Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for February 26 – March 4, 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

Disney Cruise Line expansion announced; two new ships to set sail in 2011, 2012

Back on February 7, Jay Rasulo told a conference of investors about the expansion of the Disney Cruise Line fleet, “We have ongoing contact with the shipyards. If we can generate superior returns based, in part, on contract terms and pricing, then we’ll pull the trigger.” That time is now. Last Thursday, Disney President and CEO Bob Iger announced that the company has signed a letter of intent with the Meyer Werft shipyard of Paperburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build two new ships for the successful cruise line.

Artist’s rendering of the two new ships compared to the Magic and Wonder. Image © Disney.

The new 122,000-ton ships will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton Disney Magic and Disney Wonder liners. The 1,250 staterooms aboard each new ship are more than 40 percent more than the 877 rooms on each current ship.

Although Disney would not reveal the cost of the ships, the Associated Press notes that Deutsche Bank analyst Doug Mitchelson estimates the cost of each ship at about $1 billion to build (twice the cost of the current ships), but also that they could bring in about $900 million per year assuming constant load factors.

With numbers like those, it would seem that adding ships would be a no-brainer. “More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, adding that “Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent.”

Artist’s rendering of the profile for the two new ships. Image © Disney.

Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the two ships are as yet unnamed. The itineraries and specific designs for each ship will be announced later, though various theories abound, including a West Coast-based ship that would cruise to Alaska in the summer and Mexico in the winter, an additional ship cruising the Caribbean most of the year and spending summers in the Mediterranean, and others. [Join the theorists on our MousePad discussion forums here.]

Three Caballeros to take Gran Fiesta Tour in Mexico pavilion

More details are emerging regarding the changes at Epcot‘s Mexico pavilion, as news has emerged that the Gran Fiesta Tour Starring The Three Caballeros will cruise along the former route of El Rio del Tiempo when the attraction reopens on April 2.

It seems that the trio are scheduled to stage a reunion concert in Mexico City when Donald Duck disappears to tour the country. That leaves José Carioca (the parrot) and Panchito (the Mexican charro rooster) to try to track him down.

Installation of show scenes and rockwork is underway, according to paperwork filed with Orange County, as is refurbishment and enhancement of the attraction’s sound system.

Disney announces “Fairy Tale Weddings” Bridal Collection

Those who have always wanted to have a Disney wedding now have even more angles to approach it from. Beginning this June at specialty bridal boutiques in North America and Japan, brides-to-be will be able to choose gowns from the “Fairy Tale Weddings” Bridal Collection by designer Kirstie Kelly. The first 34 gown designs, inspired by Cinderella, Snow White, Aurora, Belle, Jasmine and Ariel, will carry price tags ranging from $1,100 to $2,900. A full bridesmaid and flower girl range will be added to the collection in October.

This is yet another expansion on the “Fairy Tale Weddings” theme by Disney, most recently following the announcement of Disney’s Couture Wedding Collection by David Tutera, a line of celebrity-style weddings available to those getting married at Walt Disney World, which we first reported on January 15.

1,000 dreams of citizenship to come true at Magic Kingdom on July 4

On the Fourth of July, one thousand immigrants will receive their United States citizenship in a Naturalization Ceremony at the hub in front of Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. After the ceremony, all will march down Main Street, U.S.A. in an appropriate flag-waving finale. This will be the first time that such a ceremony has been held in the park. Later that afternoon, all participants will be invited to an afternoon of special events at Epcot’s American Adventure pavilion.

Downtown Disney Resort renovations

All seven Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels have either just completed or are still in the midst of major renovations. Together, the hotels are spending more than $100 million in upgrades.

The Doubletree Guest Suites has spent $4 million to add granite countertops in bathrooms, and upgraded bedding, sofa beds, lighting and artwork, as well as new tile, carpet and paint. A new fitness center was set up, as well.

The Buena Vista Palace spent $45 million to install 32-inch flat-panel LCD televisions., Herman Miller ergonomic chairs, wired and wireless Wayport Internet access, upgraded pillows and duvets, robes, carpet and wall coverings. A new restaurant, the Kook Sports Bar, was also added featuring 40 flat-screen TVs.

The Hilton spent over $25 million to add flat-screen TVs, MP3 clock radios, upgraded bedding and wired and wireless Internet access through the resort. A new 18,000 square foot ballroom was added, and the new Andiamo Italian Bistro & Grille was added. A new healthy club will open later this year.

The Royal Plaza completed a multi-million dollar renovation project last year, finally returning to operation after major damage suffered at the winds of Hurricane Charley in 2004. All rooms got new carpeting and drapes, bedding, granite countertops, pull-out sleeper sofas and an in-room media package. Many rooms have oversized tubs and will soon get plasma TVs. Wireless Internet is now available throughout the resort, and all public areas have been completely redecorated. Landscaping and exterior painting were also included in the work.

The Grosvenor is scheduled for $20 million in work later this spring, with bedding upgrades, heating and air-conditioning sytems and other work scheduled.

The Best Western has added a new garden gazebo near the pool area, and later this year will upgrade its guest rooms with new flat panel TVs and bathroom tile. Wireless Internet access has also been added throughout the hotel.

The Holiday Inn is currently closed while it upgrades its guestrooms, meeting and banquet space, restaurant, lobby and atrium.

Together, the resorts provide an on-property alternative to Disney-owned and -operated hotels.

Clock strikes midnight on “Let’s Have a Ball”

The new interactive entertainment introduced in the Magic Kingdom for the Year of a Million Dreams seems to be slowly disappearing. Following the departure from Tomorrowland of the High School Musical Pep Rally for the Disney-MGM Studios, it seems that Let’s Have A Ball: The Happily Ever After Party which began on September 25 has officially packed its bags in Fantasyland and headed off to Yesterworld. That leaves the Main Street Family Fun Day Parade, Woody’s Cowboy Camp in Frontierland, Dream Along with Mickey on the Castle forecourt stage and Adsventureland‘s Captain Jack Sparrow’s Pirate Tutorial (which actually began earlier and was folded into the Year of a Million Dreams umbrella) remaining in the park. Which might be the next to go? We’ll have to wait and see.

A personal appeal, for the second year

I’m spending my birthday at the end of April participating in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica to prevent birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Last year, through your generosity we raised $2,525 in just four weeks. This year, let’s beat that. We’re starting much earlier this year, so let’s see if we can raise $4,000. I think we can. Please visit my fundraising page for more information.

Quick takes …

…Walt Disney World Resort has been named one of six winners of the First Annual “Disability Matters Awards” by Springboard Consulting and Work Life Matters magazine. The Resort, along with Ernst & Young, Ford Motor Company, General Motors Corporation and IBM, was named as a winner in a February 12 press release by Springboard Consulting and Work Life Matters magazine. The winners were selected for their “pioneering dedication to the Special Needs community by providing innovative practices and programs addressing their employees? special needs, according to Lori Sokol, Founder and Publisher of Work Life Matters magazine. The awards will be presented on April 4 in New York City.

…Work began last Tuesday to refit the loading docks at Kilimanjaro Safaris to handle the new ninth-row seating that will be added to the safari trucks. The loading docks closes one at a time for two weeks each, allowing the attraction to remain open during the refurbishment. Wheelchairs will still be able to access the safaris during the work.

…Work is underway to reinstall fish tanks into the old Turtle Talk theater, now that the show has moved to its new, larger home in the second original pre-show theater.

…The Electric Umbrella is undergoing the installation of condiment and beverage counters, with self-service beverage dispensers being added to the mix.

…The Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room is now closed for a complete kitchen remodel, including new cabinets, counters, etc.

…The many columns and trusses of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority are finally getting a much-needed new coat of paint.

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. 26, Mar. 2, 5, 8. Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party.
• Feb. 15 – Mar. 29. Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
• Feb. 24–25. Cheer & Dance National Championships.
• Mar. 2–4. Cheer & Dance National Championships.
• Mar. 2–4. ESPN – The Weekend.
• Mar. 3. National Kidney Foundation 5K for Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness.
• Mar. 9-11. National All Star Cheerleading Championship.
• Mar. 15-17. Sham Rock ‘n’ Roll at Pleasure Island.
• Mar. 16. Mickey’s Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort.
• Mar. 17. Typhoon Lagoon reopens from its annual refurbishment.
• 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: Who are “Les Chefs de France,” of the restaurant of the same name? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “Which two characters disguise themselves as Mickey Mouse in MuppetVision 3-D?” is:

Rizzo the Rat interrupts Sam Eagle’s safety spiel pretending to be Mickey (during the pre-show film) and Waldo morphs into Mickey to hide so that they can’t catch him (at the end of the movie).

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Liberty Square Riverboat – closes due to refurbishment February 27 – March 1.
• Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club – is holding occasional test shows and will have its official grand opening this spring.

Epcot

• El Rio del Tiempo – is closed 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 – currently closed for refurbishment from through March 14.
• Le Cellier Restaurant – closes for refurbishment May 14–18.
• Lotus Blossom Cafe – closed for major refurbishment. End date for the work is TBA.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has again closed, perhaps forever and perhaps just until next Thanksgiving weekend.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Sounds Dangerous – Starring Drew Carey – closes for refurbishment March 1–4.

Animal Kingdom

• No known refurbishments at this time.

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 closes 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 closes from January 29 through March 2. The children’s pool closed on February 12 and reopens on March 2.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Closed for annual refurbishment; 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. 26, Mar. 2, 5, 8. A new hard-ticketed event celebrates the the pirates and princesses in all of us (link).

February 2007

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex (link). Feb. 15 – Mar. 29.

March 2007

• Cheer & Dance National Championships (link). Mar. 2–4. All Star/Studio Mar. 2, School Dance Mar. 2–4.
• ESPN – The Weekend (link). Mar. 2–4. Synergy strikes again as Disney’s flagship cable network returns to the Disney-MGM Studios.
• National Kidney Foundation 5K for Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness (link). Mar. 3. Another race for a great cause.
• National All Star Cheerleading Championship (link). Mar. 9-11. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports.
• Mickey’s Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort (link). Mar. 16. The popular 3-hour event returns to Fantasia Ballroom G.

April 2007

• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half Marathon (link). Apr. 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 (link). Apr. 5 – June 3. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays, gardening demonstrations and the ?Flower Power? concert series at the 14th annual event.
• Disney Grad Nite (link). Apr. 20, 21, 27, 28. Graduating high school seniors have a huge party in the Magic Kingdom.
• USASF Cheerleading & Dance Worlds (link). Apr. 21–22. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports.
• Mickey’s Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort (link). Apr. 27. The popular 3-hour event returns to Fantasia Ballroom G.

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).
• Muddy Buddy (link). May 12. Athletes get down and dirty in this competition. Registration is now open (link).
• Danskin Women’s Triathlon (link). May 12-13. Athletes compete in a 400 yard swim, a 9 mile bike ride and a 2 mile run. 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.
• Gay Days 2007. May 31 – June 3. The 17th annual gathering of the GLBT community at Walt Disney World (link1 | link 2).

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.

July 2007

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

August 2007

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Aug. 31 – Sept. 3. The radio host’s annual gathering returns for another year.

September 2007

• Night of Joy (link). Sept. 7–8. Disney’s annual Christian music festival.
• Disney’s Pin Celebration (link). Sept. 7–9. This year, the event’s theme is “Where Dreams HapPin”. Registration opens May 9.
• 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).
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). Sep. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 1, 4, 5, 9, 11, 12, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31 (dates tentative). Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs..
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Dates in Sept.–Nov. TBA. The 12th annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series.

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.
• Festival of the Masters (link). Nov. 9–11. Disney’s annual arts festival at Downtown Disney’s West Side.
• ABC Super Soap Weekend (link). Nov. 10–11. Your favorite ABC soap opera stars converge on the Disney-MGM Studios.
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (link). Nov. 12 – Jan. 6, 2008. Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios.
• 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.
• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (link). Dates TBA. The Animal Kingdom Parade trades its Jammin’ for Jingle in this holiday makeover.
• Holidays Around the World (link). Nov. 23 – Dec. 30. Epcot’s World Showcase gets storytellers, special entertainment and crafts for kids, the Lights of Winter and a spectacular Christmas tree.
• Festival of the Seasons (link). Dates TBA. Downtown Disney gets a holiday makeover.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Nov. 13, 15, 16, 26, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21 (dates tentative). Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What’s not to like?.

December 2007

• Pop Warner Super Bowl (link). Dates TBA, expected to be Dec. 2–8. Football players and cheerleaders invade the resort for the pigskin championships.
• MouseFest 2007 (link). Dec. 2–10. The annual gathering of the Disney Internet community takes place at sea from Dec. 2–6 and on land from Dec. 6–10.
• Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve (link). Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates the actual New Year.
• New Year’s Eve at Cirque du Soleil. Dec. 31. Cirque puts on special New Year’s performances.
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year’s Eve (link). Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at the BoardWalk’s own dance club.

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

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. The March schedule was not 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.