Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Mission: Public Relations – In the aftermath of the Space Shuttle Columbia disaster, Disney is faced with the difficult prospect of marketing its new Mission:Space attraction in Epcot’s Future World without offending the visiting public. This task is made even more challenging by the resort’s proximity to the “Space Coast,” the Kennedy Space Center, where the shuttle was scheduled to land two weeks ago on February 1.

Even prior to the tragdy, the opening date for Mission: Space, once expected to be this April, was reportedly pushed back to early fall. By then, Disney will have time to create a marketing program that is sensitive to the Columbia tragedy, while hopefully luring repeat visitors to see the much-anticipated ride.

Walt Disney World Resort Introduces New Character Storytelling Experience – A helpful AAA travel agent sent us the following information about yet another character event:

Guests can never get enough of those charming Disney characters — so much so, that more character interaction opportunities have been added across the Walt Disney World Resort.

At the Disney-MGM Studios, performances of the Beauty and the Beast Live on Stage have been expanded from five to seven days, and guests visiting the Magic Kingdom Park will enjoy a significant increase in character experiences with more characters meeting and greeting than ever before, including a special character entertainment to open the park each morning.

Travel agents can offer their clients an additional, Disney character experience — Disney Story Magic at Epcot — as part of the free “Choice Feature” options clients can choose from when booked on Disney’s Dream Maker or various add-on packaged vacation plans to the Walt Disney World Resort.

The new Disney Story Magic experience at Epcot will captivate the imagination of your clients as they hear the tale of a Disney classic.

Afterwards, one of the characters from the story will spring from the pages of a life-size book for a personal meet and greet. Your clients will hear the story of Sleeping Beauty, Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland or other popular Disney favorites. Don’t forget to tell your clients to bring their autograph book and video camera!

Clients already traveling on Walt Disney Travel Company packaged vacations can experience Disney Story Magic at Epcot “Choice Feature” option by calling 407-WDW-DINE and redeeming the party’s package choice certificate (the certificate may not be split for individual use – the one choice feature chosen by the party must be used by all guests in a room at the same time and at the same location). Reservations are required and may be made up to 45 days prior to arrival.

The Disney Story Magic at Epcot experience is only available to those visiting the Walt Disney World Resort on packaged vacations.

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, 2003.

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 refurbishment.

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

Going camping? MouseSavers.com is reporting special rates at Fort Wilderness.

• Partial hook-up campsites $35
• Full hook-up campsites $45
• Cabins from $169

These rates are available for campsites April 27 through June 7, and for cabins April 27 through July 3. You must book by March 8, using the discount code found at MouseSavers.com.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule