Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for February 9 – February 15, 2009

Go directly to: News & Views | Coming Soon | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Discounts/Promotions

MousePlanet/MouseStation Meet at Walt Disney World this Thursday!

Mark Goldhaber will be down for a lightning-fast trip to cover the world premiere of The American Idol Experience, and we’re putting together a meet for any MousePlanet reader or MouseStation listener who might be in the area.

We’re having our meet from noon to 2 p.m. on Thursday, February 12 at the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, Lower Level seating area overlooking the castle. As I noted on my blog last Friday, the new Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! street party is happening at 12:45, so we’ll take a break to head over and check it out, then return to the Noodle Station until 2:00. You can RSVP for the event on Facebook (link) or by emailing Mark.

Stop by, meet fellow MousePlaneteers, and get your MousePlanet button (and maybe a special surprise or two)!

News and Views

MouseAdventure – Game On! | Idol premieres Thursday! | “Buy 4, Get 3 Free” extended | Disney releases first-quarter earnings report | Bay Lake Tower, Treehouse reservations open | WDW Web calendar info | Disney announces Pausch Fellowship | Construction update | Quick Takes …

Look out Walt Disney World, here comes MouseAdventure!

For those readers who have seen all of the stories about past MouseAdventure events at the Disneyland Resort and wondered, “Why can’t they do that here?”, the answer is … we can! It just took a little more planning, is all.

The inaugural MouseAdventure at Walt Disney World is tentatively scheduled for Saturday, November 14 at Epcot. Final contracts have not yet been signed, so please do not make any non-refundable reservations. We’ll keep you informed as plans firm up.

The date for MouseAdventure Walt Disney World was first announced through our MouseAdventure newsletter. You can sign up to have updates emailed directly to you at our MouseAdventure newsletter signup page, and we’ll also post the information here in the Park Update.

Game on!

The attraction officially opens this coming Saturday. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

The American Idol Experience celebrity world premiere this Thursday

Details for the American Idol Experience world premiere this Thursday are starting to shape up. The event will start with a motorcade of stars at 4:30 p.m., which will be open to the public. Twenty Idol celebrities are expected, including Ryan Seacrest, David Cook, Jordin Sparks, Taylor Hicks, Carrie Underwood, David Archuleta, Bo Bice, and Justin Guarini. The rest of the event will be closed to the public, with the theme park closing an hour early at 6 p.m. that night.

I’ll have coverage of the world premiere via Twitter as it happens, on my blog later that night, and then in next week’s Park Update.

Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Public Relations has provided a slideshow of former Idol contestants visiting the Resort.

Hopefuls line up to audition for The American Idol Experience. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Once through the gate, a second waiting area holds the Idol hopefuls until they are called in for their audition. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Elsewhere, the audience watches the Idol preshow on overhead monitors. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

“Buy Four, Get Three Free” deal extended through August

Effective today, Walt Disney World has extended the “Buy Four, Get Three Free” offer through the summer. The offer, which had previously been in effect through June 27, will now run through August 15. The extension was announced by Walt Disney Company CFO Tom Staggs on the quarterly earnings conference call last Tuesday. You’ll still need to book by March 29, though.

Beyond August 15, it’s a question as to whether they will extend “Buy 4, Get 3” or return to free dining. We’ll have to wait and see.

Disney releases first-quarter earnings report

Last Tuesday, the Walt Disney Company released its earnings report for the first quarter of fiscal year 2009 (which covers October-December 2008). Not including a gain of 4 cents per share from a gain on the sale of investment in two pay television services in Latin America, diluted earnings per share dropped 34 percent from 63 cents to 41 cents.

“We faced a challenging first quarter with many of our businesses impacted to various degrees by the economic downturn,” said Robert A. Iger, Disney’s president and CEO. “We are forcefully confronting current circumstance while investing in the great creativity, brands and assets that are Disney’s strengths and keys to its long-term success.”

Parks & Resorts revenues were down 4 percent, to $2.665 billion, while operating income was down 24 percent, to $382 million. The impact of fuel hedging accounted for 40 percent of the margin decline in the quarter.

Capital expenditures at Parks & Resorts were up overall from $176 million to $182 million, with a big jump in domestic investments. While international capital expenditures were down from $43 million to $13 million, domestic investments were up from $133 million to $169 million, largely on the impact of the revitalization efforts underway at Disney’s California Adventure.

While attendance at domestic parks was down 5 percent from last year’s record levels, guest spending came in level due to higher average ticket prices offsetting lower merchandise spending. Occupancy levels on both coasts were 85 percent, down mid single digit percentage points from last year. Average hotel spending was up modestly. Bear in mind that these numbers come from October through December, and the effects of the “Buy Four, Get Three Free” promotion have not hit the bottom line yet. However, room reservations for January through June are running slightly ahead of last year, with January-March coming in slightly below and April-June coming in a bit higher. That difference is largely due to the fact that the Easter-weeks peak season is in the third quarter this year, rather than the second quarter as it was last year.

Idol shows have been running five per day, plus the finale. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Signage has been updated to direct guests to the Superstar Television Theater, home of The American Idol Experience. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

The merchandise shop has been stocked with plenty to keep the American Idol fans happy. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Reservations for Bay Lake tower and Treehouse Villas open

As I noted in my blog last Wednesday, reservations are now open for members with ownership in the Bay Lake Tower and Saratoga Springs Resorts (for the Treehouse Villas), while other DVC members can make reservations at those resorts beginning February 22:

With the two new Disney Vacation Club resorts ready to come online, reservations will open for booking by resort owners on Sunday, February 8, with other DVC members able to book on Sunday, February 22.

Bay Lake Tower is pushing for an August 4 estimated opening date, while the Treehouse Villas at the Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa are estimated to open as early as June or July.

Those who have purchased ownership interests in Bay Lake Tower can start booking their reservations this Sunday. DVC members with points at Saratoga Springs can start booking the Treehouses on Sunday, as well. All other DVC members can start booking the resorts two weeks later.

If you stay at one of the new resorts, let us know what you think!

Reports note that wait times were about 20-25 minutes yesterday morning as reservations opened.

The Osborne Lights have come down, just in time for Thursday’s big event. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Work on the Sorcerer’s Hat is nearing completion and should be done by Thursday, as well. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Disney working to fix Web site calendar issues

Many of you have written asking about the new disneyworld.com Web site, specifically what happened to the parade/fireworks times and the operational updates (refurbishment schedule). We’ve checked with Walt Disney World Public Relations, and they’ve issued the following statement:

To All of Our Valued Guests: We are aware of your concerns regarding park hours, calendars, operational updates and parade and event hours. Please know we understand your concerns and have been working diligently to resolve resolve these issues. In the meantime, we ask for your patience and understanding as we work to bring you new information and new features on Disneyworld.com.

In regards to the concern regarding the number of days out we display park hours on the Web site, there has been a change in Walt Disney World policy. The standard calendar will now display information for the current month plus the next three months on a rolling basis. As an example – On February 1 park hours will display for the month of February, plus the months of March, April, and May. On March 1 park hours will display for the month of March, plus April, May, and June, and so on. This update cycle will be the standard throughout the year.

In the meantime, for more information about parade, fireworks and refurbishment schedules, please call the Walt Disney World Guest Information Line at 407-824-4321.

The three-month window is not surprising, as the hours were only extended to six months when the advance dining reservation booking window went from 90 to 180 days. Now that you can’t book dining more than 90 days in advance, the display window has shrunk back.

The Mickey balloons in the “Celebrate” signs at the Studios feature a Sorcerer’s Hat balloon. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

A personal appeal, for the fourth year

On April 26, I’ll be walking to raise money for the March of Dimes again. The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Last year, through the generosity of friends, family, co-workers and MousePlanet readers, we managed to raise $5,043.42. This year, let’s beat that. My goal is to raise $6,000 this year. I think we can do that. I know that the economy is tough right now, but the charitable causes are hurting and need money, as well. For more information about why I’m walking, or to donate, please go to my fundraising page (link). Thanks for your consideration.

Disney announces Pausch Fellowship at Carnegie-Mellon

The late Randy Pausch, the Carnegie Mellon University computer science professor who is most famous for his inspiring talk, “Last Lecture,” given in fall 2007 while he was terminally ill with pancreatic cancer, was honored by the Walt Disney Company as they created the Disney Memorial Pausch Fellowship at Carnegie Mellon University in recognition of the passion and energy he brought to his work at both Carnegie Mellon and Walt Disney Imagineering. The fellowship will support two graduate students, one in the School of Computer Science (SCS) and one in the College of Fine Arts (CFA), reflecting Pausch’s enthusiasm for the interplay of arts and technology.

To mark Pausch’s achievements, a specially themed medallion will be placed near the Mad Tea Party attraction in the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, inscribed with words from his lecture: “Be good at something; it makes you valuable. Have something to bring to the table, because that will make you more welcome.”

“Randy Pausch lived his life inspiring his students, colleagues and co-workers. Now, the vitality and energy he brought to his classroom lives on and serves as an inspiration to millions of people he never had the chance to meet,” said Disney President and CEO Bob Iger. “We are proud to honor Randy’s passion by supporting the innovators and dreamers of tomorrow with these fellowships.”

As another continuation of the link that Pausch created between his school and Walt Disney Imagineering, last August Disney announced a major initiative based at Carnegie Mellon (with another center in Zurich) to conduct research and development for many of Disney’s divisions.

A personal appeal, for the fourth year

On April 26, I’ll be walking to raise money for the March of Dimes again. The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Last year, through the generosity of friends, family, co-workers and MousePlanet readers, we managed to raise $5,043.42. This year, let’s beat that. My goal is to raise $6,000 this year. I think we can do that. I know that the economy is tough right now, but the charitable causes are hurting and need money, as well. For more information about why I’m walking, or to donate, please go to my fundraising page (link). Thanks for your consideration.

The UCA cheerleading competition took place at the Indiana Jones amphitheater this past weekend. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Construction update

Here is the listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County in the last week:

• Magic Kingdom Diamond Horseshoe – completion of facade repairs.
• Magic Kingdom Frontierland Railroad Station – provision of labor & material to replace lap boards, siding, new balcony railings and new deck boards.
• Magic Kingdom Enchanted Grove restrooms and Peter Pan restrooms – building, electrical and plumbing work.
• Epcot Imagination pavilion – removal of existing automatic doors at the Imageworks exit and installation of new automatic doors.
• Epcot Living Seas pavilion – removal of existing carpet in tunnel and circular observation area and installation of new carpet.
• Epcot Living Seas pavilion – interior upgrade of sinks, lighting, shower stall areas and electrical door openers in Divequest lockerrooms.
• Epcot Energy pavilion – removal of existing carpet in Theater 2 and installation of new carpet.
• Epcot China pavilion – removal of parapet wall and roof tile, replacement of wood blocking and plywood, installation of new wall and roof.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios American Idol merchandise shop – removal & replacement of concrete slab; provision of power, phone & data to new photo desk.
• Typhoon Lagoon – removal & reinstallation of lighting on Typhooon Tilly’s boat.
• Contemporary Resort feature pool – installation of wellpoints.
• Contemporary Resort Sundries – furnishing and installation of labor and materials per construction document.
• Yacht & Beach Club Resorts pool – provision of lifts and handrails, includes all electrical.
• Port Orleans Resort Alligator Bayou south C quiet pool – installation of accessible handrails and chair lift anchors.
• Caribbean Beach Resort Trinidad South pool – installation of accessible handrails and chair lift anchors.
• Northeast Resort (site of future Four Seasons Resort and private vacation homes) – Sales Center & Gatehouse construction package.
• Northeast Resort (site of future Four Seasons Resort and private vacation homes) – Parcel Phase 1A/1B area development package.

The construction at the LEGO store in Downtown Disney is complete, with a new Transformers figure and dinosaur greeting guests. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Quick takes …

…As noted in my blog early last Monday morning, Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, after recording this year’s Super Bowl “I’m going to Disney World!” commercial with Santonio Holmes, decided to visit the park on a different day from game MVP Holmes. So Holmes had the parade through the park last Monday all to himself. Despite an 85-minute rain delay, Steelers fans didn’t seem to mind the wait, giving Holmes a sea of thousands of fans wearing Steeler black-and-gold and twirling Terrible Towels to ride through. Holmes, wearing his grass-stained game jersey, rode in a convertible with Mickey Mouse, who was wearing his own football uniform (interestingly enough, in Cardinals red-and-white). Goofy, in his own uniform (yellow, white and blue), cheerleader Minnie (red, white and blue) and referees Chip and Dale walked along behind in the parade.

Super Bowl MVP Santonio Holmes rides down Main Street, U.S.A. in a convertible with Mickey Mouse during his celebratory parade, making good on his commercial proclamation “I’m Going to Disney World!” Photo © Disney (David Roark, photographer).

…The 2010 Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge is now 75 percent full. At the current rate of signups, the race will sell out by the end of the month.

…Friday was the deadline for Disney Parks & Resorts execs at director level and above to decide whether or not to accept “Voluntary Separation Program” buyout offers. We don’t have word yet on whether Disney made their target with the voluntary offer or whether they’re going to have to go to a mandatory program. We’ll update you if we get any information worth reporting.

…Join the MousePlanet and MouseStation Podcast groups on Facebook, or become a fan of MousePlanet or the MouseStation. If there’s something that you’d like to see us do on Facebook, let us know!

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.

Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.

Coming soon

• Feb. 12. American Idol Experience press event.
• Feb. 13-16. TwirlMania (link).
• Feb. 14. American Idol Experience grand opening.
• Feb. 15-Mar. 30. Atlanta Braves Training Camp.
• Feb. 27-Mar. 1. ESPN The Weekend.
• Feb. 28. ESPN The Weekend 5K.
• Mar. 6-8. Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
• Mar. 14-15. UCA National All Star Cheerleading Championship (link).
• Mar. 18-May 31. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
• Apr. 24-27. USASF/IASF Dance and Cheerleading World Championships (link).
• May 17. Florida Half Ironman Triathlon (link).
• May 22-Jun. 14. Star Wars Weekends.
• Sep. 20. Athletes for a Cure Triathlon (link).
• Dec. 7-12. Pop Warner Super Bowl (link).
• Jan. 7-10, 2010. WDW Marathon Weekend (link).

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• The Hall of Presidents – closed November 1 through July 4, 2009, major infrastructure upgrades, as well as for addition of President Barack Obama.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment February 19–28.
• Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin – closed for refurbishment March 2–6.
• Pecos Bill’s Tall Tale Inn & Cafe – closed for refurbishment through February 20.

Epcot

• Tutto Italia Ristorante – is now open, but will close at a date to be determined to be completely remodeled.
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure – closed for refurbishment January 5 – March 22.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has again closed as such, and most likely will only be used as a Festival Center until a new sponsor is found.
• Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure – has been delayed. It continues testing and will open in “early 2009.”

Disney’s Hollywood Studios

• Studio Backlot Tour – closed for refurbishment January 4 – February 28.
• American Film Institute Showcase – closed for refurbishment January 4 – February 28.
• The American Idol Experience – under construction in the soundstage that formerly hosted Superstar Television and Doug Live! Currently in soft-open status, with the official world premiere scheduled for February 12 and the grand opening scheduled for February 14.

Animal Kingdom

• No currently scheduled refurbishments.

Resorts

• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Phase 1 of the Kidani Village annex building for the Disney Vacation Club’s Animal Kingdom Villas is expected to open in May 2009, with Phase 2 opening in September 2009. Jambo House construction is complete.
• Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – Stormalong Bay pool area under refurbishment January 5 – late March. The pool will remain open, but sections will close one at a time for work. The three quiet pools will remain open during that time, and the Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk Resort, with its Keister Coaster water slide, will also be available during the work on the Flying Jib slide.
• Bay Lake Tower at Contemporary Resort – Construction continues. The resort opens fall 2009.
• Treehouse Villas at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Construction continues. The resort opens summer 2009.
• Port Orleans Riverside – Ol’ Man Island pool area closed February 2–28 for refurbishment.
• Fort Wilderness Campground – Meadows pool area closed for refurbishment January 12 – March 13.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – Closed for its annual refurbishment October 26 through March 21. Major work is required on the wave generation machine.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Walt Disney World Buy 4, Get 3 Free deal!

From now until March 29, if you book a four-night, four-day non-discounted Magic Your Way package, you’ll get three additional nights (including tickets) for free.

The offer is good for stays on most nights now-April 4 and April 19-June 27, 2009.

As a bonus, if you travel between January 4 and March 29, you’ll get a $200 Disney Gift Card that you can use to pay some of the costs during your stay. It’s also valid at Disneyland, Disney Cruise Line, Disney Store and disneyshopping.com.

Packages start at net prices of $46 per person per day for a family of four in a standard room at a Value Resort from January 4-February 12 (total package price $1,271). For February 13-April 4, the package price is $1,466 for a per day, per person cost of $53 at a Value resort. Those prices are based on families of two adults, one junior and one child.

Packages for other resorts and lengths of stay are also available.

Here’s Disney’s rundown on pricing and savings:

Prices are based on two adults, one junior (ages 10 to 17) and one child (ages 3 to 9) in a standard room at a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, Disney’s Wilderness Lodge (Deluxe Resort) or a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (Deluxe Villa Resort). Savings are based on the non-discounted price of a 7-night/7-day Magic Your Way package. The discount code for this offer is IUZ.

To book these packages, go to the Walt Disney World Web site (link), call 407-939-7928 or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers, Small World Vacations (link) and MouseEarVacations.com (link). Just remember to book by March 29!

Walt Disney World room-only deal for everyone!

From now until January 4, everyone can book a deep-discounted rate for reservations most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 2. Lowest rates are through mid-February, with discounted but not quite as low rates from then through early April.

Room rates start at prices of $49 per night for a standard room at a Value Resort from January 4-February 12. For February 16-April 4, the Value Resort rate is $74 per day. Rates at other resorts are also available.

Here’s Disney’s rundown on pricing:

Prices do not include tax and are based on a standard room at a Value Resort, Moderate Resort, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (Deluxe Resort) or a studio at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort (Deluxe Villa Resort). The discount code for this offer is OZ.

To book these packages, go to the Walt Disney World Web site (link), call 407-939-7545 or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers, Small World Vacations (link) and MouseEarVacations.com (link). Just remember to book by March 29!

Disney Cruise Line offers “Kids Free” deal

Disney Cruise Line now offering a “Kids Free” promotion. The deal offers free passage (plus government taxes and fees) for children ages 12 and under on three-night voyages when traveling with two full-fare paying passengers in the same cabin. The offer is valid on most sailings from January 22 through May 28 in a variety of stateroom cabins.

To book your “Kids Free” cruise, visit the Disney Cruise Line Web site (link), call 888-325-2500, or contact one of MousePlanet’s Preferred Disney Travel Providers, MouseEarVacations.com (link) or Small World Vacations (link) and make sure to use booking code “FREE.” For more information on other discounted cruises from MouseEarVacations.com, check out their list of cruise discounts for MousePlanet readers here on the MousePlanet site.

Gaylord Palms deepens discounts!

The Gaylord Palms Resort has announced even deeper discounts for MousePlanet readers (link). On 84 selected nights through the end of June, the resort has rooms at a low rate of $159 per night. This offer is available on the following nights:

• January 20-25
• February 21-22, 25-28 (also, February 2-14 is another exclusive special of $189)
• March 5-6, 8, 11, 15-17, 21-29
• April 1-8, 12-15, 17-19, 24-27
• May 1-3, 6, 10-11, 15-16, 20-27
• June 2-6, 9-17, 20-23, 28-30

Discounted ECV rentals for MousePlanet readers through Scooter Vacations

Scooter Vacations, MousePlanet’s mobility scooter rental partner, is offering MousePlanet readers a 10 percent discount on their scooter rentals by using code MP10 when making your reservation for any of their five scooter models.

Orlando Fun Tickets offering 5 days for the price of 3

For a limited time, MousePlanet discount ticket partner Orlando Fun Tickets is currently offering a free upgrade to a 5-day Park Hopper pass when you purchase a 3-day Park Hopper. Check out the special offer or any of the other great prices on tickets at OrlandoFunTickets.com!

Passholder rates for 2009 released

Passholder rates for January 1 – February 12, 2009 have been released, with value resorts starting at just $49 per night, moderate resorts starting at $89 per night. Select deluxe resorts (Wilderness and Animal Kingdom Lodges) starting at $144 per night and studio accommodations at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa starting at $179 per night. The rates at value and deluxe resorts are valid January 2–15 and January 19 – February 12. Moderate resorts are available January 4–17 and January 21 – February 12. Saratoga Springs is available January 1 – February 12.

Passholder rates for February 15 – April 2, 2009 have been released, with value resorts starting at just $69 per night, moderate resorts starting at $114 per night. Select deluxe resorts (Animal Kingdom Lodge) starting at $214 per night and studio accommodations at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa starting at $229 per night. The rates are valid most Sunday – Thursday nights during that period.

The number of rooms available is limited and minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday and Saturday arrivals. Reservations may be booked through the Passholder web site or by using code DYS (through February 12) or PYS (February 15 – April 2) if booking via the Passholder phone line (407-939-7722) or through a travel agent. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).

Disney Cruise Line half-price deposits for online reservations, for a limited time

The Disney Cruise Line has announced a special deal where any bookings through the Disney Cruise web site (link) will only require payment of half of the usual deposit, with the other half due with the rest of the final payment. The offer is only good on new bookings, and for category 4-12 cabins only. The offer is available to those booking online or through their travel agents (though the travel agent would have to book the cruise through disneycruise.com for the offer). Bookings are also eligible for the standard $25 onboard credit offer for all online bookings. The deal is available “for a limited time,” but there’s no word on when the limited time expires. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).

Don’t keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.