Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for February 5 – February 11, 2007

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

Settlement approved with family of 4-year-old boy who died after riding Mission: Space in 2005

Last Monday, it was announced that a settlement agreement was approved between Walt Disney World and the family of Daudi Bamuwamye, the 4-year-old boy who died after collapsing during a ride on Mission: Space on June 13, 2005. According to an autopsy report, the boy died as a result of idiopathic myocardial hypertrophy with fibroelastosis of the left ventricle, or dead scar tissue and abnormally thick muscle walls in his heart. The heart condition is apparently so severe that those suffering from it are at risk of sudden death throughout their lives.

The agreement, reached last October, was approved by Orange County Circuit Court Judge George Sprinkel on January 11. No details of the settlement were disclosed, aside from the fact that both sides would be reaponsible for paying their own legal and court fees. The Bamuwamyes had filed suit last June, alleging wrongful death. Sprinkel signed a final order of dismissal on that suit last Tuesday.

The back entrance to the Riverside Mill food court at Port Orleans Riverside has been blocked off. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Cirque performer seriously injured, expected to recover

For the first time since Cirque du Soleil’s La Nouba opened eight years ago, a performer suffered a serious injury during a performance. The performer, who portrayed the Green Bird character, fell and was injured during the 9 p.m. show on January 26. She is still being treated, but is recuperating and is expected to return to the show. No further information was available at press time.

The Riverside Mill food court itself is largely blocked off, with just a few grab-and-go selections available. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

At breakfast time, a small hot food service area is set up in a former seating area during the refurbishment of the Riverside Mill food court. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Registration for “The Goofy” filling up fast

As of yesterday, the 2008 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend’s Goofy’s Race-and-a-Half Challenge (participating in both the half- and full-marathon events) is now 85 percent full. Registration has been open less than a month; the filling of the remaining couple hundred spots is imminent, so if you’re interested in signing up, we urge you to register right now.

Meanwhile, on Ol’ Man Island, sandblasting is underway on the pool slide, though the rest of the pool remains open. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Flower Power concert schedule released

The list of artists performing at the Flower Power concert series for next spring’s Flower and Garden Festival is now available. The following list is subject to change:

• Paul Revere and The Raiders: April 5-9
• Tony Orlando in Concert: April 10-14
• The Buckinghams: April 15-18
• The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie: April 19-21
• The Box Tops featuring Alex Chilton: April 22-24
• The Tokens: April 25-28
• Peter & Gordon: April 29 – May 1
• Jose Feliciano: May 2-3
• Petula Clark: May 4-5
• Nelson featuring the songs of Ricky Nelson: May 6-10
• Davy Jones: May 11-15
• BJ Thomas: May 16-19
• Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill: May 20-22
• The Guess Who: May 23-26
• The S.O.S. Band: May 27
• Gary Puckett: May 28-30
• Herman?s Hermits starring Peter Noone: May 31 – June 3

New character heads are in use for the Dream Along With Mickey show, with the characters now able to move their mouths. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Rhodes, Dungy latest to be “going to Disney World” after Super Bowl
victory

Indianapolis Colts running back Dominic Rhodes and coach Tony Dungy
are the latest Super Bowl victors to appear in the iconic “going to
Disney World” commercial following the Colts’ 29-17 win over the Chicago
Bears in Super Bowl XLI last night. A Disneyland version was created, as
well.

Rhodes will be in the Magic Kingdom today to participate in a
first-ever football game in the Magic Kingdom, with a group of 8-to-11
year old children who participate in NFL Youth Football leagues around
Central Florida, on a temporary gridiron set up near the hub area in
front of Cinderella Castle.

Rhodes rushed for 113 yards and scored the go-ahead touchdown in the
second quarter. Dungy became the first African American head coach to
win the Super Bowl. The commercial is the 37th in the series, which
began 20 years ago with Giants quarterback Phil Simms following Super
Bowl XXI.

Star Wars, Super Soap and other event dates released

The dates of several special events at the Disney-MGM Studios have been released, officially and/or unofficially.

In perhaps the most-awaited announcement, Star Wars Weekends takes place Fridays through Sundays, from June 1-24. The dates are being pushed back to avoid a conflict with Star Wars Celebration IV, the Memorial Day Weekend gathering to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original film.

Super Soap Weekends return again over Veteran’s Day weekend, this year running November 10-11. Meanwhile, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion will take place August 31 – September 3. Dates for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights have been set for November 12 through January 6, 2008.

As mentioned by Brad Rex on last week’s MouseStation podcast, the Lotus Blossom Cafe is closed for refurbishment. Photo by Brian Warneke.

High School Musical settles in at the Studios

Just a bit of catch-up here, as the High School Musical Pep Rally has been playing at the Disney-MGM Studios since January 22. The show travels on a flatbed truck down the parade route, stopping to do 11-minute shows along the route. The Rally makes the trip six times a day.

The top level of the scrim surrounding the Temple of the Sun at Epcot’s China pavilion has come down. Photo by Brian Warneke.

Jostens to sponsor new Wide World of Sports facility as part of major partnership deal

Catching up on more news announced during the international press event at Walt Disney World, Disney has entered into a partnership with Jostens, Inc., whose product line includes school yearbooks, scholastic products such as class rings and graduation products, and products for athletic champions and their fans. The company will sponsor the Jostens Center, a state-of-the-art multi-sport complex with more than 44,800 square feet of indoor competition space, which will house six college size basketball courts, 12 regulation size volleyball courts, two roller hockey rinks, four locker rooms, two conference rooms and two officials’ rooms. In addition, Jostens will get a bunch of unique spaces within the facility to showcase its heritage and products. Including the adminstrative, display and spectator areas, the new center will be more than 70,000 square feet. The center is scheduled to open in the fall of 2008.

In exchange, Jostens has also been named the exclusive provider of Disney PhotoBooks for Walt Disney World, making it an integral part of producing the photo books that are now a part of Disney’s PhotoPass service to theme park guests. The PhotoBook, costing from $49.95 to $69.95 for a 20-page book, is now available to all theme park guests for use with their own photos and/or official Disney photos.

In addition, Jostens will become an official sponsor of Walt Disney World Resort Youth Programs, including Disney’s Youth Education Series, Grad Night, 8th Grade Grad Jam, Festival Disney, Disney Honors and Magic Music Days. This will provide more brand recognition for the company amongst its primary target market of school-age kids.

DVC’s Animal Kingdom Villas now on pre-sale to current members

Disney Vacation Club members have an exclusive pre-sale period for ownership interests in the new Animal Kingdom Villas from February 1-28. The first 134 accommodations (remodeled rooms on the fifth and sixth floors of the existing Animal Kingdom Lodge) become available this fall, with the 324 Vacation Homes of the Kidani Village opening in spring 2009.

Current members have an exclusive opportunity to purchase additional points through the end of the month, at which point sales open up to the general public. During the pre-sales period, two additional opportunities are available. Those buying an ownership interest of 100 points or more will receive a credit of $8 per vacation point. DVC is also creating a village tapestry to honor the Founding Members of the resort. If you buy 150 points or more, you will become a Founding Member and will have your name added to the tapestry. But you’ll need to buy in by the close of business on February 28 to qualify for these benefits.

The Kidani Village annex will offer larger accommodations than other DVC resorts, with all one-bedroom units sleeping up to five people. A new full-service restaurant, a feature pool and water play area and other amenities will be added, as well.

The Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club wants your jokes. They ask for them in the first section of the queue. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Rumor patrol

We’ve got several rumors coming in recently, though no confirmation yet. We’ll see how accurate these turn out to be.

We’re hearing several different dates for the Haunted Mansion refurbishment and upgrade, with some projecting a May or June start date, while other say that the work is more imminent. The work is expected to take four months, and are said to include the “floating Leota” and bride effects recently added at the Disneyland version of the attraction.

Negotiations are reportedly underway for additional refurbishment of the Country Bear Jamboree, including replacement of the Beulah animatronic, which is supposedly responsible for 95 percent of the attraction’s problems requiring shutdowns.

Operations continues to save money by turning off burning gas. First, it was the “burning cabin” on Tom Sawyer Island, which was shut off during the lengthy riverboat refurbishment but never turned back on. More recently, it was the tiki torches along the Sunshine Tree Terrace. No word on if or when the flames will be back.

And they ask for them again on the video monitors in the second section of the queue. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

A personal appeal, for the second year

I’m spending my birthday this year walking to raise money for the March of Dimes again. Last year, through the generosity of friends, family, co-workers and MousePlanet readers, we managed to raise $2,525. This year, let’s beat that. Let’s see if we can raise $4,000. I think we can. For more information, or to donate, go here.

Quick takes …

…After a line of severe storms and tornados devastated an area of Central Florida early Friday morning, Disney announced on Saturday that it would donate $50,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts. Disney Worldwide Outreach and Walt Disney World Resort will provide ongoing support through in-kind contributions to Red Cross shelters, including water, blankets, pajamas, games, DVDs and other items.

…Passholders will be seeing several extra benefits in the coming months. Passholders will be able to get into ESPN The Weekend one hour early on March 4, access to suite-level seats for the March 18 spring training game between the Atlanta Braves and Detroit Tigers (for $50/child and $60/adult, including a buffet lunch), and 20% off any PhotoBook or PhotoMovie. Check out the new edition of the Mickey Monitor when it arrives in your mailbox for details.

…The Muscles and Bustles Health Club at the BoardWalk Resort is testing a special 24-hour operating schedule for its exercise equipment. Guests staying at the resort should visit the health club between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. to sign up for 24-hour access during their stay. This is an open-ended test, so you’ll want to check at the club to make sure that the option is still available.

Mike Wazowski gives the introduction to the attraction on video monitors in the second section of the queue. 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

• Feb. 5, 8, 12, 15, 23, 26, Mar. 2, 5, 8. Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party.
• Feb. 9-11. National High School Cheerleading Championship.
• Feb. 9, 10, 14. Sweetheart Island at Pleasure Island.
• Feb. 16. Mickey’s Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort.
• Feb. 16?19. Twirlmania.
• Feb. 16, 17, 20. Mardi Gras at Pleasure Island.
• Feb. 15 – Mar. 29. Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Feb. 24?25. Cheer & Dance National Championships.
• Feb. 18-24, Mar. 31-Apr. 8, May 25-28, Jun. 30-Jul. 7, Aug. 31-Sept. 3 and Nov. 19-25, 2007; and Dec. 16, 2007-Jan. 2, 2008. No pool-hopping for DVC members.

Trivia question of the week

This week’s question: Which famous race car driver helped to dedicate Test Track on March 17, 1999? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “What prop modeled after an item in Disney’s Aladdin can be found inside the newly-opened Disney Wish Lounge?” is:

The Genie’s lamp

The Genie’s lamp is a featured accessory in the new Wish Lounge. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club – is holding occasional test shows and will have its official grand opening this spring.
• The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – closes for refurbishment, including the installation of paddle fans in the queue area, January 28 – February 11.
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – closes for refurbishment January 31 – February 15.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closes due to refurbishment February 27 – March 1.

Epcot

• Turtle Talk with Crush – closes January 29 – Febuary 16 while it is moved to the remaining former pre-show theater at Seas pavilion. The Find Nemo display pod will become the queue area for this new location and the exhibit may be relocated to the old Turtle Talk theater location.
• El Rio del Tiempo – closes for refurbishment through April 1, including the addition of a Three Caballeros-themed overlay.
• Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki – closes for refurbishment from March 11 through July 14.
• Rose & Crown Dining Room – closes for refurbishment from February 21 through March 14.
• Le Cellier Restaurant – closes for refurbishment May 14–18.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has again closed, perhaps forever and perhaps just until next Thanksgiving weekend.

Disney-MGM Studios

• The Great Movie Ride – closes at 6 p.m. on February 5 and 8 for a special event.
• Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe – closes February 10.

Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids – closes for refurbishment February 5–9.

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.
• All-Star Sports Resort – All buildings will be renovated between June and November.
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Building 6 (Concierge) closes in September for a full refurbishment.
• Polynesian Resort – The Nanea Volcano pool closes for the installation of safety equipment from January 13 – February 28.
• Port Orleans Riverside Resort – The Riverside Mill food court is closed for refurbishment through mid-April.
• 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 all six units expected to be completed in late 2007. The new buildings will comprise two additional sections, to be called The Carousel and The Grandstand. The two buildings in The Carousel have been completed, and the four in The Grandstand are well underway.
• Wilderness Lodge – The Silver Springs feature pool and hot tub close from January 29 through March 2. The children’s pool closes on February 12 and also reopens on March 2.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Closed for annual refurbishment , and reopens on March 18.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. No performances March 18–20, May 20?June 4, July 29–31, September 23–October 1, November 25–27.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party. Feb. 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 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. February 15 – March 29 (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).
• Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays (link). May 15-17. Regular-season Major League Baseball comes to The Ballpark at Disney’s Wide World of Sports for the first time.
• Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend (link). May 18-20. The annual event features over 30 artists displaying their wares.
• Walt Disney World 70.3 Ironman Triathlon (link). May 20. Athletes compete in a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. Registration opens soon (link).
• Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures on the Seven Seas Lagoon (link). May 21-24. Disneyland may get the movie premiere, but Walt Disney World gets a three-day, multi-tiered event on open water. Details to be announced on December 20.

June 2007

• Star Wars Weekends (link). June 1–24. The popular event returns to the Studios in 2007 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars film (link).

July 2007

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp (link). Late July – Mid-August. The Bucs return to Disney for another year’s training camp.

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).

October 2007

• Race for the Taste 10K (link). Oct. 7. The annual October classic steers runners through the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot. Registration is now open (link).

November 2007

• Disney Golf Classic (link). Nov. 1–4. Joe Durant returns to defend his 2006 title (link).
• Old Spice Classic (link). Nov. 22, 23, 25. ESPN Regional presents the second annual 8-team, 12-game tournament, featuring George Mason, Kansas State, North Carolina State, Penn State, Rider, South Carolina and Villanova.

January 2008

• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link). Jan. 12. Registration opens January 8, 2007.
• Walt Disney World Marathon (link). Jan. 13. Registration opens January 8, 2007. [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]

Current Discounts & Promotions

FL resident and AP room rates through February 14

Disney has announced room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for January through mid-February.

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.

Florida resident and AP room rates through March 30

Disney has announced room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for mid-February through the end of March. Room-only discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Florida residents for most night from February 15 through March 30. Discounts are up to $40 off per night at Value resorts, $61 off per night at Moderate resorts and $131 off 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 FCR (Passholders) or FCT (Florida residents).

Passholders and Florida Residents get six months’ admission to Pleasure Island for the cost of one night

From January 1 through March 31 of this year, Annual Passholders and Florida residents can purchase a multi-club Pleasure Island ticket for the regular price of $21.95 (plus tax) and get unlimited visits through June 30. Guests must be over 21 years of age to purchase the tickets, and proof of age, proof of an annual pass or Florida residency, and a valid photo ID are required at the Pleasure Island box office when purchasing a ticket or redeeming a certificate from an online purchase. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and is not valid for single-club tickets. Guests must be 21 years of age to enter any of the dance clubs (basically anything other than the Adventurer’s Club and the Comedy Warehouse), and must show proof of age at the time of entry.

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 August 2007.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 2007.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for February 2007

Movies begin at 7:40 and (on Friday and Saturday only) 9:15. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30 and a singalong at 7:00.

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

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