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

Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Tear down the walls!

The east side of the Great Wall of Fantasyland was taken down this past weekend, revealing the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon.

The long wall across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, stretching back to Mickey's Toontown Fair was removed on Friday. On Saturday, the remaining wall between Pooh and Ariel's Grotto came down.

A small fence surrounds an area across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh that is still being prepared for future use.

In addition, the north (castle) side and east (Tomorrowland) side construction walls at the hub have come down, which has allowed the Magic Kingdom parades to resume their normal route. The Partners statue of Walt Disney and Mickey is again visible and available for photo backgrounds in front of Cinderella Castle.

The small bronze statues that circled the hub are gone, though they're reportedly going to return at some point. It also appears that the planters have decreased in size as well the fact that they're now at ground level instead of elevated. The remainder of the hub reconstruction project will be completed in early March.

Synergy strikes again

To help promote the DVD release of Bambi on March 1 , guests have the rare opportunity to meet and greet a walk-around Thumper character in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Palm Courtyard.

The Bambi theming of the area includes topiaries of Bambi and friends, area background music from the movie and opportunities to meet live “forest animals.”

The whole thing only runs through March 31, because the Bambi topiaries are moving during the following two weeks to Epcot's Canada pavillion for the International Flower and Garden Festival.

Fastpassing the ticket booths

In another instance of interpersonal interaction being lost in the name of speed and efficiency, automated touch-screen ticket kiosks are now operational at the Transportation and Ticket Center. This should shorten the lines at the ticket booths, and possibly allow them to tear some of them down, since they're never all open at the same time, anyway.

Automated ticket machines have been tested at the water parks for the last couple of years. Look for the machines to be available at the other three Walt Disney World theme parks in the near future.

Prepare to Gush

The new Crush 'n' Gusher water coaster at Typhoon Lagoon is opening for cast member previews on March 9 and 12. Cast members and their families can check out the attraction between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. on those dates (though the rest of the park will not be open). The attraction opens to the public when the water park reopens from its annual refurbishment on March 13.

Pirates news

There are two new books by Jason Surrell and a new Web site coming for fans of Pirates of the Caribbean. The first book, Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies, is due this fall, while a book about the making of the eventual trilogy of movies is being released in 2007, just before the third movie hits the screens. We have obtained a copy of the cover art for the first book, below.

Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies by Jason Surrell is due in book stores this fall.

In addition, the official fan site for the Pirates of the Caribbean movies is nearing launch. You can see the preview page here.

Menu redo for two quick-service eateries

New menus are coming when two quick-service eateries reopen in the coming weeks.

At the Magic Kingdom, the Tomorrowland Terrace returns from refurbishment as the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, featuring chicken, shrimp and vegetarian noodle bowls, as well as pork steamed buns with Asian slaw, stir fry, fried egg rolls and pot stickers. Salads are also being offered, including mandarin orange and cashew chicken. A ginger-infused creme brulee will be the specialty dessert.

In the courtyard in front of the new Lights, Motors, Action Extreme Stunt Show at the Disney-MGM Studios, the Studio Catering Company is relaunching with a Mediterranean flavor featuring flatbread sandwiches, including cumin-spiced lamb kefta with baba ghanoush and harissa sauce, tandoori chicken with tomato and cucumber raita, and a steak “gyro”-style sandwich with roasted red pepper hummus and tomato and onion relish. Children will be able to get a grilled chicken wrap with lettuce and cream cheese or a chilled smoked ham wrap. Dessert includes seasonal fruit tarts, lemon curd in a meringue shell, and panna cotta with strawberries.

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival lineup released

It's that time again. Information about the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has been announced, and we'll run down the highlights for you.

First of all, the topiary characters at the entrance will have a new look, as Mickey and friends welcome you with a salute to the Happiest Celebration on Earth. The spiral Tinker Bell is no longer in front of Spaceship Earth, as Miss Bell has moved to World Showcase Plaza.

Once again, the festival will have themes for each weekend. This year, the schedule is as follows:

“Premiere Weekend,” April 15–17
“I Dig Bugs Weekend,” April 22–24
“Art in the Garden Weekend,” April 29 – May 1
“Mother's Day Weekend,” May 6–8
“Photography Weekend,” May 13–15
“FamilyFun Weekend,” May 20–22
“Memorial Day Weekend,” May 28–30
“Festival Farewell Weekend,” June 3–5

Also new this year, “Farmer Mickey's Maze” (aimed at children ages 2 to 5) replaces last year's “Disney's Doggone Maze” along the Imagination walkway. Also, with the reopening of The Land pavilion, the “Behind the Seeds” Greenhouse Tour has returned. Also, the Living with the Land boat ride will feature 50-pound melons and huge pumpkins, as well as the first tomato trees grown in the U.S.A. Also new this year is Minnie's Magnificent Butterfly Garden, adjacent to MouseGear and Innoventions East.

The Flower Power Concert Series again features popular acts from the past. Most of the groups are returnees from last year:

Davy Jones, April 15–18
Gary “U.S.” Bonds, April 19–21
Paul Revere & The Raiders, April 22–25
The Buckinghams, April 26–28
The Grass Roots, April 29 – May 1
The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie, May 2–4
Vanilla Fudge, May 5 & 6
Greg Rollie, May 7 & 8
The Lovin' Spoonful, May 9–11
The Nelsons, May 12–14
Gary Puckett, May 15–17
Orleans, May 18–20
The Rascals, May 21–23
BJ Thomas, May 24–26
Rare Earth, May 27–29
Eric Burdon & The Animals, May 30 – June 1
Arlo Guthrie, June 2–5

Hidden Mickeys have also been added to the decor. Fifty of them were created especially for the Festival this year.

The Great American Gardeners series has returned, as well. Each weekend in Innoventions West, well-known gardeners will give seminars at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. This year's lineup:

Paul James, April 15–17
Robert Bowden, April 22–24
Artist (to be annouced later), April 29 – May 1
Guerlain (to be announced later), May 6–8
Gary Allen, May 13–15
Tom Turpin, May 20–22
Georgia Tasker, May 27–29
Tom McCubbin, June 3–5

And, of course, all of the favorites are back, from the ladybug release to the backyeard gardens display to sculpture, dooryard and water gardens.

Hi, I'm Steve, and I'll be your Disney tour guide here in… Wyoming?

The Walt Disney Company has decided to trade on its reputation for customer service (no comments from the peanut gallery) and start organizing tours away from the parks, resorts and cruise lines. This summer, Disney is running 15 week-long test tours for groups of 30–35 in Wyoming and Hawai`i.

The new business, titled “Adventures by Disney,” is recruiting families aboard Disney Cruise Line ships, at the World of Disney store in New York, and at other locations. The trial tours are offered at a discount price of $5,600–$7,800 for a family of four, not including airfare to and from the tour's end points. Travel during the tour is included in the cost.

The “Quest for the West” tour visits the Grand Tetons, Jackson Hole and Yellowstone National Park, while the “Escape to Paradise” tour will stop on O`ahu, Kauai and the Big Island of Hawai`i.

Disney has said that they are recruiting their own tour guides, and that they are providing one or two guides per tour group.

Make those overseas reservations now

The hotels of the Hong Kong Disneyland Resort are now taking reservations. The two hotels combined only have 1,000 rooms, so they may go fast. Rooms at the Victorian-themed Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, with 400 rooms, start at the equivalent of about US$205 per night, while the 600 rooms at the Art Deco Disney's Hollywood Hotel start at approximately US$128 per night.

Ears to the ground

…The reopening of The Land pavilion has been pushed back from April 1 to April 6. Passholder and Disney's Vacation Club preview days are still unchanged on April 15–17; however, the delay shortens the window for cast previews, which are slated for the first part of the month.

…The Astro Orbitor returns from refurbishment well ahead of schedule and is opening for guests on Febuary 26.

…Timekeeper operates through February 26.

…Todd English's “bluezoo” restaurant at the Walt Disney World Dolphin Hotel has received a AAA Four Diamond Award.

…Disney Grad Nights are scheduled for April 22, 23, 29 and 30. This year's pre-Grad Night Blast-Off Parties is at the Magic Kingdom, Pleasure Island and the Fort Wilderness Cookout area. Grad Night live entertainment includes performances by Yellowcard, Ciara, Ryan Cabrera and Kevin Lyttle.

…Private events will have some Pleasure Island clubs opening late on some evenings this week. The Adventurer's Club opens at 9:00 on February 22 and 8:00 on February 24. The BET Soundstage Club opens at 9:30 on February 23. Motion opens at 9:30 on both February 23 and 25. Mannequins Dance Palace opens at 9:30 on February 23.

…According to D-Troops.com (link), there are reports that Disney-MGM Studios management has reversed course and is allowing Disney artists to continue teaching guests at the Magic of Disney Animation attraction. If you were one of those who wrote to Disney asking them not to replace the artists with non-artist cast members traclng the characters, it might be nice to send them a thank-you note.

…WDWMagic (link) reports that the Mouse House at Pleasure Island closed last Tuesday, and is being replaced with a new Harley Davidson retail store, which is expected to open in late March 2005. The store is featuring several custom bikes in addition to standard merchandise.

…Cinderella's Surprise Celebration has its last performance on February 26. The castle stage will then be prepared for Cinderellabration, which is expected to begin preview performances some time in March before its official debut on May 5. Rumors say that Cinderella's Surprise Celebration will return at the end of the Happiest Celebration on Earth event, but that is not yet confirmed.

…It appears that the construction of the monorail board/exit gates at the Magic Kingdom station is causing some confusion and traffic jams. Here's hoping that they get all of the work finished before Spring Break hits and the crowds swell.

…Disney is planning to build another ship for the Disney Cruise Line, but is not moving forward until the currency exchange rate becomes a little more favorable.

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 thru March 18 for refurbishment (info).
20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – transforming into a Hundred Acre Wood-themed meet-and-greet. Reported to have reopened this past weekend.
Astro Orbiter – reopening early on February 26.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – refurbishment postponed until after completion of work on the Astro Orbiter.
Timekeeper – opens seasonally. Currently open through February 26.
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 Central Plaza (hub area in front of the castle) – undergoing more refurbishing in preparation for the Cinderellabration show coming later this year. About half of the hub has reopened, while the rest will remain behind construction walls into March.
Stitch's Great Escape – is running at half-capacity while the show is upgraded. No expected completion date yet.
Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – last performance on February 26. Reported to be returning after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.
Cinderellabration – begins preview performances in March. Expected to run until the end of the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.

Epcot

Soarin' – officially scheduled to open in May, but may have an earlier soft opening. Cast previews are in early April, and passholder and DVC previews are April 15 – 17 during park hours.
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 – closed thru April 5 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 is currently open thru February 26.

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. Rumor has it that the show will soft-open on March 13.
The Imperial Walker in front of Star Tours – closed for refurbishment thru March 11.
Mickey Avenue – undergoes work on an expansion thru March 11.
Stunt Show merchandise cart – undergoes some work thru February 25.
Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! – closed April 4 - 10 for show change-out. It is rumored that a JoJo's Circus segment will replace the Book of Pooh segment.
Sounds Dangerous - Starring Drew Carey – closed February 23–28.

Animal Kingdom

Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May – July, 2005.
Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.

Resorts

Port Orleans Resort – ongoing two-year extensive room refurbishment. Phase I's French Quarter reopened. Phase II is underway, and involves Riverside going through a phased refurbishment. The Magnolia Bend mansions appear to be completed. Alligator Bayou closed in sections.
Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses: Rapa Nui and the suites in Tonga through April 1; Tahiti April 24 – August 17; Tokelau May – September. Work on the Great Ceremonial House also appears to be underway: stores moving to the main lobby area; Captain Cook's Snack Company expanding to fill the rest of the rear of the building.
BoardWalk Resort – Conversion of the previous Disney Vacation Club sales center into 19 additional villa-style accommodations through June, and the second floor villas located directly above the project area not available for booking during the construction. Major pipe replacement project underway in corridors outside guest rooms daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through summer 2005. No work scheduled inside guest rooms.
Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Phase I's construction of four buildings complete; Phase II's eight units will open one each month, beginning in March 2005; Phase III's the six units due in 2007, involves razing the old Fairway Villas.
Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – Refurbishment of Stormalong Bay pool area thru early 2005; certain sections unavailable at various times. Those parts not immediately worked on are open for use. Main Flying Jib slide closed thru February 25 for a painting project: Yacht and Beach Club guests can use the Keister Coaster slide and Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk Resort.
Yacht Club Resort – Siding renovation project to continue through mid-2005.
Beach Club Resort – The Sandcastle Club child care center closed thru March 31 to refurbish Atlantic Wear & Wardrobe Emporium. Harbor Club at the BoardWalk Resort reopens for that three-month period. Sandcastle Club reopens April 1.
Coronado Springs Resort – Exhibit hall construction continues; scheduled to open spring 2005. Construction noises may be audible throughout the Casitas section of the resort during the daytime construction.

Water Parks

Typhoon Lagoon – closed for annual refurbishment thru March 12. It reopens with a new water coaster, the Crush 'N' Gusher.

Elsewhere

Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. No performances February 20–22.
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

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). February 17 – March 31.
Contest of Champions Cheer, Studio, and Dance/Drill Nationals (link). February 25–27 and March 4–6.
ESPN The Weekend (link). February 25–27.

March 2005

Doll & Teddy Bear Weekend (link). March 18–20.

April 2005

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). April 15 – June 5.
Disney Grad Nights (link). April 22, 23, 29, 30.
Walt Disney World Inline Marathon (link). April 30 – May 1.

May 2005

Star Wars Weekends (link). Fridays – Sundays, May 20 – June 12.

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 11–13.
Holidays Around the World (link). November 25 – December 30.
Festival of the Seasons (link). Dates TBA.

December 2005

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Dates TBA.
Pleasure Island New Year's Eve (link). December 31.
New Year's Eve at Cirque du Soleil (link). December 31.
Atlantic Dance Hall New Year's Eve (link). December 31.

January 2006

Disney's Health and Fitness Expo (link). January 6 & 7.
FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link). January 7.
Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link). Registration now open. January 7.
Walt Disney World Marathon (link). Registration now open. January 8.

Current Discounts & Promotions

DVC golf discount, bonus

Walt Disney World golf courses are now offering Disney Vacation Club members free club and shoe rentals through March 31, 2005. DVC members can also purchase a DVC Annual Golf Membership for $50 plus tax. The golf membership grants special prices and perks at the WDW golf courses.

Discounts for early 2005 are out

Resort discounts valid through April 16, 2005 have been announced. Room-only and Magic Your Way 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.

	Courtyard View	Deluxe Pool View	Bed & Breakfast Pkg - Courtyard View
2005
Feb 4–16	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95
Feb 17–20	$119.95	$129.95	$137.95
Feb 21 – March 17	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95
March 18 – Apr 9	$119.95	$129.95	$137.95
Apr 10 – 16	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95
Apr 17 – June 29	$89.95	$99.95	$107.95
June 30 – July 4	$99.95	$109.95	$117.95
July 5 – Aug 13	$89.95	$99.95	$107.95
Aug 14 – Sept 29	$79.95	$89.95	$97.95
Sept 30 – Oct 22	$89.95	$99.95	$107.95
Oct 23 – Dec 22	$79.95	$89.95	$97.95
Dec 23 – 31	$109.95	$119.95	$127.95

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

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The entire price structure has changed as of January 2 to the new "Magic Your Way" passes. Advance purchase discounts are only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 5 days.

Adult/Child Total Cost	1-day	2-day	3-day	4-day	5-day	6-day	7-day	10-day
Base Ticket	$59.75 / $48	$119 / $96	$171 / $137	$185 / $148	$193 / $155	$196 / $157	$199 / $160	$209 / $167
W/ Park Hopper	$94.75 / $83	$154 / $131	$206 / $172	$220 / $183	$228 / $190	$231 / $192	$234 / $195	$244 / $202
W/ Plus Pack	$104.75 / $93	$164 / $141	$216 / $182	$230 / $193	$238 / $200	$241 / $202	$244 / $205	$254 / $212
	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 3)	(plus 3)	(plus 4)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)
Premium Ticket	$139.75 / $128	$199 / $176	$251 / $217	$265 / $228	$273 / $235	$276 / $237	$279 / $240	$289 / $247
Premium, No Expiration	N/A	$209 / $186	$261 / $227	$280 / $243	$308 / $270	$321 / $282	$334 / $295	$299 / $347
Advance Purchase Discount	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$7/$6	$9/$7	$11/$9	$12/$9

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 April 2005.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	2/21	2/22	2/23	2/24	2/25	2/26
	MK 9a-12a EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7p AK 9a-7p BB 10a-5p TL closed	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-7p BB 10a-5p TL closed	MK 9a-12a EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL closed	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL closed	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-5p TL closed	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-6p BB 10a-5p TL closed
2/27	2/28	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-7p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-5p TL closed	MK 9a-8p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-7p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-5p TL closed

Entertainment Schedule