinderella or Buzz Lightyear Sunglasses
    • Disney Personal Fan
    • Kolcraft Tour Sport® Reclining Umbrella Stroller
    • Pal Mickey
  • Disney Snacks
    • Chip and Dale Snack Company
      • Mickey Cheddar Crackers
      • Mickey Pretzels
      • Mountain Mix
      • Peanuts Honey Roasted
      • Peanuts Roasted & Salted
      • Cashews Salted Whole
    • Minnie?s Bake Shop
      • Character Cookies
      • Chocolate Cookies
      • Chocolate Chunk Cookies
    • Goofy?s Candy Co.
      • Character Gummies
  • Pool Play
    • Disney?s Finding Nemo Ring
    • Mickey Water Goggles
    • Mickey Play ‘n Rinse Beach Basket
    • Mickey Ear Sand Shovel
  • Resort Room Fun
    • Sorcerer Mickey Mouse Clear Deck of Playing Cards
    • Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse 9? Bean
    • Disney Princess or Mickey Mouse Activity Set
    • Disney Wild Racers
    • Coloring Books
    • Mickey Mouse Twist Crayons
    • Mickey Mouse or Minnie Mouse Electric Toothbrushes
  • Baby Care
    • Coppertone Water Babies Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50 (4 fl oz)
    • Huggies Supreme Diapers
    • Huggies Supreme Baby Wipes
    • Huggies Swimmers

Prices are the same as at Disney resort shops.

Orders must be placed at least 72 hours prior to arrival, and carry a service charge of $5 for orders that total under $30. Deliveries are made no later than 9 p.m. unless you specifically request it. Resort check-ins after 9 p.m. result in delivery on the following day. Those staying at a Fort Wilderness Campsite must pick up their orders at the Meadow Trading Post during normal operating hours. Note: Cancelling your room reservations does not cancel your merchandise order; and you must call Disney Event Services to cancel the order.


The facade of the Living Seas pavilion is freshly painted and waiting for its new “The Seas with Nemo and Friends” signage. Photo by Brian Warneke.

Test Track gets Photopass

The requests have been out there for some time and the rumors have been flying, but finally we have actual news to report. The first attraction photo to be integrated with Disney’s Photopass has gone online. Test Track has replaced the old system with a new one, where you will have a certain number of seconds to swipe a Photopass card through a reader near each screen image before the next image appears, which will add the photo to your card. We’re assuming that if you miss your photo, you can still go to the counter to have them call it up and add it to your card, but that’s not confirmed. The photos no longer carry sequence numbers.

If you want to buy your attraction photo immediately, you can take your Photopass card directly to the counter, and they will print the photo for you from your card account. It is expected that once any bugs are worked out of the system, the system will be rolled out to other attractions with on-ride photos. We’ll let you know as we hear of them.


A lot of work remains in the preparation of the new Nemo’s Undersea Adventure attraction inside the renovated Seas pavilion. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Magic Kingdom Christmas tree to be late this year

Last year, in order to accommodate a new stage in Town Square for Regis and Kelly to host the Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade for TV, the Magic Kingdom‘s Christmas tree was first erected in the Rose Garden near the Central Plaza hub. After the filming of the parade, the tree was taken down and moved to its usual spot in Town Square. Apparently, the Imagineers were not happy with the way that it worked out.

We’ve been informed that the Magic Kingdom’s Christmas Tree will not be going up until after the recording of the parade. This means that Magic Kingdom guests who visit to see the holiday decorations and who arrive before December 4 may be disappointed by the tree’s absence.


This year, the Magic Kingdom Christmas tree will not repeat its appearance in the Upper Rose Garden. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Kim Possible “Kimmunicator” game trials underway at Epcot

We’ve received several reports of trials going on for a new Kim Possible-themed interactive activity at Epcot based upon the exploits of the Disney Channel heroine. A few dozen participants are given “Kimmunicators” (tricked-out Motorola i870 cell phones, named after Kim’s communication device on the show), for which their parents have to leave credit card info in case the $300 phone disappears. The phone allows the new member of “Team Possible” to track down and stop familiar foes from the TV series, including Duff Killigan (at the United Kingdom pavilion), Sr. Senior, Sr. and Senor Senior, Jr. (at the France pavilion) and Dr. Drakken (at the former Image Works, upstairs at the Imagination pavilion).

The “Kimmunicator” interacts with various items in the pavilions, including a tin soldier in the Toy Soldier shop at the U.K. pavilion, where a cast member will provide the voice for the soldier while viewing the child via a camera. Then, likely using Bluetooth technology, new information will be transferred to the device to provide information for the next task.

While there have been some reported issues during the test, overall reviews are positive. It has been reported that at the conclusion of the trial, it will be discontinued and will return to Imagineering for further refinement. It is unknown if and when it will come back permanently.


The Living with the Land boat ride has two more weeks of work left in its transition to automated spiels. Photo by Brian Warneke.

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 email.

DCL adds spa products, new mattresses and linens to all staterooms

October will see a major enhancement to accommodations aboard the two ships of the Disney Cruise Line. Each stateroom will be stocked with H2O Plus Spa bath and shower products, derived from marine botanicals, to bring a piece of the ocean into each room. The products will include Sea Marine Revitalizaing Shampoo, Marine Collagen Conditioner and Hydrating Body Butter from the H2O Plus premium Spa line ؄ all in uniquely designed, co-branded bottles. Concierge-level suites will also include offerings such as Sea Salt Body Wash and Solar Relief Gel.

The introduction of these products will coincide with the completion of a project to upgrade all bedding aboard both ships. Every stateroom will receive new Sealy Posturepedic Premium Plush Euro-top mattresses, new pillows and Frette 300 thread-count, 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens. Larger, more luxurious bath towels and bath sheets have also been added to all stateroom bathrooms. Concierge-level cruisers will also see comfortable duvets and a new “Pillow Talk” program which a choice of hypo-allergenic, feather and therapeutic memory foam pillow options.

Disney Cruise worker exposes self; gets arrested and fired

Omer Yuksel Songur, a 38-year-old Turkish food service worker aboard the Disney Wonder, was arrested by Brevard County Sheriff’s agents at Port Canaveral on Thursday when the ship made port. According to agents, Songur purportedly exposed himself to three women during the voyage. If and when he is released after posting bail or the case is resolved, federal immigration officers would likely return him to Turkey.

The Disney Cruise Line has terminated Songur, and cooperated with the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, the Coast Guard, and the FBI in their investigations. Songur was confined away from guest areas from the time that ship’s staff was made aware of the incident until the ship made port.


The Temple of Heaven at Epcot’s China pavilion is being enclosed in scaffolding for some refurbishment. Photo by Brian Warneke.

Schott goes from WDW to Tokyo

Joe Schott, a 25-year Disney veteran most recently Director of Park Operations for Walt Disney World, was named Vice President and Executive Managing Director of Walt Disney Attractions Japan and Disneyland International last Wednesday. In his new position, Schott will be responsible for overseeing Disney operations at the Tokyo Disney Resort and managing the day-to-day relationship with the Oriental Land Co., which owns and operates the resort and over four dozen Disney Stores in Japan. He will report to Nick Franklin, Senior Vice President of International Development for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts.

Schott began his Disney career as an attractions host at Walt Disney World. He replaces Ed Grier, who was named President of the Disneyland Resort in California last month.

Disney renews title sponsorship for Florida Classic

Walt Disney World has renewed its title sponsorship for the Florida Classic football game, the annual faceoff between historically black schools Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University. The game kicks off at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando on Saturday, November 18 at 3:30 p.m., and will be televised nationally on ESPN-U. The $400,000 in scholarships to students that will be provided by Disney this year will bring the resort’s total financial investment to $2.3 million in scholarships to both educational institutions.

On Friday, Florida Classic Fan Day kicks off at park opening of the Disney-MGM Studios, featuring marching bands from both schools leading the Hollywood Holly-Day Parade among other entertainment.


Signage near the entrance to the China pavilion hints at exhibits to come. Photo by Brian Warneke.

Quick takes ?

?We are hearing that some cast members are being told in staff meetings that the Disney-MGM Studios will be renamed to the Disney-Pixar Studios, but no time frame has yet been given.

?Night of Joy tickets are now sold out for Friday, September 8. There are currently tickets still left for Saturday, September 9. Update: We received word this morning that both nights are now sold out.

?Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party starts next Friday night. If you go, please let us know how the traffic issues related to both the park closing and the party starting at 7 p.m. are handled.

?According to the British Columbia Film Commission, filming will be taking place next week in B.C. for a new Circlevision film for Epcot’s Canada pavilion.

?Cirque du Soleil La Nouba is introducing a new price category for seats in section 103, which is the front center section of the theater. Ticket prices for the new “Front and Center” category will be $112 apiece. The new price is effective beginning with the October 3 performances.

?Typhoon Lagoon will reopen from its winter refurbishment on March 18.

?The reconstruction and expansion of Captain Cook’s Snack Company at the Polynesian Resort is not scheduled to be completed until early December, though it’s possible that it might soft-open before Thanksgiving. Until then, quick service will continue to be offered in the old Tangaroa Terrace, with breakfast being served from 6:30?10:30 a.m., and the grill being open from 6:30 a.m.?11 p.m.


Some more of Epcot’s Japan pavilion has come out from under wraps. Photo by Brian Warneke.

?The Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster will be closed for refurbishment from January 7 to February 10, 2007. Some areas will get minor paint work done, but the majority of the work will be mechanical.

?Bad news for those who love dining at Japanese hibachi tables, as Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki will be closed for a major refurbishment January 15 ? May 25, 2007.

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.

Coming soon

  • August 13 ? September 30, “Playhouse Disney in Concert” series at the Disney-MGM Studios
    • 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 8?9, Nights of Joy
  • September 8?10, Disney’s Pin Celebration: “It All Started With ? Walt”
  • Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 24.
  • September 15, 22, 29, October 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31. Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
  • September 29 ? November 12, Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
  • September 29 ? November 12, Eat to the Beat Concert Series
    • September 29?30, Survivor
    • October 1?3. Family Stone Experience
    • October 4?7, Starship Featuring Mickey Thomas
    • October 8?11, Loverboy
    • October 12?14, David Sanborn
    • October 15?16, The Beach Boys
    • October 17?18, Little Richard
    • October 19?21, Three Dog Night
    • October 22?25, The Four Tops
    • October 26?28, Gloria Gaynor
    • October 29?November 1, The S.O.S. Band
    • November 2?4, The Contours
    • November 5?6, Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
    • November 7?8, Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes
    • November 9?12, Jon Secada

Trivia question of the week

This week’s question: While some restaurants at Epcot have changed format over the years (such as Le Cellier, which changed from a buffeteria to a steakhouse), one of its original dining locations has closed to the general public, and is now only open for special events. What is it? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “What are the names of the two birds in the pre-show of the Enchanted Tiki Room ? Under New Management?” is:

William and Morris.

William and Morris might be more successful if they merged their agencies. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

Epcot

  • Nemo’s Undersea Adventure ? will open in November in The Living Seas, which will be renamed “The Seas with Nemo and Friends.”.
  • Living with the Land ? is closed through September 17 to remove Fastpass machines and install a system to deliver automated spiels.
  • The Wonders of Life pavilion ? is closed for good.
  • Yorkshire County Fish Shop ? is closed for refurbishment. Return date is unknown.
  • Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki ? will be closed for refurbishment January 15 ? May 25, 2007.

Disney-MGM Studios

  • Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show ? will not be performed September 14?19.
  • Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster ? will be closed for refurbishment January 7 ? February 10, 2007.
  • 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 later this year. Tahiti is currently being worked on, with an expected completion date in mid-November. Aotearoa and Rarotonga will need to have a brief unexpected shutdown in the next month or so in order to allow some electrical repair to the monorail track. The reconstruction and expansion of Captain Cook’s Snack Company is not scheduled to be completed until early December, though it’s possible that it might soft-open before Thanksgiving.
  • Contemporary Resort ? 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 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 the six buildings of Phase III is underway, with the six units expected to be completed in mid-2007. The new buildings will comprise two additional sections, to be called The Carousel and The Grandstand.

Water Parks

  • Blizzard Beach ? Will close for annual refurbishment October 29, and will reopen on January 7, 2007.
  • Typhoon Lagoon ? Will close for annual refurbishment on January 7, 2007, and will reopen on March 18, 2007.

Elsewhere

  • Cirque du Soleil ? La Nouba ? performs Tuesdays ? Saturdays. Also, no performances September 17?25, November 19?21 and December 31.

Park Events

September 2006

  • 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

  • Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K. Oct. 7. The annual fund-raising event to fight breast cancer will be run at Disney’s Animal Kingdom this year (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. 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).
  • Old Spice Classic. Nov. 23, 24, 26. ESPN Regional presents the inaugural 8-team, 12-game tournament, featuring West Virginia, Virginia Tech, Arkansas, Minnesota, Southern Illinois, Montana, Marist and Western Michigan (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

  • Taping of the Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade. Dec. 1?3. Regis, Kelly and all those performers arrive, and they run those floats slowly down Main Street again and again, causing traffic jams and much merriment in the search for the perfect shot.
  • 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).

April 2007

  • Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half Marathon (link). April 1. Strap your skates on to race from the Wide World of Sports Complex to the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot, and back again.

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

Room discounts available for passholders, Florida residents and general public through end of September

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.

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, Florida resident room rates, general public package deals announced for October through December

Annual passholder rates have been announced for October 1 through December 23. Of course, there will be no AP rates during peak Christmas Week dates of December 24-31. The rates very by season (the period covered spans regular, value and holiday seasons), but they’ll give you approximately $20 off per night at Value resorts, $40 off per night at Moderates, and $71-$80 per night at Deluxe resorts. The booking code for these rates is FBZ. (The passholder Web site says FCB, so I would guess that both would work.)

Florida Residents have their own discounts, using booking code FBY. Availability dates are October 5 through December 23, and rates are $5 more than the AP rates.

Both of these rates can be booked up until December 23.

The general public has not been left out, either. Disney has announced a special discount for packages purchased through September 30. For vacations between October 1 and December 23 (with the possible exception of November 19-23 and December 2-8), a great low rate, with the example rate given as $355 per adult for five nights at a value resort, based on double occupancy, with lower per-person rates for juniors and children staying in the same room. The Disney Dining Plan can also be added to these packages.

To book online at the Disney Web site, click “Special Offers” on the left side of the Tickets and Reservations part of the site to see the offer.

To book via phone or through a travel agency, use code ZBG for Magic Your Way packages and ZBH for Magic Your Way Plus Dining.

Disney Rewards Visa cardholders got access to the same discount three days earlier, and can also book through September 30. It’s unknown whether they get anything more than the general public, but the cardholders can book with code ZBC for Magic Your Way packages and ZBD for Magic Your Way Plus Dining.

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 $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 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.

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 show will not be performed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as 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.

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

9/5

9/6

9/7

9/8

9/9

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-6p
TL 10a-6p

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-6p
TL 10a-6p

MK 9a-10p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-6p
TL 10a-6p

MK 9a-6p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-6p
TL 10a-6p

MK 9a-6p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-6p
TL 10a-6p

9/10

9/11

9/12

9/13

9/14

9/15

9/16

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
 MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

MK 9a-7p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

MK 9a-9p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p

9/17

MK 9a-8p
EF 9a-7p
EW 11a-9p
MGM 9a-8:30p
AK 9a-5p
BB 10a-5p
TL 10a-5p
  • 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

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through February 2007.

Theme Park Events

Magic Kingdom

Epcot World Showcase

Disney-MGM Studios

Animal Kingdom

Monday 9/4

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

SpectroMagic Parade 9p

Wishes Fireworks 10p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Playhouse Disney Dance Party 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Tuesday 9/5

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: The Wiggles 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Wednesday 9/6

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: The Wiggles 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Thursday 9/7

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

SpectroMagic Parade 9p

Wishes Fireworks 10p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: The Wiggles 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Friday 9/8

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Night of Joy 7:30p-12:30a

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: The Wiggles 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Saturday 9/9

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Night of Joy 7:30p-12:30a

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Johnny & the Sprites 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Sunday 9/10

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

SpectroMagic Parade 8p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Monday 9/11

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

SpectroMagic Parade 8p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Tuesday 9/12

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Wednesday 9/13

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Thursday 9/14

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

SpectroMagic Parade 8p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Friday 9/15

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Saturday 9/16

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

SpectroMagic Parade 8p

Wishes Fireworks 9p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph’s World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p
Sunday 9/17

Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p

Wishes Fireworks 8p

Illuminations 9p

Playhouse Disney in Concert: Playhouse Disney Dance Party 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p

Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p

Fantasmic 8:30p

Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for September 2006

Movies begin at 8:40. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 7:30 and a singalong at 8:00.

Sun

Mon

Tues

Wed

Thurs

Fri

Sat

1
Tarzan		 2
High School Musical
3
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe		 4
102 Dalmatians		 5
The Many Adventures of WInnie the Pooh		 6
The Love Bug		 7
Pocahontas		 8
Freaky Friday		 9
Monsters, Inc.
10
Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey		 11
The Rescuers Down Under		 12
The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again		 13
The Little Mermaid		 14
The Parent Trap		 15
Aladdin		 16
Toy Story 2
17
101 Dalmatians		 18
The Princess Diaries 2		 19
The Jungle Book		 20
The Absent-Minded Professor		 21
The Hunchback of Notre Dame		 22
Herbie: Fully Loaded		 23
Chicken Little
24
Beauty and the Beast		 25
High School Musical		 26
Home on the Range		 27
Brother Bear		 28
The Emperor’s New Groove		 29
Finding Nemo		 30
The Pacifier

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

Rock & Roll Beach Club

House of Blues

Monday 9/4

Untouchables

Tuesday 9/5

Untouchables

Wednesday 9/6

Leonard Brothers

Thursday 9/7

Leonard Brothers

Busta Rhymes Live in Concert “The Livest MC In The Game” (main room), $42.50; 8 p.m.

Eddie Kirkland (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m.
Friday 9/8

Leonard Brothers

House of Blues and Fantasma presents An Evening with Jeff Beck (main room), $38.50; 8 p.m.

The Painted Man Band (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m.
Saturday 9/9

Leonard Brothers

Impulse (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m.

Sunday 9/10

Stormbringer

Apostle JL Cash and Praise (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.
Monday 9/11

Stormbringer

Tuesday 9/12

Stormbringer

Wednesday 9/13

Charlie Hotel

Better Than Ezra with Special Guest TBA (main room), $15 in advance/$17.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m.
Thursday 9/14

Charlie Hotel

An Evening with Hootie & The Blowfish (main room), $27.50 in advance/$30 day of show; 9 p.m.

Eric Culbertson (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m.
Friday 9/15

Papo’s Groove

Wolfmother with special guest The Mess Hall (main room), $15 in advance/$17.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m.

Midnight Ramblers (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m.
Saturday 9/16

Papo’s Groove

Bird Dog Bobby (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m
Sunday 9/17

TBA

The Turner Brothers (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m.

Flogging Molly with special guests The Attack and As Fast As (main room), $17.50 in advance/$19.50 day of show; 7 p.m.
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