Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

MousePad member Davidscot witnessed an accident at the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular on Saturday, March 15. He said, "During the part where Indy hangs from a tow line, for some reason, the line snagged sending him into the air. He landed on the pavement on his neck. He didn't move and many people rushed around him and immediately put up a barrier so the audience couldn't see him."

Another MousePad member watched as the actor, Kyle McDuffie, was transported to a local hospital by helicopter. According to the Orlando Sentinel McDuffie was treated for injuries to his head and shoulders. Theme Park Insider reports that the actor is in critical condition, but that his injuries are not life-threatening. A Disney spokesman said that the "equipment was functioning properly," and that Disney is evaluating the cause of the accident.

How to have WDW all to yourself – It looks like March may be a great time to plan a last-minute trip to Walt Disney World. The resort is apparently expecting a decline in the number of visitors, and has reduced park hours, cancelled some entertainment offerings, delayed the reopening of Blizzard Beach, and is offering extra discounts for travel packages.

The Magic Kingdom closes an hour earlier than originally announced, at 7 p.m. instead of 8 p.m., on March 3 (Monday), 11 (Tuesday) and 13 (Thursday). The E-Ride Night scheduled for Friday, March 14 has been cancelled. Performances of SpectroMagic have been cancelled on March 3, 10, 11, 13. See the updated Park Hours and Events/Entertainment Schedules below for details.

On March 8 (Saturday), 12 (Wednesday) and 13 (Thursday), Disney-MGM Studios closes at 7 p.m. instead of 8:30.

So far, these changes only affect the first two weeks of March. Disney may adjust hours and entertainment for the rest of the month if expected crowds remain light.

Disney Club members can book select last-minute travel packages to WDW and receive an additional $50 discount. See the Discounts/Promotions section below for details.

Atlanta Braves swing into action at Walt Disney World Resort – As baseball fans begin counting down Spring Training, Disney's Wide World of Sports complex is offering Disney's Atlanta Braves Spring Training vacation packages. For the sixth consecutive year, Disney's Wide World of Sports complex hosts the Atlanta Braves as they face challenging opponents, including the New York Mets and New York Yankees.

The sooner you commit, the sooner you can start training – Online registration will begin March 1 for the 2004 Walt Disney World Marathon and Half Marathon, scheduled for Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004. For more information, visit www.disneyworldsports.com. Special 2004 Walt Disney World Resort Marathon Packages will be available by calling (407) 939-7810.

Current Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Tapestry of Dreams ends its run after this week on March 1.

The Blizzard Beach refurbishment, originally scheduled to end on Sunday, March 2, has been extended to Sunday, March 16, 2003.

The Shipwreck Slide located at Stormalong Bay at Disney’s Yacht & Beach Club Resort is closed for refurbishment Friday, January 3 through Friday, April 4, 2003. The pool areas at Stormalong Bay remains open while the pool slide undergoes refurbishment.

Voyage of the Little Mermaid is closed for refurbishment January 6 to March 1 (Sa).

Toontown Barnstormer will be closed for refurbishment March 2 to March 7 (F).

The Theater in the China Pavilion closes for refurbishment from Wednesday, March 26 to Thursday, May 22. The Gallery, merchandise shop and restaurants will continue to operate.

Great Movie Ride is closed for refurbishment Monday, February 24 to Sunday, April 13s

Park Events

Upcoming events

Feb 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 will feature 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; advance ticket purchases are suggested.

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

March 30 – Inaugural Walt Disney World Inline 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 – Fifth Annual Celebration of Walt Disney Art Classics cruise and mini-convention aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship.

May 16 - June 15 – Star Wars Weekends

June 3 through June 9 – Gay Days 2003. This unofficial event is not sponsored by Disney. Obtained event information 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

Disney Club Spring Dream Maker Packages – MouseSavers.com reports that Disney Club members can receive an additional a $100 discount on Dream Maker packages, for check-in March 1 to 31.

Prices start at $428 for adults, $223 for juniors and $178 for kids staying in the same room. Book by Friday, March 28 using the discount code found at MouseSavers.com.

The Disney's Atlanta Braves Spring Training Vacation package is available for booking. A two-night package starts as low as $273 per person based on double adult occupancy at a select Disney value resort and is valid for travel most nights from February 20 through March 27, 2003. Junior rate (ages 10-17) for this package is $184 per guest, and child rate (ages 3-9) is $151 per guest. Packages must be booked by Tuesday, March 25, 2003. Additional game tickets are available, as well as additional nights and other resorts at varying rates.

The package also includes attendance to game-day team workouts, and any other same-day general admission events taking place at the Disney's Wide World of Sports complex.

Going camping? MouseSavers.com reports special rates at Fort Wilderness:

• Partial hook-up campsites $35
• Full hook-up 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 select Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants, with the discount good for up to three guests. The offer is valid only on weekdays. Call 407-WDW-DINE for locations and reservations.

Park Hours

Entertainment Schedule