Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

It's a girl! Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomes another baby elephant

Tufani has a new playmate. Disney's Animal Kingdom welcomed a new baby African elephant last Tuesday evening. A 230-pound female elephant named, Kianga—“Sunshine” in Swahili—was born to 18-year-old Vasha after a 22-month gestation. Both baby and mother appear to be doing well. Kianga is nursing successfully and is already feisty and active.

In the near future, guests will be able to see Kianga's progress on camera monitors at Rafiki's Planet Watch at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It will be several weeks before the calf and her mother will join other elephants on the savannah.

Given the difficulty in achieving successful births of African elephants, especially in captivity, it's extraordinary that Disney has had two successful births so close together. In addition, two other elephants at Disney's Animal Kingdom are pregnant, with one due to give birth next spring and the other in late winter, giving further credibility to the Animal Kingdom breeding program.

See the full birth announcement in our News and Announcements section (link).

Kianga is nursing successfully from Vasha. Photo © Disney.

Disney Legend Sam McKim dies

MousePlanet has learned that Disney Legend Sam McKim, honored on a window on Main Street, U.S.A. in the Magic Kingdom (“Golden State Graphic Arts Studio, Latest Artistic Principles Employed”), passed away late last week. Details were not immediately available. McKim, who retired in 1987, was named a Disney Legend in 1996. His story sketches included “it's a small world,” Hall of Presidents, Carousel of Progress, and Haunted Mansion. He may be best known for the many souvenir park maps that he created. MousePlanet will have more on this on Wednesday.

Magic Kingdom was full—but not too full—on July 4

A cast member wrote to us to clarify our information after reading last week's Walt Disney World Update, where the photo captions referred to the crowds at the Magic Kingdom on the Fourth of July.

The cast member writes:

“Magic Kingdom never really reached anywhere near capacity, or even closing the park like we have in July 4 in the past. We were only up to about 42,000 at the 3:00 parade, and by the time fireworks came around at 9 p.m., we were only at about 52,000. Last year we were at about 64,000. The article and pictures made it seem like this was the first time we've had these crowds. The picture of Cosmic Ray's shows people eating on the floor—that's because it's indoors, and it poured down rain that afternoon; we all know how guests get when it rains here. They're afraid to walk outside and get wet, so the majority of them that were already there stayed, and then a crowd of people came in to get out of the rain. Same thing, I believe, with the pictures of Timekeeper (indoor attraction—look at the guy coming in with the raincoat); and Hall of Presidents. The Mansion queue there, running down through the old Keelboat queue, I think was the exception.”

Regarding the photos of guests being routed backstage due to the crush of people on Main Street, U.S.A., the cast member adds, “[W]e do that every weekend during busy seasons. [T]he article makes this sound like it's something we've done once or twice. I don't think it's bad show; it's just more convenient to run guests backstage rather than have crowds coming down Main Street to exit compete with the crowds sitting to watch the parades and fireworks. On the 4th, we had the fireworks before the parades instead of in between. It's nothing we haven't done before.”

Thanks for the clarification. We did not intend to make it seem that the crowds and the measures taken to handle them were out of the ordinary for a holiday, though we don't always have photos to show what it's like at such a peak time. As for the routing of guests backstage, it is indeed more convenient and safe to do that, but sending guests backstage breaks the fantasy, and would indeed be considered “bad show.” However, safety comes before show, so there's no problem with that.

New baby elephant Kianga flirts with the camera. Photo © Disney.

New window coming on Main Street, U.S.A.

Ralph Kent, Corporate Trainer for Artist Development at Disney Design Group, will be honored with a window on Main Street, U.S.A., at the Magic Kingdom Park, following his retirement after a decades-long career with the Walt Disney Company.

Ralph worked on many influential Walt Disney Imagineering and Merchandise projects during the 1960s, before moving to Florida to help open the Walt Disney World Resort. Ralph was presented with a mock-up of his window at a ceremony at Downtown Disney West Side on July 7 by Walt Disney World President Al Weiss.

Windows overlooking Main Street, U.S.A., in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom honor those whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the creation and operation of the WDW theme parks.

PhotoPass update

A MousePlanet reader has passed the following along regarding the Disney's PhotoPass trademark that we reported on last week:

“Disney Photographic Imaging will be shooting the Disney PhotoPass, as Kodak is being kicked out of Epcot. Initially, the program will start at Epcot and Ft. Wilderness, with people on Advanced Internships working as the photographers with Nikon D70 cameras. Disney is reclaiming this from Kodak as part of an effort to sell people pictures back home and so forth as described in the trademark paperwork. It should start in mid-August or September.

“According to people at Kodak, Disney has a lot of work to do before they'd be ready to start selling to the public.

“Kodak photographers are being asked if they want to be assigned to another park/resort or go to Universal [Studios Orlando] as of September.”

ASIMO, a robot that was on display at Epcot through July 11, shakes hands with its host. Photo by Brian Bennett.

College band performs at Magic Kingdom

Through August 7, the 2004 Disney Collegiate All-Star Band is performing Saturday through Wednesday in the Magic Kingdom. The band, with representatives from 16 colleges and universities, performs four times each day (five times on Fridays).

Daily Performance Schedule:

• 4:00 p.m. Tomorrowland – Contemporary Disney & Current Top 40 Special Performances on Cosmic Ray's Starlight Caf Stage (Thursdays only)
• 5:00 p.m. Tomorrowland – Contemporary Disney & Current Top 40
• 6:00 p.m. Liberty Square Riverboat – Classic Songs of the South in a Dixieland Style
• 7:15 p.m. Castle Forecourt – Classic American Composers & Classic Disney
• 8:30 p.m. Pre-Parade – Marching Band Style

Bucs announce practice schedule

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced their schedule of practices for this summer's training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Admission to the training camp is free of charge and open to the public.

Complimentary admission tickets will be available at the tent to the right of the main entrance upon entering Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. You will then be directed to a special gate used only for training camp guests. Admission to the other venues and events at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex is not included with the complimentary training camp admission.

General daily practices will be held each morning from 8:30 to 10:45am and each afternoon from 2:45 p.m. to 4:45 p.m. from July 31 through August 16 with the exceptions noted below.

• Tuesday, August 3, Friday, August 6, Tuesday, August 10 – afternoon is special teams practice only, and runs until 3:55 p.m.
• Saturday, August 7, Wednesday, August 18 – no afternoon practice.
• Monday, August 9, Wednesday, August 11, Thursday, August 12. – afternoon practice ends at 4:30 p.m.
• Monday, August 16 – no morning practice; afternoon practice ends at 4:30 p.m.

The training camp schedule is subject to change without further notice.

ASIMO, a robot that was on display at Epcot through July 11, walks down stairs. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Cosmic Ray's adds ribs

Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café in Tomorrowland is permanently adding BBQ Ribs to their menu. This item will be available on the chicken side.

The enhanced Chicken Side menu now features:

• 1/2 Chicken and BBQ Rib Combo served with mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable ($13.89)
• BBQ Rib Meal served with mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable ($8.69)
• 1/2 Rotisserie Chicken served with mashed potatoes and a seasonal vegetable ($6.99)
• Grilled Chicken Sandwich served with French fries or carrots ($6.79)
• Fried Chicken Strips served with French fries or carrots ($6.49)
• Kosher Chicken Strips served with potato croquettes (Glatt Kosher, $8.99)

Reminder: Food & Wine special events reservations open next Tuesday

The 2004 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival runs from October 1 through November 14. Reservations open at 7:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 20 for the Festival's separate-admission events, including Party for the Senses, Vertical Wine Tastings, Food and Wine Pairings, the Lunch and Learn Series and the Signature Dinner Series. Call (407) WDW-FEST (939-3378).

Platinum Edition Cinderella DVD

Although various release schedules show Cinderella as not being available until 2007, work seems to be well underway on the project. MousePlanet reader Ryan O. found himself staring at five potential DVD covers during a recent online Disney survey. Either Disney works on product covers three years in advance, or the DVD is being released sooner than 2007. Could it be possible that Disney has moved the release date forward by a bit so that the DVD could be released during Disneyland's 18-month 50th anniversary window? If so, Walt Disney World could have some extra synergy, what with its recent announcement that the Cinderella Castle in the Magic Kingdom will get a special treatment for the celebration.

One of these five different covers may eventually grace the cover of the Platinum Edition DVD. All images ©Disney.

Ears to the ground

…We hear that ground clearing is underway for the long-rumored Master Blaster-style water coaster at Typhoon Lagoon. Major earthmoving will not begin until the park's scheduled two-month rehab closure over the winter. The coaster will be installed at the current location of Out of the Way Cay, and is expected to open following the park's winter rehab in either 2005 or 2006.

…The Fantasyland Skyway building area goes under rehab from July 11 to September 30. While the building itself will not be worked on, the grounds in front will be completely redone. The waterfall, bridge and pond will be removed and replaced with a meet-and-greet for Snow White and a new stroller parking area for “it's a small world.”

…We've heard a rumour that there may be Star Wars characters out in the Disney/MGM Studios on a regular basis. No time frame has been given, other than “this summer.”

…As reported earlier, the Liberty Square Portrait Gallery has completed relocating its operation next to two existing merchandise locations. One is on the porch area outside the Christmas Shoppe and the other is on Main Street, U.S.A. between Uptown Jewelers and the Market House. The Produce Market has relocated to the facility that was previously occupied by the portrait artist.

…We've now got confirmation that the grand opening of Stitch's Great Escape is targeted for a press event on October 1-3. Cast previews take place in early September, with unadvertised openings mid-September and an official soft opening in late September.

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 19, with the walls tentatively coming down on November 11.
• 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 is scheduled for October 1.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – expected to remain open for the duration of the Stitch's Great Escape construction.
• Timekeeper – seasonal operation. The attraction will be open for the summer season from 9 a.m. to 10 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. However, 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. Work on the grandstand and other support areas will run through mid-August, and track work will continue through late September.
• Fantasyland Skyway building area - will go under rehab from July 11 - September 30. While the building itself will not be worked on, the grounds in front will be completely redone. The waterfall, bridge and pond will be removed and replaced with a meet-and-greet for Snow White and a new stroller parking area for "it's a small world."
• Donald's Boat - will be down for rehab from July 12 – August 12.
• Tom Sawyer Island - will be closed from July 25 – September 25 for a major refurbishment, though the Rivers of America will be unaffected.
• Jungle Cruise - will be down for rehab from August 22 – September 5.
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – down for rehab September 13 – October 15.
• Ariel's Grotto – down for rehab September 22 – November 19 for theme-matching with the 20,000 Leagues Lagoon reclamation.
• The Hub area in front of the castle - will undergo more refurbishing in January, 2005.
• Astro Orbiter – down for rehab January 2 – February 16, 2005.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – down for rehab January 10 - February 12, 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. It appears that the pavilion will not open this summer, which does not bode well for the future.

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.
• 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. 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. Room refurbishments at the Polynesian Resort are resuming. Rapa Nui is scheduled for January 3 through April 1, 2005, and Tahiti will get its makeover from April 24 through August 17, 2005. Tokelau has not yet been refurbished, but has 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 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

July 2004

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

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

New August Dream Maker package discount

A new specially priced Dream Maker package is available for most nights from August 1–28. The discount is on the room portion of the package only. Reservations must be made by July 31. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

Room discounts through August

Discounts are available on rooms at Walt Disney World for stays from now through August 28. Deeper Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts are also available. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

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 through September 30, 2004. Blackout dates are 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.

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 through September 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 September 2004.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through September 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)