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

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News and Views

Walt Disney World survives Frances; Ivan likely to miss resort

After Hurricane Frances departed last week, guests started returning to the theme parks when they opened on Monday. Crowds were light, but that was expected as thousands were just trying to get home and others stayed inside while waiting for the still-strong winds to subside. Since then, crowds are still reported to be light. This is good for Disney, which can run the parks with less staff. This allows those cast members who need to tend to damage at their homes the time to do so.

In light of the length of the lock-down for Frances, Disney allowed the ride-out crews—those who stayed on property to help during the worst of the hurricane—to bring their families and pets with them to the resort. However, there are reports that the large number of College Program members on the ride-out crew in the hotels led to a bit of a party atmosphere that overflowed backstage a little into the guest areas. Also, reportedly some of the children of the other ride-out crew members caused a little havoc. In spite of that, we're not hearing that there were many complaints in light of the stress that everyone was under.

In other storm-related news, the mermaid fountain at Disney-MGM Studios from the movie Splash, which was repaired after sustaining damage from Hurricane Charley, was again damaged by Hurricane Frances. No word on a repair schedule.

Disney's fund for cast members who lost their homes or suffered other losses, is accepting donations from other cast members and the general public. You can contribute by calling the Vista Federal Credit Union at 800-83-VISTA (800-838-4782).

The American Red Cross is still looking for donations for everyone affected by Hurricanes Charley and Frances. You can donate money, stock, merchandise, spare change, or airline miles through their Web site (link).

As of late Sunday, Hurricane Ivan appears to be headed far enough into the Gulf of Mexico that the outer-band winds should not hit the Walt Disney World area too hard. However, the general uncertainty of the path of hurricanes prompted Disney to institute a temporary cancellation and no-show policy for those with reservations during the affected period. Disney is waiving no-show penalties for those with scheduled arrivals through Thursday, September 16. Contact your travel agent or Disney for details if you need to cancel your trip.

Disney Cruise Line regroups from storm-related itinerary changes

After extending the cruises of both the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder during Hurricane Frances, the Disney Cruise Line ships could not return to their home port because the hurricane had filled the channel leading into Port Canaveral with sand. The two ships docked at Port Everglades in the interim, busing passengers back to Central Florida and retrieving new passengers from there.

With the port closure costing $1 million each day, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers quickly went into action, dredging the channel with equipment brought up from Fort Lauderdale. The storm elevated the normally 41-foot-deep channel to depths of approximately 22 feet to 27 feet. Cruise ships generally require a depth of at least 30 feet.

The port was scheduled to reopen by the weekend, and the Magic and Wonder were scheduled to dock at Port Canaveral on Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

The beaches at Castaway Cay were severely damaged, and the ships may or may not be able to dock there by the end of the week.

Vero Beach Resort closed for repairs

Disney's Vero Beach Resort, a Disney Vacation Club resort, has been closed through the end of the month to repair damage caused by Hurricane Frances. The resort, which is located on a barrier island, lies right atop the ocean dunes. Guests scheduled to arrive through September 30 are being contacted and moved to other lodgings.

While the structures survived largely intact aside from some roofing shingles being blown off, there is a tremendous amount of water damage that needs to be cleaned up.

Many of the cast members were hit hard by the storm, and a number of hourly cast members are without work until the resort reopens. Other resort employees are still earning their regular pay by helping with the resort cleanup. Disney is also providing free company hotel rooms for those who lost homes, and those who cannot live at home due to lost power or other reasons are receiving discounts. Also, the company is providing up to $5,000 per cast member for emergency needs from the Cast Member Hurricane Relief Fund.

There is no word on when the resort will be ready to reopen, though the DVC hopes to be ready before the end of the month.

Latin Rhythm Nights celebration next week at Pleasure Island

Next Wednesday, the sound of Latin music fills Pleasure Island, as Latin Rhythm Nights/Al Ritmo de Noches Latinas lands at the West End Stage for performances beginning at 8 p.m. Live Latin music featuring salsa, mariachi and Norteo performances include headliners Oscar D'Leon, Grupomania and Victor Manuelle. With the new free-access policy in effect for the walkways at Pleasure Island, the concert itself is free, although you still have to pay to get into the clubs. The event will be taped live for two television specials to be aired on the Telemundo Spanish Language Network later this year, including a two-hour special on New Year's Eve, La Fiesta de Ao Nuevo (New Year's Eve Party).

Food & Wine Festival info

Here's some more information to whet your appetite for the International Food and Wine Festival taking place at Epcot from October 1 through November 14.

This year's festival booths include appetizer-sized portions costing $1 to $4.50 representing such eateries as Backyard Barbecue, Fresh from Florida, Great Beers of the World, Octoberfest, Piemonte Chocolate Cafe, and Specialty Beer Garden, as well as such locations as Australia, Canada, China, France, Greece, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Morocco, the Mediterranean, New Zealand, Peru, Poland, Russia, Eastern Europe, Scandinavia, Southeast Asia, South Africa, and Spain's Valencia.

Scheduled entertainment includes Spanish classical guitars and colorful folkloric dancers, Peruvian entertainment, Australian Aboriginal entertainment, and storytellers representing New England and Gianduia.

Cooking seminars include Valencian cuisine, tortillas, tea preparation, barbecue and beer brewing.

The Great Wall of Fantasyland

With the closure of Ariel's Grotto for work to blend the area's theme with the construction on the former 20,000 Leagues lagoon site, the north side of Fantasyland is nearly one long wall. The only sites not blocked off between Liberty Square and Mickey's Toontown Fair are Pinocchio's Village Haus and the adjacent restrooms.

On the west side of the land, the Fantasyland Skyway station is closed through the end of the month for conversion to a meet-and-greet, stroller parking and queue space for “it's a small world,” which itself is closed for a major rehab through next March.

After passing the Village Haus and restrooms, the central and eastern parts of the land are closed through November. Ariel's Grotto and the former lagoon site are closed for major renovation. Walls on the east side are scheduled to come down on November 11-12.

Fire prevention display in Innoventions to include fire engine

During the first week of October, Disney opens a new exhibit in Innoventions in conjunction with National Fire Prevention Week. Walt Disney Imagineering teamed up with Liberty Mutual to design the interactive exhibit, which covers over 4,000 square feet.

In the “Where's the Fire?” portion of the exhibit, two teams of 15 people have 10 minutes to find and eliminate 50 fire hazards in two mirror-image six-room houses. A four-room mini-house play area, called “Play it Safe,” is designed to show small children how fire spreads, and help them understand how to get out of a burning house. Three house-shaped touch-screen kiosks let guests test their knowledge of fire safety at “Burning Questions.”

To top it off, the exhibit showcases a real fire engine. Rumor has it that in order to do this, a wall will be removed, the fire engine driven in, and the wall rebuilt overnight. The vehicle is currently at one of the Reedy Creek fire stations, waiting for its moment in the limelight.

Ears to the ground

…Registration for January's Walt Disney World Half-Marathon has closed as of August 31. Slots are still available for the full marathon, as well as the Family Fun Run 5K and kids' races the day before the marathons.

…We are seeing unconfirmed reports that the Annual Passholder and DVC preview dates for Stitch's Great Escape will be November 5 to 7 during regular park operating hours, with a grand opening press event on November 16. This would seem to indicate that there may be a soft opening of the attraction some time during the second week of November.

…We are hearing a rumor that this year will be the final one for the 999 Happy Haunts event at Walt Disney World. The fact that there are no new series of collectibles starting, the appearance that all existing series are being completed this year, and the rumor that this will be the final year for the Haunted Mansion Holiday event at Disneyland all lend a little credence to the rumor. We'll have to see what the future brings.

…We are beginning to hear rumors that the Patina Group is looking at opening a Naples and a Tortilla Jos somewhere at Walt Disney World. Each of these chains has one restaurant at Downtown Disney at the Disneyland Resort, so it's quite possible that they are expanding their relationship with Disney. Where these restaurants might be located is anybody's guess.

…The Osborne Lights of Christmas are going up on the Streets of America at the Studios.

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 the new Stitch's Great Escape attraction. Annual Passholder and DVC preview dates for Stitch's Great Escape are rumored to be November 5 to 7 during regular park operating hours, with a grand opening press event on November 16.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – expected to remain open for the duration of the Stitch's Great Escape construction, then go down for major rehab.
Timekeeper – opens seasonally.
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 ran through mid-August, track work runs 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 17; Rivers of America unaffected.
Liberty Square Riverboat – not be operating through September 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

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 is closed 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

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

Twirl Mania - The Twirler's Championships (link). February 18 - 21.
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.
Walt Disney World Inline Marathon (link). April 30 - May 1.

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

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 through November 21 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 its rates. Guests 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 through September 30, 2004. 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.

Disney's Summer Price Slice returns

Summer Price Slice is back with special-value greens fees on tee times after 10 a.m. daily 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, call 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653). For information on the Walt Disney World golf courses, go to their 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 November 2004.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	9/13	9/14	9/15	9/16	9/17	9/18
	MK 9a-8:30p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p
9/19	9/20	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-8p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-8p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p

Entertainment Schedule