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News and Views

Frances follows Charley with more devastation; Ivan may come next week

Walt Disney World and the rest of Florida, already reeling and still
cleaning up from Hurricane Charley’s visit three weeks ago, were hit by
slow-moving Hurricane Frances over the weekend. While more powerful Charley
whipped through the state and out into the Atlantic Ocean, Frances crawled
its way through Florida, blowing hurricane- and tropical storm-force winds,
taking over 24 hours. In addition, Frances’ sheer size covered almost
the entire peninsula at the same time.

The preparations

As Frances plodded across the Bahamas and other Western Atlantic islands
toward the mainland, Floridians began preparing for a Friday landfall.
Although Walt Disney World and other Central Florida parks were originally
planned for early shut-downs, Disney only ended up cancelling dinner shows
and shutting areas down early. The Magic Kingdom closed half an hour early,
the Disney-MGM Studios closed two and a half hours early, and Downtown
Disney and Pleasure Island were closed for the evening. The Rivers of
America at the Magic Kingdom were lowered to help handle the runoff. Guests
staying at Fort Wilderness were evacuated to the Port Orleans and Caribbean
Beach Resorts.

Universal Studios closed its parks at 6 p.m., and SeaWorld also closed
early. Orlando International Airport (MCO) closed at noon on Friday, with
airlines flying all of their aircraft out of the danger zone. Throughout
Central Florida, residents and businesses all started battening down the
hatches.

A note distributed to hotel guests advised, in part:

“Based on current estimates of the length of time for the storm
to clear the area, we have advised guests that they may need be in their
room for up to 30 hours. With that in mind, they should consider any
personal items or toiletries that they may need as we will not be able
to provide housekeeping services during the storm. We strongly advise
guests to visit the merchandise location, Food Court or quick service
dining locations in their resort to obtain non-perishable food items
that can be taken to their room. Guests should consider completing preparations
as soon as possible to avoid long waits in these locations.”

Guests were also given safety tips for during the hurricane and told
to stay in their rooms until advised that it was safe to venture out.

Cancellations and changes

The storm was approaching from the east, so the coastal areas were the
first to be threatened. Disney’s Vero Beach Resort (a Disney Vacation
Club property) was closed and evacuated, with guests moved to the Walt
Disney World resort hotels.

The Disney Cruise Line made major schedule changes as the storm threatened
Port Canaveral. The Disney Magic extended its seven-night Western
Caribbean cruise by two nights to arrive at Port Canaveral on Monday,
and shortened its seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise originally scheduled
to depart on Saturday to a four-night cruise departing on Tuesday with
a modified Western Caribbean itinerary. Guests were offered a 50 percent
refund and other incentives for sailing on the cruise. The seven-night
cruise sailing this Saturday remains unaffected.

The Disney Wonder‘s three-night cruise was extended by one night
to arrive at Port Canaveral on Monday. The four-night cruise scheduled
to depart on Sunday was cancelled. All guests had the option of a full
refund, a four-night Walt Disney World Resort stay, or a sailing on the
modified Disney Magic four-night itinerary scheduled for September 7 on
a space-available basis. All guests scheduled for this cancelled voyage
will also receive a discount voucher for a future three-, four- or seven-night
cruise. The three-night cruise sailing on Thursday departs as scheduled.

The Tom Joyner Family Reunion event, bringing more than 800 families
to the resort, was cancelled. Guests who purchased packages for the event
will receive an automatic refund. Any guests with questions about this
automatic refund should call 888-TJFAMILY (888-853-2645). Guests who purchased
tickets through Walt Disney World Resort for the Tom Joyner Family Reunion
Party, which was scheduled for Saturday, September 4, should call 407-W-DISNEY
(407-934-7639) concerning refunds. Guests who purchased tickets through
Ticketmaster, for the Tom Joyner Family Reunion Party which was scheduled
for Saturday, September 4, should contact their local Ticketmaster outlet
concerning refunds.

Enter Frances

Frances slowed to a 4-5 mph crawl, giving everyone a lot of time to wait.
Disney parks remained closed Saturday, which, except for a few squalls,
proved to be a nice day. Resort TV, as it did during Hurricane Charley,
showed continuous loops of Brother Bear, Finding Nemo, and
Monsters, Inc. Characters made visits to the resorts, and food
and beverage locations remained open.

The storm finally hit with some force later Saturday night. Wind and
rain came in waves, as storm bands passed through the area. The sustained
wind speed did not drop below 30 mph all of Sunday. At around mid-day
on Sunday, Disney changed the movies on Resort TV to a medley of movies,
including Mulan, The Rookie, Atlantis, Peter Pan,
“a bug’s life,” Tower of Terror, Lilo & Stitch,
Lion King 2, Who Framed Roger Rabbit? and The Three Musketeers.

Later in the day, the winds had died down enough that guests were allowed
to venture around the resorts. Characters were again out, and other activities
were staged to let the guests shake off some of the cabin fever that was
surely setting in.

On Monday morning, damage assessment teams scoured the resort, and the
resort appeared to have survived in good shape. A press note said, in
part, “Walt Disney World Resort safely withstood Hurricane Frances
and maintained power throughout the storm. After a visual inspection of
the entire property, we discovered only minor roof damage to a single
backstage structure and minimal horticultural damage.” Cast members
were advised to call in for instructions.

Opening back up

Since branches, signs, and other loose features had already been blown
down or away by Charley, there appears to be less new damage with Frances
despite its larger size and extensive winds.

Epcot and the Magic Kingdom were opened an hour late on Monday, while
the rest of the parks remained closed because of staffing issues. Downtown
Disney was open for shopping, as well. All parks and other recreational
areas are expected to be open today.

Orlando International Airport did not allow flights out until noon on
Monday, and several airlines were not flying until Tuesday. Universal
Studios and Islands of Adventure opened at 9 a.m. Monday. SeaWorld Orlando
and SeaWorld’s Discovery Cove park opened at noon.

Providing help

Much of the state of Florida has sustained significant damage. Six million
people across the state are without power. A great deal of flooding is
expected this week, as the runoff from the storm starts making its way
into lakes, rivers, and other waterways.

If you wish to offer assistance in any form, we suggest that you contact
the American Red Cross (link).

Our thoughts and prayers here at MousePlanet are with those who have
been affected by this second terrible storm.

More on the way?

As if two major hurricanes weren’t enough, Hurricane Ivan is currently
making its way toward Florida. A Category 2 storm on Monday, Ivan is expected
to grow to Category 4 before making landfall at the southern tip of Florida
some time next Sunday. However, forecasts this far out are highly speculative.
Ivan could either go into the Gulf of Mexico or out to the Atlantic Ocean
depending on other weather conditions between now and the weekend.

The swim before the storm

Following up on a story from last
week’s WDW Update:

Before Frances hit, three Olympic gold medalists kicked off a national
tour at Walt Disney World. Eight-time medalist Michael Phelps and his
gold medalist teammates Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker, in their first
public appearances in the United States since winning in Greece, made
a splash at Typhoon Lagoon and the Magic Kingdom last Tuesday.

The three Olympians chatted and then swam with young swimmers from Orlando-area
YMCAs in a mock three-team medley relay at Typhoon Lagoon, with a flag-waving
Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Goofy cheering them on and Typhoon Lagoon
lifeguards forming the “lanes.” Later, the trio rode Splash Mountain at
the Magic Kingdom and rode in a parade through the park wearing “I’m
going to Disney World” T-shirts.

The 12-city tour, discussed last week, will also feature a two-hour swimming
celebration show, presented by Disney, which will showcase the accomplishments
of each swimmer. Each show will be filled with special insight into the
stars’ races and strokes; including demonstrations, rematches from Athens
and a relay with the stars and special guests.

In addition to sponsoring the tour, which was put together by the athletes’
management company, the Disney theme parks are creating a special community
outreach program which will take place at one school in each tour city.
Local deserving schoolchildren will have the opportunity to meet Phelps,
Crocker and Krayzelburg in a motivational 30-minute, morning, personal
appearance filled with expert tips, encouragement and a surprise appearance
by Mickey Mouse.

The tour concludes at Disneyland in October.

Tickets on sale now for New Year’s Eve on Pleasure Island

The 2004 New Year’s Eve Celebration at Pleasure Island will be headlined
by Cheap Trick, Tone Loc, and Kurtis Blow. The island-wide street party
will run from 8 p.m. on December 31 until 2 a.m. on January 1, 2005. Guests
will have access to all Pleasure Island clubs, complimentary snacks and
desserts, a special fireworks show, and a champagne toast at midnight.
Tickets cost $84 each plus tax. Guests must be 21 years old or older with
proper ID to attend. Walt Disney World Annual Passholders may buy tickets
for themselves and one Guest for $74 each plus tax. Tickets are on sale
now and may be purchased through the Disney Reservation Center at 407-W-DISNEY
(407-934-7639).

Ears to the ground

…It appears that budget cuts have done in Goofy’s Country Dancing
Jamboree. The show gave its last performance before Hurricane Frances
shut the parks down. It will be replaced by a character meet-and-greet
featuring Jesse, Woody, and Bullseye.

…American Vybe gave its last summer performance at the American
Gardens Theater on Monday, August 30. The group now performs on a stage
being set up in Future World East between Mission Space and Test Track.
The Voices of Liberty continues its performances at the American Adventure.

…Over the next few months, all moderate and deluxe resorts are having
refrigerators installed in the rooms. If there one isn’t in your room,
you should still be able to request one at no charge.

…Photos of the Random Selection Process merchandise (link)
and Gus and Ezra package gifts (link)
are now available online at Disneygallery.com. Looks like some very cool
stuff this year.

…Some events at the Food & Wine Festival are already selling
out. Make your reservations soon at 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

…Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party has sold out for Halloween
night. Other nights may follow. Get your tickets now by calling 407-W-DISNEY
(407-934-7639).

Have any interesting news or rumors? Let
us know.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• The Electrical Water Pageant on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay
  Lake – reportedly back in operation on August 23 following faster-than-expected
  repairs to one of the floats damaged by Hurricane Charley.


• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed September 9–18.


• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed September 13 –
  October 15.


• Ariel’s Grotto – closed September 13 – November
  11 for theme-matching with the 20,000 Leagues Lagoon reclamation.


• Tom Sawyer Island – closed through September 17; Rivers of
  America unaffected.


• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – walled off to clear
  the land and landscape for future use; walls tentatively coming down
  on November 11.


• “it’s a small world” – closed through March
  18, 2005 for rehab (info).


• The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter – closed for good,
  to be replaced with new Stitch’s Great Escape, scheduled to open
  October 1.


• Walt Disney’s Carousel of Progress – expected to remain
  open for the duration of the Stitch’s Great Escape construction, then
  will go down for major rehab.


• Adventureland – opens with the rest of the park daily
  with the exception of the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted
  Tiki Room – Under New Management, which open at 10 a.m.


• The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree
  – open at 10 a.m. every day.


• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – remains open during its rehab.
  Work on the grandstand and other support areas runs through mid-August,
  track work through late September.


• Fantasyland Skyway building area – under rehab through
  September 30. The waterfall, bridge and pond to be replaced with a meet-and-greet
  for Snow White and a new stroller parking area for “it’s a small
  world.”


• The Hub area in front of the castle – undergoes more refurbishing
  in January 2005.


• Astro Orbiter – closed January 2 – February 16,
  2005.


• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – closed January 10 –
  February 12, 2005.

Epcot

• The Universe of Energy – may close for a short rehab at
  any time to remove the ExxonMobil signage now that its pavilion sponsorship
  has ended.


• Food Rocks – closed permanently to make way for the entrance
  to the new Soarin’ 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’. Expected to resume upon completion of the
  construction.


• The Land pavilion – expected closure January – March
  2005 for completion of the Soarin’ attraction.


• The Wonders of Life pavilion – open seasonally. The Pure
  and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop have
  been removed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and
  The Making of Me attractions now open when the pavilion is open.
  The pavilion did not open this summer, which does not bode well for
  the future. However, it is expected to be open next January – March
  during the closure of The Land pavilion.

Disney-MGM Studios

• The Magic of Disney Animation – closed September 13-24.


• New York Street – undergoing construction to change some
  facades to represent Chicago and San Francisco. Previously believed
  to be renamed Big City Street, the newly confirmed name of the area
  is the Streets of America Backlot. The target completion date:
  October 2.


• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – returns this
  year on the Streets of America backlot, November 24 – January 2.


• Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios – closed
  and demolished and construction 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.

Animal Kingdom

• Pocahontas and her Forest Friends – closes September 7-11.


• Festival of the Lion King – closes September 16-18.


• The Boneyard – closes for rehab September 20 – October
  14.

Resorts

• Port Orleans Resort – Ongoing two-year extensive rehab
  of its rooms. Phase I’s French Quarter has reopened. 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. Room refurbishments are resuming. Scheduled: Rapa
  Nui January 3 – April 1, 2005, Tahiti April 24 – August 17,
  2005. Tokelau, not yet refurbished, is not yet scheduled.


• Disney’s Old Key West Resort – The main pool closes September
  7 through mid-December to construct a new themed water slide.


• Disney’s BoardWalk Resort – portions of the resort will
  see work on the piping system take place in corridors outside guest
  rooms daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through summer 2005. No work is
  scheduled inside guest rooms.


• Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa (a new Disney Vacation
  Club resort) – now open. Construction continues on the rest of
  the resort; the other three buildings of Phase I are due by the end
  of the year, the eight units of Phase II are due in 2005, and the six
  units of the newly-announced Phase III are due in 2007. Phase III will
  involve the razing of the old Fairway Villas.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach – closes for its annual rehab on October
  24..

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through
  Saturdays, but closes October 17–20 and December 5–13.


• The All Star Cafe at Disney’s Wide World of Sports complex
  – now closed Monday-Wednesday. Open Thursday–Sunday, from
  11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Park Events

September 2004

• Disney’s Soccer Showcase Qualifier (link).
  September 4-6.


• Nights of Joy (link).
  September 9 – 11.


• A Family Pin Gathering – Disney’s Pin Celebration 2004 (link).
  September 10 – 12.


• 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 (link).
  October 25–27.

November 2004

• Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney (link).
  November 12–14.


• Super Soap Weekend (link).
  November 13–14.


• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (link).
  November 28 & 30, December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, &
  17.


• Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney (link).
  November 26 – December 24.
• Holidays Around the World (link).
  November 26 – December 30.

December 2004

• Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships
  (link).
  December 5–11.


• Disney’s Soccer Showcase (link).
  December 27 – January 2, 2005.


• New Year’s Eve celebrations 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

• Twirl Mania – The Twirler’s Championships (link).
  February 18–21.


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

April 2005

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link).
  April 15 – June 5.


• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon (link).
  April 30 – May 1.

May 2005

• Star Wars Weekends (link).
  Weekends in May – June TBA.

June 2005

• Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link).
  June 2–5.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Room and Dream Maker discounts through December are out!

Room discount codes for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and regular
guests were announced last Wednesday by Walt Disney World, as were codes
for Dream Maker packages. The available rooms were snapped up at a record
pace, and some days are already sold out of rooms available at the discount.
The codes are good through Christmas Day. (Though if you check in before
that date and leave later, you may be able to apply the code to your whole
stay.) Reservations must be made by October 10. Dream Maker rates start
from $326 per adult, $233 per junior (ages 10-17) and $188 per child for
3 nights at a Disney World Value Resort. See the Walt Disney World web
site (link)
or MouseSavers (link)
for more information.

Play 4 Days is back

The Florida Resident Play 4 Days Ticket allows Florida residents four
days of play in Disney’s four theme parks between July 30 and Nov. 21,
2004 for $119 per person ($126.74 including tax). Park-hopping is permitted
on the days used. The ticket is available at Disney theme parks, Florida
Disney Stores, and other locations such as Florida AAA offices. Proof
of Florida residency is required.

Rate reductions at Radisson Resort Parkway

Radission Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has reduced their rates
even more. Rates have been dropped effective immediately to September
levels. Book now through the end of September for rates starting at $75.95.
In addition to these reduced rates, guests can receive a complimentary
upgrade to deluxe pool view accommodations for the remainder of 2004 simply
by typing in the code of “UPGR” in the promotional field of
the reservation.

Click here
for more information, or here
to make reservations now.

2005 rates will be available shortly.

Florida Resident Cirque du Soleil La Nouba special

Florida residents can receive 20 percent off Category Two tickets at
Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney’s West Side through September 30,
2004. Proof of residency and advance purchase are required. The discount
is not available at the ticket window, and there is a limit of four tickets
per transaction. To order, call 407-939-1282.

Disney’s Summer Price Slice returns

Summer Price Slice is back with special-value greens fees on tee times
after 10 a.m. daily 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). For information
on the Walt Disney World golf courses Web site (link).

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.

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 November 2004.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through November 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)