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News and Views
Walt Disney World to be invaded by 700-pound Mickey statues
In honor of Mickey’s 75th birthday, Walt Disney World will be putting
on display 75 statues of Mickey Mouse, decorated by artists, celebrities,
and Disney Cast Members from around the world. The six-foot-tall sculptures,
decorated by such folks as figure skaters Michelle Kwan and Paul Wylie,
actors Jamie Lee Curtis, Dave Koz, and the cast of The George Lopez
Show, will be on display throughout the Walt Disney World Resort.
The Mickey 75 InspEARations display (sponsored by Home Depot, who supplied
the Disney Color paint, among other decór) will be unveiled on
Mickey’s birthday on Tuesday, November 18, and will remain through next
April before traveling around the country for the rest of the year, eventually
ending up at auction in 2005. The auction (to be part of Disneyland’s
50th Anniversary celebration) will be conducted by Sotheby’s, and the
proceeds will go to charities selected by each Mickey’s “designer.”
The Brothers Bush visit WDW
Last Thursday, both U.S. President George W. Bush and Florida Governor
Jeb Bush visited the Walt Disney World Resort. President Bush was introduced
by his brother at a $2,000-per-person campaign luncheon at Disney’s Grand
Floridian Resort, where he urged Congress to adopt a Medicare overhaul
before closing its session for the year. The standing-room-only crowd
of 600 attendees provided $860,000 for the President’s re-election campaign.
The governor also introduced his brother at two other appearances in
Central Florida. Jeb also gave a state of education speech at Disney’s
Contemporary Resort. There was no immediate word of whether they met afterward
to invade the “it’s a small world” attraction.
Disney Vacation Club gets new head
Jim Lewis, a senior vice president for public affairs at Walt Disney
World, has been named to a new position in charge of the Disney Vacation
Club unit. According to Disney, he was assigned because it was time to
have a senior executive focus on the business full-time because of the
growth of the club.
George Aguel, who formerly had that responsibility, will continue to
head Disney’s group and convention business, but will now add the role
of developing joint marketing and other alliances with partner corporations,
and will serve as a consulting resource for Lewis.
Lewis comes aboard as Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort nears completion.
While Lewis is said to possess a variety of leadership skills, however,
he has no timeshare or hotel experience. “I have a lot of work to
do,” he said.
Ears to the ground
…The Behind the Seeds Tour at The Land is closing down when the
Food Rocks attraction closes for installation of the queue area for Soarin’
Over California. It is not believed to be permanent; the tours resume
after Soarin’ opens.
…Tolls are increasing in April on the Osceola Parkway from $1.25
to $1.50. They will also be installing new toll machines on the road.
…The Washington Square Arch has been removed from New York Street
at the Disney-MGM Studios.
…The Earl of Sandwich shop at Downtown Disney Marketplace is still
not open. No word yet on what the cause of the delay is.
…The Disney Pin Traders location at the Downtown Disney Marketplace
has completed its expansion into the former playground next door.
…At least one of the former Discovery River boats from Disney’s
Animal Kingdom has been extensively modified to be used for Magical Gatherings
fireworks cruises on Seven Seas Lagoon. However, the modifications haven’t
increased the stability of the boats in an open water environment, and
they will not be used in high wind conditions.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Big Thunder Mountain is closed for refurbishment through Saturday,
November 22. - The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter closed for good. It
is now undergoing a major rehab and will reopen in fall 2004 as Stitch’s
Great Escape! - Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress opens from park open to
park close for the duration of the Stitch’s Great Escape! construction. - Timekeeper opens from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. for the duration of
the Stitch’s Great Escape! construction. - Country Bear Jamboree closes November 17 to 21 to install the
Christmas show, and closes again January 12 to 16 to return to its usual
program. - Adventureland now opens at 10 a.m. on non-peak days, but opens
with the rest of the park (except for Jungle Cruise) on Sundays, Thursdays,
and Saturdays through early December, plus every day of Thanksgiving
week (November 23 to 29) including Jungle Cruise.
Epcot
- Food Rocks closes on January 3 to make way for the entrance
to the new Soarin’ over California attraction. - The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The
Land discontinues on January 3 during reconstruction of the Food Rocks
area into the queue for Soarin’. The tours are expected to resume upon
completion of the construction. - The Eiffel Tower structure at the France Pavilion is due to
return from rehab in December.
Disney-MGM Studios
- Magic of Disney Animation is closed for refurbishment through
November 23. - Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios has been closed
and demolished and construction has begun to turn the site into an American
version of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from
the Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris. - Due to the loss of Residential Street, the Osborne Family Spectacle
of Lights will not be presented this holiday season. It is expected
to return in some form for 2004. - New York Street is undergoing a great deal of construction
to change some facades to represent Chicago, San Francisco, and Washington,
DC. We do not yet have a target completion date for the newly-titled
Big City Street yet. - Sets from the upcoming Haunted Mansion movie are now
open in the old Backstage Pass soundstage and will be open through
the end of the year.
Animal Kingdom
- No known closures at this time.
Resorts
- Pop Century Resort – Officially opens on December 14.
- Port Orleans Resort – A two-year extensive rehab of this resort’s
rooms is ongoing. For Phase I, French Quarter closed May 4, 2003. Phase
II will involve Riverside going down in sections. We have not yet heard
a date for completion of Phase I. - Polynesian Resort – This resort is seeing the longhouses refurbished
one by one. Each longhouse under rehab is walled off and isolated during
its rehab. There are only a couple of longhouses remaining. Tuvalu is
scheduled for rehab through January 2004. Niue and Rarotonga are the
only other longhouses currently scheduled to undergo rehab, and are
tentatively scheduled for January 18 to May 2, 2004. - Shades of Green – Major construction and rehab is ongoing at
this MWR-run resort for the military. It is currently expected to reopen
in March 2004. - Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa (a Disney Vacation
Club resort) has a tentative grand opening date of May 17, 2004. Reservations
will be taken starting on January 5. DVC members can reserve using points
on January 5 (home resort) or February 4 (other resorts).
Water Parks
- Blizzard Beach is undergoing refurbishment through December
13. - Typhoon Lagoon undergoes refurbishment December 14 to February
28.
Elsewhere
- The All Star Cafe at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex
is now closed Monday-Wednesday. It is open Thursday-Sunday, from 11:30
a.m. to 9 p.m.
Park Events
November
- Pin Trading Cruise aboard the Disney Wonder. November
16-20. - Celebrate Mickey… 75 InspEARations showcases 75 very special
interestingly decorated Mickey statues to celebrate Mickey’s 75th birthday
throughout the Walt Disney World Resort. November 18, 2003 through
April 2004. - Festival of the Seasons at Epcot featuring lighting displays,
fun window displays, and more. November 28 to December 24. - Holidays Around the World at Epcot lets you celebrate holidays
in the style of the World Showcase countries. November 28 to December
30. - Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom –
Order by phone at (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639). November 30, December
2, 4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18 and 19.
December
- Doll & Teddy Bear Weekend. December 7.
- Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships
(link)
December 7 – 13. - Disney’s Pop Century Resort opens December 14.
January 2004
- Disney’s Health and Fitness Expo (link).
January 9 & 10. - FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link)
January 10. - Disney Marathon and Half-Marathon January 11.
- National College Cheerleading and Dance Team Championship (link)
January 16-18. - Annual Passholders’ Cruise (4 nights) on Disney Magic.
January 25. - National Dance Team Championship (link)
January 31 – February 1.
February 2004
- National High School Cheerleading Championship (link)
February 7 & 8. - Atlanta Braves training camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports
complex (link)
February 15 – April 2.
March 2004
- National Cheerleading and Dance Championship (link)
March 13 & 14.
April 2004
- Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival. April 16
– May 30.
May 2004
- Walt Disney World Inline Marathon (link).
May 2.
Current Discounts & Promotions
New vacation packages offered by Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines has announced Orlando vacation packages linked with
the Disney Dream Maker packages. (link)
The offering includes round-trip airfare, lodging, and Ultimate Park Hopper
passes. The package is valid from all Southwest markets, and must be booked
no later than three business days prior to departure. Travel must be booked
by December 4, 2003 for travel between December 7, 2003 and February 10,
2004.
Mousesavers announces special Celebration Hotel rates
MouseSavers has announced special rates at the Celebration Hotel
for readers of their web site. (If you haven’t visited the site yet, please
check it out!)
Get more details and the discount codes at MouseSavers.com.
New Disney Visa Dream Maker Package – Kids Stay Free!
That there is a new Disney’s Visa “Kids Stay and Play Free”
Package, available most nights January 4 through June 12, 2004, where
when you buy a full-price Walt Disney World Dream Maker Package with your
Disney’s Visa card, for each adult on the package, one child (3-9) gets
a free Ultimate Park Hopper pass for the length of stay. 4-night
minimum. Plus you receive $100 in Disney Dollars per package at
check-in! Go to Disney’s Kids Free Web page (link)
for more information, or call your travel agent and book using package
code ZXFA. You must book your package by January 2.
Great rates at the Swan and Dolphin
Are you planning a trip this fall? Check out this offer from the Swan
and Dolphin:
- WDW Annual Passholders can book rooms as low as $139 per night, plus
tax and resort fee, through the end of 2003, including a free
upgrade! Rates include a free upgrade, and are subject to availability.
Get more details and the discount codes at MouseSavers.com.
Military Salute hotel and cruise discounts available
Active U.S. Military personnel or spouses are also eligible for a 40
percent savings per night (based on the non-discounted price of the same
room) at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, and special rates on
Disney Cruise Line sailings. This offer is available most nights through
December 19, 2003 at Walt Disney World, and for most sailings through
December 18 on the Disney Cruise Line. Hotel rooms and staterooms are
limited at this special rate.
For more information, call (407) 939-7424 for Walt Disney World, and
(800) 951-2659 for the Disney Cruise Line. You must be 18 or older to
call these numbers.
Free 5-day Park Hopper for Active Military
Disney is offering a special for active duty military—a free five-day
park hopper ticket, as well as discounted companion tickets. Offer valid
through December 19, 2003 and includes all active military personnel,
including Coast Guard, as well as activated National Guard and Reservists.
See their official
Web site for more information.
Annual Passholder and Florida resident rates available
WDW Annual Passholder and Florida resident rates are available at select
Walt Disney World resorts for check-ins October 2 through November 24,
and November 28 through December 26. Discounts range from approximately
30 to 45 percent off regular rack rates.
Plan ahead and save a few bucks
The Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging visitors to buy their theme
park tickets before they even leave home, by offering a slight discount
on advance purchases. You can save as much as $22 per adult, per ticket
with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program.
You can also receive these Advance Purchase Savings with packages purchased
through AAA.
| Multi-Day Tickets | Gate Prices | Advance Purchase Price | Savings |
| 4-Day Park Hopper: Adults | $208 | $192 | $16 |
| Children ages 3 – 9 | $167 | $152 | $15 |
| 5-Day Park Hopper: Adults | $239 | $217 | $22 |
| Children ages 3 – 9 | $192 | $172 | $20 |
| 5-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults | $269 | $247 | $22 |
| Children ages 3 – 9 | $216 | $197 | $19 |
| 6-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults | $299 | $277 | $22 |
| Children ages 3 – 9 | $240 | $222 | $18 |
| 7-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults | $329 | $307 | $22 |
| Children ages 3 – 9 | $264 | $247 | $17 |
Annual Passholders
Receive 10 percent off the price of their lunch meal at selected
Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants, and the discount is good for
up to three guests. The offer is valid Mondays through Fridays. Call 407-WDW-DINE
(407-939-3463) for locations and reservations.
Park Hours
Sun | Mon | Tues | Wed | Thurs | Fri | Sat |
11/17 | 11/18 | 11/19 | 11/20 | 11/21 | 11/22 | |
MK 9a-7p | MK 9a-7p | MK 9a-7p | MK 9a-7p | MK 9a-7p | MK 9a-8p | |
11/23 | 11/24 |
| ||||
MK 9a-11p | MK 9a-11p | |||||
Entertainment Schedule
Magic Kingdom | Epcot World Showcase | Disney-MGM Studios | Animal Kingdom |
| Monday 11/17 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic 6pm Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Tuesday 11/18 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Wednesday 11/19 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Thursday 11/20 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic 6pm Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Friday 11/21 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Saturday 11/22 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic 6p, 8p Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Sunday 11/23 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic 6p, 8p Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 11/24 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic 6pm Wishes Fireworks 7p | Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
