Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Three is not a magic number

For the first time in 118 years, four hurricanes have hit the same state. Florida is now cleaning up from Hurricane Jeanne, the third major (Category 3 or higher) hurricane this year. Three of these hurricanes have hit the Walt Disney World area. While Disney's property has survived mostly intact, the surrounding area becomes more and more devastated with each storm. Power outages, gas shortages, flooding, trees uprooted and damaged and destroyed homes abound. Words just can't do justice to the devastation visited upon Florida, and Central Florida in particular.

Jeanne hit the area as a Category 2 storm, and the weather station at the top of the Swan/Dolphin complex measure a top wind speed of 83 mph.

Closing down

All Disney parks and recreation areas were closed by 7 p.m. on Saturday. All evening shows scheduled for after 7:00, including Cirque du Soleil, the second and third performances of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, and the last performance of the Spirit of Aloha Luau, were all cancelled. All park hours for Sunday were cancelled, as was the International Distance Triathlon scheduled to be run around the property that day. All guests at the Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, as well as those at Disney's DVC resort in Vero Beach, were moved to other Walt Disney World hotels.

Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando also closed their parks at 7 p.m. on Saturday and kept them closed on Sunday.

Opening back up

It is expected that most, if not all, parks will be open today, but that is subject to change depending on the damage assessment in the morning and the ability of Cast Members to make it to the park. Typhoon Lagoon will be closed. Disney's Vero Beach Resort will not open until Saturday.

Due to the impact of Hurricane Jeanne, the Coral Reef restaurant will not be operating until Sunday, October 3. The Living Seas pavilion and all dive programs (including Dolphins in Depth, Aquatour, and Dive Quest) will be operating as normal beginning on Monday.

Now experienced with dealing with guests experiencing hurricane-fueled cabin fever, Disney filled three channels with a continuous loop of movies, including Armaggedon, The Count of Monte Cristo, Dead Poets Society, Pearl Harbor, The Sixth Sense, Pirates of the Caribbean, Remember the Titans, Shanghai Noon, Holes, The Parent Trap, The Little Mermaid, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Finding Nemo, Tarzan, Toy Story. Movies were segregated by channel based on target audience, which was probably helpful to parents.

Airport closure

The Orlando International Airport closed at 5 p.m. on Saturday, and is expected to open today at noon. There is some water in the main terminal and airsides that is being assessed by airport staff. Travelers are being asked to check with their airlines for the status of their flights.

Cruise Line changes

The Disney Cruise Line has modified the itineraries of the Disney Wonder and Disney Magic because of the storm. The Wonder's three night cruise to the Bahamas that left on September 23 was modified to a four-night cruise to Cozumel, returning today to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. It will leave on a three-night cruise to the Bahamas, pending port conditions, later today. The Magic's seven-night cruise scheduled to depart from Port Canaveral on Saturday, will instead be a five-night cruise to Cozumel and Costa Maya leaving from Port Everglades today. Disney is arranging transportation to get people to and from Port Everglades, and is offering special incentives for people to choose to cruise.

Much of the state of Florida has sustained significant damage. Six million people across the state are without power. A great deal of flooding is expected this week, as the runoff from the storm starts making its way into lakes, rivers, and other waterways.

Help those in need

If you wish to offer assistance in any form, we suggest that you contact the American Red Cross (link).

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) or by mail to:

Vista Federal Credit Union
Attn: Cast Member Hurricane Relief Fund
13705 International Drive
South Orlando, FL 32821

Our thoughts and prayers here at MousePlanet are with those who have been affected by all of this year's hurricanes.

Time running out on Wonders of Life?

If you enjoy the Wonders of Life and you'd like one last chance to see it, you may want to make reservations for the Thanksgiving or Christmas holiday time. We are hearing that the pavilion may open for those peak seasons to meet its quota to qualify for seasonal status, then close for good after the beginning of the year (after Disney gets its $3-6 million tax writeoff for running the attraction seasonally this year).

Apparently, Disney closed the pavilion in May during the test of evening Extra Magic Hours. It had been planned to be open from 9 p.m. - 12 a.m. and had tremendous attendance at 9:00 (the fourth highest pavilion attendance-wise that evening). About an hour and a half to two hours later, attraction leads got a call from an executive saying "Close the pavliion, attendance is bad," so they had to close up an hour early. The pavilion hasn't reopened since. There is a rumor that Disney wanted to close either Spaceship Earth or Wonders of Life that evening, and a higher-up was protective over Spaceship Earth and decided on Wonders of Life. It's starting to look like (as Mr. Potato Head says in Toy Story) "Humpty Dumpty was pushed."

Man dies after fall while getting on Universal Studios' Mummy ride

39-year-old Jose Valadez died last Wednesday following a fall onto the track in front of the roller coaster cars in the boarding area of the Revenge of the Mummy attraction at Universal Studios Florida on Tuesday. Valadez, who was waiting for a liver transplant after being diagnosed with hepatitis C, was taking a day off from filling out paperwork and seeing doctors to visit the park with his wife. When they reached the Mummy ride, she stayed outside with his wheelchair while he went into the queue, mistakenly believing that the attraction was not wheelchair-accessible.

Valadez got to the boarding area, and when the air gates opened to load the cars, somehow fell in front of the car. The air gates at the attraction are mostly metal, though there is about a foot of flexible plastic at the edge closest to the car. It is uncertain how he fell. When he fell, he hit his head on the tracks. He then complained of stomach pains and an inability to feel his leg.

Doctors at Orlando Regional Medical Center reportedly had to remove his spleen. His liver condition complicated the procedure, and he died at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. His death was ruled accidental following an autopsy on Thursday.

Universal reportedly closed off the front row of the coaster during its investigation, and stationed extra employees at each loading station to stand between riders and the track. This is the second fatal accident at Universal in a year. A woman died after passing out on the Incredible Hulk roller coaster at the Islands of Adventure park last September. A camera at the ride may have captured Valadez' fall, but Universal is not releasing the videotape to the media. The medical examiner's office has seen the tape.

Valadez' wife has said that she does not plan to sue Universal.

Radisson Resort Parkway announces rates through 2005

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates through the end of 2005, and has reduced their rates for much of the rest of this year. 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.

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

Ears to the ground

…Apparently, the reason that the planned reopening of the sea cabs at Epcot's The Living Seas pavilion never happened is because there is a small leak in the tank in the area of the ride. The substantial cost involved in fixing this has delayed the return of the sea cabs indefinitely.

…Despite rumors to the contrary, Imagineering is still looking at a possible renovation/refurbishment/rehabilitation of Spaceship Earth.

…Tom McAlpin, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for the Disney Cruise Line, has been promoted to President of the operation following the departure of former president Karl Holz to become president and chief operating officer of Euro Disney SAS.

…Cypress Gardens has set November 18 as its opening day. We're not sure whether or not there's any symbolism to the opening on Mickey Mouse's birthday.

…Payment in full is now required at reservation time for the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue, Spirit of Aloha Luau Dinner Show, and Mickey's Backyard Barbeque. Full refunds will be given for cancellations at least 48 hours in advance. If the show is part of resort package, guests must provide a credit card to guarantee their reservation, and it will be charged if the guest is a no-show or if the reservation is cancelled less than 48 hours in advance.

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. Latest word is AP/DVC previews November 5-7, official grand opening press event November 16, soft openings TBA.
• 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 – 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.
• 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.”
• 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.
• Frontierland Shootin' Arcade ? will not be operating September 18 - October 9.
• 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 that has remained for an inexplicably long time since its pavilion sponsorship 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.
• 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

• 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

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 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.

Radisson Resort Parkway announces rates through 2005

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates through the end of 2005, and has reduced their rates for much of the rest of this year. 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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through November 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)