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

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News and Views

Air pressure problem disrupts 14 attractions at Magic Kingdom

Fourteen attractions at the Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom were temporarily shut down last Wednesday, on April 20, due to technical difficulties.

An air pressure system used to handle everything from lifting Dumbo ride vehicles to operating block zone gates on Splash Mountain experienced problems when a water pipe associated with the system began leaking. The rides involved went through a normal safe shutdown sequence and were evacuated while the problem was resolved and the ride systems reset.

The attractions were down from 25 minutes to an hour, based on conflicting reports, and those waiting in line were given return passes.

This type of widespread problem is unusual, but neither a major safety problem nor one requiring lengthy repairs.

The Land is now open

The Land pavilion at Epcot has now reopened to the general public, with all three major attractions running. Soarin' and Living with the Land both feature Fastpass, while the Circle of Life film continues without. The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses resumes running every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. beginning on Friday, April 29.

The Sunshine Seasons food court also reopens on Friday, April 29, but The Garden Grill Restaurant is not expected to return until at least July 7.

The pavilion also has a new Kidcot Fun Stop, which joins Test Track and the Living Seas pavilions in Future World.

Complete Star Wars Weekends celebrity guest list announced

The list of attendees at this year's Star Wars Weekends has finally been announced. Each weekend sees one character actor and one technical specialist in attendance.

For the opening weekend (May 20–22), the attendees ware Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett) and John Goodson (concept model maker). The second weekend (May 27–29) sees Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Rob Coleman (animation supervisor). Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok) and Don Bies (R2–D2 operator) attend the weekend of June 3–5, and Jerome Blake (Rune Haako) and Brian Gernand (model supervisor) are the guests the final weekend (June 10–12).

Party news

Dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party have now been officially set. See below (link) for dates. Tickets should be going on sale within the next week or so. Usually, Halloween night and Friday nights are the first to sell out, but you should have a few weeks from the day that they go on sale before that happens. For tickets, phone 407–W–DISNEY (407–934–7639) or by visiting the Walt Disney World web site (link).

“Simply Segway Experience” debuts May 1st

A new opportunity to those cool two–wheeled vehicles, the “Simply Segway Experience at Epcot” is offering a one–hour indoor Segway handling class for beginners everydayat 12:30 p.m. except Tuesdays and Thursdays. Like its lengthier cousin, the two–hour “Around the World at Epcot” tour, riders need to be 16 years of age and weigh less than 250 pounds.

Due to the instructional nature of this experience, more advanced riders are probably better off taking the longer tour.

The new experience costs $45 per person, while the longer ride $80 per person. Discounts of 15 percent are available on both tours for AAA members, Disney Visa Cardholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Annual Passholders.

You can book both tours by calling 407–WDW–TOUR (407–939–8687).

Disney's Magical Express bus routes revealed

When Disney's Magical Express begins on May 5, it will operate on a zone basis, with resorts grouped into four zones. Buses will be dispatched on an as–needed basis based on resorts and flight times, with a maximum of four stops per bus. Additional buses will be dispatched if five resorts in one zone have guests needing to be picked up for similar flight times, or if more guests need to be picked up than can be accommodated on a single bus.

Zones are as follows:

Magic Kingdom Area (“Red Zone”): Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort
Epcot Area (“Blue Zone”): Beach Club Resort, Beach Club Villas, Yacht Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, Boardwalk Villas, Caribbean Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort
Animal Kingdom Area (“Green Zone”): Animal Kingdom Lodge, All–Star Sports Resort, All–Star Music Resort, All–Star Movies Resort, Coronado Springs Resort
Downtown Disney Area (“Black Zone”): Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Old Key West Resort, Saratoga Springs Resort

Disney joins convention marketing consortium

Walt Disney World has signed on as a “Gold Key Member” of the Orange County Convention Center, promising cash and other contributions totalling $125,000 per year in exchange for access to those planning events at the center. This also allows Disney to open a sales office inside the convention center for better access to individual eventgoers.

It is unknown how much will be paid in cash, as opposed to food, drinks, park tickets and merchandise, which will be used to entertain trade–show, convention and other planners who might be considering the Orlando area as an event site.

Planners will be offered the opportunity to schedule events at the parks as part of their event at the Convention Center, from private parties at Downtown Disney or after–hours at one of the theme parks, to special group–rate tickets and transportation to the parks.

Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have also signed similar agreements.

Correction on one–night Night of Joy tickets

We previously misreported the advance–purchase price of a one–night ticket for the Night of Joy event. One–night tickets cost $36.95 plus tax in advance, as opposed to the $37.95 we previously reported. The price to purchase a one–night ticket at the gate (if available) is correct at $42.95 plus tax, and two–night tickets were correctly reported at $61.95 plus tax. Advance tickets are available by calling 407–W–DISNEY (407–934–7639) or by visiting the Night of Joy web site (link).

Ears to the ground

…The six–CD musical history of Disneyland Park we listed last week is reported to be going on sale at Disney Direct today. It will be interesting to see how long those 5,000 limited edition copies remain available. Updated 1 p.m. 4/25/05: We now have word that this set will become available via Disney Direct on May 2 at midnight EDT, which equates to May 1 at 9:00 PDT. Good luck with those dialing fingers or mouse clicks! Updated 12:50 a.m. EDT, 4/26/05: It now appears that the sets are available for pre-order from Disney Direct via phone, item number is 61499. Get 'em while they're hot! Updated 6:30 p.m. EDT, 4/26/05: Despite earlier showing the item sold out online, Disney Direct has now sold approximately half of their 1,000-set allotment. The sets can be ordered by phone (407-237-5751) or via Disney Direct online (link). Updated 9:00 p.m. EDT, 4/27/05: Disney Direct phone agents have confirmed that the item is now sold out. The last of the 1,000 copies were reportedly sold late last night. If you didn't get one and you're looking to find the limited edition, you can try Walt Disney World Mail Order (407-363-6200, 1,000 sets) or Disneyland DelivEARS (800-760-3566, 3,000 sets) starting on May 3.

…The jet skis for the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at the Disney–MGM Studios are now in active rehearsal in preparation for the show's official debut at a May 4 press event.

…The San Francisco Street facade in front of the old Hunchback theater at the Disney–MGM Studios has been replaced by a more realistic–looking San Francisco backdrop.

…It appears that Andy Mation (the balloon artist at the Disney–MGM Studios) and Imaginum (the “living statues” at Epcot) have joined the ranks of in–park entertainers whose contracts were not renewed.

…Epcot's Kidcot Funstops are now starting to get more permanent installations, as opposed to the temporary tables that they have been using since the beginning of the program.

…Goofy's Candy Company at Downtown Disney Marketplace officially opens on May 2.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

Peter Pan's Flight – closed for refurbishment from May 22–26.
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. everyday.
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 closes at 3 p.m. on May 5 for the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” media and VIP 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 – resumes on Friday, April 29, every 45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The Land pavilion – has reopened. All three attractions are now open, as well as the new Kidcot Fun Stop in the pavilion. The Sunshine Seasons food court will reopen on Friday, April 29. 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 closes at 4 p.m. on May 4 for the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” media and VIP event.

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 is no guarantee that the show will run on a given day. Fastpass tickets are available beginning at 9 a.m. each day that the show will run.

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. The likely official opening date is April 22, which is both Earth Day and the park's birthday, but previews may start as early as February 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 will be 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 will be no performances Jun 5–20.

Park Events

April 2005

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). April 15 – June 5.
Disney Grad Nights (link). April 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.
Night 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, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 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.

	Courtyard View	Deluxe Pool View	Bed & Breakfast Pkg – Courtyard View
2005
Through 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.

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.

Adult/Child Total Cost	1–day	2–day	3–day	4–day	5–day	6–day	7–day	8–day	9–day	10–day
Base Ticket	$59.75 / $48	$119 / $96	$171 / $137	$185 / $148	$193 / $155	$196 / $157	$199 / $160	$202 / $162	$205 / $164	$209 / $167
W/ Park Hopper	$94.75 / $83	$154 / $131	$206 / $172	$220 / $183	$228 / $190	$231 / $192	$234 / $195	$237 / $197	$240 / $199	$244 / $202
W/ Plus Pack	$104.75 / $93	$164 / $141	$216 / $182	$230 / $193	$238 / $200	$241 / $202	$244 / $205	$247 / $207	$250 / $209	$254 / $212
	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 2)	(plus 3)	(plus 3)	(plus 4)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)	(plus 5)
Premium Ticket	$139.75 / $128	$199 / $176	$251 / $217	$265 / $228	$273 / $235	$276 / $237	$279 / $240	$282 / $242	$285 / $245	$289 / $247
Premium, No Expiration	N/A	$209 / $186	$261 / $227	$280 / $243	$308 / $270	$321 / $282	$334 / $295	$382 / $342	$392 / $395	$399 / $347
Advance Purchase Discount	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	$7/$6	$9/$7	$11/$9	$11/$9	$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 June 2005.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	4/25	4/26	4/27	4/28	4/29	4/30
	MK 9a–11p EF 9a–7p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–5p BB 10a–6p TL 10a–6p	MK 9a–10p EF 9a–9p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–6p BB 9a–6p TL 9a–6p	MK 9a–10p EF 9a–9p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–5p BB 9a–6p TL 9a–6p	MK 9a–10p EF 9a–9p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–5p BB 9a–6p TL 9a–6p	MK 9a–7p EF 9a–9p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–5p BB 9a–6p TL 9a–6p	MK 9a–7p EF 9a–9p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–6p BB 9a–6p TL 9a–6p
5/1	5/2	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 Italics = Morning Extra Magic Hours Bold = Evening Extra Magic Hours
MK 9a–9p EF 9a–7p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–5p BB 10a–6p TL 10a–6p	MK 9a–10p EF 9a–7p EW 11a–9p MGM 9a–8:30p AK 9a–5p BB 10a–6p TL 10a–6p

Entertainment Schedule