Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

A new coaster for Animal Kingdom? Screamscape
reports that the rumored Forbidden Mountain coaster has been given the
green light. The coaster will be located in Asia, and open in 2005 or
2006. Disney is expected to formally announce the newest ride this spring.

The Diamond Horseshoe Saloon has entertained

Photo by Brian Bennett

Diamond Dust at the Magic Kingdom – After a 32-year run,
the Diamond Horseshoe Saloon closed on Saturday, February 1. A new character
show, possibly featuring the Toy Story characters, is expected
to open by Summer 2003.

It seems that Florida executives have gone character-mad in recent years,

creating new “rubber-head” shows and character dining opportunities

at a breathtaking pace. Unfortunately, progress comes at a price, and

WDW veterans are mourning the loss of yet another classic attraction.

With current WDW marketing campaigns playing the nostalgia card in such
a heavy-handed manner, it would be nice if returning guests could actually
recognize the park when they arrive.

The countdown begins – Shades
of Green is now accepting reservations for its grand reopening
in December 2003. The resort complex at Walt Disney World is an Armed
Forces Recreation Center, and is open to Armed Forces members and their
families. The current expansion project, started in March 2002, adds 290
guest rooms, 10suites, two restaurants, banquet facilities, and a parking
structure to the resort.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

The Polynesian Luau Show at Disney’s Polynesian Resort
is closed for refurbishment. A new show is scheduled to premiere on March
4.

“Ol’ Man Island Pool” at Port Orleans is
closed for refurbishment until February 7.

Blizzard Beach is currently closed for refurbishment
through March 2.

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

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

Park Events

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.

February 28, March 1 and March 4 – Mardi Gras Celebration
at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island. All activities are included in Pleasure
Island admission, and advance ticket purchases are suggested.

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.

May 15 through 18 – 5th Annual Celebration
of Walt Disney Art Classics mini-convention aboard the Disney
Wonder

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

Annual passholders save again – MouseSavers
reports new Annual
Passholder discounts for Walt Disney World resort hotels.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule