Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for November 20 – 26, 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

Disney outsourcing more jobs

“Good morning, and welcome to Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. May I help you with your luggage?”

Is the person who says that to you upon your arrival:

1. A Disney cast member?
2. A fellow guest?
3. A contract employee?

As odd as it may seem, the answer to that question will soon be changing from #1 to #3.

A month and a half after announcing the outsourcing of 250 cleaning positions, Disney has announced the outsourcing of on-stage service positions at the resorts. Employees of Baggage Airlines Guest Services (BAGS), the company that runs the baggage portion of the Disney’s Magical Express service, will be welcoming guests and handling bell, valet and baggage services at the Grand Floridian Resort beginning January 7. The Value Resorts (Pop Century and the three All Star Resorts) will follow soon after.

Disney has told the union representing the workers that the switch is being done to improve quality. The union, claiming that the explanation is an insult to the job being done by the workers, instead believes that the cuts are primarily intended to save money. Disney plans to offer the displaced workers other jobs with similar wages, hours and tip opportunities. With so few jobs at Walt Disney World allowed to accept tips, it remains to be seen if the bell services staff will become waiters or bartenders, or if Disney has something else in mind.

While Disney is running shorthanded in a number of other areas, it remains to be seen whether contracting out jobs that require a different skill set, then redeploying the displaced workers to a new job discipline entirely, will pay off or cause hardships down the line.

The Lights of Winter are up and ready for their big debut on Friday night. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster queue improvements coming

It looks like Disney will soon begin construction on a new single rider line for Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, according to plans approved by Orange County last week. The queue appears to run outside the building alongside the regular queue.

Thanks to Matt Hochberg of MGMStudios.org (link) for the information.

Entertainment for Christmas Parade announced

Disney has announced a slate of entertainment that will be performing during the taping of the World Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade. In addition to the hosting appearances by Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa, as well as Ryan Seacrest, the list includes the Doodlebops (from Playhouse Disney), Andrea Bocelli, Bianca Ryan, Miley Cyrus, Aly and AJ, and four of the stars of High School Musical.

The parade will be taped December 1-3, and will be broadcast on Christmas Day. For information about the parade and attending the tapings, please contact the show’s producer, Lightship TV via e-mail (link).

The Christmas tree in front of the American Adventure pavilion is up and lit. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Pilot program to allow Polynesian Resort guests to check in before arrival

Disney is testing another program on a one-resort-only basis. Guests checking into the Polynesian Resort between November 30 and December 31 will be able to check into the resort up to 10 days before arrival. By calling a special number before they leave home and providing their estimated time of arrival, method of payment and the names of each person in their party, they can experience an expedited check-in when they arrive. Guests can also specify room requests at the time of the call.

Upon arrival, regardless of the time of arrival, the guests would go to a designated advance check-in area, where the entire check-in packet would be prepared and ready for the guest. If arriving before 3 p.m., the guest can stop by the registration desk to check on whether or not their room is ready yet.

The advance check-in call can be made up until the day before arrival (same-day advance check-in is not available). The special phone number will be open from 6 a.m. until midnight.

Thanks to Sue Pisaturo of MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations for this information.

The Christmas tree outside Disney’s Animal Kingdom features animal-themed ornaments. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Free dining update

A quick update on the free dining offer we reported last week. Only the Port Orleans Riverside and Beach Club Resorts have the special desks at the resort at this time. Guests staying at another resort that doesn’t want to make the trip over there can call 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) to take advantage of the offer. If they want to work with their current travel agent, they can ask to do so on the new reservation.

Thanks to Sue Pisaturo of MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations for this information.

Not imminent yet, but toll hike process underway

Last Friday, the Orlando-Orange County Expressway Authority began the process of increasing tolls on highways in Central Florida. One of the roads that could be affected is S.R. 417, the Central Florida GreeneWay – one of the most popular routes driven from the Orlando International Airport to Walt Disney World. There are many steps remaining to be followed before any rate increases could take effect. In fact, no decision has been made on what amount the increases would be, when they might be in place (perhaps peak times only?), who they would apply to (cash customers pay more than SunPass holders?) or which roads would see an increase. Three public hearings and two more board meetings would be required before any action is taken. However, the process is underway, and it’s unlikely that this step would have been taken if it was unlikely to happen.

G-Force provides trampoline-based entertainment for the Thanksgiving week crowds. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Quick takes …

…The new Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club has been holding test runs to let the performers practice their live act before the show officially opens in the Magic Kingdom’s Tomorrowland in late January. The official grand opening of the attraction, along with the official openings for Finding Nemo: The Musical at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and The Seas with Nemo and Friends at Epcot will be held January 24-26, and MousePlanet will be there to bring it to you.

…A new “Too Small To See” exhibit has opened at Innoventions East. The exhibit discusses nanotechnology, among other things. Visitors can build their own molecules and carbon nanotubes out of wooden balls and dowels or check out other “nanoscale” displays.

…Finding Nemo: The Musical is now officially in the Times Guide at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, with shows four times each day.

The new facade of the Theater in the Wild shows off its new look. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

…A quick update for those who read Mike Scopa’s article on holiday happenings at Walt Disney World that was published last Friday. This year, there is no complimentary photo at Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. As with the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, photos taken at the party can be purchased at 50 percent off via Disney’s PhotoPass.

…Disney promotion partner Hewlett-Packard is giving away Disney vacations, among other things, in the Days to Dream sweepstakes (link).

…Contrary to earlier indications, Cirque du Soleil will be holding special performances at 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

…The Home Depot College Football Awards Show will be broadcast live on ESPN from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday, December 7 from the Atlantic Dance Hall at the BoardWalk Resort.

The newly-enclosed Theater in the Wild seems quite different from when it hosted Tarzan Rocks! 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.

Coming soon

• Nov. 27, 28, 30, Dec. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.
• Nov. 13 – Jan. 1, 2007. Hollywood Holly-Day Parade.
• Nov. 13 – Jan. 6, 2007. Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade.
• Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2007. Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights.
• Nov. 20-26, 2006. No pool-hopping for DVC members.
• Nov. 23, 24, 26. Old Spice Classic.
• Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. Holidays Around the World.
• Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. Candlelight Processional.
  • Nov. 24 – 26. David Robinson.
  • Nov. 27 – 29. John O’Hurley.
  • Nov. 30 – Dec. 2. Rita Moreno.
  • Dec. 3 – 5. Chita Rivera.(unconfirmed)
  • Dec. 6 – 8. Brian Dennehy.
  • Dec. 9 – 11. Stephen Curtis Chapman.
  • Dec. 12 – 14. Maureen McGovern.
  • Dec. 15 – 17. Kirk Cameron.
  • Dec. 18 – 20. Neil Patrick Harris.
  • Dec. 21 – 23. Cuba Gooding, Jr.
  • Dec. 24 – 26. Gary Sinise
  • Dec. 27 – 30. Marlee Matlin.
• Dec. 1 – 3. Taping of the Walt Disney World Very Merry Christmas Parade.
• Dec. 3 – 9. Pop Warner Super Bowl.
• Dec. 3 – 11. MouseFest 2006.
• Dec. 23 – Dec. 31, plus nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade.

A sign at the Grand Floridian promotes the resort’s appearance on a Food Network special. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Trivia question of the week

This week’s question: How many miles does the Walt Disney World bus fleet drive each year? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “What decades are the four scenes of the Carousel of Progress intended to represent?” is:

The 1900s (Valentine’s Day), 1920s (Independence Day), 1940s (Halloween) and 1990s (Christmas).

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – will be closed for refurbishment November 15.
• Timekeeper – is closed for good. The Monsters, Inc.-themed The Laugh Floor Comedy Club is expected to open in January, 2007.
• Splash Mountain – will be closed for refurbishment January 2 – 27.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – will be closed for refurbishment January 28 – February 11.

Epcot

• The Seas with Nemo and Friends – is now in soft-open status. It is possible that it may close at any time up until its official grand opening, but things are reportedly running smoothly and the attraction should remain open.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – will amazingly return and be open from November 26 through December 31..
• El Rio del Tiempo – will be closed for refurbishment January 15 – May 25, 2007.
• Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki – will be closed for refurbishment January 15 – May 25, 2007.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – will be closed for refurbishment January 7 – February 10, 2007.

Animal Kingdom

• Finding Nemo – The Musical – is in soft-open status in the Theater in the Wild, and will be added to the park’s Times Guide on November 19.

Resorts

• All-Star Movies Resort – the Fantasia pool is closed for an extensive rehab through February 18. 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 Calypso buildings to Family Suites continues. All work had been expected to be completed by October 13, but that date has not been met. All buildings not containing Family Suites will be renovated between January and June, 2007.
• All-Star Sports Resort – All buildings will be renovated between June and November, 2007.
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Building 6 (Concierge) will be closed in September, 2007 for a full refurbishment.
• Polynesian Resort – Work is now underway on the complete refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in all buildings, which is expected to be completed later this year. Tahiti is currently being worked on, and is expected to return to service in the next week or so. 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.
• Port Orleans Riverside – Work has been completed at the Oak Manor building in the Magnolia Bend section as the rolling refurbishment proceeds around the bend
• 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.
• Wilderness Lodge – We’ve gotten further information that all of the scaffolding is not yet down, though there is much less than there had been. The previous information from staff at the front desk was inaccurate.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach – Closed 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 November 19 – 21.

Park Events

November 2006

• Hollywood Holly-Day Parade. Nov. 13 – Jan. 1, 2007. The Disney-MGM Studios parade gets a holiday makeover.
• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade. Nov. 13 – Jan. 6, 2007. The Animal Kingdom parade trades its Jammin’ for Jingle in this holiday makeover (link).
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2007. Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios (link).
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. Nov. 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).
• 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).

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).
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade. Dec. 23 – Dec. 31, plus nights of Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party. The annual classic returns to the Magic Kingdom.
• Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve. Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates the actual New Year (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 is full. [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
• Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration is full (link).
• College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship. Jan. 12-14. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (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).

February 2007

• National Dance Team Championship. Feb. 2-4. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• National High School Cheerleading Championship. Feb. 9-11. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• Twirlmania. February 16-19. Twirlers, auxiliary guard, pom, and dancers descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex. Mid-February – late March (link).
• Cheer & Dance National Championships. February 24-25. School & Youth Rec Cheer February 24, All-Star Cheer & Dance February 25 (link).

March 2007

• Cheer & Dance National Championships. March 2-4. All Star/Studio March 2, School Dance March 2-4 (link).
• ESPN – The Weekend. March 2 – 4. Synergy strikes again as Disney’s flagship cable network returns to the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
• National Kidney Foundation 5K for Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness. March 3. Another race for a great cause (link).
• National All Star Cheerleading Championship. March 9-11. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (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.
• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. April 5 – June 3. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays, gardening demonstrations and the ?Flower Power? concert series at the 14th annual event (link).
• USASF Cheerleading & Dance Worlds. April 21-22. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports (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).

September 2007

• Walt Disney World Triathlon (link). Sept. 23. Athletes compete in a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. Registration opens soon (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Magic Your Way package discounts through March 8, FL resident and AP room rates through February 14

Disney has announced discounts on Magic Your Way packages for January through early March and room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for January through mid-February.

The Magic Your Way deals include free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options added to your tickets and are valid from January 1 through March 8, with possible blackout dates for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday weekend. You must book this rate by December 16. No other discounts apply. To book the package, call Disney directly or your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred travel agency) and request booking code ZCK (standard Magic Your Way package) or ZCL (Magic Your Way Plus Dining).

Room-only discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Florida residents from January 1 through February 14. Discounts are $23 off per night at Value resorts, $46 per night at Moderate resorts and $80 per night at Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. These rates can be booked up to the night of arrival, depending on availability. Discounts are priced off of rack rate. To book the rates, call Disney directly or your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred travel agency) and request booking code FCC (Passholders) or BRL (Florida residents).

Thanks to MousePlanet sponsors Small World Vacations and MouseSavers for this information.

Passholder, Florida resident room rates 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.

New discount deal announced for Canadian visitors

Walt Disney World has announced a new discounted offer for residents of Canada. The deal, available most nights from January 1 – 11 and January 15 – February 14, offers free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options with purchase of a package. Prices start at US$377 per adult, double occupancy, at Disney value resorts. No other discounts apply. Use booking code ZCV for this offer. Reservations prior to November 2 require a Canadian address, which seems to point to this offer being expanded to U.S. visitors after that date. Packages must be booked by December 16.

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

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

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

Magic Your Way ticket price guide

Walt Disney World’s entire ticket price structure changed as of January 2, 2005, to the new “Magic Your Way” passes, and prices increased on January 1, 2006, 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.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2007.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2007.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for November 2006

Movies begin at 7:40 and (on Friday and Saturday only) 9:40. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30 and a singalong at 7:00. The November movie schedule was not yet available at press time..

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

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