Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Zagat, you say? Six Walt Disney World restaurants were included in the latest list of the top 20 restaurants in the Orlando area by Zagat Survey. They include:

• Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
• Flying Fish Café at Disney's Boardwalk
• California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort
• Yachtsman Steakhouse at Disney's Yacht Club Resort.

Victoria & Albert's also has the distinction of being the only Five Diamond restaurant in the Orlando area.

A new show for the Polynesian – Disney has announced a replacement for The Polynesian Luau Show previously offered at Disney's Polynesian Resort. Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show begins performances on February 19, with the official grand opening on February 25.

In the new show, the hostess for the evening, Auntie Wini, invites the whole neighborhood for a celebration featuring the music and dances of the cultures of Tahiti, Samoa, Tonga, New Zealand and Hawaii, while guests dine on a feast inspired by the flavors of Polynesia. Two shows are presented daily Tuesday through Saturday, at 5:15 and 8 p.m., and reservations are now being accepted.

New Grand One graces Seven Seas Lagoon – A new Grand One, the luxury yacht at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, now is sailing around Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake.

The new boat replaces the previous Grand One yacht. It's a 48-foot-long, 48-motor Sea Ray that can reach speeds of up to 36 miles per hour. It features three fully furnished staterooms, a small kitchen, and dining area, a microwave oven, heating and air conditioning, a 12-kilowatt generator that can light up three houses, four televisions, and a Bose audio system. Should the yacht ever leave the lagoon and lake area, a satellite link to the Global Positioning System can track the Grand One within a foot, anywhere on the planet.

The boat rents for $350 an hour and can accommodate as many as 16 guests. For more information or to make reservations, call (407) 824-2439.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa makes Condé Nast Traveler gold list – Readers ranked Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa as one of Condé Nast Traveler magazine's “2003 Gold List: The World's Best Places to Stay.”

The list, included in the January edition of the magazine, offers the results of their annual readers' poll of resorts, hotels and cruise lines.

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa is among the 173 resorts in the United States honored this year based on the quality of service, design, rooms, location, food and activities.

Annual Passholders Night at Disney-MGM Studios – Walt Disney World Annual Passholders can ride the newly reprogrammed Twilight Zone Tower of Terror during six passholder-only evening events. The park will reopen to APs one hour after closing on March 7-9, and March 14-16. Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will also be open, and Passholder-exclusive merchandise will be available for purchase.

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 February 19, 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.

Toontown Barnstormer will be closed for refurbishment March 2 - March 7

The Theater in the China Pavilion will be closed for refurbishment March 26 - May 22. The Gallery, merchandise shop and restaurants will continue to operate.

Great Movie Ride will be closed for refurbishment February 24 - April 13

Park Events

Upcoming events

February 20 through 23 – Third annual Film Festival at Sea aboard the Disney Wonder.

February 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 – Mickey's Super Star Trading Team event at Disney's Pin Traders, Downtown Disney, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Trading opportunities especially geared for new and experienced traders will be offered at this free event. The Kid's Zone features trading, activities, balloons and games for ages 6-14.

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 7-9 and 14-16 – After-hours Annual Passholder event at Disney-MGM Studios. APs can ride Tower of Terror and Rock 'n' Roller Coaster.

March 30 – First-ever Walt Disney World In-line 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 cruise and mini-convention aboard the Disney Wonder

May 16 - June 15 –Star Wars Weekends.

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 reports special rates at Fort Wilderness:

• Partial hookup campsites $35
• Full hookup 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.

Annual Passholders can receive 10% 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 Monday - Friday. Call 407-WDW-Dine for locations and reservations.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule