Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Mother's Day Weekend Brunch with the guys

Disney is using Mother's Day to test, of all things, a character meal aimed at boys. We're now hearing that the Mother's Day Brunch at Epcot is featuring Disney Heroes, including Mickey Mouse, Aladdin, Hercules, Beast, Peter Pan, and others. Priority Seatings for Saturday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. are going fast, and can be booked by calling 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463).

Nearly every spire of Cinderella Castle has received its gilding treatment, though work on the other details is still just beginning. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Lights, Motors, Action! dates announced

The new Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at the Disney-MGM Studios is holding cast previews on Saturday, March 12, at 1:30 p.m. and Sunday, March 13, at 12:45 and 2:45 p.m. Previews are for Studios cast, friends and family only. The attraction soft opens to guests for dress rehearsals on Monday, March 14.

Gold figures of Victor and Laverne (from The Hunchback of Notre Dame) and Kaa (from The Jungle Book) have been installed on the castle turrets. We can assume that Hugo will be the next to join his gargoyle friends, on the next lower turret. Photo by Brian Bennett.

“MGM” disappearance date coming soon?

Jim Hill has reminded us (link) that the end of Disney's 20-year contract with MGM to use its name for the theme park expires this June. We'll have to wait to see whether Disney tries to extend the contract or if they finally just change all the signage.

For those wondering, the reason that the vacation planning videos and DVDs always used the name “Disney Studios” instead of “Disney-MGM Studios” is that the deal with MGM did not allow them to use the name in filmed entertainment products, to avoid confusion with filmed products coming from the actual MGM studio. Now, it appears that the theme park may soon match all of the advertising.

A close-up look at the castle turrets shows a good view of the gilding and brocade trim. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Star Wars Weekends Festival events announced

The day after the sixth Star Wars movie (Episode III, Revenge of the Sith) hits theaters on May 19, Star Wars Weekends kicks off its 2005 four-weekend run at the Disney-MGM Studios. A quick rundown of festival activities includes:

• Walk-around characters from every Star Wars film—from Kit Fisto and Boba Fett to Princess Leia and Greedo, as well as Jedi Mickey Mouse—will be available for photos and autographs.
• Star Wars celebrities will participate in talk show-style interviews in the ABC Theater, take part in meet-and-greet sessions and ride in Hollywood-style motorcades. The line-up of Star Wars legends appearing during the month will be announced soon.
• Special Star Wars-themed editions of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire–Play It! will be presented.
• The “Jedi Training Academy” will give young Jedi hopefuls the chance to learn moves with a light saber and test their newly acquired skills against one of the evil Siths.
• Loads of special-edition merchandise will be available. Event-exclusive Star Wars memorabilia—from trading pins and commemorative posters to apparel, medallions and other limited-edition items—will be available in Tatooine Traders.

Meanwhile, refurbishment continues on the Imperial Walker outside the Star Tours attraction. At the moment, it is down to a bare steel skeleton.

While on vacation late last Thursday evening, Star Wars creator George Lucas takes the time to face off with Jedi Mickey Mouse. Photo © Disney.

“Lobby Concierge” services to debut

All Disney hotels, from Value to Deluxe resorts, are separating the Front Desk functions into two distinct service areas: Front Desk and Lobby Concierge. The Lobby Concierge replaces Guest Services and focuses primarily on providing itinerary planning, dining, recreation, and ticket sales, while the Front Desk still handles check-in and assistance with issues related to your room. Recruiting and hiring for the new roles has already taken place, and the separation should begin shortly. With the new system, there will be a clear distinction of responsibility.

While Disney “concierge” services generally do not necessarily match concierge-level services at major hotels in other cities (for example, just try asking Disney concierges for assistance with tickets or dinner reservations at a non-Disney location), the new service should be quite sufficient for most guest needs, and the separation should help to keep guest service-type requests and check-in services from backing up each others' lines.

With the lagoon construction wall down, the area leading to Mickey's Toontown Fair is much more spacious. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Companies to give away trips to Walt Disney World and Disneyland

Alamo Rent A Car has launched the Alamo.com Family Vacation Sweepstakes to promote its best rate guarantee for reservations made online at Alamo.com. Consumers can enter to win one of 300 trips to Walt Disney World Resort or Disneyland Resort online at Alamo.com, and also earn four additional entries with each qualified rental with Alamo from February 7 through April 30, 2005.

Each of the 300 packages is for four people, and includes airfare, Disney theme park passes, an Alamo rental car and hotel accommodations at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel or Disneyland Resort hotel for five days and four nights. Trips will be given away at the rate of 100 per month, giving customers who may not win the first month, the chance to win again the following month. Those who have already entered are automatically entered in to the next month's drawing.

At the same time, Clear Channel Radio stations across the country begin running a specially designed Disney promotion today, along with the participation of Premiere Network's Delilah show and American Top 40 with Ryan Seacrest. There is a call-in component of the radio promotion that awards vacation packages for four people to the premiere of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resorts.

Some of the space behind the lagoon construction wall has been turned into new “corral” planters. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Magic Mirror sculpture to premiere

A new collectible sculpture debuts on March 18 at several locations at Walt Disney World. Standing 11 1/2 inches tall, the porcelain Magic Mirror: “What Wouldst Thou Know, My Queen” sculpture is being offered for $150 plus tax, in a numbered limited edition of 5,000 pieces. Also available is the Evil Queen: “Who is the Fairest One of All?” offered for $150 plus tax.

The sculptures are available at Art of Disney (both at the Downtown Disney Marketplace and Epcot locations), Animation Gallery (at the Disney-MGM Studios), King's Gallery (at the Magic Kingdom), and Disney Outfitters (at Disney's Animal Kingdom), as well as through Walt Disney World Resort Merchandise Mail Order via phone at 407-363-6200. As always, all information is subject to change without notice.

The walkway between the new planters and the remaining wall provides much more room to handle the crowds in Fantasyland. We can only guess that ground will eventually be resurfaced to match the rest of Fantasyland. The expected Hundred-Acre Wood meet-and-greet is most likely still being built behind the remaining wall. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Passover package at Walt Disney World

You're Jewish and you want to go to Walt Disney World during Passover, but you don't think that you'll be able to eat there? Well, Lasko Tours is presenting a Passover package at the Hilton in the Walt Disney Resort on Hotel Plaza Boulevard in the Downtown Disney Resort Area. Catered by Abe Fuchs of New World Caterers and including a character breakfast at the hotel, the package also includes complimentary children's tickets to the theme parks.

For more information, go to the Lasko Tours Web site (link).

The area between the attraction facades and the planters and the remaining wall also appears to be a bit wider. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Disney receives three Thea Awards at February 5 ceremony

The Walt Disney Company was the recipient of three trophies at the Themed Entertainment Association's Thea Awards, presented at an awards dinner on February 5 at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel in Anaheim, California. Winning an award for Attraction with Technological Breakthrough was Walt Disney World's Mission: Space. Disneyland's Aladdin: A Musical Spectacular won a Live Show award. Winning a Technology award was Lucky the Dinosaur, who will appearing at Disney's Animal Kingdom from May through July this year. Award winners were chosen in 2004.

There is a new sandy path behind Ariel's Grotto in the former lagoon area. Photo by Brian Bennett.

AutoShow in Motion returns

The AutoShow in Motion (link) returns to Epcot's parking lot March 3–6. The show, which was last in town in April 2004, once again offers the chance to check out more than 150 new cars, trucks, and SUVs. Take a Hummer H2 off-roading, drive the new Pontiac GTO around a closed-circuit track or just compare the latest GM vehicles against those from many other major car makers.

Dumbo's Flying Elephants have returned from refurbishment. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Scripps to get Disney-style powers?

Earlier this year, Florida legislators created a lot of hubbub in revisiting the legislation that created the Reedy Creek Improvement District, which gave Disney governmental powers over its land, because they were concerned that they had given away too much power to a corporation. Yet now, they are considering giving similar powers to finally end the delays in beginning construction of a biomedical research facility by Scripps in Palm Beach County.

There is still a great deal of conflict on whether or not to grant these powers, but if they do go ahead with it, it will be much less likely for the Legislature to again consider removal of the Reedy Creek powers. The Legislative session begins on March 8.

The rebar-and-chicken-wire construction of the peak of Mount Everest stands ready for its concrete work. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Ears to the ground

…The Walt Disney World Web site has finally listed an official re-opening date for “it's a small world” of March 19.

…Due to popular demand, Disney started selling 8- and 9-day Magic Your Way passes on February 11. Per-day price differences for base tickets from days 7-10 are $3–$4.

…The new sign for Epcot's The Land pavilion is largely completed and echoes the patterns of the pavilion's entrance murals, dampening fears that the murals would be removed.

Workers install rebar around the sides of Expedition: Everest. Photo by Brian Bennett.

…The Pepper Market and Maya Grill at the Coronado Springs Resort have just been added to the Magic Your Way Dining plan.

…New cast member name tags will be distributed for the Happiest Homecoming on Earth. They're expected to have the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” logo at top.

…Walt Disney World President Al Weiss has joined former Disney parks head Dick Nunis on the board of the University of Central Florida. Nunis, currently Chairman of the Board of Directors at UCF, retired as Chairman of Disney Parks and Resorts in 1999 after an illustrious career that began with assisting in preparation of a training program for Disneyland cast members prior to opening in 1955.

Expedition: Everest as a whole is showing definite signs of progress. Photo by Brian Bennett.

…The Roman Catholic Diocese of Orlando is opening a new church in Celebration. Corpus Christi parish begins holding services in a storefront in the Disney-created community, but plans to build its own building in the near future. Boundaries of the parish include a large portion of Osceola County. The new church would also provide another alternative for Walt Disney World guests looking for a place to go for mass.

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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• “it's a small world” – closed thru March 19 for refurbishment (info).
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – most of the area has reopened, featuring "corral" type planters and more walkway space. The remainder is still reported to be transforming into a Hundred Acre Wood-themed meet-and-greet, with an uncertain opening date..
• Astro Orbiter – now reopened.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned, date uncertain.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. Presidents' Week run finished.
• 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 was Saturday, February 26. Reported to be returning after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.
• Cinderellabration – reportedly begins preview performances on March 17. Expected to run until the end of the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.

The Merchant of Venus shop is closed for refurbishment while the right-hand theater of Stitch's Great Escape is being re-Imagineered. Photo by Brian Bennett.

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'. Will 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. Presidents' Week run finished.

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. Cast previews will be held on March 12 and 13, and the show soft-opens to the public on March 14.
• The Imperial Walker in front of Star Tours – closed for refurbishment thru March 11.
• Mickey Avenue – undergoes work on an expansion thru March 11.
• 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. Reopens tomorrow.

Animal Kingdom

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

Construction work along the Magic Kingdom monorail platform continues as new gates are put in. Photo by Brian Bennett.

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. Flying Jib slide work reportedly now complete.
• 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.

Construction is underway near the Contemporary Resort's pool area. Photo by Brian Bennett.

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.
• 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.

The former Plaza Pavilion is undergoing final work before reopening as the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Park Events

February 2005

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Thru March 31.
• Contest of Champions Cheer, Studio, and Dance/Drill Nationals (link). March 4–6.

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.
• Pin Route 498 pin event (link). April 30.
• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon Fitness Expo (link). April 30 – May 1.
• All Star Kids Inline Classic (link). April 30.

May 2005

• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon & Half-Marathon (link). May 1.
• Danskin Women's Triathlon (link) May 15.
• Star Wars Weekends (link). Fridays – Sundays, May 20 – June 12.
• Florida Half Ironman at Walt Disney World (link) May 22.

June 2005

• Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link1 | link2). June 2–5.
• National Kidney Foundation 5K (link) June 12.

September 2005

• Night of Joy (link). Dates TBA.
• Disney's International Distance Triathlon (link) Sept. 23–25.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Sept. 30 – Nov. 13.

October 2005

• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (link). Dates TBA.
• Disney's 10K Classic (link) October 9.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). October 20–23.

November 2005

• Super Soap Weekend (link). Dates TBA.
• Festival of the Masters (link). Nov. 11–13.
• Holidays Around the World (link). Nov. 25 – Dec. 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). Dec. 31.
• New Year's Eve at Cirque du Soleil (link). Dec. 31.
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year's Eve (link). Dec. 31.

January 2006

• Disney's Health and Fitness Expo (link). Jan. 6 & 7.
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link). Jan. 7.
• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link). Registration now open. Jan. 7. [Note: The full- and half-marathons are now held on separate days. Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
• Walt Disney World Marathon (link). Registration now open. Jan. 8.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Southwest Airlines announces discount packages for Walt Disney World, Disneyland

Southwest Airlines is offering vacation packages to the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. The packages are valid for trips from through June 2, 2005, and must be booked by March 17. For complete details, go to the Southwest Vacations site (link).

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.

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.

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.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through April 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)