Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

At Least You Didn’t Have to Run It Twice – This is a warning for
everybody who made purchases at last week’s Disney Health & Fitness
Expo at the Coronado Springs Resort. The expo was held in conjunction
with the Walt Disney World Marathon, and among other things included the
chance to purchase official Disney marathon-themed merchandise. Since
that booth was operated directly by Disney, purchases could be charged
to the guests’ room keys, as just about any purchase on property can.
Unfortunately, it appears that all such purchases made on January 10 or
11 were double-billed.

Hotel cast members were not universally informed of this mistake. Alex
Stroup and Lani Teshima checked out and only noticed the double-billing
while waiting for their airport shuttle. When they returned to the counter,
the CM who had checked them out was aware of the problem and quickly helped
fix it once reported. She had, however, done nothing when they initially
checked out to warn them, or to check their statement. The CM at the next
window was unaware of the issue.

All guests who made purchases at the expo using their room keys should
check the statement they were given at check-out. If you have any questions
contact the billing issues number for your hotel that is on the statement.
This problem should be limited to room-key purchases, but it would probably
be wise for anybody who purchased themed merchandise by credit card to
examine their next statement.

This follows two similar incidents this summer, where guests at Walt
Disney World merchandise special events were double-charged for registration
fees or merchandise.

Cruise News I – Roger Ebert and Richard Roeper of the popular
syndicated television show “Ebert & Roeper” will host the
third annual Film Festival at Sea aboard the Disney Wonder Feb. 20-23,
2003.

The special film festival package includes a sail-away cocktail reception
with Ebert, Roeper and fellow film buffs, a sneak peek at four of the
popular critics’ favorite films from the 2003 Sundance Film Festival,
open discussion with Ebert and Roeper following each screening and a book
signing during the cruise. This is in addition to the magical entertainment,
age-specific programming and unique dining experiences featured aboard
every three-night Disney cruise to The Bahamas and Castaway Cay.

Guests attending the film festival can combine the fun and excitement
of Walt Disney World® Resort with their three-night voyage to The
Bahamas by booking a land and sea vacation. Seven-night land and sea packages
coinciding with the film festival begin Feb. 16, with four-night stay
at Walt Disney World Resort followed by the three-night cruise.

Cruise News II – Pin trading events on Disney Cruise Line have
been so popular that the next pin-trading cruise has been scheduled for
Nov. 16-20, 2003.

Disney is allowing guests in the military who are being deployed
to active duty to cancel their vacations without penalty. Usually there
is a minimum $200 cancellation charge.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

MousePlanet reader Mark G. wanted us to know that
the “Ol’ Man Island Pool” at Port Orleans is closed for
refurbishment until Feb 7. This refurbishment is not listed on the Walt
Disney World website. Mark and his family were planning to stay at Port
Orleans this week, but transferred their reservations to another hotel
when they learned of the closure. Says Mark, “My children would have
been very disappointed.”

Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment
through March 2, 2003.

The Shipwreck Slide located at Stormalong Bay at
Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort will be closed for refurbishment
January 3 through April 4, 2003. The pool areas at Stormalong Bay will
remain open while the pool slide undergoes enhancement.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is closed for refurbishment
January 6 – March 1.

Park Events

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Mickey’s Parti Gras Pin Event
– Saturday, February 1, 2003. $115 per person. Register
online at the Disney Event Services Web site. Annual Passholders
qualify for a 10% discount on the event package when they register by
January 8. If you have already registered, you can still receive the discount
by faxing a copy of your pass to Disney Event Services.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Mickey’s Parti Gras Pin Event Public
Day – Sunday, February 2, 2003. Disney has just announced a public
day to be held after the Parti Gras Pin Event. The public day will be
held at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, at the Island Mercantile. Event
guests will be able to purchase any remaining event merchandise from 9:00
a.m. to 10:00 a.m. After 10:00 a.m., any remaining non-exclusive merchandise
will made available to all park guests.

Upcoming events

Feb. 20 through 23 – Third annual Film Festival at Sea aboard
the Disney Wonder

Feb 27 through March 28 – Atlanta Braves Spring Training
exhibition games at the Disney Wide World of Sports Complex. Tickets go
on sale January 4. Buy tickets in person at the Disney Wide World of Sports
box office, or call Ticketmaster at 407-839-3900.

March 30 – First-ever Walt Disney World Inline Marathon. Get
more information at the Disney Wide World of Sports Web
site.

April 25 through June 8 – 10th Epcot International Flower & Garden
Festival.

June 3 through June 9 – Gay Days 2003. This unofficial event is
not sponsored by Disney. Event information can be obtained from the event
sponsor.

June 14, 2003 – “Mickey’s Toon Town of Pins”
at the Magic Kingdom

September 19-21, 2003 – “Disney’s Pin Celebration”
at Epcot

November 16-20, 2003 – Pin Trading Cruise aboard the Disney
Wonder

Current Discounts & Promotions

MouseSavers.com
is reporting new
hotel discounts for Florida residents and the general public.
The discounts are valid for stays beginning February 17 through April
9.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule