Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for July 23 – 29, 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

Woman arrested for “line rage” attack | Epcot follow-up | Dining changes roundup | La Nouba discounts for Florida residents, DVC members | Quick Takes …

Woman arrested for “line rage” attack

Nearly two months after what was originally labeled a minor incident, an Alabama woman was returned to Orlando and arrested on felony battery charges for a an assault on a local woman at the Magic Kingdom’s Mad Tea Party attraction. On May 27, Aimee Krause, Victoria Walker and their chidren were waiting in the final holding area before boarding the spinning teacups when Walker accused Krause of jumping the queue.

Walker, who was in line with her 11-year-old daughter, accused Krause, her children (ages 6 and 7), and a friend’s two children, of jumping ahead in line. Walker yelled obscenities about the perceived slight and shoved two children with Krause as they waited. As Krause finished putting the children on the ride, Walker kicked her from behind. The 230-pound Walker, who at 5-foot-11 stands six inches taller than Krause, grabbed Krause from behind and started beating her. Walker had to be pulled off of Krause.

Krause and others reportedly asked for the ride operator to call security and have Walker removed. Disney security did not appear on the scene until right after the attack. Krause claims that the ride operator did not respond quickly enough.

For her part, Walker (who, according to the sheriff’s report, had an earlier assault arrest in Alabama) claimed that Krause elbowed her while they were in the queue and later kicked backwards and hit her.

At first, sheriff’s deputies thought that it was a minor altercation and allowed Walker to go home to Alabama. However, after Krause’s doctors determined that she had sustained a concussion and a herniated disc in her cervical spine, and was having post-traumatic seizures, the Orlando County Sheriff’s Office issued a felony arrest warrant and had Walker arrested in Alabama and transported to Orlando. Walker was released from Orange County Jail on Tuesday after posting $4,000 bail.

Epcot follow-up

While discussing the decision to remove the wand at Epcot a couple of weeks ago, we closed by noting, “We asked Disney what role Siemens (the new sponsor of the Spaceship Earth attraction) played in the decision to remove the wand, and whether the removal of the wand signaled a possible change in the previous decision (under Rex) that there would be no official celebration of Epcot’s 25th anniversary. At press time, Disney had not yet responded.”

Since then, we’ve heard from Disney and from another well-placed source who
asked to remain anonymous. We attempted to contact Brad Rex for this story,
but received no response.

First of all, our unofficial source notes that the decision not to have an official celebration of Epcot’s 25th anniversary was not Rex’s. In fact, Rex promoted the idea of a month-long celebration featuring a different event each day for each of the previous 25 years (with the first and last days covering all years, and a few years in between taking more than one day, in order to fill out the 31 days of October). However, Disney Parks marketing execs were reportedly concerned that it would distract guests from the overall Year of a Million Dreams event. Rex also was reportedly in favor of the wand coming down. However, the former Navy officer followed the party line and dutifully carried the official message of no celebration and the wand staying up.

According to our source, when new Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton
came in, as with all new bosses, she looked to make some changes to make it
more of “her team.” Rex and Lee Cockerell left (or were pushed)
and were replaced by Jim MacPhee and Erin Wallace. All are capable individuals,
so this is less a reflection of the abilities of those involved than of management
styles and comfort levels. The source also indicated that the changeover has
not yet been completed, and at least one more park VP position may see turnover
before the end of the year.

As to the response from Disney, the official party line now states, “We will celebrate our anniversary on October 1st and we have some exciting plans in place including several events for our Cast Members. Many of them have been here since opening day. We have also planned a few special surprises for our guests on our anniversary.” We’ve gotten no response yet to follow-up questions as to the possible nature of those plans or surprises.

As to the role of Siemens in the dismantling of the wand, Disney’s official answer was “They weren’t involved in the decision to remove the wand. Since Spaceship Earth was already closed for enhancements we decided to take advantage of this time to restore it to its original classic look. The Mickey Mouse gloved hand and wand treatment was installed as part of the Millennium Celebration and then updated for the 100 years of Magic celebration. From time to time, we add special treatments to our icons to enhance or ‘dress them up’ for our celebration. We made changes to Cinderella Castle for our 50th anniversary celebration and then restored it back to its original state.”

We’ll let you know as more information becomes available.

Dining changes roundup

Many of these dining changes we’ve already reported, some are new, but Disney announced them all on its public relations Web site, so we figured that we’d run them all down for you at once to better show the scope of the changes.

Alfredo’s closing: The Italy pavilion’s L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante closes on August 31 and reopens under new management (the Patina Group, operators of Catal, Naples and Tortilla Jo’s at Anaheim’s Downtown Disney) the next day under the name “Tutto Italia.” Tutto Italia itself closes in Spring 2008, when the entire space will be completely remodeled, and then reopen in Fall 2008 under yet another new name.

Japan shuffle: Changes are afoot at the three eateries upstairs above the Mitsukoshi department store at the Japan pavilion. Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki is closed for refurbishment through August 20, and reopens on August 21 with a new name: Teppan Edo. The other two restaurants, Tempura Kiku and Matsunoma Lounge, will be replaced this fall by a new dining location called Tokyo Dining, showcasing traditional cuisine and ingredients of Japan with an emphasis on sushi and innovative presentation. Yakitori House, across the courtyard, will be unaffected.

China upgrades: Changes at the China pavilion begin with a new “Joy of Tea” outdoor cart featuring “hot and cold teas, frozen green tea concoctions and alcoholic choices such as plum wine and wine green tea slush.” The Lotus Blossom Cafe has been renovated with a new menu, featuring Beijing barbecue chicken, sesame chicken salad and rou jia mo, a popular Chinese sandwich of sliced beef in toasted wheat-flour flatbread. The Nine Dragons restaurant closes in early 2008 for renovations that include the creation of an exhibition kitchen.

Tequila!: This summer, the Mexico pavilion will see the appearance of a new tequila bar in the pavilion’s indoor courtyard. By next summer, a project to create a new menu and expand the seating at the Cantina de San Angel.

Landry’s adds new brands: Landry’s, operators of the Rainforest Cafes at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney, will have two new themed restaurants opening in the next year.

This November, the Yak & Yeti Restaurant opens in Asia at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, serving Asian-fusion cuisine. It will offer table service dining, a full-service bar, quick-service food and a beer garden. Yak & Yeti will seat 250 indoors for table service and 350 in a courtyard for quick-service. The location will also have retail offerings from Asia including silk purses, incense, saris and fine teapots.

Meanwhile, back at Downtown Disney, T-Rex is supposed to open in early 2008. The restaurant will combine table-service and a retail shop with a prehistoric theme centered around water, fire and ice.

Tusker to go buffet: With the opening of Yak & Yeti in November, some additional shuttling takes place. Tusker House is converting to a buffet-only restaurant, open daily from 8:00-10:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. until park close, and featuring Donald’s Safari Breakfast, a new character meal. The Donald’s Breakfastasaurus character breakfast at Restaurantosaurus closes November 5, though the restaurant itself remains open daily from 10:30 a.m. until park close.

Healthy kids’ meals: In keeping with Disney’s new policy on healthier food, Walt Disney World has been reworking children’s menus. Carrot sticks and 1 percent milk or bottled water have become the standards if no alternatives are requested. Guest will have to ask for french fries or soda.

Buh-bye, trans fats: Continuing with the healthy food initiative, Disney is working on ways to remove all trans fats from food served in the parks and resorts. Partially hydrogenated oils will also be a thing of the past. hamburgers, buns and pizzas have undergone changes to decrease fat and carbohydrates. Candy, packaged food and bakery items will also be in for changes in the near future, as recipes are reformulated and repackaged to modify portion sizes.

Tea cocktails arrive: The latest creation of Disney’s beverage team is the tea-infused cocktail. Offered in most lounges and table-service restaurants, these cocktails include the Zen-tini, Lemon Verbena Martini and Iced Chai Tea Latte. After-dinner tea drinks include the Cassis Infusion and Vanilla Rooibos Soother.

Swan gets new Italian restaurant: To replace the former Palio’s restaurant, the Walt Disney World Swan hotel has brought in the latest location of Il Mulino, a restaurant from New York City. The 220-room restaurant is open for dinner each night.

Kitchen moves: There have been some changes among the chefs at top Walt Disney World restaurants. Chef Jens Dahlmann has moved from the Flying Fish Cafe at the BoardWalk Resort to the California Grill atop the Contemporary Resort. To replace Dahlmann at Flying Fish, Disney has brought in Chef Tim Keating, who was most recently the executive chef at the Biltmore in Coral Gables, Florida, and before that the executive chef at the Four Seasons Hotel in Houston.

One dining note not included in the announcement by Disney was the departure of popular chef Anette Grecchi Gray, chef de cuisine at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge. Grecchi Gray, whose Disney career started at Narcoossee’s, left to take a position with Carlson Cos., owner of T.G.I. Friday’s and other brands. No official word yet on her replacement.

La Nouba discounts for Florida residents, DVC members

Cirque du Soleil is cutting prices for tickets to La Nouba for Florida residents and Disney Vacation Club members in order to boost late-summer ticket sales. From August 1 through September 22, Florida residents and DVC members can purchase Category 3 seats for $49 plus tax, with Category 2 seats available for $63 plus tax. Regular-priced Category 3 tickets are $63 plus tax ($50 plus tax for children ages 3-9), while regular-priced Category 2 tickets are $79 plus tax ($63 plus tax for children).

Proof of Florida residency or DVC membership is required, and other restrictions apply. The discount is not valid on previously purchased tickets, gift certificates, or with any other offer.

Florida residents may purchase discounted tickets by calling 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328). DVC members should call Member Services.

Quick takes …

…The American Heritage Gallery at the American Adventure pavilion closes today for “enhancements that will include National Treasures such as Ben Franklin, Mark Twain, Rosa Parks, and Abraham Lincoln.” It reopens on September 27.

…When the new Jedi Training Academy stage a the Disney-MGM Studios is completed this fall, it is expected to run up to eight shows per day, with up to a dozen children participating per show.

…The those wondering, it’s officially over. The Big Bamboo Lounge has finally been torn down.

…The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open training camp this week at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.

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

• June 11-Aug 12. Sounds Like Summer concert series at Epcot.
  • July 25- 29 – 52nd Street (Billy Joel)
  • July 30-August 5 – Captain Fantastic (Elton John)
  • August 6-12 – Transit Authority (Chicago)
• July 27. Mickey’s Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort.
• July 27 – Aug 16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp.
• Aug. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and Sept. 3. Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party.
• Aug. 31 ? Sept. 3. Tom Joyner Family Reunion.
• Aug. 31-Sept. 3 and Nov. 19-25, 2007; and Dec. 16, 2007-Jan. 2, 2008. DVC members may not pool-hop on these dates.

Walt Disney World trivia question of the week

This week’s question: This week’s question was submitted by MousePlanet reader Nicholas Steinhoff. Why is the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror painted in that “off pink” color? Stay tuned to next week’s park update for the answer.

The answer to last week’s question: “In Cranium Command, who plays the girl (Annie) the main character (Bobby) falls in love with?”, which was submitted by MousePlanet reader Sean Boundy, is:

Natalie Gregory, most noted for playing Alice in the 1985 TV movie Alice in Wonderland (and who also voiced Jenny in the Disney animated feature Oliver and Company)..

Addendum to last week’s answer: Reader Jeff points out that there are actually two Web pages open on the computer in the ’90s section of Pop Century. While the ABCnews.com site is in the larger window, another smaller window is open to Disney.com/Playhouse. (The third open window is an e-mail from Mickey extending an invitation to visit the four parks.)

The computer screen in the 90s section of the Pop Century Resort features Disney.com/Playhouse as well as ABCNews.com. Photo by Anthony Uriaus.

Do you have a trivia question that you’d like to share? If we choose to use your question, we’ll give you credit in the Update. Email us here.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Haunted Mansion – closed for refurbishment through September 12.
• Astro Orbiter – closed for refurbishment August 12–25.
• Liberty Square River Boat – closed for refurbishment September 17-20.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed for refurbishment October 1-24.

Epcot

• Spaceship Earth – closed for refurbishment July 9 – November 13. Removal of the wand will take place between July 9 and late September.
• Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki – closed for refurbishment through August 20. It will reopen on August 21 with a new name: Teppan Edo.
• L’Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante – closes on August 31 and reopen under new management on September 1 under the name “Tutto Italia.” Tutto Italia closes in Spring 2008 for a total remodeling, and reopens in fall 2008 under yet another new name.
• O Canada – closes for refurbishment August 20–24.
• The American Adventure Pavilion – the American Heritage Gallery closes July 23 through September 26 for installation of a new exhibit.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has again closed, perhaps forever and perhaps just until next Thanksgiving weekend.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster – closed for refurbishment September 2-30 (dates unconfirmed).

Animal Kingdom

• No known refurbishments.

Resorts

• All-Star Sports Resort – All buildings will be renovated between June 2007 and February 2008.
• Caribbean Beach Resort – The feature pool closes for renovation January – June, 2008. Exact dates have yet to be announced.
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Building 6 (Concierge) closes in September for a full refurbishment. 1900 Park Fare restaurant closes for refurbishment from July 9 through October 1.
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – All buildings are now complete and open.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach – closed for annual refurbishment January 6 – late winter.
• Typhoon Lagoon – closed for annual refurbishment October 28 – January 5

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. No performances July 29–31, September 23–October 1, November 25–27.

Park Events

July 2007

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp (link). July 27 – Aug 16. The Bucs return to Disney for another year’s training camp.
• Mickey’s Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort (link). July 27. The popular 3-hour event returns to Fantasia Ballroom G.

August 2007

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp (link). Late July – Mid-Aug. The Bucs return to Disney for another year’s training camp.
• Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party (link). Aug. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and Sept. 3. A rerun of this past winter’s new hard-ticketed event celebrates the pirates and princesses in all of us.
• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Aug. 31 ? Sept. 3. The radio host’s annual gathering returns for another year.

September 2007

• Disney’s Pirate & Princess Party (link). Aug. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and Sept. 3. A rerun of this past winter’s new hard-ticketed event celebrates the pirates and princesses in all of us.
• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Aug. 31 ? Sept. 3. The radio host’s annual gathering returns for another year.
• 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.
• Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K (link). Sept. 9. The annual fund-raising event to fight breast cancer will be run at Disney’s Wide World of Sports this year.
• Walt Disney World Triathlon (link). Sept. 23. Athletes compete in a 1.5K swim, a 58K bike ride, and a 10K run. Registration opens soon (link).
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). Sep. 14, 21, 28, 30, Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, Nov. 2. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Sep.28 ?Nov. 11. The 12th annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series.

October 2007

• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). Sep. 14, 21, 28, 30, Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, Nov. 2. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Sep.28 to Nov. 11. The 12th annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series.
• 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).
• Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13K and 6.5K (link). Oct. 27. Disney’s first night-time endurance event is Halloween-themed, and concludes witha big after-party. Registration is now open (link).

November 2007

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Sep.28 ?Nov. 11. The 12th annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series.
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). Sep. 14, 21, 28, 30, Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, Nov. 2. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs.
• 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.
• Pirates of Castaway Cay pin cruise (link). Nov. 11-15. Pirates, pins and a Disney cruise, all rolled into one.
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (link). Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008. Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios.
• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (link).Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008.The Animal Kingdom Parade trades its Jammin’ for Jingle in this holiday makeover.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Nov. 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What’s not to like?
• 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.
• 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.

December 2007

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (link). Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008. Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios.
• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (link).Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008.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. 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What’s not to like?
• 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

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (link). Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008. Jennings Osborne’s amazing display returns to the Studios.
• Mickey’s Jingle Jungle Parade (link).Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008.The Animal Kingdom Parade trades its Jammin’ for Jingle in this holiday makeover.
• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link). Jan. 12. Registration is now open (link).
• Walt Disney World Marathon (link). Jan. 13. Registration is now open (link). [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]

June 2008

• Gay Days 2008 (link1 | link 2). June 6 – 9. The 18th annual gathering of the GLBT community at Walt Disney World.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Hotel Royal Plaza offers discounts to 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 Cafe!. 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 Cafe restaurant, Giraffe Tavern sports bar, Marketessen deli-style cafe and Sips Pool Bar are ready to serve you.

And so we’d like to invite you to try their hospitality!

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 them 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.

Passholder, Florida Resident discounts available for summer

Disney has released discounted room rates for passholders and Florida residents through most of the summer. Discounts are available for select Disney Vacation Club and deluxe resorts from June 3 through August 4, and for select moderate resorts between July 1 and August 4.

For passholders, the DVC rates start at $164 per night plus tax in a studio at the Old Key West or Saratoga Springs Resorts. Prices go up from there depending on the resort and accommodations. In addition to those two DVC resorts, discounts are also available at the Yacht Club, Beach Club and BoardWalk Resorts. Rates at the moderates start at $139 per night. For Florida residents, the DVC rates start at $169 per night and the moderates start at $145 per night. Minimum stay requirements apply for Friday and Saturday arrivals.

All rates can be booked up until the date of arrival. Passholders and Florida residents can book via your respective web sites, by calling your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel provider) or by calling 407-560-7277 for passholders or 407-560-7722 for Florida residents.

Passholder discount codes are FDL (DVC/Deluxe) and FDJ (Moderates). Florida resident discount codes are FDP (DVC/Deluxe) and FDN (Moderates).

August/September passholder, Florida resident discounts announced

Disney has released discounted room rates for passholders and Florida residents for August and September. Discounts are available for select Disney Vacation Club and deluxe resorts for most nights from August 5 to September 29, and at moderate and value resorts for most nights August 5–9, August 12–29 and September 2–29.

For passholders and Florida residents, the DVC rates start at $164 per night plus tax in a studio at the Old Key West or Saratoga Springs Resorts. Prices go up from there depending on the resort and accommodations.

In addition to those two DVC resorts, discounts are also available at all deluxe resorts, with passholder rates $5 per night less than Florida resident rates. Some sample rates are garden view rooms at the Polynesian ($249 passholder/$254 resident), Contemporary ($225/$230) and Grand Floridian ($295/$300).

Rates at the moderates start at $94 per night for passholders and $99 per night for Florida residents. Value resorts start at $64 for both passholders and Florida residents.

Minimum stay requirements apply for Friday and Saturday arrivals. All rates can be booked up until the date of arrival. Passholders and Florida residents can book via your respective web sites, by calling your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel provider) or by calling 407-560-7277 for passholders or 407-560-7722 for Florida residents.

Discount codes are FDR (passholder) and FDT (Florida residents).

Disney’s Price Slice golf rates are back

Disney’s popular summer golf discount program, Disney’s Price Slice, will return from May 14 through September 27. During that time, a round of golf at any of the Walt Disney World courses will be less expensive after 10 a.m. daily, due to the heat of the summer season. The Magnolia, Palm, Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge courses will carry a fee of $55, while the Lake Buena Vista course will cost $45. Rates include the use of an electric cart, and are $34-$44 cheaper than regular rates.

The rates include the use of an electric cart and are discounted from the before-10 a.m. prices of $99 for resort guests/$109 for day visitors (Magnolia and Osprey Ridge), $89 for resort guests/$99 for day visitors (Palm and Eagle Pines) and $79 for resort guests/$89 for day visitors (Lake Buena Vista). 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’s front page still appears to have difficulty with browsers other than Internet Explorer. Once you get past the front page, you should be all right.

For ticket prices, park hours, and entertainment schedules, please go here.

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