This week, Walt Disney World will be testing metal detectors at the entrance to all theme parks after the parks have been cleared. If tests are successful, Disney is expected to install the metal detectors at each park entrance. It is unknown whether the devices would be rolled out to other Disney parks in the U.S. or abroad. Apparently, the screenings would be conducted at random on guests selected as they entered. It has not been disclosed what would happen to guests setting off the detectors, though they could be searched or checked using a hand-held wand.
The tests will attempt to determine where the devices should be located, whether they could be appropriately themed, and would work. Many factors could affect the metal detectors, including passing monorails, which could cause responses both from the magnetic field created by the electric current used, as well as the fact that they are huge metallic objects passing within fairly close proximity.
The new measure would be used in conjunction with the existing bag checks, the effectiveness of which is widely debated on Internet discussion boards. Disney is trying to walk a fine line between providing safety and trying not to cause undue hardship to its guests.
The metal detectors are reportedly not in response to any specific threat, but are part of the resort's comprehensive security program. Representatives of unions representing cast members were in favor of the devices.
The construction walls around the former ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter
attraction await the completion of the new Stitch's Great Escape attraction
in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. Photo by Brian Bennett.
Florida's joint House and Senate audit committee Monday voted to review the laws that created the Reedy Creek Improvement District. The district, created in 1967 at Disney's request, gave the company a quasi-governmental authority to issue bonds, create building codes, as well as a responsibility to provide roadways and emergency services.
The review, the first since the creation of the district was upheld by the Supreme Court in 1968, was prompted by the takeover bid launched by Comcast earlier this year. State Rep. Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando), born two years after the creation of the district, asked the committee and the State Attorney to review the Reedy Creek legislation at the beginning of the session. The Legislature's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability expected the review to begin in late June and take several months to complete.
Disney-related Internet sites are reporting tentative plans for a new water rapids ride to be built as part of the Canada pavilion, in order to block the view of Soarin' from the rest of World Showcase. The ride may be themed to Brother Bear, and could possibly involve a coaster track as well as flume troughs. Nothing, however, has yet received the green light.
All traces of AT&T have been removed or covered up at Spaceship Earth with the end of the company's sponsorship. However, while we reported earlier that the Global Neighborhood had been closed for the installation of Time Racers, it now appears that no work is being done behind the construction wall, and the area may remain untouched until a new sponsor is found. On the brighter side, there is a new rumor that the arm and wand looming over Spaceship Earth might be dismantled sooner than originally anticipated.
Despite the fact that ExxonMobil's sponsorship of the Universe of Energy has ended, those signs have not yet been covered up or modified, with no word on when that will occur.
The Wonders of Life pavilion has closed again following the peak Easter season, despite large crowds during the week. The Pure and Simple eatery is now behind construction walls, and its sign has been removed. The entire Well and Goods Limited shop has been removed, leaving a large open floor area.
Many areas have been set up for the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival inside Innoventions. Rumors are that the buildings will be demolished in order to create something called “Future World Gardens,” which sounds like a remnant of the originally rumored “Project Gemini.”
The Nemo-themed rehab at The Living Seas operation has been halted for now because of budget cuts, and it appears that the plan to return the sea cabs to service has been halted.
The Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room at Epcot closed for rehab yesterday, and is expected to reopen just before July 4, with the entire bar area supposedly being rebuilt from scratch. An outdoor bar will operate during the construction, with a limited drink menu. A permanant separation between the restaurant and bar will apparently be made as part of the work.
New Stitch plushes are lined up, waiting for the new Stitch attraction
to drive demand. Photo by Brian Bennett.
For two weeks in May, Walt Disney World will be testing a new Extra Magic Hour schedule. The new schedule, to be tested from May 9 to 22, features eight opportunities for guests at WDW Resort hotels to spend extra time in the theme parks. Extra Magic Hours will take place twice in each park, once in the morning and once in the evening. Morning offerings will be the current one hour, while evenings will feature up to three hours in the parks after closing time. The opportunities will be given to guests staying at the resorts owned and operated by Disney, as well as those staying at the Swan, Dolphin, and Lake Buena Vista Hilton. Guests at Shades of Green will be able to participate in the morning offering only. Different rides will be open for the morning and evening events. It is expected that E-Ride Nights will continue this summer. This two-week test period will evaluate the impact of the new proposed schedule, which addresses the requests of many guests to have the Extra Magic Hour in the evenings for the benefit of those who are not early risers.
Admission for the Extra Magic Hours will use the same media as for daytime visits. Guests will need to show their room key cards to either gain admission for morning hours or get their wristbands for evening hours. Wristbands will be available within three hours of park close at the main entrance turnstile or within two hours of park close at other select locations within the park.
Offerings by Day of Week (May 9 – 22):
While attractions open in the morning continue to be a small subset of each park, evening hours bring many open attractions.
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney-MGM Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Guests staying at a resort owned and operated by Disney will be notified by postcard before their arrival of this change to assist them with planning their stay. The postcard will direct them to a designated URL at the Walt Disney World Web site with details of the offerings. The schedule and details of the offering will also be distributed to resort Guests with the World Update.
Disney will be evaluating the results of this test before deciding on any permanent changes.
It's Stitch to the rescue in this detail of a mural in this newly-finished
rehab of Mickey's Star Traders. Photo by Brian Bennett.
A Vero Beach, Florida woman has given a copy of a home video to TV station WFTV (Orlando Ch. 9, ABC) allegedly showing her breast being touched by a cast member portraying Tigger during a visit to Magic Kingdom's Mickey's Toon Town Fair in December 2002. The video is available online at the station's Web site (link). The woman said that she had no plans to file a complaint, but submitted the video to show that this type of inappropriate touching does happen. In viewing the video, it is difficult to be certain where Tigger does touch the woman, and it is unknown what purpose, if any, was being served. The character may have touched her breast or her side below her raised arm. As the camera moves away from the scene momentarily and the character moves away from the woman almost immediately, it is difficult to tell the circumstances of the touch.
Since the videotaped incident took place approximately eight months before the original incident being investigated, it is virtually impossible that it was have been Michael Chartrand, the man arrested in the original case. The Orange County Sheriff's Office says that there are now approximately 30 complaints about the character.
Anheuser-Busch has joined the fight against the proposed bullet train between Orlando and Tampa, claiming that it will raise taxes and scuttle other state projects. The SeaWorld Orlando and Busch Gardens Tampa owner prefers spending less money to accomplish a highway expansion between the two cities.
Denying allegations that their opposition to the project was due to the fact that the selected route included a stop at Walt Disney World rather than the alternate route that would have stopped on International Drive near Sea World, Busch pointed to a study that they commissioned showing that for 11 percent of the railway's cost, the addition of two more lanes on I-4 between Orlando and Tampa would provide 14 times the capacity of the train.
This not-so-hidden Hidden Mickey is in part of a mural above the newly
refurbished Mickey's Star Traders. Photo by Brian Bennett.
A new hand-painted cel entitled “Checking In?” debuts May 1 at the Animation Gallery at the Disney-MGM Studios. The cel, featuring 15 hidden references to Disney villains, will premiere only at Disney-MGM Studios in honor of the Studios' 15th anniversary. Artists will be on hand during the event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and from 2 to 5 p.m. Signatures will only be available for orders placed on or before May 1. (To pre-order, call 407-560-4079.)
Annual Passholders can receive a free commemorative coin, celebrating Disney-MGM Studios 15th Anniversary, by showing their valid Passholder I.D. at the Sorcerer Hat Shop between May 1 and May 13. Created by celebrated Disney artist Don “Ducky” Williams, the coin features Director Mickey filming Minnie Mouse.
This year's Grad Nights will be held on April 23, 24, and 30, and May 1, from 10:00 p.m. to 4:00 a.m. On those nights, the Magic Kingdom closes to the public at 7:00, and there will be Pre-Grad Night parties held at Pleasure Island (6:00 to 8:30), Magic Kingdom (9:30 to 11:00) and Fort Wilderness (7:30 to 10:00).
Beware of major traffic tie-ups in the Magic Kingdom area from about 9:00 to 11:00 each night due to the dozens of tour buses carrying in the participants. Be prepared for long delays and plan an alternate route if you are staying at one of the Magic Kingdom resorts and planning to drive somewhere at that time of night. It's probably a good idea to avoid Pleasure Island and Fort Wilderness around the times of the Pre-Grad Night parties, as well.
Grad Nights have been reduced from three weekends to two this year because of competition from Universal Orlando.
If you were wondering what all those new cars and off-road track were doing in Epcot's Imagine parking lot, it was the AutoShow in Motion. The free show, sponsored by General Motors, gave consumers the opportunity to compare GM cars with cars by many competitors. Driving a Hummer H2? Free. Driving cars by Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, and many others? Free. A new Pontiac GTO? Free. Even lunch was free, too. The event, which ran from April 15 to 18, was one of only three events of its kind scheduled. The others are in Raleigh, NC May 5-9, and Washington, DC May 20-23.
The California Grill will host a special dining event on July 4. The event will feature entertainment to celebrate Independence Day and a great view of the new Wishes fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom park. There will be multiple food and wine stations throughout the restaurant's dining room. The special event menu will feature brick oven flatbreads, sushi by Yoshie, and classic summer salads. Entrée stations include a “California Picnic Table,” featuring smoked salmon, assorted cheeses, and buffalo wings; a “Hot Off the Barbeque” station featuring fried chicken breast, barbeque pork ribs, New York strip steak and shrimp kabobs. The meal will conclude with assorted desserts from the bake shop.
…Rehab walls will go up around 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea submarine lagoon on Monday, April 19. It will take seven months to clear the land and add landscape. Although what happens after that is uncertain, the Hundred-Acre Wood meet-and-greet remains a strong rumor.
…Tickets for the September 9-11 Nights of Joy event go on sale Wednesday. Advance tickets are $36.95 for one night; $59.95 for two nights; and $79.95 for all three nights. Prices do not include tax. This event has sold out in previous years, so don't delay in buying your tickets if you really want to go.
Goofy hosts his own scavenger hunt and trivia booklet at Epcot. Photo
by Brian Bennett.
…Disney Vacation Club members can enjoy special VIP seating at the Flower Power concerts during the Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Just show your blue DVC membership card as well as your room key to access the first-come, first-served seating area.
…Effective Tuesday, April 20, the Main Street Gallery will be relocated to King's Gallery in Fantasyland. The last day of business for the Main Street Gallery was April 17.
…Following a couple of serious accidents on Seven Seas Lagoon, the policy for renting Water Mouse/Sea Raycer boats has changed. The old policy of at least 12 years old and 5 feet tall has been modified to at least 16 years old with a valid driver's license.
…The refurbishment of Snow White's Scary Adventures has been extended by a week. The attraction closed April 19 for refurbishment through May 28, instead of May 21.
…Construction of the new water slide at Disney's Old Key West Resort will start in September, not spring as originally scheduled. However, it is still scheduled to be finished by the end of the year.
…House of Blues recently announced a new “Pass the Line” program at their Downtown Disney West Side location. The program offers guests who dine or shop at the House of Blues before attending a House of Blues show the opportunity to enter the show 5 to 10 minutes before the scheduled door opening time. To take advantage of the program, each ticket holder must purchase one dinner entrée or spend $35 in the House of Blues Company Store. “Pass the Line” is not available for all shows or events.
The Kids Discovery Club guide book helps to give children a better rounded
feeling about the animals portrayed there. Photo by Brian Bennett.
…Soft serve vanilla and chocolate ice cream replaced nonfat frozen yogurt at Sunshine Tree Terrace. A different variety of frozen yogurt is used in the smoothies sold at Auntie Gravity's Galactic Goodies, which continues to be offered.
…Apparently, the Expedition: Everest attraction will be themed as a journey to the legendary Shangri-La. The trains are rumored to have six passenger cars with three two-across rows, with a locomotive "pushing" the train along the track.
…Pleasure Island will celebrate Cinco de Mayo on April 30, May 1 and May 5. The festivities are included in your regular Pleasure Island admission and will include live music, piñatas and other Mexican touches.
Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.
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'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).
Annual Passholders can receive a free commemorative coin, celebrating Disney-MGM Studios 15th Anniversary by showing their valid Passholder I.D. at the Sorcerer Hat Shop between May 1 and May 13, 2004. Created by celebrated Disney artist Don "Ducky" Williams, the coin features Director Mickey filming Minnie Mouse.
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 $26 per adult, per ticket with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program. These prices are before the 6.5 percent Orange County sales tax.
You can also receive these Advance Purchase Savings with packages purchased through AAA.
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| 7-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults |
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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.
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through June 2004.
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MK 9a-9:30p |
MK 9a-9:30p |
MK 9a-9:30p |
MK 9a-6:30p |
MK 9a-7p |
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through June 2004.
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8:30p Wishes Fireworks 9:30p |
Disney Gardening at Home: Adding Style with Containers 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: Davy Jones 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Tuesday 4/20
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8:30p Wishes Fireworks 9:30p |
Disney Gardening at Home: Adding Style with Containers 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: The Nelsons 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Wednesday 4/21
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8:30p Wishes Fireworks 9:30p |
Disney Gardening at Home: Adding Style with Containers 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: The Nelsons 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Thursday 4/22
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p |
Disney Gardening at Home: Adding Style with Containers 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: The Nelsons 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Friday 4/23
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p |
Great American Gardeners Series: Eric Grissel 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: The Nelsons 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Saturday 4/24
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p |
Great American Gardeners Series: Eric Grissel 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: B.J. Thomas 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Sunday 4/25
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8:30 Wishes Fireworks 9:30p |
Great American Gardeners Series: Eric Grissel 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: B.J. Thomas 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 4/26 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Disney Gardening atHome: Birds, Beasts, and other Relatives 11a, 2p Flower Power Concert: B.J. Thomas 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations! 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
(Separate admission required)
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Elliot Dyson |
Kabang |
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Tuesday 4/20
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Elliot Dyson |
Kabang |
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Wednesday 4/21
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Elliot Dyson |
Kabang |
The Big Idea |
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Thursday 4/22
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8 to the Bar |
Stormbringer |
Pleasure Island's Battle of the Bands 8 |
GWAR with Watch Them Die (main room), $15 in advance, $17.50 day of show 8pm Keith Caton & the Accelerators (Blues Kitchen), free 11pm |
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Friday 4/23
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8 to the Bar |
Stormbringer |
The Big Idea |
Avenged Sevenfold with My Chemical Romance, Moments in Grace and Funeral for a Friend (main room), $12 in advance, $15 day of show 7:30pm Terry Haunk (Blues Kitchen), free 11pm |
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Saturday 4/24
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TBA |
TBA |
The Big Idea |
Soul Trip Skateboards presents...House of Ska / Punk! with Skif Dank, Green Goblyn Project, Playground Heroes and Lybian Hit Squad (main room), $5 in advance, $7 day of show 7:30 pm Sarasota Slim (Blues Kitchen), free 11pm |
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Sunday 4/25
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Elliot Dyson |
The Big Idea |
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The Heavenlyettes (gospel brunch), $30 adult, $15 child (3-9) 10:30am, 1p |
| Monday 4/26 | |||
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Elliot Dyson |
The Big Idea |
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(Send an email to Mark Goldhaber)
Mark (@MPMark) is a veteran of dozens of trips to Walt Disney World starting in 1972, with a few Disneyland trips thrown in for good measure. As a Disney stockholder and a Disney Vacation Club member, Mark is always in touch with what's going on with The Mouse. Mark serves as MousePlanet's Walt Disney World content coordinator. Mark is a senior information technology manager working for the State of New York. He lives in the suburbs outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son.
