Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Mickey’s Very Soggy Christmas Party – All shows and parades during the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party on Thursday, December 12, were cancelled due to pouring rain. Reader Kim C. wrote to let us know that guests who attended that evening’s party can mail their event ticket to the address below, and receive a one-day park-hopper ticket in return. Mail your tickets to:

WDW
PO Box 10040
Lake Buena Vista FL 32803
ATTN: Guest Communications

Last chance to see... If you are visiting the World this week, don’t miss these holiday treats, big and little, that make this season so magical:

• Gingerbread Village at the Grand Floridan Resort.
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – through January 5. And don’t forget the 3-D glasses.
• Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parade – through December 31.

• Epcot Lights of Winter – this synchronized music and light display is one of the under-publicized gems of the season.
• Candlelight Processional – through December 30.

• Gorgeous Christmas decorations throughout the resort.
• Shopping in Downtown Disney Marketplace – whether you need to fill a Christmas stocking or buy one, this is the place to start.

Ring in the New Year at WDW

Say goodbye to 2002 and hello to 2003 by spending New Year’s Eve at Walt Disney World, which will offer extended park operating hours, enhanced entertainment and special guests to the Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve Party.

Extended park operating hours

• Magic Kingdom Park: 9:00a – 2:00a
• Epcot Future World: 9:00a – 1:00a & World Showcase: 10:00a – 1:00a
• Disney-MGM Studios: 9:00a – 1:00a
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park: 9:00a – 6:00p

[See Park Hours below for a full schedule.]

Enhanced entertainment

• Magic Kingdom Park: Live DJs and an extra-magical Fantasy in the Sky fireworks show.
• Epcot: Musical performances from around the globe, and two performances of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth
• Disney-MGM Studios: Live DJs, three performances of Fantasmic! and the Sorcery in the Sky fireworks show.
• Pleasure Island New Year's Eve Party – Featuring performances by B-52’s, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, and Chris Botti, plus complimentary dessert buffet and midnight champagne toast with fireworks spectacular Admission price is $79, plus tax, and includes admission to festivities and all eight Pleasure Island clubs. Guests must be 21 years or older, and present valid ID for admission [See Events/Entertainment Schedule below for a full listing.]

Or...

If you won’t be able to visit WDW, watch the ABC News special, ABC2003, airing 7:00-10:00 pm (EST). Starting at 10:00 pm, it’s an annual date with Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve. Dick will be braving the elements in Times Square. Both of the shows feature live cut-ins from the Walt Disney World Resort throughout the evening as we count down to 2003.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Typhoon Lagoon is closed for refurbishment, and reopens December 29, 2002.

Stormalong Bay slide closure – Beginning January 3 and continuing through April 4, 2003, the Shipwreck Slide located at Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort will be closed for refurbishment. The pool areas at Stormalong Bay will remain open while the pool slide undergoes enhancement.

Park Events

Epcot World Showcase: Holidays Around the World – through December 30. Nightly tree-lighting ceremony; nightly Candlelight Processional performances, and international holiday celebrations. Included in park admission. [Read the details of the 2001 event, by Sheila Hagen.]

Disney-MGM Studios: The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – through January 5, 2003. The Studios’ Residential Street is decorated with 5 million twinkling Christmas lights. Included in park admission. [Read the details of the 2001 event, with photos, by Sheila Hagen.]

Pleasure Island: Pleasure Island New Year’s Eve – December 31. Featuring B-52s, Joan Jett & the Blackhearts, and Chris Botti. $79 per person, ages 21 and over only.

Epcot World Showcase: Rock & Roll New Year’s Eve Buffet - MouseSavers.com has details about a special New Year’s Eve event at Epcot. The event will be held at the Epcot World ShowPlace pavillion, and features a buffet dinner, D.J., live classic rock & roll band, and more. Adults are $25.99, children 3-11 are $13.99. Make reservations by calling (407) WDW-DINE.

Disney’s Animal Kingdom: Mickey’s Parti Gras Pin Event - Saturday, February 1, 2003. $115.00 per person, register online at the Disney Event Services website.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Florida residents can take advantage of New Year’s discounts at Walt Disney World resort hotels:

• Value resorts start at $49 per night
• Moderate resorts from $79 per night
• Deluxe resorts from $109 per night

These special rates are available most nights from January 2 through February 13, 2003. Book through your travel agent or directly through Walt Disney World Travel at 407/W-DISNEY. Proof of Florida residency is required.

Disney’s Winter Dream Maker package can be booked now through December 23, 2002 for travel January 2 to February 13, 2003. The packages include resort accommodations, theme park tickets, souvenir pins, and additional perks. Book through your travel agent or directly through Walt Disney World Travel at 407/W-DISNEY or Disneyworld.com. This package is especially useful if you want to catch the 100 Years of Magic celebration before it ends this February.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule