Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

The entrance of “it's a small world” has been moved all the way down to the Liberty Square end of the attraction. Photo by Brian Bennett.

“it's a small world” returns

After 10 and a half months of refurbishment, the “it's a small world” attraction returned with a soft opening sneak preview on Friday night and an official opening yesterday. The ride sports a new entrance facade similar to the one in California, a new entrance location, rebuilt dolls and a return to the original soundtrack from the 1964-1965 New York World's Fair (remastered for a cleaner sound). Unfortunately, the one unhappy face in the attraction—the clown in the balloon holding the “HELP!” sign in the finale room—seems to have disappeared. With the creation of the new stroller area in front of the former Skyway ride building, the former stroller parking area is now the first leg of the queue, which is entered near the corner closest to Liberty Square.

The new stroller parking area, which has allowed the first area under the roof to be turned into more of the “it's a small world” attraction's queue, is packed. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Thanks to Brian Bennett, we have some great photos of the attraction in today's Update. I've also thrown in a couple of photos I took days before the attraction closed, for comparison's sake. Brian took even more cool photos, but we'll hold them for next week so that we can showcase the reopened attraction. (And so that we can get that song into your head so that you're humming it all week).

The new “it's a small world” entrance facade has a nice, spiffy paint job. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Dolphin dies while on loan from Living Seas pavilion to National Aquarium

Bob, a 500-pound dolphin on loan from Epcot's Living Seas pavilion to the National Aquarium, was euthanized after a long battle with illness. The dolphin, who had been loaned to the Baltimore facility two years ago for breeding purposes, had been fighting an infection since September.

Stitch "enhancements" now in place

The refurbishment of the right-hand chamber of Stitch's Great Escape has been completed, and guests are now using that chamber (which exits through the reopened Merchant of Venus shop) while the left-hand chamber receives its own refurbishment. The "enhanced" show is largely the same as the old show, but with some new audio clips, a few other effects and a new ending.

There are now kid voices talking about Stitch to try to make the kids less afraid during the darkness, saying things like "Look, Mommy! It's Stitch!" and "Man, he's fast!" The new ending, which is reportedly not quite as abrupt as the original, features Stitch visiting Cinderella Castle (but we won't spoil the entire ending for you).

The “it's a small world” ride's new facade is reminiscent of the appearance of Disneyland's version of the attraction. Photo by Brian Bennett.

The old “it's a small world” facade was colorful, but had severely faded before the refurbishment. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Tensions rise at Disney Reservations Center

Due to a low retention rate of new hires, the Disney Reservations Center has decided to shorten their hours and change goals, angering employees. As of last night, the call center is closing an hour early at 10 p.m. Agents who had worked until 11 p.m. were told that if they could not reschedule and arrange to work enough hours to maintain their status (20/40 hours for part/full-time), they would be fired.

We are told that waits on the travel and dining phone queues have been averaging 30 minutes to an hour on some days, with the majority of callers hanging up. Other areas have required overtime. Agents, who have been told that it's unacceptable to sign out to take a breather or get something to drink, are also not allowed to put callers on hold. In addition, a new mandate is that dining agents are expected to make at least one booking per call, resulting in a hard-sell mentality that was not previously in evidence.

So please be patient when you call the Disney Reservations Center, as they're doing their best to do their job.

A close-up view of the “it's a small world” facade shows details of the buildings from around the world. Photo by Brian Bennett.

The old international “it's a small world” facade was getting dingy. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Road work around entrance archways

Several inbound roadways around the resort are experiencing closures due to work on the various entrance archways. Outbound lanes are not affected; all lanes will be open. The schedule is as follows

• Last Friday, March 18, on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, the far right lane was closed to traffic from 1:30-6:30 p.m.; all other inbound lanes were open.
• Tuesday, March 22, on World Drive, the center lanes, followed by the outside lanes, will be closed to traffic from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; traffic will have at least two lanes open at all times.
• Wednesday, March 23, on Osceola Parkway, the far left lane, followed by the center lane and then the far right lane will be closed to traffic from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; inbound traffic will have at least two lanes open at all times.
• Thursday, March 24, on Epcot Drive, the far left, followed by the center lane and then the far right lane will be closed to traffic from 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; inbound traffic will have at least two lanes open at all times.

The “it's a small world” attraction's exit now goes behind the clock tower. Photo by Brian Bennett

Power Rangers join Studios parade

As of last Tuesday, the Stars and Motor Cars Parade at the Disney-MGM Studios added another vehicle join the cavalcade. A Power Rangers car features five Power Rangers, one from each of five different Power Ranger series. The Ranger incarnations represented are Power Rangers Space Patrol Delta (Red Ranger), Power Rangers Time Force (Pink Ranger), Power Rangers Wild Force (Lunar Wolf Ranger), Power Rangers Ninja Storm (Green Ranger) and Power Rangers Dino Thunder (White Ranger).

Aside from the clock tower inside of the “it's a small world” exit queue and the new first leg under the awning, the general queue layout is largely unchanged. Photo by Brian Bennett

LEGO store finishes refurbishment

The LEGO Imagination Center at Downtown Disney Marketplace has completed its major refurbishment. A family walking a bunch of dogs and a huge robot are among the new LEGO creations decorating the outside. The interior now features a hands-on mural construction area, motorized LEGO scenes, and the world's largest LEGO Pick-A-Brick wall.

We've seen enough of the “it's a small world” facade. Now, it's time to look into the bright colors of the refurbished attraction. Photo by Brian Bennett.

New baby-swap procedure?

MousePlanet reader Amy Eikel reports that she experienced a change to the baby swap procedures at all attractions. When the cast member staffing the entrance is asked about baby swap procedures, a special three-person “rider exchange” Fastpass is issued. When the first rider from the party comes out of the attraction, the person watching the baby (and two others) now use the Fastpass entrance instead of returning via the exit walkway.

The ice skater twirls in the first scene of “it's a small world.” Photo by Brian Bennett

Ears to the ground

…We are hearing that plans have been drawn up for a new Indiana Jones Adventure attraction to replace the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular. The plans are reportedly being readied for approval by Steven Spielberg and/or George Lucas for approval, with a targeted opening some time in 2009. This has not yet been confirmed. If somebody out there can confirm anything about this one way or the other, please let us know!

Flying carpets and box kites fill the skies in “it's a small world.” Photo by Brian Bennett.

…Correcting a statement from last week, the Happiest Celebration on Earth overlay on Cinderella Castle is not yet completed. Tinker Bell has yet to be added to the top spire of the castle. The crane used in the placement of the decorations was removed from its location behind the castle in order to clear the courtyard for the huge Eastertime crowds. When the hordes depart after the weekend of April 2–3, the crane returns to finish the job.

The jungle colors are brilliantly refreshed in “it's a small world.” Photo by Brian Bennett.

…It appears that the soft opening sneak preview of Soarin' at The Land pavilion at Epcot are happening daily now. Guests enter through a side entrance near the Imagination pavilion. The soft openings are occurring during the afternoon into early evening.

…This past weekend, Disney-MGM Studios management decided to keep the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show running up to its maximum of three shows per day due to projections of record crowds at the park. The show is still in test-and-adjust mode, however, and the show times could possibly change on a daily basis. Due to this status, there is no guarantee that the show will run every day. Fastpass will be available beginning at 9 a.m. each day on days that it is running.

Cleopatra had been looking very dingy before the “it's a small world” refurbishment. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

But she's looking much better now. Photo by Brian Bennett.

…Due to higher-than-expected crowd levels, the Magic Kingdom decided to extend its operating hours by one hour to 11 p.m. last Friday night.

…The giant kaleidoscope at Downtown Disney has been removed. No word yet on whether it's a refurbishment or a permanent removal.

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

Central and South America in “it's a small world” look bright and sunny. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• 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..
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned, date uncertain.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is currently open from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Saturday, April 2.
• 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. The remaining walls will come down on Saturday.
• 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 – preview performances are underway. Cast previews are scheduled for April 4–5. Official opening is May 5. Expected to run until the end of the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.

The Polynesian tikis are once-again vibrantly colored in “it's a small world.” Photo by Brian Bennett.

Epcot

• Entire park – closes at 3 p.m. on May 5 for the "Happiest Celebration on Earth" press event.
• Soarin' – officially scheduled to open on May 5, but may have an earlier soft opening. Cast previews are April 8–10, 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 due to construction of the queue area for Soarin'. Will resume when the pavilion reopens.
• The Land pavilion – closed thru April 26 for completion of the retheming to match the new 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 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. through Saturday, April 2.

The Polynesian hut in “it's a small world” is looking great again. Photo by Brian Bennett

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 on May 4. Cast previews are scheduled for April 6–7. Daily preview performances for the public are underway for test-and-adjust purposes. Show times are subject to change, and there is no guarantee that the show will run on a given day. Fastpass tickets are available beginning at 9 a.m. each day.
• Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! – closed April 4–10 for show change-out. A JoJo's Circus segment will replace the Rolie Polie Olie segment.

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May – July 2005. Official debut is May 6.
• Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.

The “it's a small world” finale is looking great. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Resorts

• 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 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.

The clown in the balloon holding the “HELP!” sign appears to have been replaced by a happy clown in “it's a small world.” Photo by Brian Bennett.

Water Parks

• No current refurbishments.

Elsewhere

• Several inbound roadways around the resort will experience closures due to work on the various entrance archways. Outbound lanes will not be affected; all lanes will be open.
  • Tuesday, March 22 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., World Drive - center lanes, followed by outside lanes, will be closed to traffic; traffic will have at least two lanes open at all times.
  • Wednesday, March 23 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Osceola Parkway - far left lane, followed by center lane and then far right lane, closed to traffic; inbound traffic will have at least two lanes open at all times.
  • Thursday, March 24 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Epcot Drive - far left, followed by center lane and then far right lane, closed to traffic; inbound traffic will have at least two lanes open at all times.
• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. There will be no performances Jun 5–20.
• 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.

Before the refurbishment, the dingy exit signs for “it's a small world” look pretty uninspiring. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

Now they look great. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Thru March 31.

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

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Sept. 2–4.
• 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.
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (link). Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 4, 7, 11, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31.

October 2005

• Disney's 10K Classic (link) Oct. 9.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). Oct. 20–23.

November 2005

• Festival of the Masters (link). Nov. 11–13.
• Super Soap Weekend (link). Nov. 12–13.
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights (link). Nov. 23 - Jan. 8, 2006
• Holidays Around the World (link). Nov. 25 – Dec. 30.
• Festival of the Seasons (link). Dates TBA.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.

December 2005

• 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

Summer passholder and Florida resident rates are out

Annual Passholder and Florida resident resort discounts valid most nights from April 17 through July 4 have been announced. Rates start at $74 for value resorts and $104 for moderates. See the Passholder web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

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.

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 May 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)