Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

We're freshly back from MouseFest, and we've got plenty of photos for you! In fact, we've got so many that ycu'll also be seeing them in next week's update, as well as two feature articles in the next couple of weeks. This week, we'll feature construction photos.

It doesn't look likely that anything is opening in the old 20,000 Leagues lagoon site any time soon. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Televised WDW Christmas offerings include parade, Night of Joy

The 21st Annual Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade airs on Christmas Day across the country. The two-hour parade broadcast, once again pre-taped the first weekend of December for your viewing enjoyment, airs at a new afternoon time, starting at 1:00 p.m. (ET), noon (CT), 11:00 a.m. (MT) and 3:00 p.m. (PT). The headline act is Mariah Carey, performing “Joy To The World” and “All I Want For Christmas.” Once again hosting are Regis Philbin and Kelly Ripa.

Another Christmas week broadcast of a pre-taped event is Night of Joy: A Holiday Celebration of Faith and Family, a one-hour special on the PAX network hosted by Kirk Cameron, on Thursday at 8 p.m. ET/PT. The special features concerts by several Christian music artists, including Grammy- and Dove-Award winner Kirk Franklin and gospel superstar Yolanda Adams. Performances took place at Night of Joy 2004 on three consecutive evenings from September 9 to 11. The show also includes Cameron shooting home video of the Mickey's PhilharMagic, Mission: Space, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and Kilimanjaro Safaris attractions.

Guard union rejects contract again, agrees with Disney to cooling-off period; call center workers approve five-year pact

On December 9, members of Security, Police, and Fire Professionals of America Local 603 rejected a contract proposal from Disney for the second time in two weeks, over the recommendations of union leaders. The next day, union and Disney negotiators agreed to a temporary break in talks over a new employment contract. There is no word yet on how long the time-out may last.

Also on December 10, members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 2088, which represents about 350 call-center operators and technicians, voted to approve a five-year contract.

Construction continues on Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom park. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

The mountain has all of its peaks installed except the highest one. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

The highest point of the mountain is on site, awaiting installation. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

The mid-lift temple for Everest is making good progress. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Braves single-game tix going on sale January 8; anthem auditions January 16

Individual game tickets for the Braves' home spring training season go on sale Saturday, January 8, 2005, at the Disney's Wide World of Sports box office and through Ticketmaster at 407-839-3900. Prices range from $13 (general admission lawn seats) to $21 (lower reserved). This will be the public's first opportunity to see Tim Hudson, newly acquired in a trade with the Oakland Athletics, pitching in his new Braves uniform. For more information on spring training, go to Disney's Wide World of Sports web site (link).

An open audition is scheduled for Sunday, January 16, from noon-4 p.m. at Disney's Wide World of Sports. Top singers earn the right to perform the National Anthem prior to Atlanta Braves Spring Training games in March. Auditions will be held at Cracker Jack Stadium on a first-come, first-serve basis. Singers should bring a photo and resume and be ready to perform their best a capella-style anthem. Participants may bring family and friends to cheer for them. For more information, call 407-939-1415.

Magic Kingdom again world's most visited park

The Magic Kingdom was again the most-visited theme park in the world in 2004, with estimated attendance of over 15.1 million guests, according to Amusement Business magazine's annual ranking of the world's top 50 parks. The Magic Kingdom was followed by California's Disneyland at 13.3 million visitors and Tokyo Disneyland with 13.2 million. In North America, Epcot (9.4 million), the Disney-MGM Studios (8.3 million) and Disney's Animal Kingdom (7.8 million) filled the third through fifth slots, giving Disney the top five positions on the domestic chart.

Disney's California Adventure was in eighth place, following Universal's two Florida parks. With SeaWorld Orlando and Universal Studios Hollywood in ninth and 10th place, the top 10 parks in North America are all located in the Orlando and Los Angeles areas. While all of the Walt Disney World theme parks showed increases (of 5-9 percent), attendance still has not matched figures from before September 11, 2001.

In addition to claiming the top five slots on the domestic chart, Disney parks in the United States, France and Japan grabbed eight of the top 10 slots worldwide.

Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend comes to Epcot in March

On March 18-20, over 30 artists showcase their teddy bear and doll creations at the Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend at Epcot's World ShowPlace. Event packages include:

• Admission to convention events including: private shopping, continental breakfast, banquet dinner, live auction and evening social with artists.
• Two-day park hopper ticket valid for March 19th and 20th. Note: Annual Passholders may deduct this ticket from their package for a reduction of $108 per person ($86 for children ages 3-9).

Event packages are $350 per person (328 per children ages 3-9). A block of rooms has been reserved at Disney?s Caribbean Beach Resort for event guests at a rate of $99.24 per room, per night, including tax.

For more information, visit the event web site (link). For package reservation questions, please call 407-827-7600, fax 407-566-1387, or e-mail WDW.Bear.and.Doll@DisneyWorld.com.

Construction continues on Phase II of the Saratoga Springs Resort. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Judging by the Sealy Mattress truck glimpsed at far left, these Saratoga Springs units are nearing completion. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Other Phase II units at Saratoga Springs have a bit more work remaining. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Reedy Creek district review complete; action unlikely

Comcast's hostile takeover bid for Disney earlier this year caused a great deal of concern among Florida's legislators over the possibility of a new owner abusing the rights bestowed upon the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the quasi-governmental agency controlled by Disney. In April, Florida State Representative Andy Gardiner (R-Orlando) requested the Legislature's Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability to review the legislation creating the district. The office has finally completed that review, and published a report of its findings last week.

The report indicates that current laws are sufficient to prevent a new owner from “making drastic changes to district services, operations and development activities” on the property, however it also suggests two potential legislative changes that could reign in potential abuse of the district's powers. The two changes would make it more difficult to replace district board members and remove the district's exemptions from filing Development of Regional Impact (DRI) reviews.

Reedy Creek administrator Roy Maxwell stated that it is not necessary for the district to be subject to the DRI process because the district must follow a comprehensive plan already submitted to the state. Disney gadfly Richard Foglesong, author of the book Married to the Mouse: Walt Disney and Orlando, complained that Disney is abusing its privileges and not living up to its responsibilities.

Gardiner said that he was confident that the safeguards currently in place were sufficient, and that further legislation was not necessary at this time.

More honors for resort, restaurant

Victoria & Albert's at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa has been awarded a AAA Five Diamond rating for the fifth consecutive year and is among just 57 restaurants in North America earning AAA's highest distinction in 2005. Last month we had already reported that Victoria & Albert's had been awarded four stars by the 2005 Mobil Travel Guide—one of only two restaurants in Central Florida to earn the honor.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge was named among the “Top 20 Hotels of the World” by Fodor's Travel Publications “Fodor's Choice Hotels 2005” list The resort won in “The Kids Will Love It, Too” category.

Ears to the ground

…Keep a close eye out during the Mickey's 'Twas the Night Before Christmas show—it may be the only time that you ever see Mickey & Minnie in bed together.

Due to minor delays, construction of the sand castle slide at the Old Key West Resort continues for another couple of weeks. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

…Cinderella's Royal Table returns from refurbishment for lunch and dinner on January 27 and breakfast on January 28. On January 30, the Once Upon a Time Character Breakfast at the restaurant begins extended breakfast hours, with the last seating for breakfast changing from 10:20 to 11:15. This change reduces the restaurant's lunch hours, running from 1:00 to 2:55 p.m.

…There is a rumor that, with the introduction of the Magic Your Way passes on January 2, all passes will now carry biometric identification, thus relegating ticket transfers between friends to the past. We'll have to wait to see if this comes to pass.

…A great deal of painting is going on all over the resorts and parks.

…Parking lot reconstruction at many resorts is causing people to park along the sides of roadways, causing much congestion.

…Construction on the sandcastle slide at Disney's Old Key West Resort has seen some minor delays, but may yet be completed by the end of the year.

The Wonders of Life pavilion is now open through the end of the year, and likely during the closure of The Land pavilion through the end of March. Its fate beyond that point is anybody's guess. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

…The Seven Dwarfs' Mine in Fantasyland reopened yesterday as a seasonal Food & Beverage location. This new location offers fresh fruit, snacks, Smuckers Uncrustables, Dannon yogurt, bottled soda, bottled water, and drink boxes.

Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email us here.

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.” Reopening time unknown.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – expected to remain open for the holiday season, then will go down for major rehab.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. Unconfirmed: Likely open for the last two weeks of December.
• Jungle Cruise, the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, the Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree – open at 10 a.m. every day.
• The Hub area in front of the castle – undergoes more refurbishing in January 2005 in preparation for the Cinderellabration show coming later in the year.
• Cinderella's Royal Table – closed for rehab January 17–27, 2005. Lunch and dinner resume on January 28, while character breakfasts return on January 29.
• Astro Orbiter – closed January 25 – March 12, 2005.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – closed January 10 – February 12, 2005.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – last performance on February 26, 2005. Expected to return after the 18-month “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” celebration (commemorating the 50th anniversary of the original Disneyland Park in California) ends.
• Cinderellabration – begins preview performances in March 2005. Expected to run until the end of the 18-month “Happiest Homecoming on Earth” celebration.

Epcot

• Soarin' – is officially scheduled to open in May 2005, but may have an earlier soft opening.
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The Land – discontinued construction of the queue area for Soarin'. Expected to resume upon completion of the construction.
• The Land pavilion – will close January 2 – March 31, 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 will be open December 18–31, and it is rumored but not confirmed that it will be open next January – March during the closure of The Land pavilion.
• El Rio del Tiempo not be operating January 10–12.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, an American version of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from the Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris – is officially scheduled to debut in May 2005.
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – returns this year on the Streets of America backlot, November 24 – January 2.
• Fantasmic – will not be performed January 24-26.

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to debut in Spring 2005.
• Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.

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 first be worked on one by one, and will be 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.
• Old Key West Resort – The main pool is closed through late December to construct a new themed water slide.
• BoardWalk Resort – Conversion of the previous Disney Vacation Club sales center into 19 additional villa-style accommodations will continue through June. The second floor villas located directly above the project area will not be available for booking during the construction. In addition, a major pipe replacement project is underway in corridors outside guest rooms daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. through summer 2005. No work is scheduled inside guest rooms.
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Construction continues on the rest of the resort; the four buildings of Phase I are complete, the eight units of Phase II are due in 2005, and the six units of Phase III are due in 2007. Phase III will involve the razing of the old Fairway Villas.
• Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – An overall refurbishment of the Stormalong Bay pool area is running through early 2005. Certain sections of the pool will be unavailable at various times during the project. Those parts of the main pool not immediately being worked on will remain available for use. The first portion of the work should be completed by December 23. The main Shipwreck Slide will be closed only from January 3 to February 25, 2005, due to a painting project in that area. During the work on the slide, Yacht and Beach Club guests may use the Keister Coaster slide and Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk Resort.
• Yacht Club Resort – A siding renovation project is expected to continue through mid-2005.
• Beach Club Resort – The Sandcastle Club child care center will be closed from January 1 through March 31 to allow for the refurbishment of the Atlantic Wear & Wardrobe Emporium. The Harbor Club at the BoardWalk Resort will resume operations for that three-month period, with operations returning to the Sandcastle Club on April 1.
• Coronado Springs Resort – Construction continues on the 86,000-square-foot exhibit hall that is scheduled to open in spring 2005. Construction noises may be audible throughout the Casitas section of the resort during the daytime construction.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – is closed for its annual refurbishment from December 12, 2004 – March 12, 2005. It reopens with a new water coaster, the Crush 'N' Gusher.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays, but is also be closed December 26.
• 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

Ongoing

• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights (link). November 24 – January 2.
• Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney (link). November 26 – December 24.
• Holidays Around the World (link). November 26 – December 30.

December 2004

• 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). Registration closed. 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 – March TBA.
• Contest of Champions Cheer, Studio, and Dance/Drill Nationals (link). February 25–27 and March 4–6.

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 (link1 | link2). June 2–5.

September 2005

• Night of Joy (link). Dates TBA.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). September 30 – November 13.

October 2005

• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (link). Dates TBA.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). October 20–23.

November 2005

• Super Soap Weekend (link). Dates TBA.
• Festival of the Masters (link). November 12–13.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Discounts for early 2005 are out

Resort discounts starting in January 2, 2005 have been announced. Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts are valid through February 16, while general and Canada Resident discounts are good through April 16. Room-only and Dream Maker packages are available. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

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.

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.

NOTE: The entire price structure will be changing on January 2 to the new "Magic Your Way" passes. See the summary in the December 6 WDW Update (link) for more details. Advance purchase discounts will only be available on tickets above the base ticket for at least 5 days. Discounts for adults are $7 (5 days), $9 (6 days) and $11 (7 days). Child (ages 3-9) discounts are $6 (5 days), $7 (6 days) and $9 (7 days).

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 February 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through February 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)