Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Disneyland turns 50, but
WDW gets gifts!

As MousePlanet reported last week (link),
Disney announced its plans for “Disney’s Golden Celebration,” a worldwide
celebration of the 50th anniversary of the opening of Disneyland. The celebration
will spread to all of Disney’s theme parks around the world, with the lion’s share
of new attractions to come to Walt Disney World.

Many of the plans for the
Florida parks had been previously announced, but there were also some surprises.
Among the already-known attractions were the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme
Stunt Show at the Disney-MGM Studios, Soarin’ at Epcot (which was confirmed
to have a direct lift of the California version of the movie, disproving the story
we ran last week stating that it would be a new movie—we’ll try to follow
up with our source), and Expedition: Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Previously
unreported or unverified announcements included Cinderellabration, a new
show for the Magic Kingdom imported from Tokyo Disneyland; a Hong Kong Disneyland
preview center at Epcot; and Lucky the Dinosaur (link)
will begin walking around Dinoland USA at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.

As previously
reported here, the Disney Cruise line will temporarily move the Disney Magic
to the West Coast next summer. The ship sails two 2-week repositioning cruises
through the Panama Canal, and 12 one-week cruises from the Port of Los Angeles.

Construction
continues on the new Soarin’ attraction, to open as part of the celebration of
Disneyland’s 50th anniversary. Photo by MousePlanet reader George L.

Lagoon
work continues in Fantasyland

There are currently plans to move the Magic
Kingdom costuming center from underneath Fantasyland to the rear of the park near
the monorail and train roundhouse. It is unknown if these plans are related to
the work underway at the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon.

The lagoon
is being drained and then filled with earth in preparation for being turned into
a future attraction. There are some concerns about the draining of the lagoon
in that over the years the weight of the water may have caused shifting and settling
of the utilidor walls below.

The prevailing reports have the space being
used for a Hundred-Acre Wood meet-and-greet in the short term, while groups of
Imagineers present many strong ideas for the long-term use of that space.

The
load area of the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction is high and dry
as the water is drained from the lagoon. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Pop Century
experiences some shakeout issues

Pop Century is experiencing a few issues.
The issue spurring the most concern is the parking problem. The upcoming summer
months will be the first extended high traffic season in which Pop Century has
been open. Recent high traffic weeks in February and in April have found guests
parking illegally because of the lack of parking spaces at the resort.

In
addition, the entire Pop Century resort contains televisions that currently do
not allow guests to view videos they may have made during visits to the parks.
The connections are there but the television menu screen does not offer an auxiliary
video option.

The
ride track in the launch area of the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea attraction
emerges from underwater. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Great Movie Ride news

The
Great Movie Ride last week received a fresh copy of the film guests are treated
to at the end of the movie. No one ever got to see it, though, as a mishap with
the projector and projector lamp melted the film.

There’s a new hidden Mickey
on the Hollywood Mural on the loading platform of The Great Movie Ride. Look for
Mickey’s sillohuette in the next to last house on the right side of that mural.

The
Saratoga Springs Resort welcomes its first guests next Monday. Photo by Brian
Bennett.

Lights, Motors, Action! update

Work on the set for the
Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show is continuing at a rapid pace. The
Mediterranean fishing village facade is almost complete and the stadium itself
is approaching a point where you can judge as to the size of the structure. In
addition, stunt cars have arrived. Mike Scopa noted a few VWs and a Firebird last
week.

Tourism industry on the rebound

Orlando’s tourism industry
got ahuge boost this week when Disney announced that they would be hiring 2,000
seasonal workers for this summer. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld said that they
plan to hire 2,000 and 900 workers, respectively.

It
appears that Disney is implementing a new room door lock system at the Saratoga
Springs Resort. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Reedy Creek signs power contract

The
Reedy Creek Improvement District has signed a deal to buy its power from Progress
Energy Florida. The district, which serves as a governmental authority over the
land that Walt Disney World sits on, had previously bought their wholesale electricity
from the Orlando Utilities Commission. The new five-year deal takes effect in
January 2006. There is no word whether Progress Energy Florida is interested in
taking over sponsorship of the now-sponsorless Universe of Energy attraction at
Epcot.

Mission: Space has sent six to hospital in first eight months

According
to documents submitted to the Florida Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection by Disney,
six people were sent to a hospital following rides on Mission: Space. Three were
admitted for chest pains, two for nausea, and one “wasn’t feeling well.”
Disney says that the six, all over 55, probably should not have ridden the ride.
Four of the six had pre-existing medical conditions. One had diabetes, and three
had undergone heart surgery.

There are thirteen warning signs before riders
actually enter a ride vehicle. The warnings suggest that those suffering from
motion sickness, high blood pressure, heart and other medical problems not ride
the attraction. Disney leaves the final decision up to the rider, however. It
is uncertain what, if any, action will be made in response to this statistic.

The
“it’s a small world” attraction is now closed for 9-10 months for a
major overhaul. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Ears to the Ground

…Tickets
for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
went on sale last weekend.

…Star Wars Weekends begin this week, with
celebrity guests Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) & Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker).

…The
new Saratoga Springs Resort welcomes its first guests next Monday.

…Stryper
has been added to the lineup of bands for the Night of Joy in September.

…Progress
is continuing rapidly on Stitch’s Great Escape. If you walk near the old Alien
Encounter attraction at night you can even hear a few Stitch giggles emerging
from behind the construction walls.

…While the Wonders of Life pavilion
may be open a good portion of the summer to suck up the expected overflow crowds,
it will most likely run under reduced operating hours. Check the Park Operating
Hours guidesheet for up to date information.

…There is some talk that
the “O Canada!” film may be replaced in the next year or so. No announcement
has been made regarding this change but Disney and Canada are currently discussing
this possibility.

Have any interesting news
or rumors? Let
us know.

Refurbishments and Attraction
Closures

The
Enchanted Grove still has another two weeks left in its rehab. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Magic
Kingdom

• “it’s a small world” – closed on May
  2 for rehab through Spring 2005. Originally scheduled for Jun 7 through March
  18, the rehab was moved up approximately 5 weeks to ensure that the ride will
  be ready for next spring break season. The work is expected to be for upgrades
  to the lighting, audio, and electrical systems, rehabs to sets and Audio-Animatronic
  figures, asbestos abatement, roof repair, regular water maintenance (draining
  and refilling), replacement of boats, and the rumored swapping of the entry and
  exit queues for better traffic flow.
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon–
  has been walled off to “clear the land as well as add landscape for future
  use.” The work is expected to run through November.
• Walt Disney’s
  Carousel of Progress– expected to remain open for the duration of the
  Stitch’s Great Escape construction.
• Timekeeper– returned to
  seasonal operation.
• Adventureland – now opens at 10 a.m. on
  non-peak days, but opens with the rest of the park (except for the Jungle Cruiseand
  the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management) on Sundays, Thursdays
  and Saturdays.
• El Pirata y el Perico– is closed through May
  14 for a rehab.
• Splash Mountain– opens at noon from May 10-14
  for final work related to the rehab that caused late openings earlier this year.
• The
  Hall of Presidentsand the Country Bear Jamboreealso open at 10 a.m.
  every day.
• Snow White’s Scary Adventures– reopens today.
• The
  Enchanted Grove– closed for rehab through May 23.
• Mickey’s
  Toontown Fair train station– is rumored to be slated for replacement between
  May 3 and June 11.

The
pub area of the Rose & Crown in Epcot is closed through the beginning of July.
The restaurant portion remains open, and a beer tent is set up for those who still
need a British ale. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Epcot

• The Universe
  of Energy– expected to close for a short rehab shortly to remove the
  ExxonMobil signage now that its pavilion sponsorship has ended.
• Rose
  & Crown Pub & Dining Room– the pub portion will be closed until
  just before July 4. The rehab is rumored to include a complete rebuild on the
  pub portion and the building of a divider between the pub and the restaurant.
• Food
  Rocks– closed permanently to make way for the entrance to the new Soarin’
  Over Californiaattraction.
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tourof
  the greenhouses at The Land – discontinued during reconstruction of the Food
  Rocks area into the queue for Soarin’. The tours are expected to resume upon completion
  of the construction.
• The Wonders of Lifepavilion – open seasonally.
  The Pure and Simpleeatery and the Well and Goods Limitedshop will
  remain closed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and The
  Making of Meattractions will now be open when the pavilion is open.

A
flat painting serving as a backdrop for the San Francisco portion of Big City
Street at the Studios nears completion. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Disney-MGM
Studios

• Residential Streetat the Disney-MGM Studios –
  closed and demolished and construction is well underway to turn the site into
  the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, an American version of
  the popular Moteurs… Action!stunt show from the Walt Disney Studios
  at Disneyland Paris.
• Star Tourswill be closed for rehab from July
  16 – August 1.
• The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure–
  closed for rehab May 3 to June 30.
• New York Street– undergoing
  a great deal of construction to change some facades to represent Chicago and San
  Francisco. The Chicago facades appear to be complete, while San Francisco is underway.
  The target completion date for the rest of the newly-titled Big City Streetis
  October 2.
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights– is now
  confirmed to be returning this year on Big City Street, from November 24 through
  January 2.

Animal Kingdom

• Dinosaur– is closed
  for refurbishment through June 4. Rumor has it that the problematic Fastpass merge
  point will receive some attention to improve crowd flow.

Construction
work continues on Expedition: Everest. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Resorts

• Port Orleans Resort– A two-year extensive rehab of this resort’s
  rooms is ongoing. For Phase I, French Quarter closed May 4, 2003 and reopened
  March 21. Phase II involves Riverside going through a phased rehab. The Magnolia
  Bend mansions will go down one by one, followed by Alligator Bayou closing in
  sections.
• Polynesian Resort– nearing completion of the refurbishment
  of longhouses. Each longhouse under rehab is walled off and isolated during its
  rehab. Rarotonga is the last remaining longhouses currently scheduled to undergo
  rehab, and was tentatively scheduled through May 2. However, it appears that the
  rehab on that longhouse has not been completed yet. There is currently no completion
  date available. Tokelau, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui have not yet been refurbished, but
  they have not yet been scheduled, either.
• Disney’s Old Key West Resort–
  The main pool will be closed from September through the end of the year for construction
  of a new water slide.
• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa(a
  Disney Vacation Club resort) – has an announced grand opening ceremony date
  of May 27, however guests may stay at the Resort beginning May 17. Reservations
  are now available.

Water Parks

• No current water park
  rehabs underway.

Elsewhere

• World Drive–
  is undergoing a repaving project through the end of May. Watch for delays and
  lane closures along this main route into the resort.
• Cirque du Soleil
  – La Nouba– performing Tuesdays through Saturdays, but will be closed
  June 20-July 5, August 22-25, October 17-20, and December 5-13.
• The All
  Star Cafeat Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex – now closed Monday-Wednesday.
  It is open Thursday-Sunday, from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Park
Events

Ongoing

• Epcot International Flower and Garden
  Festival(link).
  April 16 – June 6.

May 2004

• Danskin Women’s
  Triathlon(link).
  May 16.
• Florida Half Ironman Triathlon(link).
  May 23.
• Disney Vacation Club Member Homecoming event/Saratoga Springs
  opening. May 25–27.
• Star Wars Weekends(link).
  Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 14 – June 13.

June 2004

• Gay Days(link).
  June 3–6.[Not official WDW events.]
• National Kidney Foundation
  5K for Organ & Tissue > Donation Awareness (link).
  June 12.
• Family Pride Coalition Weekend(link).
  June 17–20.[Not official WDW events.]

July 2004

• Tampa
  Bay Buccaneers Training Campat Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex (link).
  Dates in July and August TBA.

September 2004

• Tom
  Joyner Family Reunion Weekend (link).September
  2–5.
• Nights of Joy (link).
  September 9–11.
• Disney’s International Distance Triathlon(link).
  September 26.

October 2004

• Epcot International Food
  & Wine Festival(link).
  October 1 – November 14.
• Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party(link).
  October 1, 3, 8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31.
• 2004 Komen
  Central Florida Race For The Cure 5K(link).
  October 9.
• Disney’s 10K Classic(link).
  October 10.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World(link).
  October 21–24.
• 999 Happy Haunts event.Dinner, October 25.
  Gathering, October 27.

November 2004

• Super Soap Weekend(link).
  Dates in early November TBA.
• Festival of the Mastersat Downtown
  Disney(link).
  November 12–14.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party(link).
  November 28 and 30, December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17.
• Festival
  of the Seasonsat Downtown Disney(link).
  November 26 – December 24.
• Holidays Around the World(link).
  November 26–December 30.

December 2004

• New Year’s
  Evecelebrations at Pleasure Island (link)
  and Atlantic Dance(link).
  December 31.

January 2005

• Disney’s Health and Fitness
  Expo(link).
  January 7 & 8.
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run(link).
  January 8.
• Disney Marathon (link)and
  Half-Marathon (link).
  January 9.

February 2005

• Atlanta Braves Training
  Campat Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex (link).
  Dates in February through April TBA.

Current
Discounts & Promotions

Discounts for hotel-only and Dream Maker
packages now available

Discount rates for Annual Passholders, Florida Residents,
and general guests for stay from April 18 through July 4 are now available. Visit
MouseSaversfor
more details.

Florida resident Play Four Days pass returns

Disney’s
Play 4 Days pass for Florida residents is again on sale. The special pass is essentially
a four-day park hopper pass for Florida residents that is available for $109 plus
tax. The pass is good for theme park visits from January 4 through June 4, with
blockout dates April 3–15 for the peak Easter week season. Passes are available
at Walt Disney World theme parks, Florida Disney Stores, AAA offices. The cost
of a Play 4 Days pass may be applied to a Florida resident Annual or Seasonal
pass. For more information, either visit the Play 4 Days Web page (link)
or call 407-WDW-4DAYS (407-939-4329).

Gaylord Palms to pay for gas

Guests
of the Gaylord Palms Resort will receive a $75 credit to cover the higher cost
of gasoline for stays of at least three nights from June 15 through September
6. The Orlando-area resort will provide the room credit to guests who make a reservation
using the promotion code FREEGAS. It is not a requirement that guests drive to
the resort in order to get the discount.

Disney’s Summer Price Slice returns

Summer
Price Slice is back with special-value greens fees on tee times after 10 a.m.
daily from May 17 through September 30 on Disney’s five championship courses.

Golfers
can test the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $65 (compared to a
normal seasonal greens fee of $119) or Eagle Pines for $50 (compared to a normal
seasonal fee of $109). Post-10 a.m. rounds on the Magnolia, Palm or Lake Buena
Vista courses are $45 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $99). Cart is included.

Disney’s
Summer Price Slice also gives golfers the opportunity to play afternoon rounds
late into the day. Golfers can take on Osprey Ridge after 3 p.m. for $35 ($30
after 5 p.m.). Eagle Pines, Magnolia, Palm and Lake Buena Vista start at $30 after
3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.).

For tee times, guests may call 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653).
Visit the Walt Disney World Golf Web site for more information (link).

Plan
ahead and save a few bucks

The Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging
visitors to buy it theme park tickets before leaving home, by offering a slight
discount on advance purchases. You can save as much as $26 per adult, per ticket
with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program. These prices are before
the 6.5 percent Orange County sales tax.

You can also receive these Advance
Purchase Savings with packages purchased through AAA.

Annual
Passholders

Receive 10 percent off the price of their lunch mealat
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

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through July 2004.

Entertainment
Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through July 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

Separate
admission required.