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News and Views

The Land makeover, new peek at Soarin', and more

Brian Bennett has had a chance to look at the new makeover at The Land, as well as ridden the new Soarin' at Epcot. His photos appear throughout today's update.

The Land will soon open, with a new makeover. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Guests entering The Land are greeted by a brand new sign explaining the different features and atrractions. Photo by Brian Bennett.

More on Pal Mickey 2.0

Thanks to Shari Meyr of Pal Mickey's Grown–Up Pals Club (link), passing along some more information about the new interactive plush:

The Walt Disney World medallion on Pal Mickey's right hand is what you press to see a light show on the Happiest Celebration Glow Medallions. Pal Mickey was priced at $60 (including tax) at WDW until any recent clearance sales. The new Pal Mickey version 2 “Special Edition” will be $65 plus tax, but WDW Annual Passholders can purchase him for $60 plus tax and receive a special little passholder T–shirt for him. The lanyard and removable tux are new, as well as new content and features.

Many people think the obsolescence of the original Pal is a deliberate marketing ploy, but he won't really be obsolete. He just won't have the additional features and new attraction info. I view it the same as a computer. A computer that is a year or two old still works well for most purposes, but if a user wants all the latest greatest features, upgrading software and drivers isn't enough. To be state–of–the–art one has to buy a new computer. When they said Pal Mickey would “automatically update” with new info on each visit, they were not specific as to how long. The price hike for the upcoming Pal is probably due to the removable tux jacket, bow tie and lanyard, which were not included with the original version.

The vaulted ceiling in The Land building includes four miniature “hot air balloons” representing the four seasons surrounding one representing Earth. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Track list for new theme park CDs announced

Disney theme park music lovers are in for a huge treat, as three new CD collections have been scheduled for release on May 3. Walt Disney World gets a two–disc set, while Disneyland gets a two–disc set plus a monstrous six–disc collection entitled, A Musical History of Disneyland, which also includes a 72–page fully illustrated hardcover book entitled The Sounds of Disneyland.

The spectacular 50th anniversary album for the Disneyland Resort , entitled A Musical History of Disneyland, includes six CDs, a 72–page hardcover book and—for the 5,000–copy limited edition—a golden LP of Walt Disney Takes You To Disneyland—A Music Tour of the Magic Kingdom. Image © Disney.

The first 5,000 copies of the six–disc set (to be available at Disneyland, Walt Disney World and via Disney Direct for $125) also includes a special gold vinyl LP of Walt Disney Takes You To Disneyland—A Music Tour of the Magic Kingdom, the first–ever album release from Walt Disney Records back in 1956. After the limited edition is gone, an open edition of the collection (minus the gold LP) will go on sale nationally in September.

The central area of The Land now includes ample seating. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Track lists for the sets were posted to The Magical Music of the Mouse discussion forums by Randy Thornton, Senior Producer at Walt Disney Records, and the man responsible for these phenomenal collections. The site is also holding a contest to win an autographed copy of the six–disc set. The grand prize also includes the two–CD sets for Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Second and third prizes also receive both two–disc sets. Entrants are asked to tell how the music of Disney parks and resorts has touched their lives. The contest closes Sunday, April 24. For more information about the contest, or to see the track lists, check out the discussion forums at The Magical Music of the Mouse (link).

Virtual Magic Kingdom to start public beta next month

Disney's Virtual Magic Kingdom, an online environment where kids of all ages can play in a simulated theme park, begins limited–access public beta testing next month. The massive multi–player environment features games themed around fireworks and the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction, as well as Jungle Cruise photo safaris and the ability to mix music and interact with others. The virtual park is expected to have a grand opening over the summer (link).

A sign welcomes park guests to Soarin', Epcot's newst attraction imported from Disney's California Adventure park. Photo by Brian Bennett.

“Regis and Kelly” at the Magic Kingdom

In yet another burst of synergy, the Buena Vista Television production Live with Regis and Kelly talk show tapes shows at Disneyland Park and Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom the week of May 9–13. The shows takes place in California on Monday and Tuesday, and in Florida on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday's show tapes at the Magic Kingdom later on Thursday.

The new Soarin' attraction uses the Fastpass ticketing system, although it is not yet in use, until its official opening later this year. The Fastpass dispensing machines are located indoors near the Soarin' attraction entrance. Photo by Brian Bennett.

The shows highlights some of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” events, since they're taping the week following the big May 5 kick–off. Tickets are available to those who are in the area, or live there, either through the show's Web site (link) or by sending a self–addressed, stamped envelope to:

Live show times are 9 a.m. on Wednesday and Thursday, with the taped show on Thursday at noon. You can indicate which show you would like to attend in your ticket request. Tickets are limited to two per person and are distributed on a first–come, first–served basis.

No TSA security checks here: The entrance area to Soarin' is transportation themed, with cast member uniforms that look like those of flight crew. The area is even reminiscent of an airport terminal (is that a good thing?). Photo by Brian Bennett.

Lots of pin and merchandise event news

Here's a somewhat lengthy roundup of the upcoming pin and merchandise events at Walt Disney World:

• David Whitaker (link) – This Friday from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m., Disney Design Group Artist David Whitaker appears at the Art of Disney at Epcot to show his new line of Tinkerbell – Season Series lithographs. Each of the four has a limited edition of 250 and sells for $150.
• The Dave Smith Collection (link) – Disney Archivist Dave Smith has selected the top 20 moments in Disney theme park history. Walt Disney World has turned each of them into limited–edition pins, to be released each month starting May 5, 2005 through December 5, 2006. Each pin has an edition size of 2,000.
• Tim Rogerson (link) – On May 6 & 7, 2005, from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., Tim Rogerson appears at the Art of Disney at Downtown Disney Marketplace to showcases his “Mickey” & “Minnie” giclees, Haunted Mansion Stretch Room lithographs, and original oils. The giclees are on canvas and cost $325, while the Haunted Mansion artwork sells for $95 per lithograph or $7,000 for the set of four original oil paintings.
• “Studio Stories” (link) – A new hand–painted cel debuts on May 28 at the Disney–MGM Studios Animation Gallery. You can meet the artists that day from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. An exclusive pin is available with the first 1,500 orders placed for framed cels only. Framing options range from $110 to $275.
• Goebel (link) – From May 28 to 30, at Epcot's Germany pavilion, Christian Goebel appears at the premiere of the “Do You Love It” and “Look What I Made” figurines, to help kick off Disney's Happiest Celebration on Earth. Each figurine in a limited edition of 750, costs $110.
• A Morning With Harmony Kingdom (link) – On Saturday, July 9 at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park, guests can participate in the release of “Firefighter Mickey & Co.” and “It's A Small World” Harmony Kingdom marble resin collectible boxes. The edition size of Firefighter Mickey & Co. box is 750, while the edition size of It's A Small World box is 500. Each has a related limited–edition pin (edition size of 250), which is included in event admission. More information will be available on the event Web site in the near future.
• Disney's Pin Celebration 2005 (link) – More information will be published soon about this event, titled “The Happiest Pin Celebration On Earth,” But you can save the dates of September 9–11 for this event, to be held at the World Showplace at Epcot.
• Stitch's High Seas Adventure (link) – This pin event, to be held aboard the November 13–17, 2005, sailing of the Disney Wonder cruise ship, costs $35 above the cost of the cruise, and features many events and prizes.
• Piece of Disney History Pin Collection (link) – Already under way, this pin series celebrates Disney attractions and actually includes pieces of the attractions in the pins themselves. The Disney Pin Team was able to obtain actual pieces of Walt Disney World attractions, some of which have been retired, and partnered with the manufacturer to add those pieces to the pins. Disney is releasing a new pin each month throughout 2005 and each pin has an edition size of 2,500. Already released are: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea from the Magic Kingdom, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney–MGM Studios, MuppetVision 3–D at Disney–MGM Studios and Maelstrom in the Norway Pavilion at Epcot. Remaining pins for the set include: Dumbo's Flight at the Magic Kingdom, Festival of the Lion King at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom, It's Tough to Be a Bug! at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Test Track at Epcot, Peter Pan's Flight at the Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain at the Magic Kingdom and Spaceship Earth at Epcot.

Anticipating huge crowds for Soarin', Disney has installed extremely long queue areas for the new attraction. Photo by Brian Bennett.

New pin trading props debut at Walt Disney World

Cast members at Walt Disney World are now trading from eight new pin–trading props at select attractions. The following Disney attractions feature the new Pin Trading Props:

• A tombstone at the Haunted Mansion in the Magic Kingdom
• A treasure chest filled with pins at Pirates of Caribbean in the Magic Kingdom.
• The “Declaration of Pindependence” scroll at The Hall of Presidents at the Magic Kingdom and The American Adventure at Epcot.
• Leather satchels at various locations across Disney's Animal Kingdom, at the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular at the Disney–MGM Studios and the Jungle Cruise at the Magic Kingdom.
• Futuristic space cases at Star Tours at the Disney–MGM Studios, Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom and Mission: Space and Spaceship Earth at Epcot.
• A Hollywood autograph book at The Great Movie Ride at the Disney–MGM Studios.
• The hotel's guest register at the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney–MGM Studios.
• A gold–mining pan at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad at the Magic Kingdom.

More information and photos are available from the pin trading web site (link).

Quiz boards sprinkle the Soarin' queue area to keep waiting guests interested. This quiz board asks: “This national park in Utah features eerie rock formations formed by erosion on porous sandstone that was left when an inland sea subsided millions of years ago. Where on Earth is this?” [For the curious, the answer is Bryce Canyon.] Photo by Brian Bennett.

New Veracruz Exhibit Hall opens at Coronado Springs Resort

Construction is now complete on the new 86,000–square–foot Veracruz Exhibit Hall at the Coronado Springs Resort. Combined with the existing convention facilities, the resort now boasts 220,000 square feet of meeting space. Featuring a power grid that serves electrical outlets every 30 feet in each direction, the exhibit space is extremely friendly to trade–show configurations.

A warning sign in the Soarin' queue provides a hint of what to expect in the ride. Photo by Brian Bennett.

Magnolia golf course renovation to start May 9

Ryan Palmer made four consecutive birdies down the stretch to win last year's Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. He'll have a hard time duplicating that feat this year. The Magnolia course, home to three of the tournament's four rounds, is closing on May 9 to begin a major renovation that lengthens the course by 300 yards, to a total of approximately 7,500 yards from the championship tees. The work lengthens 10 holes by either enlarging the tee area or by building a new championship tee box.

“Please stow your luggage in the overhead…er… under your seat.” Guests are seated in long rows of seats in preparation for the start of the Soarin' ride. Photo by Brian Bennett.

The work affects three par–3 and seven par–4 holes, with the length of each hole increasing between five and 50 yards. Four of the par–4 holes will then play at 480 to 485 yards from the championship tees. This includes five of the six holes that over the last 22 tournaments have shown to be statistically toughest to the pros, Holes number 5, 9, 15, 17, and 18.

In addition, in the first major work done on the Joe Lee–designed course since 1993, the greens will be resodded with Tifeagle, a hybrid Bermuda grass that was installed last summer during the rehab of the Palm Course, home to the other round of the FUNAI Classic. The final two holes of the course will be lengthened to 480 or 490 yards each, which makes it that much more difficult to mount a final birdie charge at the tournament. The course is expected to reopen on September 10.

The resurfacing of the Palm course last year has been getting favorable reviews, and the remaining courses at Walt Disney World (Osprey Ridge, Eagle Pines, Lake Buena Vista and Oak Trail) will be receiving similar resurfacing, with one course being done each year from 2006 through 2009. All other courses are available while the Magnolia is closed down, and players can reserve tee times by calling 407–WDW–GOLF (407–939–4653) or at the Disney World Golf site (link).

Princess Party adds more days

The “My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party,” which had been running five days a week (Thursday through Monday) and selling out constantly, will be testing a seven–day–a–week schedule for the month of June. The big–ticket event takes place from 10:30 a.m. to noon in the Garden View Lounge at the Grand Floridian Resort. A lengthier description of the event is available in a Park Update column (link) from last year.

Jiko adds monthly wine dinners

The Animal Kingdom Lodge's premier restaurant, Jiko–The Cooking Place, has launched a monthly wine dinner on the first Thursday of every month in its private Cape Town dining room.

As opposed to the strictly African fare on the restaurant's menu, the wine dinner features international menus created by Chef Anette Grecchi Gray, paired with wines selected by sommelier Stephen Shepherd.

The wine dinners are $130 per person, and may be reserved by calling 407–WDW–DINE (407–939–3463).

When you think Disney, think paintball?

Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex hosts a national paintball tournament, hosted by Paintball Sports Promotions, April 21–24 (link). Nearly 200 teams are competing for more than $145,000 in cash and prizes in this second annual competition.

Ears to the ground

…D–Troops.com has some great photos of the inside of The Land pavilion at Epcot, which is nearing the end of its reconstruction (link).

…Last week's showing of Dream On, Silly Dreamer—Dan Lund and Tony West's ode to the end of traditional animation at Disney (link)—was so well–received at the Florida Film Festival that the programmers added a second screening last Friday due to overwhelming demand. It's good to see this film getting the showings that it deserves. Read more about this in our own review (link).

…The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have announced their training camp schedule at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. The Bucs arrives on Thursday, July 28, and begin practices the next day. They break camp after a morning practice on Wednesday, August 17.

…We hear that the following are appearing at Star Wars Weekends, though the only dates confirmed are Daniel Logan for the first weekend: Jerome Blake (Rune Haako, Mas Amedda and others), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok, Wald), Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett), Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Don Bies (Master Puppeter and Creative Maker) and Rob Coleman (Master Digital Creature Crafter, Leader of ILM animation for Episode III).

…On Friday, Walt Disney World Resort celebrates Earth Day with environmental displays and special activities for guests. Festivities take place at Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, and the Boardwalk, Wilderness Lodge and Fort Wilderness Resorts.

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

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 transforming into a Hundred Acre Wood–themed children's play area featuring slides, climbing structures, and interactive pop–jet fountains. The area, to be called “Pooh's Playful Spot,” is expected to open around September..
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned, date uncertain.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is currently closed.
• 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.
• Stitch's Great Escape – is running at half–capacity while the show is upgraded. Work on the first theater has been completed. We do not have an expected completion date on the second theater yet.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration –reportedly returns after the 18–month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.
• Cinderellabration – preview performances are underway. Official opening is May 5. Expected to run until the end of the 18–month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.

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 soft openings are already underway.
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The Land – discontinued due to construction of the queue area for Soarin'. Officially resumes on May 5, though previews are reportedly being offered for free to those riding Soarin' previews.
• The Land pavilion – closed thru May 1 for completion of the retheming to match the new Soarin' attraction. The Garden Grill Restaurant is not expected to return until at least July 7.
• 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 closed.

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. Preview performances for the public for test–and–adjust purposes have been returned to limited runs once or twice a week. Show times are subject to change, and there are no guarantees of the show running on a given day. Fastpass tickets are available beginning at 9 a.m. each day that the show runs.

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May – July, 2005. Official debut is May 6. There are reports that he is already making unannounced visits in the park in the Chester & Hester's Dino–Rama area.
• Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.

Resorts

• Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses: suites in Tonga through May 12; 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.
• Contemporary Resort – The South Garden wing is being closed for refurbishment from May 30 – October 31. Rumors indicate that the buildings may be completely gutted and rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club villas. No confirmation of the conversion yet.
• 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 are opening one each month, through October 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.
• Disney's Vero Beach Resort (DVC Resort) – Roof repairs due to hurricane rehabilitation are ongoing and scheduled to run through late November.
• Walt Disney World Swan Hotel – Repainting of the building's exterior is underway. Regular hotel operations are not affected.

Water Parks

• No current refurbishments.

Elsewhere

• Magnolia Golf Course – Closed for major renovation from May 9 – September 10.
• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. There are no performances Jun 5–20.

Park Events

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 11.

July 2005

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp (link). July 29 – August 17.

September 2005

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Sept. 2–4.
• Nights of Joy (link). Sept. 9–10.
• Walt Disney World 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

• Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K (link) Oct. 8.
• Disney's Race for the Taste 10K (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

• Pop Warner Super Bowl (link). Dec. 4–10.
• 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.

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.

Disney's Summer Price Slice discount returns to golf courses

Summer Price Slice is back with reduced–price greens fees on tee times after 10 a.m. daily from May 2 through Sept. 29 on Disney's five 18–hole golf courses.

Golfers can play the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $60 (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 $89–$94). Prices include golf cart rental.

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 and Palm start at $30 after 3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.). Rounds at Lake Buena Vista start at $25 after 3 p.m. ($20 after 5 p.m.).

For tee times, call 407–WDW–GOLF (407–939–4653) or go to the Walt Disney World Golf web site (link).

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The entire price structure has changed as of January 2, 2005, 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 June 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through June 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)