Update for July 2 – 8, 2007
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News and Views
Animal Kingdom Lodge to be nearly vacant this summer | Parents leave child in hot stroller, go to ride Pirates | The dilemma of Downtown Disney | Candlelight narrator schedule announced; dining packages on sale today | New August/September discounts for all | Hotel Royal Plaza expands discounts for MousePlanet readers! | Downtown Disney area hotels stage surprise sweepstakes | Small World Vacations offers free backpack with booking | Disney to host high school All-America football game in January | Final hole filled in “PreschoolPalooza” | Democratic candidates come to Disney | Construction update | Quick Takes …
Animal Kingdom Lodge to be nearly vacant this summer
We are hearing that the construction going on at the Animal Kingdom Lodge has become so disruptive that Disney is moving nearly all guests with reservations at the hotel to other resorts through September 1.
Guests are being offered discounted stays at the Saratoga Springs Resort and stays at other deluxe resorts for the same price that was reserved for the Animal Kingdom Lodge. Disney is handling this on a case-by-case basis, depending on the original view reserved and the availability at other resorts.
Disney is calling guests in a chronological order to assist them with the change. Boma, Jiko and the Mara are expected to remain open, but perhaps with limited hours.
There is apparently a few categories of rooms that will not be affected by the construction: Pool View Bunkbeds, Suites (except Vice Presidential and Presidential which are used for limited concierge services), and Club Level Concierge (QG) rooms with standard view will not be relocated during the construction.
We’ll let you know if we hear more about this situation.
Parents leave child in hot stroller, go to ride Pirates
In what has got to be one of the worst cases of people checking their brains at the gate, two parents left their 3-year-old daughter in a stroller in 91 degree heat and went to ride Pirates of the Caribbean. At 4:45 p.m. on Saturday, June 23, a concerned guest notified ride attendants at Pirates of the Caribbean that they had seen a small child unattended in a stroller.
Upon finding the girl, the attendants noted that she appeared overheated and was sweating profusely. The attendants moved the child into the shade and called for assistance. The ride manager arrived 10 minutes later and noted that the child appeared unresponsive and covered with sweat, then called Reedy Creek Emergency Services.
Upon arrival, the Reedy Creek paramedic noted that the child appeared to be lifeless and unresponsive and displaying early signs of heat exhaustion, then moved her to an air conditioned area to cool her down. Once in the cool air, the girl began to respond and react, and was given cool water to bring her temperature down.
The parents finally approached a Walt Disney World security officer around 5:35 p.m., asking for help in finding their child, and were brought to the Orange County Deputy Sheriff responding to the incident. The father stated that the girl was accidentally left behind becase she was sleeping and that he thought that his wife had the child. The mother thought that the girl was sleeping in a second, covered stroller.
The mother had gone on the ride while the father waited for her at the ride’s exit. The father went back to move the stroller to the correct stroller parking area, but did not notice the girl in the sunlight when he did so.
The girl was noted to have a swollen, red mark on her forehead that her parents explained was from a fall the day before for which they had not sought medical attention.
Due to the possible heat exhaustion, combined with the potential head injury, it was concluded that the girl had been placed in harm’s way, which could have possibly led to death, especially if she had been left alone in the 91 degree heat for nearly an hour until her parents went looking for her. The parents were charged with child abuse and brought to the Orange County jail. The girl was placed in custody of other family members, with the approval of the Florida Department of Children and Family. The parents were later released on $2,500 bail each.
I’m not even going to editorialize on this one. I shouldn’t have to.
An aerial view (from a parasail) of the construction of the new DVC resort at the Contemporary provides a great overview of the work. Photo by Anthony M. Uriaus.
Another view of the construction from the monorail provides a closer look. Photo by Anthony M. Uriaus.
The dilemma of Downtown Disney
In the wake of last week’s crackdown at Downtown Disney, Disney found itself in the middle of a storm of controversy when four of those banned from Disney property for life turned out to be top football prospects for Florida State University. The high school students from Philadelphia and cities around Florida, are expected to play for FSU after they graduate in 2008. They had gotten together for a barbecue at a local player’s house to get to know each other. The local player’s mother works for Walt Disney World at the Polynesian Resort, according to media reports.
Accusations of racial profiling began circulating in the media. The Orlando Sentinel reported that 45 of the 46 people banned from Disney for life were black or Hispanic. The only white person banned was loitering outside the Planet Hollywood restaurant, arguing with and swearing at Disney guards and refusing to leave the property. The four football players later had their lifetime bans on setting foot on Disney property reduced to being banned only from Downtown Disney, and just for one year.
While Disney’s claims that “a gang-like presence was unfortunately identified at Downtown Disney,” trying to keep the place safe is another matter, as the area is designed for loitering for the purpose of shopping, dining and being entertained. How do you determine the intent of the people loitering?
MousePlanet asked Disney spokewoman Jacquee Polak about the criteria used to lift the ban on the FSU prospects and whether others who were banned could also have their bans lifted. Polak noted that the lifting of the ban “is consistent with our practice to review trespass citations upon request,” and that “Our practice is to listen to our Guests and we will certainly consider any request.” She noted that those who have been banned could request a review by either sending an e-mail to Guest Communications or sending a letter to: Guest Correspondence, Walt Disney World Executive Offices, P.O. Box 10040, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830.
Polak also stated that the criteria used to differentiate between those loitering to enjoy the “street-party atmosphere” of Pleasure Island or the general festive environment of Downtown Disney from those who might be loitering dangerously and for stopping and/or detaining suspected troublemakers would not be modified to take into account the current controversy over the accusations of racial profiling, noting “Recently, we identified an increase in inappropriate youth behavior at Downtown Disney. In cooperation with law enforcement, additional deputies were pro-actively assigned to patrol the area. It was an effective response and will continue as needed. Inappropriate activity will not be tolerated.”
When asked whether there was anything else that concerned, frequent Disney visitors of all races—especially those with teenage children—would want to know about this situation when planning their trips, Polak responded: “Our priority, and that of law enforcement, will continue to be maintaining a safe experience for our employees and tens of thousands of Guests who visit Downtown Disney everyday to shop, dine and enjoy our entertainment offerings.”
But at what point does perception by tourists impact the actions of those hired to keep tourist areas safe? It’s a difficult tightrope to walk. We’ll take a closer look at the Downtown Disney dilemma in the future.
Dining reservations at Epcot were very difficult to come by in late June, even before the park opened. A guest rushed in asking, “Can we get a reservation for Le Cellier?” The cast member responded “Yes, for December 17th.” Photo by Anthony M. Uriaus.
Candlelight narrator schedule released; dining packages on sale today
One of the most popular reservations each year is the Candlelight Processional Dining Package, which combines a dining experience at an Epcot table-service restaurant with reserved seats for the Candlelight Processional, a reading of the Biblical Christmas Story at the America Gardens Theater by a celebrity narrator, backed by a 50-piece orchestra and a 400-voice massed choir.
The pricing tiers and dining hour restrictions from last year have returned on a permanent basis. All meal times will be during set windows based on the time of the performance to be seen. All seating times will be prior to showtime.
Those viewing the 5:00 p.m. performance will actually have their meal during lunch hours, with seatings between 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. This seating will carry a lower price tag than the two “dinner” seatings (see pricing below). Those wishing to attend the 6:45 p.m. performance will need to be willing to eat dinner with seating times between 3:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. The 8:15 p.m. performance is the only one with close to “normal” meal times, with reservations between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m.
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Dining packages go on sale this morning at 7 a.m. EDT. Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) to make reservations.
Note: There are no dining packages available for the 5:00 p.m. performance on December 2.
The line-up of narrators (subject to change) is nearly complete:
- David Robinson (Nov. 23-25)
- John O’Hurley (Nov. 26-28)
- TBD (Nov. 29-Dec. 1)
- Dennis Franz (Dec. 2-4)
- Phylicia Rashad (Dec. 5-7)
- Steven Curtis Chapman (Dec. 8-10)
- Neil Patrick Harris (Dec. 11-13)
- TBD (Dec. 14-16)
- Kirk Cameron (Dec. 17-19)
- Edward James Olmos (Dec. 20-22)
- Gary Sinise (Dec. 23-25)
- TBD (Dec. 26-28)
- Marlee Matlin (Dec. 29-30)
Get your MousePlanet gear!The MousePlanet.com store is now open for business (link)! You can get shirts, mugs, hats and even a Teddy Bear! Check it out and show your MousePlanet pride! |
New August/September discounts for all
While the free dining package is no longer available, Disney has released new discounts for July 29 through September 29. There’s very limited availability, so book quickly if you’re interested. Value resorts start at $69 per night, while moderates start at $104 per night. Discounts are also available at deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. Rates for this discount are higher than the passholder and Florida resident rates for that time period, but just barely. These rates are also available in conjunction with Magic Your Way and Magic Your Way Plus Dining packages. The booking window for this offer runs from June 28 through July 28.
Thanks to MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations for this information.
Hotel Royal Plaza expands discounts for MousePlanet readers!
MousePlanet sponsor Hotel Royal Plaza, in the Downtown Disney resort area, has enhanced its deal for MousePlanet readers. From now through the end of the year, anyone booking their stay through the MousePlanet web site has been able to receive discounted rates up to 20 percent off on all room types. Now, for a limited time, you can get even more! The discounted rates now include free breakfast for two in the Giraffe Café!. Plus children 10 and under always eat breakfast for free! (Two children 10 and under eat free from the kids menu when accompanied by an adult dining from the regular menu.)
The completely remodeled 394-room resort is located on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, just a few minutes’ walk from Downtown Disney. Bus service to all Walt Disney World theme parks is included with your stay. Their Giraffe Café restaurant, Giraffe Tavern sports bar, Marketessen deli-style café and Sips Pool Bar are ready to serve you.
And so we’d like to invite you to try their hospitality!
Downtown Disney area hotels stage surprise sweepstakes
Disney isn’t the only one giving away free hotel stays during the Year of a Million Dreams. The seven official Walt Disney World Hotels in the Downtown Disney resort area are giving away free three-night stays at check-in throughout August and September.
To celebrate the completion of renovations at all of the resorts, the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels will be awarding guests at each of the participating hotels with up to three nights of complimentary accommodations during the the Surprise Stays at the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels sweepstakes. Each week from August 12 through September 22, one lucky winner will receive a free stay upon check-in. (For those trying to do the math, that would be one winner for each of the seven hotels.)
“This year is a very exciting time for the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels,” said Bill Green, marketing chairman for the Downtown Disney Resort Area Hotels. “We are pleased to reward our guests through this promotion with magical stays and allow even more travelers than ever an opportunity to experience the millions of exciting changes and exclusive guest perks available at our hotels.”
Along the approach to Kali River Rapids, work on the second floor of the Yak & Yeti Restaurant continues. Photo by Anthony M. Uriaus.
Around the other side, the walls of the Yak & Yeti will butt right up against the Caravan Stage, where the current construction work is providing many disruptions to the Flights of Wonder bird show. Photo by Anthony M. Uriaus.
Small World Vacations offers free backpack with booking
Book a new Walt Disney World, Disneyland or Disney cruise vacation July 1 – August 1,
2007, with Small World Vacations and get one free collapsible sturdy backpack. Backpack
will be mailed with final documents. If the reservation is canceled, this offer is null
and void. Travel must be complete by December 31, 2008.
This offer is not valid on previously booked reservations or room only reservations.
Let us know that you found Small World Vacations on MousePlanet and include the word
Backpack in the special request section of our price quote form.
Offer good while supplies last. Substitution may be necessary if supplies are exhausted.
Disney to host high school All-America football game in January
Those getting tired of watching college football bowl games next January will be able to watch a high school all-star game as a break. ABC will broadcast the “ESPNU High School All-American Game” on Saturday, January 5, 2008, at 2 p.m. The game is owned and operated by ESPNU, and is tied to the ESPN/Scouts, Inc. recruiting site.
The 75-80 players will practice all week at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex, with ESPNU televising the practice sessions and a skills competition on January 4. Many of the top high school players in the country have already committed to play in the game, with more announcements expected in coming weeks.
Final hole filled in “PreschoolPalooza”
The final slot has been filled in the “PreschoolPalooza” concert series during Little Ones Travel Time this fall. The complete schedule for the concerts at the Disney-MGM Studios is:
- Aug 30-Sep 2. Imagination Movers.
- Sep 6-9. Doodlebops.
- Sep 13-16. Playhouse Disney Live on Tour.
- Sep 20-23. Imagination Movers.
- Sep 27-30. Choo Choo Soul.
- Oct 4-7. Choo Choo Soul.
- Oct 11-14. Ralph’s World.
- Oct 18-21. Johnny and the Sprites.
- Oct. 25-28. Dan Zanes and Friends.
Menus wanted!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 (link). Send photos or scans of menus (no fair copying from other web sites) to menus@mouseplanet.com (link). Please note that there is a 5MB limit on total attachments in a single email. |
Democratic candidates come to Disney
Walt Disney World’s place in political history was sealed when it hosted Richard Nixon’s infamous “I am not a crook” speech back in 1974. It added yet one more event this past weekend, as all Democratic candidates addressed the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) Annual Conference at the Contemporary Resort‘s ballroom on Saturday afternoon. All of the Republican candidates turned down an offer for a similar session on Friday. Participating for the Democrats were: senators Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Chris Dodd, Barack Obama, former senator John Edwards; Representative Dennis Kucinich, and Governor Bill Richardson.
Construction walls surround the CyberSpace Mountain simulator that was on display adjacent to DisneyQuest. The simulator is being removed. Photo by Anthony M. Uriaus.
Construction update
This week’s listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County in the last week:
