Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Cinderella's Castle also going gold

In yet another Disneyland 50th Anniversary celebration being recognized by another Disney park, an internal memo went out to cast members over the weekend that Cinderella's Castle in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom park is getting a gold gilding treatment similar to its California cousin.

Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland will receive a birthday overlay, complete with "crowns" on each of the five turrets. Word from the Mouse is that Cinderella's Castle will also get a makeover. 2004 Disney. All rights reserved. Used with permission.

Counterfeit Disney Dollars

Walt Disney World has released an internal security memo informing cast members that counterfeit Disney Dollars have appeared in the resort. According to the memo, these fakes are realistic-looking color copies of the real bills. However, while genuine Disney Dollars are printed with shiny color-reflective dots near Tinkerbell, the counterfeits have glitter glued around the area. The memo notes that this glitter can be felt by touch, and we assume the fakes use inferior paper and lack the lightly raised ink of real Mouse currency.

As counterfeiting becomes easier with technology, Disney may be facing the same issues—albeit at a smaller level—as the U.S. Secret Service in keeping one step ahead of counterfeiters.

WDW tops Zagat survey

Zagat Survey has put together its first-ever U.S. Family Travel Guide, and all four Walt Disney World theme parks appear in the Top 10 Family Attractions. The Magic Kingdom park snagged the No. 1 spot in the “Most Popular Attraction” and “Top Theme Park” categories. The “Most Popular Attraction” list also included Epcot in the No. 2 spot, Disney-MGM Studios at No. 6, and Disney's Animal Kingdom at No. 9. Walt's original park, Disneyland, came in at No. 5, giving Disney five of the top 10 spots.

WDW also top “RV-friendly” attraction in U.S.

Walt Disney World Resort recently received the Welcome Mat Award as the No. 1 “RV Friendly” tourist attraction for 2004 from the Good Sam Club, the world's largest membership organization of RV owners. Good Sam introduced the Welcome Mat Award three years ago to recognize businesses that offer top service to RV enthusiasts. This is the third year Walt Disney World Resort has received the Welcome Mat Award.

U.S. Olympic Team Commemorative Pin Event, July 3 – Aug. 14

With the 2004 Olympic Games right around the corner, Walt Disney World Resort is unveiling a collection of commemorative Disney-inspired Olympic pins during an Olympic-themed pin event at Downtown Disney Marketplace. A collection of pins and pin accessories featuring the world-famous Disney characters supporting the U.S. Olympic Team will be released during an eight-week-long event beginning Saturday, July 3, 2004.

On select days throughout the event, current and former U.S. Olympians will be at Downtown Disney Marketplace to meet with guests, sign autographs and pose for pictures. Guests can also catch a glimpse of a real Olympic medal, as Olympians will bring their medals with them to Disney's Pin Traders. The Olympic-themed pin event will culminate with a one-day pin extravaganza at Disney's Wide World of Sport Complex on Saturday, August 14.

Fourth of July festivities announced

Disney has announced its schedule of events for the Fourth of July. Here's what's happening around the World:

Magic Kingdom – Independence Day fireworks launches over Cinderella Castle and from points throughout the theme park at 9 p.m., followed by two presentations of the SpectroMagic parade at 10:30 p.m. and midnight.

Epcot – The American Adventure pavilion in World Showcase serves as the centerpiece of the theme park's Independence Day events, with the Voices of Liberty performing a cappella patriotic music throughout the day. Disney characters will appear in patriotic garb, and “Betsy Ross” will greet youngsters anxious to know about the origins of America's flag. The performance of IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth at 10 p.m. will include a special patriotic finale.

Disney-MGM Studios – The Sorcery in the Sky fireworks returns, firing over the top of Chinese Theater and the Sorcerer's Hat at 9:00 p.m., followed by a 10:30 p.m. performance of Fantasmic!

Disney's Animal Kingdom – Vocals Incorporated, a sextet of singers, honors America with a variety of standards and contemporary tunes. Performances are scheduled in the theme park's Palm Courtyard from 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.

Pleasure Island – Guests will “party patriotic” at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island July 2-4 with the Fourth of July Blast, featuring patriotic music by live bands and the Pleasure Island DJ and a late-night fireworks show that can be viewed throughout the nighttime entertainment district.

WDW also announces holiday events

While everyone is thinking about summer vacations, what better time to announce the festivities for this year's Christmas celebration? Well, let's pull the facts out of the press releases to see what Walt Disney World has in store for this December:

Disney-MGM Studios – Arguable the most popular holiday event at Walt Disney World, the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights returns to the Studios this fall. Evicted last year from Residential Street by the street's demolition and the ensuing construction for the Lights! Motors! Actions! Extreme Stunt Show, the over 5 million light bulbs will brighten up the newly renamed Streets of America (formerly New York Street, briefly Big City Street) from November 24 through January 2.

Magic Kingdom – This year, there are—count 'em—12 nights of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party between November 30 and December 17. The Party includes Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade, exclusive merchandise and character shows, as well as a special fireworks performance, free cookies and hot cocoa, a complimentary family photo, and snow on Main Street, U.S.A.

For those not attending the party, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade runs during the day in the holiday season, with holiday decorations displayed up and down Main Street, U.S.A.

Epcot – The famed Candlelight Processional will be presented three times a night, at 5:00, 6:45, and 8:15 p.m. at the America Gardens theater from November 28 through December 30. Dinner packages are once again available by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463). Celebrity narrators have not yet been announced.

The Holidays Around the World presentations also return this year, running from November 28 through December 30. The celebration includes nightly tree lighting ceremony in World Showcase Plaza at 6 p.m., Kwanzaa and Hanukkah observances, various incarnations of Santa Claus (from Saint Nicholas to La Befana), and the holiday light display on the main walkway between Future World and World Showcase.

Disney's Animal Kingdom – Carolers perform by a 65-foot tree at the park's entrance. Santa Goofy's Holiday Village at Camp Minnie-Mickey features holiday trees, live entertainers, photo opportunities, and carolers. A special holiday version of Donald's Breakfastosaurus features Donald Duck and Santa Goofy.

Downtown Disney Marketplace – The Festival of the Seasons add holiday cheer to holiday shopping at the Marketplace. Holiday window displays and décor, the Dickens Carolers, nightly tree lightings, concerts at the Dock Stage, a strolling brass quintet, and toy soldier stilt walkers round out the entertainment, while Santa Claus takes a break from the North Pole to conduct special photo opportunities at Santa's Village in front of the World of Disney from noon to 10 p.m. daily. from November 20 through December 24.

Resorts – Disney pastry chefs are at it again. Keep your hands off of the edible décor as you view such amazing fare as a life-size carousel, a boardwalk area replica, a miniature chocolate African village, and a giant gingerbread house boasting more than 1,000 pounds of honey.

Return of Hyatt Orlando under new owner

New York hotelier Morris Moinian apparently has a contract to buy the former Hyatt Orlando near the Disney main gate on U.S. Route 192 near I-4. The 919-room hotel closed in September with one day's notice to employees after attempting to reorganize under bankruptcy protection.

The Four Points Sheraton in Downtown Orlando, which closed a month after the Hyatt, is being converted into condominiums. After completing the purchase, Moinian plans to invest in renovating the 80-acre resort to have a village theme, and it will include a time-share section and a state-of-the-art gym and spa. Rooms are expected to go for $200 per night or more, depending on season. Moinian also owns the Wyndham Sugar Bay in St. Thomas and the upscale Dylan Hotel in New York, site of Nyla, a failed restaurant partly owned by Britney Spears.

Discovery River Boats return, but not for riding

The Discovery River Boats, an original attraction at Disney's Animal Kingdom (and designed by MousePlanet contributor George McGinnis), returns to action in a new capacity. They will serve as the stage for a musical atmosphere group called Wasabi, which will perform seven days a week during the summer at 10:15 and 11:30 a.m., and at 12:30, 2:15, and 4:00 p.m. The boats will carry the performers (and a Disney character or two on each cruise except the 4:00) on Discovery Lake, between Asia and DinoLand USA. Two of the former Discovery River Boats have already been pressed into service elsewhere, to host Magical Gatherings cruises at the Seven Seas Lagoon.

Ears to the ground

…The Rose & Crown refurbishment at Epcot's United Kingdom pavilion has been quietly extended until late July.

…The water parks move to their summer schedule on Sunday, June 27. They will be open from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

…The resort tax in Osceola County rises to 6 percent on Thursday, July 1, making the total hotel tax at the Al-Star Resorts (the only resorts in Osceola) increase to 13 percent.

…The New York Street area, previously believed to be receiving the name “Big City Street,” has now officially been declared the “Streets of America Backlot.”

…“Dining with a Walt Disney Imagineer” is apparently still running, and has been extended through Friday, July 30.

…American Vybe fans should be pleased to hear that the group is performing at Epcot's America Gardens theater from June 19 through August 29.

…Last Monday, a new check-in procedure was instituted for diners at the California Grill. Check-in for the restaurant now takes place at a podium on the second floor of the Contemporary Resort. Diners are then escorted by a cast member to an elevator reserved for California Grill patrons only.

Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• “it's a small world” – closed for rehab through March 18, 2005. The work is expected to be 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), replacement of boats, and the rumored swapping of the entry and exit queues for better traffic flow and more stroller parking. The audio upgrade will include a return to a cleaned-up copy of the stereo soundtrack heard at the 1964 World's Fair, which has been very well received since it returned to Disneyland a couple of years ago.
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – has been walled off to “clear the land as well as add landscape for future use.” The work is expected to run through November 21.
• The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter – closed for good. It is now undergoing a major rehab and reopens in fall 2004 as Stitch's Great Escape. The official opening of the new attraction now appears targeted to October 1.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – expected to remain open for the duration of the Stitch's Great Escape construction.
• Timekeeper – returned to seasonal operation. The attraction will be open for the summer season from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. through August 14.
• Adventureland – now opens again with the rest of the park daily with the exception of the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, which still open at 10 a.m. There is a rumor that the Jungle Cruise will open with the rest of the park for the summer, from mid-June through mid-August.
• The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree also open at 10 a.m. every day.
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway - remains open during its rehab, which will continue through August 8.
• Tom Sawyer Island – closes from July 25 – September 25.
• The Enchanted Grove – has returned from rehab.
• Mickey's Toontown Fair train station – will be torn down and rebuilt between May 10 and June 18. The only stops made by the Walt Disney World Railroad during that time will be Main Street, USA and Frontierland, though the train will stop to take on water in Toontown once every three trips around the park. Guests will not be allowed to board or exit the train during that time.
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – down for rehab September 13 – October 15.
• Ariel's Grotto – down for rehab Sept. 22 - Nov. 19 for theme-matching with the 20,000 Leagues Lagoon reclamation.
• Astro Orbiter – down for rehab January 2 – February 16, 2005.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – down for rehab January 10 - February 10, 2005.

Epcot

• The Universe of Energy – may close for a short rehab at any time to remove the ExxonMobil signage now that its pavilion sponsorship has ended.
• Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room – the pub portion is closed until late July. The rehab is rumored to include a complete rebuild on the pub portion and the building of a divider between the pub and the restaurant.
• Food Rocks – 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 – 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 – open seasonally. The Pure and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop have been removed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and The Making of Me attractions will now be open when the pavilion is open.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios – closed and demolished and construction is well underway to turn the site into the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, an American version of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from the Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris.
• Star Tours will be closed for rehab from July 16 – August 1.
• The Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – rehab has been extended through July 12.
• New York Street – undergoing a great deal of construction to change some facades to represent Chicago and San Francisco. The Chicago facades appear to be complete, while San Francisco is underway. Previously believed to be renamed Big City Street, the newly-confirmed name of the area will be the Streets of America Backlot. The target completion date is October 2.
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – will return this year on the Streets of America backlot, from November 24 through January 2.

Animal Kingdom

• No currently reported rehabs.

Resorts

• Port Orleans Resort – A two-year extensive rehab of this resort's rooms is ongoing. For Phase I, French Quarter has reopened. Phase II is underway, and involves 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 – nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses. Each longhouse under rehab is walled off and isolated during its rehab. Rarotonga has reopened after its rehab. Tokelau, Tahiti, and Rapa Nui have not yet been refurbished, but they have not yet been scheduled, either.
• The Never Land Club at Disney's Polynesian Resort - will be refurbished through June 30, 2004. Operations have been moved to the Tangaroa Terrace during this time.
• Disney's Old Key West Resort – The main pool will be closed from September through the end of the year for construction of a new water slide.
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa (a new Disney Vacation Club resort) – now open. Construction continues on the rest of the resort; the other three buildings of Phase I are due by the end of the year, the eight units of Phase II are due in 2005, and the six units of the newly-announced Phase III are due in 2007. Phase III will involve the razing of the old Fairway Villas.

Water Parks

• No current water park rehabs underway.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs 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 – now closed Monday-Wednesday. It is open Thursday–Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Park Events

June 2004

• E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. June 21, 23, 25, 28, 30.

July 2004

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). July 31 through August 19.
• E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. July 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28, 30.
• “ESPN The Weekend” (link). July 31 and Aug. 1.

August 2004

• E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. August 2, 4, 6, 9, 11, 13.

September 2004

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion Weekend (link). September 2–5.
• Nights of Joy (link). September 9 – 11.
• A Family Pin Gathering - Disney's Pin Celebration 2004 (link). September 10 – 12.
• 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). October 1, 3, 8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31.
• 2004 Komen Central Florida Race For The Cure 5K (link). October 9.
• Disney's 10K Classic (link). October 10.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). October 21–24.
• 999 Happy Haunts event (link). October 25-27.

November 2004

• Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney (link). November 12–14.
• Super Soap Weekend (link). November 13-14.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). November 28 and 30, December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 17.
• 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.

February 2005

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Dates in February through April TBA.

April 2005

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). Dates in February through April TBA.

June 2005

• Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link). June 2–5.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Florida Resident Cirque du Soleil La Nouba special

Florida residents can receive 20 percent off Category Two tickets at Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney's West Side from June 1 – September 30, 2004. Blackout dates are June 20 – July 5 and August 22–25. Proof of residency and advance purchase are required. The discount is not available at the ticket window, and there is a limit of four tickets per transaction. To order call 407-939-1282.

June discounts for Georgia residents

Disney has announced a discount for Georgia residents for the month of June. Discounts are for room-only reservations. Visit MouseSavers for more details.

7-for-5 package now available

While not as deep a discount as last year's 7-for-4 package, this year's buy-five-get-two-free package is still a good deal. The package—officially called “Disney's Five Plus Two Dream Maker Package”—is available for stays from July 5 through November 18, but must be booked by June 28. A Disney Visa version of the package that also includes 25 Disney Dollars is available. Visit MouseSavers for more details.

Gaylord Palms to pay for gas

Guests of the Gaylord Palms Resort will receive a $75 credit to cover the higher cost of gasoline for stays of at least three nights from June 15 through Sept. 6. The Orlando-area resort will provide the room credit to guests who make a reservation using the promotion code FREEGAS. It is not a requirement that guests drive to the resort in order to get the discount.

Disney's Summer Price Slice returns

Summer Price Slice is back with special-value greens fees on tee times after 10 a.m. daily from May 17 through Sept. 30 on Disney's five championship courses.

Golfers can test the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $65 (compared to a normal seasonal greens fee of $119) or Eagle Pines for $50 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $109). Post-10 a.m. rounds on the Magnolia, Palm or Lake Buena Vista courses are $45 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $99). Cart is included.

Disney's Summer Price Slice also gives golfers the opportunity to play afternoon rounds late into the day. Golfers can take on Osprey Ridge after 3 p.m. for $35 ($30 after 5 p.m.). Eagle Pines, Magnolia, Palm and Lake Buena Vista start at $30 after 3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.).

For tee times, guests may call 407/WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653). For information on the Walt Disney World golf courses Web site (link).

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 $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.

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 August 2004.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)