Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for February 23 – March 1, 2009

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

News and Views

MouseAdventure WDW – Game On! | Disney restructuring | Flower Power | Florida Resident ticket deal | Gaylord Palms @ incredible rate! | ESPN The Weekend | Wow! | Construction update | Quick Takes …

MouseAdventure Walt Disney World and Disney Cruise Line official details announced!

The dates are now official, the contracts have been signed. Fall 2009 MouseAdventure at Walt Disney World is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, 2009 at Epcot! Registration opens Friday, April 3 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Space is extremely limited, so be ready with all of your information when the floodgates open. We will announce game information (including format, divisions and pricing) soon.

And if that’s not enough, you can join MousePlanet on the November 15 four-night cruise aboard the Disney Wonder for our first-ever MousePlanet cruise! You can enjoy stops at Nassau and Castaway Cay, with a special running of MouseAdventure on the High Seas taking place on the at-sea day of the cruise. The cruise version of the game will be a free, just-for-fun challenge.

More information about the cruise and a special offer from our official travel partner will be announced in a future issue of the MouseAdventure newsletter (subscribe), and here in the Update.

MouseAdventure events sell out very quickly, though, so be prepared before registration opens. Here’s what you’ll need when it’s time to sign up:

• A team captain – this person should be responsible for registering your team. Don’t get caught in “I thought you were registering us!”;
• A team name – this is optional, but if you’re going to have an official team name, you must provide it during registration;
• Team member details – you’ll need first and last names and email addresses for each team member; and
• Names for personalized buttons – these are optional, but if you want to buy personalized MouseAdventure buttons, you’ll need to purchase these at the time you register.

Do you want to play but you don’t have a team? Check out the discussions on the MousePad discussion forums (link). There are often players looking to join teams and teams looking to add players. You can also form your own team!

Celebrate Today! banners at Disney’s Animal Kingdom feature a balloon shaped like the Tree of Life. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Walt Disney Parks & Resorts restructures organization into “One Disney”

Last week, Walt Disney Parks & Resorts announced a massive reorganization, designed to “deliver a ‘one-Disney’ experience by simplifying the Parks and Resorts operating structure, streamlining decision-making and eliminating redundancy.”

For the park operations issues, it merges all similar functionality between Disneyland and Walt Disney World into a central Operations unit under Al Weiss, which will now coordinate all operational items from procurement to menu planning to merchandise design for both resorts. This will create cost-efficiency by allowing for more mass purchasing and better coordination. This unit will be headed up by Erin Wallace, who had held those responsibilities as Executive Vice President of Walt Disney World. Basically, if there are nearly-identical Minnie Mouse plush dolls sold at the two resorts, but the Disneyland version has a pink bow with polka dots and the Walt Disney World version has a red bow, a great deal of money could be saved by having them both have the same bow and procured in one larger contract instead of through two smaller contracts.

Walt Disney Imagineering will continue to be led by Bruce Vaughn, Executive Vice President and Chief Creative Executive, and Craig Russell, Executive Vice President and Chief Design and Project Delivery Executive. The organization under them will remove the division between resort, attractions and entertainment development into a single unit responsible for the design and delivery of all products at all Disney destinations. This is designed to allow more simulaneous openings of attractions at multiple parks, as was done with Toy Story Midway Mania.

Executive Vice President Nick Franklin will head a new Global Business Development team that will handle business development and real estate development, and will be responsible for helping other divisions with their development strategies and exploring new business opportunities.

There will be layoffs as a result of these consolidations, but the numbers won’t be known for a while as managers in each division goes through to analyze and look for redundancies before staffing reductions will be made. In the meantime, there will be no change to in-park staffing levels as a result of these changes. Of course, there’s no guarantee for the future, since if the economy causes crowd levels to decrease further, it may require fewer cast members to service the smaller number of guests.

At Walt Disney World, while Erin Wallace will be departing from her Executive Vice President role for the resort, she’ll now report directly to Al Weiss, as will Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton and Disneyland President Ed Grier. The park Vice Presidents that previously reported to Wallace will now report directly to Crofton, as will the VPs in charge of Downtown Disney, transportation, sports facilities, etc. Former Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee will take on a new role managing special projects for Walt Disney World, reporting to Crofton, while his spot is taken by Dan Cockerell (son of former Walt Disney World Executive Vice President Lee Cockerell).

The changes were made with an eye toward preserving the guest experience, Griffin told MousePlanet, and was not in any way meant to diminish that experience.

Construction continues on Epcot’s Fountain of Nations. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Construction walls are up behind Innoventions West as the Flower & Garden Festival sculpture garden is installed. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Flower Power concert schedule

While we listed most of the acts in this year’s Flower Power concert series during the 16th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, we neglected to fill in the final acts or provide the schedule. Here is the final listing:

• March 20-22 – Davy Jones
• March 27-29 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
• April 3-5 – The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
• April 10-12 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
• April 17-19 – The Ventures
• April 24-26 – Harold Melvin’s Blue Notes
• May 1-3 – Chubby Checker and the Wildcats
• May 8-10 – Ricky Nelson Remembered featuring the Nelsons
• May 15-17 – Jose Feliciano
• May 22-24 – The 5th Dimension
• May 29-31 – Tony Orlando

Due to cutbacks related to the current economic crisis, note that there will not be performances on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays, as was done in the past. Instead, concerts will only be held in the America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday, starting at 5:15, 6:30 and 7:45 p.m. The concerts are included in regular Epcot admission.

Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed throughout the parks, including this one near Mission: Space. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

The pagoda at Japan is shrouded with a photo-realistic scrim during its refurbishment. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Special ticket offer for Florida residents

Disney has created some new special tickets for Florida residents. It’s billed as two one-day, one-park admissions for $99 ($83 for children) plus tax (as compared to $149 for a standard two-day single-park ticket ($125 for children) but it’s really a two-day Magic Your Way base ticket where the second day must be used within 14 days of the first (or by May 21, whichever comes first). They’ve also thrown in some special deals on the add-on options. The Park Hopper and Water Park options, normally $50 per ticket each, only cost $25 each for this offer ($50 for both options).

The tickets must be purchased by May 20 and all days must be used by May 21. The tickets are blocked out during the Easter weeks peak season of April 4-18. Tickets are non-transferable and proof of Florida residency (Florida driver’s license, Florida state-issued ID card with Florida address, a college ID for a Florida college, or a Florida-based military ID) is required for each adult. If you order them online (link), you get an exchange certificate that must be redeemed at any theme park window with the presentation of a valid photo ID.

Since these are two-day specially priced tickets instead of two-for-one tickets, there’s no way to convert free birthday tickets into two-day tickets as was done with the Disneyland version of the promotion.

Mickey, Minnie and Donald participate in the conga line during the Move It! Shake It! Celebrate It! Street Party in the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Gaylord Palms drops prices again, now less than Disney moderates!

The Gaylord Palms Resort has announced even deeper discounts for MousePlanet readers (link)! Most nights through the end of September, the resort has rooms at a low, low rate of $119 per night. That’s even lower than Disney moderate resorts! Why stay off property? Because you can get luxury accommodations at moderate prices! These special low rates are available on the following nights:

• February 23-28
• March 4-6, 8-11, 15-17, 21-29
• April 1-14, 17-19, 24-27
• May 10-11, 15-16, 20-27
• June 2-6, 9-17, 20-23, 28-30
• July 1-19, 23-31
• August 1-9, 13-15, 18-19, 22-27, 30-31
• September 1-2, 7-8, 12-14, 17-20, 25-27

The stage for Stitch’s Supersonic Celebration takes shape. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

The stage building is actually taller than the roof of the Tomorrowland Transit Authority track. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Meanwhile, a companion building facing the stage comes up the track’s level, as well. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

ESPN The Weekend returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Synergy again invades Disney’s Hollywood Studios this coming weekend as ESPN The Weekend returns with all sorts of events, sports and ESPN personalities, a 5K race and more.

ESPN personalities attending include John Anderson, Colin Cowherd, Jay Crawford, Mike Golic, Mike Greenberg, Dana Jacobson, Chris McKendry, Karl Ravech, Stuart Scott and Trey Wingo, while the more than 30 athletes scheduled include NFL quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers, Kurt Warner and recently retired Brett Favre; 2009 MLB Hall of Famer Rickey Henderson; and U.S. Olympic gold medalists Shawn Johnson and Misty May-Treanor. The full list is posted at the event’s Web site (link).

ESPN programs be be broadcast from on-site (beginning Thursday, February 26) include Baseball Tonight, First Take, Mike & Mike in the Morning, NFL Live and interview segments on SportsCenter. There will be motorcades and Q&A sessions with athletes and ESPN personalities; Inside ESPN sports shows with commentators and athletes; live ESPN Radio broadcasts; and the ESPN Sports Zone interactive area.

ESPN will also broadcast the Atlanta Braves’ home game against the Houston Astros at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex on Thursday afternoon at 1 p.m.

All activities are included in regular park admission.

Work outside the entrance to the former Galaxy Palace Theater continues. Photo by Bruce Danderline.

Amazing News! and a personal appeal, for the fourth year

Wow! I was informed last week that I was the top walker for the March of Dimes Northeastern New York region for 2008, and the #2 walker for all of Upstate New York (everything above Westchester and Rockland counties)! I couldn’t have done it without the help of all of the wonderful MousePlanet readers and MouseStation listeners. Thank you so much! Now, the big challenge is to raise the bar in these tough economic times.

On April 26, I’ll be walking for the fourth time to raise money for the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. I’m raising money for the cause because new parents should be able to bring their children home from the hospital, not bury them. Last year’s total, raised through the generosity of friends, family, co-workers and MousePlanet readers, was $5,043.42. This year, our new target is $6,000. I think we can do that. I know that the economy is tough right now, but charitable causes are also hurting and in need of money.

For more information about why I’m walking, or to donate, please go to my fundraising page (link). Thanks for your consideration!

Monorails are decorated for the “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion. 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 Front Entrance Bus Drop-off – relocation of existing signage and relocation of two lights on top of Guest Relations roof.
• Magic Kingdom Main Street – replacement of various lamp poles, includes electrical.
• Magic Kingdom The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh – installation of four new smoke detectors and relocation of two existing detectors.
• Magic Kingdom Pinocchio Village House – replacement of door & window; repairs to stucco; repairs to wood balcony, railings and stairs.
• Epcot The Land pavilion – demolition of existing millwork, faux oven and facility door fabrication and installation of new millwork including electric for Junior Chef location.
• Epcot Future World, World Showcase Stage – installation of 18-20 Ampt 120v circuits for lighting and audio. Installation of conduit chase for lighting cable.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios – addition of aluminum Luxo structure includes all electrical.
• Disney’s Hollywood Studios Premier Theater – fabrication and installation of canopy between theater and green room trailer, includes fire sprinklers.
• Disney’s Animal Kingdom Africa Wilderness Express train station – capping-off/abandonment of existing underground, installation of new underground to building.
• Polynesian Resort Captain Cook’s – installation of remote condensing unit at Captain Cook’s GSR.
• Contemporary Resort – installation of blade sign for the market shop located on the fourth floor.
• Contemporary Resort pool – provision of S/S handrails.
• Downtown Disney Summer Sands – hanging of items and banners overhead, includes all electrical.

Quick takes …

…Someone you know is going to Walt Disney World and you can’t join them, but you want to share in the celebration? It’s now easier to provide a gift for them while they’re there. Go to the Walt Disney World celebration customization Web page (link), select the occasion, age range, and various other parameters to narrow down what you’d like to give. The call the Walt Disney World Dream Makers at 407-WDW-GIFT (407-939-4438) to personalize and customize the gift. All you need to know are the name that the reservation is in, the vacation dates and the name of the person celebrating. You’ve got 153 items to choose from, so you should be able to find a gift for every occasion and every budget!

…With the massive response from MouseFest aficionados, the MouseFest Executive Committee has added more items to the Q&A list (link) on the MouseFest web site to answer those additional questions.

…The new 2009 series of Disney Dollars has been released. Of course, with the new “What Will You Celebrate?” promotion going on, all of the bills call attention to celebrating. The $1 bill features Mickey Mouse and Pluto on the front, Daisy Duck and Minnie Mouse are on the $5, and Goofy, Donald Duck and Mickey are on the $10 (with Mickey blowing out the candles on a cake). The Disney Dollars can be used the same as cash throughout the Walt Disney World Resort, and can be purchased at Guest Relations locations at the theme parks and Downtown Disney Marketplace, as well as at the information desk at the World of Disney store. 

…2010 Walt Disney World Marathon weekend events continue to fill up – Goofy’s Race and a Half Challenge is now at 85 percent full, while the Half Marathon is now 50 percent full. If you want to run these races, sign up now (link)!

…The Carnevale di Venezia (“Carnival of Venice”) is now being celebrated at Tutto Italia Ristorante at Epcot’s Italy pavilion. From today through March 4, a special lunch and dinner menu will be available. You can choose one of two pre-selected appetizers, entrees and desserts. Lunch ($19 per person) is served daily from 11:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., with dinner ($28 per person) from 4:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m. A special performance by “Viva Venezia” will occur each evening during dinner inside the restaurant. The musical trio, known as the “strolling musicians,” will serenade you with traditional Italian music. For the specialty menus, no substitutions will be allowed. As always, reservations are highly recommended. Call the WDW Dining Line at 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) to make your reservations.

…As we reported last month, with the Kidani Village Annex at the Animal Kingdom Villas opening May 1, reservations for Sanaa, the new restaurant at the annex, open today for the general public (DVC members could start reserving last week)! The restaurant opens with Kidani Village on May 1. The menu features African-inspired cooking with an Indian touch.

…Not only can you join the MousePlanet and MouseStation Podcast groups on Facebook, or become a fan of MousePlanet or the MouseStation, you can also follow us on Twitter! You can follow WDW Resort Update editor Mark Goldhaber, the general MousePlanet feed and the MouseAdventure feed! If there’s something special that you’d like to see us do on Facebook or Twitter, 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. 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.

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.

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.

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-August 15, 2009.

As a bonus, if you travel by 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 $53 per person per day for a family of four in a standard room at a Value Resort from February 13-April 4 (total package price $1,466). That price is 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 February 28, everyone can book a deep-discounted rate for reservations most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 2. Room rates start at prices of $74 per night for a standard room at a Value Resort from February 16-April 4. 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 February 28!

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 drops prices again, now less than Disney moderates!

The Gaylord Palms Resort has announced even deeper discounts for MousePlanet readers (link)! Most nights through the end of September, the resort has rooms at a low, low rate of $119 per night. That’s even lower than Disney moderate resorts! Why stay off property? Because you can get luxury accommodations at moderate prices! These special low rates are available on the following nights:

• February 23-28
• March 4-6, 8-11, 15-17, 21-29
• April 1-14, 17-19, 24-27
• May 10-11, 15-16, 20-27
• June 2-6, 9-17, 20-23, 28-30
• July 1-19, 23-31
• August 1-9, 13-15, 18-19, 22-27, 30-31
• September 1-2, 7-8, 12-14, 17-20, 25-27

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.