Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule
News and Views
Hijab means “no job” at Disney for Moroccan native
Aicha Baha, a 32-year-old Moroccan native, worked two jobs at Walt Disney World, as a part-time bellhop and a full-time sales clerk at the Caribbean Beach Resort. While on maternity leave in 2002, her adherence to her Muslim faith grew and she began wearing a hijab, a traditional Muslim head scarf worn as a sign of modesty. When she returned from maternity leave, Disney told her that the hijab did not conform to Disney’s dress code, and she was told that she could not wear it in an onstage position. She was offered a backstage position out of public view, but when she refused, she was terminated.
The sales clerk position was actually through The Pearl Factory, which contracts with Disney to run franchised gift shops in the resorts. The Pearl Factory has an agreement with Disney that all employees in its shops must conform to the Disney dress code. The Pearl Factory transferred Baha to a shop in the Old Town attraction on Route 192. At the new location, her commissions dropped to less than 10 percent of what she was making at Disney, so she quit.
Disney policy states that only hats and visors distributed by the costuming department as part of a costume are allowed for cast members working onstage. Baha has filed a civil-rights lawsuit against Disney in Federal court in Orlando, alleging that allowing her to wear the hijab would not impose an undue hardship upon Disney.
The High Rock Spring pool at the Saratoga Springs Resort, which has its grand opening Thursday, has a slide hidden in a rock outcropping. Photo by Brian Bennett.
New Princess merchandise opportunity, er… experience
Following a successful test last fall, Walt Disney World has decided to officially introduce its new “My Disney Girl’s Perfectly Princess Tea Party” beginning Thursday, June 10.
Princesses can dress up for the event, which runs every Thursday through Monday from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort. For a mere $200, one child (age 3-11) and one adult ($65 for an additional adult and $135 for an additional child), little princesses will get the royal treatment.
The package includes tea for two with princess cakes, a personal meet-and-greet with Princess Aurora (Sleeping Beauty) and (for princesses age 3-11) a tiara, a silver Princess link bracelet, a rose, a special princess scrapbook page, a “Best Friend” certificate, and—the big prize—a “My Disney Girl” collectible doll dressed in a matching Princess Aurora gown plus accessories.
The party is hosted by “Rose Petal,” a magical rose from Aurora’s garden that has come to life, and who leads storytelling, sing-alongs, and a princess parade.
The Walt Disney World Dining line will begin accepting reservations this Wednesday.
Happy Birthday, Tufani!
Tufani, the first elephant born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, celebrated his first birthday on Saturday. There have been only 13 African elephant births in North American institutions since 1983, and Tufani is one of only five that survived. Tufani, who weighed 296 pounds at birth, now weighs 834 pounds and has grown from 36 inches in height to 52 inches. While he still nurses from his mother, his diet has grown to include more solid foods, including grain, hay, grass, apples, carrots and yams. He seems to have energized the herd of elephants, as many have remarked that the elephants seem much more lively with the little elephant running around and having fun.
Tufani will have to share all of that attention and admiration soon, though. Another of the elephants is pregnant and due to give birth in July. Time will tell if the next baby elephant will survive, as well.
Walt Disney World awards $600,000 to 45 charities
Last Tuesday at the Magic Kingdom, 45 charities received a combined $600,000 through Disney’s Helping Kids Shine Grants program. Shepherd’s Hope, which gives free medical care to low-income, uninsured children and families, and the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida received the top awards, $50,000 grants named for two Disney executives who were known for being influential in community giving. Twelve other recipients received over $15,000. The other 31 recipients received awards of varying amounts.
The playground at the Saratoga Springs Resort is expansive and fits in well with the theme of the resort. Photo by Brian Bennett.
Special at Radisson Resort Parkway
Rates at the Radisson Resort Parkway were just reduced for dates of May 31 to June 13 to $75.95. A free upgrade to Deluxe Pool view still applies with “UPGR” promo code on reservation. Click here (link) for more information about deals for MousePlanet readers and to make reservations!
E-Ride Night update
Last week we reported (link) that the attraction lineup for E-Ride Nights would be the same as last year, but with the subtraction of the ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter. It seems that that lineup has been shuffled. Fantasyland, previously closed off during E-Ride Nights, is now open for business. The new list of E-Ride attractions is as follows:
- Space Mountain
- Splash Mountain
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
- Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
- The Haunted Mansion
- The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh
- Mickey’s PhilharMagic
- Peter Pan’s Flight
Rides that have been removed from last year’s list, aside from the now-closed Alien Encounter, are: Country Bear Jamboree, Tomorrowland Transit Authority and Astro Orbiter. Pirates of the Caribbean, which would run as a back-up attraction during rehabs of other E-Ride attractions, is not planned to run this year. It looks like eight will be the new number of open attractions.
The Flower and Garden Festival marketplace has been very busy throughout the event. Photo by Brian Bennett.
Ears to the Ground
…Reportedly, the “it’s a small world” rehab is the beginning of a campaign to restore and enhance all of the “classic” attractions. Next up is rumored to be Pirates of the Caribbean.
…Disney’s “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue” dinner show will celebrate its 30th anniversary on June 14.
…The Evening Extra Magic Hour pilot has completed its two-week trial period, and Disney honchos will be reviewing guest feedback to determine whether or not this feature will become a permanent fixture.
…Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa officially opens Thursday, though guests have been staying there since last Monday.
…Tom Sawyer Island’s rehab has been pushed back a couple of months. It now will be closed from Sunday, July 25 through Saturday, Sept. 25.
…The Hong Kong Disneyland Preview Center featuring “an enormous and intricate scale model and never-before-seen renderings” announced as part of Disney’s Golden Celebration for next year will be located in the China pavilion in World Showcase.
Snow White and Dopey dance in the Flower and Garden Festival topiary in the courtyard of the Germany pavilion. Photo by Brian Bennett.
…We’re hearing that the Kusafiri Bakery adjacent to the Tusker House Restaurant at Animal Kingdom will receive a redesign over the summer.
…A new Magic Kingdom DVD has been released and is available in the theme parks, at Downtown Disney, and via mail order. “Where Magic Lives – Magic Kingdom,” shot last year, includes footage of most park attractions and sells for $19.95.
…We’ve heard that the FriendShip boat docks will be undergoing refurbishment again this summer. The boats will continue to run, but they will be running a circle route between the three open docks while a fourth is being refurbished. One dock will be refurbished at a time. The boats will resume their two-route, four-dock operation when the refurbishment is complete.
…Look for the Fastpass distribution area for Kilimanjaro Safaris at the Animal Kingdom to be relocated in early June to improve guest flow.
Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
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.
- The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter ? closed for good. It is now undergoing a major rehab and reopens in fall 2004 as Stitch’s Great Escape. The official opening of the new attraction now appears targeted to September 1.
- 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 again with the rest of the park daily with the exception of the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, which still open at 10 a.m.
- The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree also open at 10 a.m. every day.
- El Pirata y el Perico ? rehab for addition of another food service line has been extended through May 28.
- Sunshine Tree Terrace – remains open during its rehab, which expected to last until May 28.
- Merchant of Venus and Auntie Gravity’s Galactic Goodies are closed through May 30 for installation of a new floor and addition of another food ordering podium at Auntie Gravity’s.
- Tom Sawyer Island – rehab dates pushed back to July 25 through Sept. 25.
- The Enchanted Grove – rehab for replacement of the floor and serving windows extended to last through June 11.
- Mickey’s Toontown Fair train station – will be torn down and rebuilt between May 10 and June 18. The only stops made by the Walt Disney World Railroad during that time will be Main Street, USA and Frontierland, though the train will stop to take on water in Toontown once every three trips around the park. Guests will not be allowed to board or exit the train during that time.
- Magic Carpets of Aladdin – down for rehab Sept. 13 – Oct. 15 (projected).
- Ariel’s Grotto – down for rehab Sept. 22 – Nov. 19 (projected) for theme-matching with the 20,000 Leagues Lagoon reclamation.
- Astro Orbiter – down for rehab Jan. 2 – Feb. 16, 2005 (projected).
- Dumbo the Flying Elephant – down for rehab Jan. 10 – Feb. 12, 2005 (projected).
Epcot
- The Universe of Energy – expected to close for a short rehab at any time 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 California attraction.
- The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of 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 Life pavilion – open seasonally. The Pure and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop will remain closed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and The Making of Me attractions will now be open when the pavilion is open.
Disney-MGM Studios
- Residential Street at 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 Tours will be closed for rehab from July 16 – August 1.
- The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closed for rehab through 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 Street is 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.
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 is underway, and 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 new Disney Vacation Club resort) – will hold its grand opening ceremony on Thursday; however guests may stay at the Resort beginning today.
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 – to 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 Cafe at 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
- Disney Vacation Club Member Homecoming event/Saratoga Springs opening. May 25 – 27.
- Star Wars Weekends (link). Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 14 – June 13.
- E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. May 31.
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.]
- E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. June 2, 4, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30.
July 2004
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex (link). July through mid-August.
- E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. July 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30.
- “ESPN The Weekend.” July 31 and Aug. 1.
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 Masters at 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 Seasons at Downtown Disney (link). November 26 – December 24.
- Holidays Around the World (link). November 26 – December 30.
December 2004
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 Camp at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex (link). Dates in February through April TBA.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Special at Radisson Resort Parkway
Rates at the Radisson Resort Parkway were just reduced for dates of May 31 to June 13 to $75.95. A free upgrade to Deluxe Pool view still applies with “UPGR” promo code on reservation. Click here (link) for more information about deals for MousePlanet readers and to make reservations!
7-for-5 package now available
While not as deep a discount as last year’s 7-for-4 package, this year’s buy-five-get-two-free package is still a good deal. The package—officially called “Disney’s Five Plus Two Dream Maker Package”—is available for stays from July 5 through November 18, but must be booked by June 28. A Disney Visa version of the package that also includes 25 Disney Dollars is available. Visit MouseSavers for more details.
Discounts for hotel-only and Dream Maker packages now available
Discount rates for stays from July 5 through August 28 are now available. Packages must be booked by June 15. Visit MouseSavers for 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 Sept. 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 Sept. 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. For information on the Walt Disney World golf courses, visit: www.disneyworldgolf.com.
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 $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.
Multi-Day Tickets | | | |
4-Day Park Hopper: Adults | | | |
Children ages 3 – 9 | | | |
5-Day Park Hopper: Adults | | | |
Children ages 3 – 9 | | | |
5-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults | | | |
Children ages 3 – 9 | | | |
6-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults | | | |
Children ages 3 – 9 | | | |
7-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults | | | |
Children ages 3 – 9 | | | |
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
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through July 2004.
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MK 9a-9p | MK 9a-10p | MK 9a-9p | MK 9a-9p | MK 9a-10p | MK 9a-11p | |
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MK 9a-11p | MK 9a-9p |
Entertainment Schedule
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through July 2004.
Theme Park Events
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Monday 5/24 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p | Disney Gardening at Home: Bug Patrol 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Paul Revere & The Raiders 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Tuesday 5/25 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p Wishes Fireworks 10p | Disney Gardening at Home: Bug Patrol 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Paul Revere & The Raiders 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p, 10:30p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Wednesday 5/26 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p | Disney Gardening at Home: Bug Patrol 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Arlo Guthrie 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Thursday 5/27 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p | Disney Gardening at Home: Bug Patrol 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Arlo Guthrie 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Friday 5/28 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p Wishes Fireworks 10p | Great American Gardeners Series: Rosemary McCreary 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Arlo Guthrie 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p, 10:30p Star Wars Weekends celebrity guests: Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) & Andy Secombe (voice of Watto) | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Saturday 5/29 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p | Great American Gardeners Series: Rosemary McCreary 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p, 10:30p Star Wars Weekends celebrity guests: Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) & Andy Secombe (voice of Watto) | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Sunday 5/30 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p | Great American Gardeners Series: Rosemary McCreary 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Felix Cavaliere’s Rascals 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p, 10:30p Star Wars Weekends celebrity guests: Anthony Daniels (C-3PO) & Andy Secombe (voice of Watto) | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Monday 5/31 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p | Disney Gardening at Home: A Gardener’s Kit 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: The Buckinghams 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p | Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p Fantasmic 9p | Mickey’s Jammin’ Jungle Parade 4p |
Downtown Disney Entertainment
(Separate admission required)
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Monday 5/24 | |||
Elliot Dyson | Nu South Playaz |
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Tuesday 5/25 | |||
Elliot Dyson | Nu South Playaz |
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Wednesday 5/26 | |||
Elliot Dyson | Nu South Playaz | Frankie & the West End Boys |
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Thursday 5/27 | |||
Groove Logic | Stormbringer | Frankie & the West End Boys | An Evening with Train (main room) $35 advance, $37.50 day of show 8pm Hadden Sayers (Blues Kitchen) free 11pm |
Friday 5/28 | |||
Groove Logic | Stormbringer | Frankie & the West End Boys | Oscar d’Leon with Tito Rojas (main room), $42 advance, $50 day of show 9pm Beautiful Bobby Blackmon (Blues Kitchen) free 11pm |
Saturday 5/29 | |||
Groove Logic | Stormbringer | Frankie & the West End Boys | Eric Johnson with TBA (main room) $15 advance, $18.50 day of show 8:30pm Beautiful Bobby Blackmon (Blues Kitchen) free 11pm |
Sunday 5/30 | |||
Beautiful Bobby Blackmon | Stormbringer |
| Mighty Golden Voices (gospel brunch) $30 adult, $15 child (3-9) 10:30am, 1p Pink Floyd Laser Light Show (main room) $15 advance, $17.50 day of show 7:30pm |
Monday 5/31 | |||
Beautiful Bobby Blackmon | Blue Stone Circle |
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