Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Impasse with Reedy Creek firefighters broken by mediator

In the early hours of Wednesday morning, at the end of a 16-hour session with a federal mediator, Reedy Creek and the union representing its approximately 150 firefighters reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. The firefighters had been working without a contract since December 2001. The deal became possible when the district agreed to extend health benefits to some retired workers and to change the review process for determining whether certain communicable diseases had been contracted on the job or not.

With those agreed to, the final issue was money. While the firefighters did not receive the retroactive raises for 2002 and 2003 that they were looking for, they received a four percent signing bonus and raises of three to four percent between now and the new contract's expiration in 2006. The district did not want to give the firefighters retroactive raises because all non-union district employees received no raises during that period due to the slumping economy, and it did not want to give the firefighters a benefit that no other workers received. The agreement also raised the pay scale for the firefighters, raising standard wages for the lowest grade through the highest.

If was ratified by the District's Board of Supervisors, and the rank and file membership of the union, the contract could be in place by April.

A new exhibit entitled "Tin Toy Story" has opened in the small museum at the rear of the Japan pavilion in Epcot. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Disney agrees on contract with part-timers

It now appears imminent that, for the first time, Walt Disney World's part-time cast members will have a union contract. The 6,100 workers, who work less that 25 hours per week, have not had a raise since voting to unionize in 2002. They are represented by the Service Trades Council Union an umbrella group for the six individual unions involved, including the Teamsters and the United Food and Commercial Workers.

The contract will increase starting pay for part-timers from $6.35 an hour to $6.70, and guarantee raises of two to three percent per year through 2007. It will also institute a formal grievance process for the workers. While the union was hoping to also get health benefits included, Disney would not agree, though they stated that they might consider it in the future.

One of the featured sections of the "Tin Toy Story" exhibit is Robots and Spacemen. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Weak dollar brings more international visitors to Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World is experiencing a 12 percent increase in international visitors for the second quarter, according to the Prudential Equity Group. After a steep drop-off following the 9/11 terrorist attacks, the number of vacationers did not pick up because of factors such as the troubled world economy, the war in Iraq, and the SARS epidemic. The rise international traffic really was prompted more recently, when the dropping dollar made American vacations more affordable. In the last year, the euro and the British pound are both up around 14 to 15 percent. Even the Canadian dollar is up 12 percent over last year.

The dollar recently reached a record low against the euro and an 11-year low against the pound, and visitors are making the most of it. Families are spending much more cash and buying tickets once in the United States instead of at home to take advantage of the exchange rate, and to pay their bills in dollars instead of in pounds or euros.

And what "Tin Toy Story" exhibit would be complete without Disney characters? Photo by Brian Bennett.

Walkway and bridge past Everest open to the public

The walkway and bridge connecting Asia to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on March 19 in a special cast ceremony. Yes, a special ceremony for opening a pathway.

The new pathway will allow guests to see the Everest construction up close, while also providing a new view of the Tree of Life. Two new buildings along the path represent a hotel and an inn that trekkers might visit while travelling to the Himalayas. The inn features the area's newest restroom.

This will also give guests a new way to navigate the park, allowing direct traffic from the Tarzan Rocks theater to the back portion of Asia. The new Expedition: Everest attraction, along with a new restaurant, are expected to open in 2006.

After two weeks of test operation, the Earl of Sandwich shop is now officially open. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Earl of Sandwich holds grand opening

After a two-week soft opening, the Earl of Sandwich shop held its grand opening on Friday, with festivities hosted by—who else—the Earl of Sandwich. John Montagu, the 11th Earl of Sandwich, is a direct descendant of the 4th Earl of Sandwich, also John Montagu, who is credited with inventing the popular food item bearing his name 242 years ago. Lord Sandwich, his son Orlando Montagu (who will eventually become the 12th Earl of Sandwich) and Robert Earl (founder of the Planet Hollywood chain but no relation) led the festivities to open the first of what they hope to be many Earl of Sandwich shops. Their next is planned for New York City's Times Square.

The 220-seat restaurant (half of the seating is outside) features a kitchen and service area in full view of the customer. Lord Sandwich said, "Robert and my family have worked together for more than a year to ensure that our food is second to none—it must be perfect because my name is the brand. We are now ready and I am delighted to be here at Disney World for the launch of our first U.S. store."

The Earl of Sandwich shop features a large, open Grab-n-Go area. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Marathon and Triathlon news and contests

Contest for free Marathon, Half-Marathon, or 5K entry

Runners World magazine is sponsoring a contest with the grand prize being a trip for two to Walt Disney World, with two entries in either the Walt Disney World Marathon, Half-Marathon, or Family Fun Run 5K, as well as airfare, three nights in a hotel, and four one-day one-park tickets. For more information, check out their web site (link). Entry deadline is March 31, 2004.

Half Ironman sponsor announced, contest for future free entry

The Philadelphia Insurance Company has signed on as presenting sponsor of the Florida Half Ironman triathlon at Walt Disney World. The May 23 event will feature a 1.2-mile swim through Disney?s Bay Lake, a 56-mile bike ride around Walt Disney World Resort property and a 13.1-mile run through Disney?s Osprey Ridge golf course. Over 2,000 participants are expected.

Among the participants will be seven members of Philadelphia Insurance Company?s management team, who hope to raise $50,000 for the Children?s Hospital of Philadelphia.

By sponsoring the event, Philadelphia Insurance Company is also giving all athletes registered for the Florida Half Ironman the chance to win a free entry to another Ironman North America event this year. Athletes can register by completing a brief survey of athletes indicate the health & fitness facilities where they workout and train, Philadelphia Insurance will send the hometown health clubs a sign to display that acknowledges each local athlete training for the Florida Half Ironman. The drawing for the free race entry will take place at the Philadelphia Insurance booth at the Florida Half Ironman Village/Expo on Saturday, May 22 at 4:00 p.m. To win a free entry to another Ironman North America event this year, Florida Half Ironman athletes may access the Philadelphia Insurance Company survey (link) with username "clubs" and password "flhclubs".

New International Distance Triathlon announced

Disney has announced a new distance sporting event to be held on September 26, 2004. Disney's International Distance Triathlon will start at Disney's Contemporary Resort and conclude at Epcot. Swimming from the North Beach, the transition to bicycles will be staged under the monorail beams just north of the main tower. The transition from bicycle to running will be staged at Epcot. The entire 10K run will take place in and around Epcot, with the final portion of the run going around the World Showcase Lagoon and through Future World to the finish line just outside Epcot's main entrance.

A spacious food prep area is in view of guests waiting for their food at Earl of Sandwich. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Bachelor/Bachelorette casting call at Pleasure Island

On Saturday, April 17, Downtown Disney Pleasure Island will host a casting call for the ABC television shows The Bachelor and The Bachelorette from 11 a.m. until 7 p.m.

The casting call is open to the general public, but participants must complete the downloadable application from Orlando ABC affiliate WFTV's Web site (link) prior to the audition.

Participants should bring government-issued photo identification for age verification, and be prepared for on-camera interviews. A complete list of rules and regulations and the downloadable application are available online.

Construction at Old Key West

Disney breaks ground this spring on a 32-foot high water slide at Disney's Old Key West Resort. The 100-foot long sand castle-themed slide will feature two 360-degree turns. It is targeted to open by the end of the year.

Also at Old Key West, room refurbishment is ongoing through this spring. All rooms will be getting new carpeting and blinds. Most will get new paint, and some will get new loveseats and sofa beds. All TVs and VCRs are being replaced with 32-inch, 27-inch, or 19-inch televisions (depending on type of room), and DVD players.

A tower at the Beach Club Resort undergoes some rehab. Photo by Brian Bennett.

High-speed Internet update

High-speed Internet connectivity is now available at a rate of $9.95 for 24 hours at several Walt Disney World resorts. By summer, all convention center resorts and Disney Vacation Club resorts will be wired.

Currently connected are the Coronado Springs Resort, the Yacht & Beach Club Resorts (including the Beach Club Villas), the Contemporay Resort, the Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and the BoardWalk Resort (includind the BoardWalk Villas). The Villas at the Wilderness Lodge and the Old Key West Resort are due to come online by late spring. The Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will open with the service.

In addition, Wi-Fi service is now available for a fee in public areas at the Contemporary Resort, Coronado Springs Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, and Yacht & Beach Club Resorts.

BoardWalk rehab

The DVC Member Clubhouse newsletter reports that portions of Disney's BoardWalk Resort will be undergoing building maintenance. Sections of the porte cochere roof will be replaced this month, and segments of the Resort's piping system will be updated through July. Work on the piping system will take place in the building corridors and surrounding areas daily during the hours of 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. No work is scheduled inside Guest rooms.

Ears to the Ground

…Word on the street is that Stitch's Great Escape is now pointing toward a June soft opening, with an official grand opening in September.

…It appears that the Wonders of Life pavilion will be open from April 4 through 25 for the holiday season.

…Fastpass is being tested at Festival of the Lion King show March 21 to 23 as a trial for possible permanent installation this summer. The test will include different placements of the Fastpass distribution.

…Pocahontas and her Forest Friends will be closed for a minor rehab to the stage and theater March 23-29.

…It seems that there have been some hull problems with the new Sea Raycer boats that were scheduled to replace the Water Mice. The Water Mice are remaining in service until the Sea Raycer issue is resolved.

…Shula's Steakhouse at the Walt Disney World Dolphin hotel has been ranked at the #1 Most Upscale Restaurant by the Orlando Business Journal. Restaurants were ranked by the total cost of most expensive appetizer, entree, and dessert; ties were broken by wine.

…Disney's Wide World of Sports "goes to the dogs" on April 24 as many of the nation's best canines compete in Purina's Incredible Dog Challenge athletic event at the complex.

…Restaurant Akershus will be open for the Princess Character Breakfast only from April 18 through May 10. It will not be open for lunch and dinner during that time.

…Downtown Disney Marketplace now opens for food service at 9 a.m. instead of 10:30 a.m. Closing is still at 11 p.m.

Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• "it's a small world" is rumored to be going down for rehab from June 7 of this year through March 18, 2005 for upgrades to the lighting, audio, and electrical systems, rehabs to sets and Audio-Animatronic figures, asbestos abatement, roof repair, regular water maintenance (draining and refilling), and the possible addition of a new scene.
• The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter has closed for good. It is now undergoing a major rehab and reopens in fall 2004 as Stitch's Great Escape.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress is expected to remain open for the duration of the Stitch's Great Escape construction.
• Timekeeper has returned to seasonal operation.
• Mickey's Star Traders is closed for refurbishment through early April as part of the Stitch rehab.
• Adventureland now opens at 10 a.m. on non-peak days, but opens with the rest of the park (except for the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management) on Sundays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The upcoming schedule of peak days shows that the land will open at 9 a.m. every day from now through March 25.
• The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree also open at 10 a.m. every day.
• Snow White's Scary Adventures will be closed for refurbishment from April 19 through May 21.
• The Sword In the Stone show will not be performed on March 22, 23, 24, 27, and 29.

Epcot

• It is expected that the Universe of Energy will close for a short rehab in March to remove the ExxonMobil signage after its pavilion sponsorship ends.
• It appears that the Living Seas pavilion will closing for a rehab in the April time frame. Rumors are strong that Audio-Animatronic characters from Finding Nemo will be added to the pavilion for Phase II of the Nemo rehab.
• Food Rocks has closed permanently to make way for the entrance to the new Soarin' Over California attraction.
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The Land has been discontinued during reconstruction of the Food Rocks area into the queue for Soarin'. The tours are expected to resume upon completion of the construction.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion is open seasonally. The Pure and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop will remain closed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and The Making of Me attractions will now be open when the pavilion is open. Note: New information indicates that Pure and Simple will be open with the pavilion during the Spring Break 2004 season.
• Restaurant Akershus will be open for the Princess Character Breakfast only from April 18 through May 10. It will not be open for lunch and dinner during that time.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios has been closed and demolished and construction is well underway to turn the site into Lights, Motors, Action!, an American version of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from the Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris.
• The Backlot Tour is closed through April 1 to allow construction vehicles free access to the stunt show construction site. Once the stunt show opens, the tour will run two routes. The first route, when the stunt show is not running, will go through the stunt show set. The second route, during the stunt show, will bypass the stunt show set.
• Sets from the Haunted Mansion movie are now open in the old Backstage Pass soundstage and is open through April 2004.
• The "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids" Movie Set Adventure will be closed for rehab May 3 - June 30.
• New York Street is undergoing a great deal of construction to change some facades to represent Chicago and San Francisco. The Chicago facades appear to be complete, but we do not yet have a target completion date for the rest of the newly-titled Big City Street.
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights is reported to be returning on New York Street/Big City Street for this year.

Animal Kingdom

• Pocahontas and her Forest Friends will be closed for a minor rehab to the stage and theater from March 23-29.
• Dinosaur will be closed for refurbishment from April 19 through June 1.

Resorts

• Port Orleans Resort - A two-year extensive rehab of this resort's rooms is ongoing. For Phase I, French Quarter closed May 4, 2003 and reopened yesterday. Phase II will involve Riverside going through a phased rehab. The Magnolia Bend mansions will go down one by one, followed by Alligator Bayou closing in sections.
• Polynesian Resort is nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses. Each longhouse under rehab is walled off and isolated during its rehab. Niue and Rarotonga are the last remaining longhouses currently scheduled to undergo rehab, and are tentatively scheduled through May 2. Tokelau, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui have not yet been refurbished, but they have not yet been scheduled, either.
• Shades of Green – has now reopened, though construction is ongoing.
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa (a Disney Vacation Club resort) has an announced grand opening ceremony date of May 27, however guests may stay at the Resort beginning May 17. Reservations are now available.

Water Parks

• There are no current water park rehabs underway.

Elsewhere

• Magic Kingdom & BoardWalk gas stations: Have reopened as Hess Express
• Pleasure Island gas station: Closed March 10 and reopens March 30 as Hess Express
• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba is performing Tuesdays through Saturdays, but will be closed June 20-July 5, August 22-25, October 17-20, and December 5-13.
• The All Star Cafe at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex is now closed Monday-Wednesday. It is open Thursday-Sunday, from 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Atlanta Braves training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Now through April 2.

March 2004

• Lights! Camera! Pins! pin trading event (link). March 27.

April 2004

• Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival (link). April 16 – June 6.
• Grad Nights (link). April 23, 24, 30, and May 1.

May 2004

• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon (link). May 2.
• Danskin Women's Triathlon (link). May 16.
• Florida Half Ironman Triathlon (link). May 23.
• Disney Vacation Club Member Homecoming event/Saratoga Springs opening. May 25-27.
• Star Wars Weekends (link). Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, May 14 to June 13.

June 2004

• Gay Days (link). June 3–6.[Not official WDW events.]
• Family Pride Coalition Weekend (link). June 17-20.[Not official WDW events.]

July 2004

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Dates in July and August TBA.

September 2004

• Nights of Joy (link). September 9-11.
• Disney's International Distance Triathlon (link). September 26.

October 2004

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). October 1 – November 14.
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). Dates in October TBA.
• Disney's 10K Classic (link). October 10.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). October 21–24.

November 2004

• Super Soap Weekend (link). Dates in early November TBA.
• Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney (link). November 12–14.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Dates in November and December TBA.
• Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney (link). November 26 – December 24.
• Holidays Around the World (link). November 26 – December 30.

December 2004

• New Year's Eve celebrations at Pleasure Island (link) and Atlantic Dance (link). December 31.

January 2005

• Disney's Health and Fitness Expo (link). January 7 & 8.
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link). January 8.
• Disney Marathon (link) and Half-Marathon (link). January 9.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Students get "Spring Price Break" at Pleasure Island

College or university students 18 years of age or older with a valid student ID can take advantage of a 25 percent discount on admission tickets to Pleasure Island. Students must ask for the special discount at the Downtown Disney Pleasure Island box office. The offer is valid until April 16, 2004.

All-guests discounts for hotel-only and Dream Maker packages now available

Discount rates for Annual Passholders, Florida Residents, and general guests for stay from April 18 through July 4 are now available. Visit MouseSavers for more details.

Disney Visa hotel-only and Summer Dream Maker discounts announced

MouseSavers has posted prices and rate codes for hotel-only reservations and Dream Maker packages. The rates are now available for booking. Vacations must be taken between April 18 and July 4. Reservations must be made by April 17. Visit MouseSavers for more details.

April-June discount codes for Fort Wilderness

MouseSavers is reporting new discount codes for stays at the Fort Wilderness campground for check-ins April 18 through June 5. Reservations must be made by March 31, and rates are subject to availability. Visit MouseSavers for more details.

Florida resident Play Four Days pass returns

Disney's Play 4 Days pass for Florida residents is again on sale. The special pass is essentially a four-day park hopper pass for Florida residents that is available for $109 plus tax. The pass is good for theme park visits from January 4 through June 4, with blockout dates April 3-15 for the peak Easter week season. Passes are available at Walt Disney World theme parks, Florida Disney Stores, AAA offices. The cost of a Play 4 Days pass may be applied to a Florida resident Annual or Seasonal pass. For more information, either visit the Play 4 Days Web page (link) or call 407-WDW-4DAYS (407-939-4329).

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging visitors to buy their theme park tickets before they even leave home, by offering a slight discount on advance purchases. You can save as much as $22 per adult, per ticket with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program.

You can also receive these Advance Purchase Savings with packages purchased through AAA.

Annual Passholders

Receive 10 percent 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 Mondays through Fridays. Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) for locations and reservations.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2004.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)