Walt Disney World Park Update (Walt Disney World Resort Update) by Mark Goldhaber

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News and Views

Marathon slots almost gone; if you aren't running, volunteer

Final registration capacity of January's Walt Disney World Marathon and Half-Marathon have been determined, and spots are running out. The full and half marathon will each accept 12,000 registrants, for a total of 24,000. As of late last week, only 500 slots were available for the half- marathon (register) while 1,500 slots remained for the full marathon (register).

The marathon announced a new Military Division last month, which is open to active, retired and reserve members of the U.S. military from the Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marines and Navy. If you have already registered for the marathon and are eligible to compete in this division, but have not informed the race coordinators of this fact, send an e-mail to them (link) with your name, address and military division.

Volunteers are needed on behalf of The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society to assist with the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend. Volunteer activities include water stops, food stops, course monitors, and chip removal. Interested friends and family can get more information or register online at Disney's World of Sports (link).

Cypress Gardens now aiming for November

Cypress Gardens has now put a price tag on the damage caused by Hurricane Charley, and a new estimate for an opening day. Structural damage has been estimated at $4 million to $5 million, with another $500,000 in damage to plants. Following the hurricane's strike, in which park staffers estimate two tornadoes also hit the property, the opening date has been moved back to early November, approximately four to six weeks after planned. Construction delays now also include waiting for the Tampa Electric Company to bring electricity to the attractions, as restoring power to consumers is the top priority.

Disney Cruise Line bus catches fire; all evacuated safely

A Disney Cruise Line bus, carrying passengers to board the Disney Wonder for a three-night cruise, burst into flames while driving on the Bee Line highway (S.R. 528) Thursday afternoon. The bus driver noticed smoke at around 1:45 p.m. and pulled over. He was able to safely evacuate the bus before it ignited. Various press reports put the number of passengers at 51, 52, or 54 passengers.

Passengers' luggage had been sent ahead in a earlier vehicle, so the only losses were small pieces and personal items that people had with them. There is currently no word on actual losses.

The bus, operated by Mears for Disney, was a complete loss, as the flames completely engulfed it. The bus driver was lauded by both police and Mears for getting all of the passengers out safely before the bus went up in flames. Other Cruise Line buses, returning from dropping previous groups of passengers at Disney's dock at Port Canaveral, picked up the passengers and got them to the Wonder before its scheduled 5 p.m. departure.

The fire caused Florida Highway Patrol to close the Bee Line for most of Thursday afternoon. In the ensuing eight-mile backup, two accidents sent three people to the hospital.

Another union begins contract negotiations with WDW

As negotiations between Disney and the Service Trades Council Union drag on, negotiations begin this week with another union representing Walt Disney World cast members. Actors Equity Association, representing over 400 performers in live shows at the resort, will open talks with Disney on a successor agreement to the contract that runs out on September 25. According to the union, the primary issues of the negotiations will be wage increases, pension contributions, health insurance, and working conditions.

What do you do when you win Olympic gold?

Olympic gold medalist Michael Phelps and his teammates Lenny Krayzelburg and Ian Crocker, in their first public appearances in the United States since winning in Greece, begin a 12-city “Disney's Swim with the Stars” tour. The tour begins August 31 at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and ends at Disneyland Resort in California.

On August 31, the three swimming champions will serve as grand marshals in a celebratory parade in their honor at the Magic Kingdom and lead a special swimming clinic at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park.

Each city stop will also feature a two-hour swimming celebration show, presented by Disney, which showcases the accomplishments of each swimmer. Each show will include demonstrations, rematches from Athens and a relay with the stars and special guests. The tour itinerary is:

Orlando/Walt Disney World Resort (August 31 – September 2)
Atlanta (September 3–5)
New York City (September 6–9)
Baltimore (September 10–12)
Chicago (September 13–15)
Dallas (September 16–18)
Denver (September 19–20)
Las Vegas (September 21–23)
Salt Lake City (September 24–25)
Seattle (September 26–27)
11. San Francisco (September 28–30)
12. Anaheim / Disneyland Resort (October 4–5)

Room and Dream Maker discounts through December now out

Room discount codes for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and regular guests were announced last Wednesday by Walt Disney World, as were codes for Dream Maker packages. The available rooms were snapped up at a record pace, and some days are already sold out of rooms available at the discount. The codes are good through Christmas Day. (Though if you check in before that date and leave later, you may be able to apply the code to your whole stay.) Reservations must be made by October 10. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

Tom Joyner Family Reunion returns to WDW this week

Popular radio host Tom Joyner hosts his annual Family Reunion event at Walt Disney World this year. Events run from Friday through Sunday. If you're planning on attending, you've already got your schedules. For those who are just looking to avoid the crowds, here's where they'll be:

On Friday, events take place at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex from midnight through 10 a.m. before moving to the Coronado Springs Resort, where events run from 10 a.m. to 12:30 a.m.

On Saturday, the events will take place at Coronado Springs again from 8:30 to 11:45 a.m. and 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. before moving to the Disney-MGM Studios park for events running from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

On Sunday, all events will be at Coronado Springs, running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Nights of Joy to ask for help in collecting food for hurricane victims

Collection stations will be set up at the Ticket and Transportation Center, as well as the main gates of the Magic Kingdom next week for those attending the Nights of Joy events, who are asked to help provide food for those hardest hit by Hurricane Charley.

Walt Disney World cast members have already been participating in the food drive, which benefits Second Harvest Food Bank. Guests are encouraged to bring boxed or canned non-perishable food items to Night of Joy. Some recommended food items for donation include: Beef stew or other “meals in a can,” canned fruit, canned meats and poultry, canned tuna, boxed macaroni and cheese, canned vegetables, evaporated milk, peanut butter, and soup. Guests are requested not to bring personal hygiene items.

Nights of Joy schedule announced

The schedule of performers and locations has been announced for this year's Nights of Joy event.

Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004

Jars of Clay (Cinderella Castle Stage) 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
FFH (Splash Stage) 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Mark Schultz (Galaxy Palace Theater) 7:45 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Across the Sky (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café) 7:45 p.m. & 9 p.m.
Avalon (Splash Stage) 10:15 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.
4HIM (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Michael W. Smith (Cinderella Castle Stage) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Point of Grace (Galaxy Palace Theater) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.

Friday, Sept. 10, 2004

Steven Curtis Chapman (Cinderella Castle Stage) 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
SONICFLOOd (Splash Stage) 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Rebecca St. James (Galaxy Palace Theater) 7:45 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
downhere (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café) 7:45 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Skillet (Splash Stage) 10:15 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.
Third Day (Cinderella Castle Stage) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Stryper (Galaxy Palace Theater) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Warren Barfield (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004

Jaci Velasquez (Cinderella Castle Stage) 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
Jeremy Camp (Splash Stage) 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
CeCe Winans (Galaxy Palace Theater) 7:45 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Jump5 (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café) 7:45 p.m. & 9:00 p.m.
Kirk Franklin (Cinderella Castle Stage) 10:15 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.
12 Stones (Splash Stage) 10:15 p.m. & 11:30 p.m.
Salvador (Galaxy Palace Theater) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
Joy Williams (Cosmic Ray's Starlight Café) 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.

Holiday events to continue

In addition to the narrators we listed two weeks ago for the Candlelight Processional (link), other holiday events return to Epcot this winter.

Mickey and his friends again share their holiday traditions nightly in a 10-minute show at 6:00 p.m. on stage near the World Showcase Plaza tree. The Lights of Winter will again dazzle guests with a huge holiday light display between Future World and World Showcase. IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth will again have a special holiday themed finale. In addition, holiday storytellers will be out daily from November 26 to December 30. Stories and traditions celebrated will again include Hanukkah and Kwanzaa.

New theme park cookbook released

Disney has released a new cookbook with favorite guest recipes from Disneyland, Walt Disney World, and the Disney Cruise Line. Cooking With Mickey and the Disney Chefs, the first cookbook to contain recipes from all three locations, includes such sought-after recipes as the Blue Bayou's Monte Cristo sandwich, the Kona Cafe's Tonga Toast, pork and polenta from California Grill and creme brulee from the Disney Cruise Line. Recipes have been adapted to family-size servings. The $19.95 book is available at Walt Disney World, Disneyland, aboard the Disney Cruise Line, and via Walt Disney World mail order (407-363-6200).

Ears to the ground

…The clear globe has been returned to the Tomorrowland entrance structure.

…A sign for the Galactic Federation Prisoner Transport Center, as well as other decor, has been erected on the Stitch's Great Escape building. However, there are rumors surfacing that the scheduled October 1 date may slip to late October or even early November. Passholder preview dates, expected to be announced in late August, are still pending.

…Work is continuing on the fake rockwork at the base of the Expedition: Everest construction site at the Animal Kingdom.

…Sunday, September 5 will be the first night of the new "no entertainment at the West End Stage" schedule at Pleasure Island. The last band scheduled for the stage is Sisaundra Lewis & Sounds of Soul. (Remember that for future trivia questions, if this policy is made permanent.)

…While the old show building remains, the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon has been pretty much leveled.

…The Osborn Lights appear to be on their way out of mothballs in the old Hunchback theater. The large globe has been seen on the Streets of America.

Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

“it's a small world” – closed through March 18, 2005 for rehab (info).
20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – walled off to “clear the land as well as add landscape for future use” through November 19, with the walls tentatively coming down on November 11.
The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter – closed for good to be replaced with new Stitch's Great Escape, scheduled to open October 1.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – expected to remain open for the duration of the Stitch's Great Escape construction, then will go down for major rehab.
Timekeeper – seasonal – finished summer run on August 21.
Adventureland – opens with the rest of the park daily with the exception of the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, which open at 10 a.m.
The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree – open at 10 a.m. every day.
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – remains open during its rehab. Work on the grandstand and other support areas runs through mid-August, track work through late September.
Fantasyland Skyway building area – under rehab through September 30. The waterfall, bridge and pond to be replaced with a meet-and-greet for Snow White and a new stroller parking area for “it's a small world.”
Tom Sawyer Island - closed through September 25; Rivers of America unaffected.
Jungle Cruise – closed through September 5.
Liberty Square Riverboat - will not be operating September 9 - 18.
Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed September 13 – October 15.
Ariel's Grotto – closed September 13 – November 11 for theme-matching with the 20,000 Leagues Lagoon reclamation.
The Hub area in front of the castle – undergoes more refurbishing in January 2005.
Astro Orbiter – closed January 2 – February 16, 2005.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – closed January 10 – February 12, 2005.
The Electrical Water Pageant on Seven Seas Lagoon and Bay Lake – was reportedly back in operation on August 23 following faster-than-expected repairs to one of the floats damaged by Hurricane Charley.

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.
Food Rocks – closed permanently to make way for the entrance to the new Soarin' 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'. Expected to resume upon completion of the construction.
The Land pavilion – expected closure January – March 2005 for completion of the Soarin' attraction.
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 now open when the pavilion is open. The pavilion did not open this summer, which does not bode well for the future. However, it is expected to be open next January – March during the closure of The Land pavilion.

Disney-MGM Studios

Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios – closed and demolished and construction 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 Magic of Disney Animation – closes for rehab September 13-24.
New York Street – undergoing 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 is the Streets of America Backlot. The target completion date: October 2.
The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – returns this year on the Streets of America backlot, November 24 – January 2.

Animal Kingdom

Pocahontas and her Forest Friends – closes September 7-11.
Festival of the Lion King – closes September 16-18.
The Boneyard – closes for rehab September 20 – October 14.

Resorts

Port Orleans Resort – Ongoing two-year extensive rehab of its rooms. Phase I's 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 are resuming. Scheduled: Rapa Nui January 3 – April 1, 2005, Tahiti April 24 – August 17, 2005. Tokelau, not yet refurbished, is not yet scheduled.
Disney's Old Key West Resort – The main pool closes September 7 through mid-December to construct a new themed water slide.
Disney's BoardWalk Resort – portions of the resort will see work on the piping system take place in corridors outside guest rooms daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through summer 2005. No work is scheduled inside guest rooms.
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

Blizzard Beach – closes for its annual rehab on October 24..

Elsewhere

Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays, but closes October 17–20 and December 5–13.
The All Star Cafe at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex – now closed Monday-Wednesday. Open Thursday–Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Park Events

September 2004

Tom Joyner Family Reunion Weekend (link). September 2–5.
Disney's Soccer Showcase Qualifier (link). September 4–6.
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 & 30, December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, & 17.
Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney (link). November 26 – December 24.
Holidays Around the World (link). November 26 – December 30.

December 2004

Pop Warner Super Bowl and National Cheer and Dance Championships (link). December 5–11.
Disney's Soccer Showcase (link). December 27 – January 2, 2005.
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 – April TBA.

April 2005

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). April 15 – June 5.

May 2005

Star Wars Weekends (link). Weekends in May – June TBA.

June 2005

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

Current Discounts & Promotions

Room and Dream Maker discounts through December are out!

Room discount codes for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and regular guests were announced last Wednesday by Walt Disney World, as were codes for Dream Maker packages. The available rooms were snapped up at a record pace, and some days are already sold out of rooms available at the discount. The codes are good through Christmas Day. (Though if you check in before that date and leave later, you may be able to apply the code to your whole stay.) Reservations must be made by October 10. Dream Maker rates start from $326 per adult, $233 per junior (ages 10-17) and $188 per child for 3 nights at a Disney World Value Resort. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

Play 4 Days is back

The Florida Resident Play 4 Days Ticket allows Florida residents four days of play in Disney's four theme parks between July 30 and Nov. 21, 2004 for $119 per person ($126.74 including tax). Park-hopping is permitted on the days used. The ticket is available at Disney theme parks, Florida Disney Stores, and other locations such as Florida AAA offices. Proof of Florida residency is required.

Rate reductions at Radisson Resort Parkway

Radission Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has reduced their rates even more. Rates have been dropped effective immediately to September levels. Book now through the end of September for rates starting at $75.95. In addition to these reduced rates, guests can receive a complimentary upgrade to deluxe pool view accommodations for the remainder of 2004 simply by typing in the code of "UPGR" in the promotional field of the reservation.

	Courtyard View	Deluxe Pool View	Bed & Breakfast Pkg - Courtyard View
8/9/04 - 9/30/04	$75.95	$85.95	$93.95
10/1/04 - 12/23/04	$84.95	$94.95	$102.95
12/24/04 - 12/31/04	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.

2005 rates will be available shortly.

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.

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 September 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.

Multi-Day Tickets	Gate Prices	Advance Purchase Price	Savings
Multi-Day Tickets	Gate Prices	Advance Purchase Price	Savings
4-Day Park Hopper: Adults	$219	$202	$17
Children ages 3 - 9	$176	$162	$14
5-Day Park Hopper: Adults	$249	$230	$19
Children ages 3 - 9	$200	$184	$16
5-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults	$282	$259	$23
Children ages 3 - 9	$226	$208	$18
6-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults	$312	$288	$24
Children ages 3 - 9	$250	$231	$21
7-Day Park Hopper Plus: Adults	$342	$316	$26
Children ages 3 - 9	$274	$253	$21

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 October 2004.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	8/30	8/31	9/1	9/2	9/3	9/4
	MK 9a-8:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-6p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p
9/5	9/6	MK = Magic Kingdom EF = Epcot, Future World EW = Epcot, World Showcase MGM = Disney-MGM Studios AK = Animal Kingdom BB = Blizzard Beach Water Park TL = Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
MK 9a-9:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p

Entertainment Schedule