Walt Disney World Park Update

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News and Views

Gridlock on Tatooine

Thanks to the release of Star Wars Episode III: Revenge of the Sith on the day before the start of Star Wars Weekends at the Disney-MGM Studios, heavy traffic at Tatooine Traders has created waits of over four hours just to get inside. The shop, home of all of the official Star Wars Weekends merchandise, saw especially heavy demand for the limited edition pins for the event. The store ran out of a great deal of merchandise (including the Darth Tater version of Mr. Potato Head), but everything that was not a limited-edition item should be restocked by next weekend.

Shoppers wait in a roped queue outside Tatooine Traders for the opportunity to shop for limited edition pins at Disney-MGM Studios' 2005 Star Wars Weekend. At times, it took over four hours for people to get into the store. Photo by Lani Teshima.

The event's popularity only seems to be growing, and this past weekend's special guests, Daniel Logan (Young Boba Fett) and John Goodson (Concept Model Maker - Episode III), were well-received by the crowds. This coming weekend features Rob Coleman (Animation Supervisor - Episode III) and the ever-popular Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca).

A special Star Wars banner near the entrance advertises the event at Disney-MGM Studio's 2005 Star Wars Weekend. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Some of it's Magical, some of it's Tragical?

A Disney's Magical Express bus pulls up to a Walt Disney Resort to unload passengers arriving from Orlando International Airport. Photo by Lani Teshima.

We've heard from several people about Disney's Magical Express from the cast and guest perspectives, telling us that the problems may have been overreported. Here's what we've been told:

• The number of cast members that quit on the first day was incorrectly relayed to us, and was greatly overstated.
• In some cases, the lost luggage was the fault of the airline, not Disney. However, since Disney was the public face on the service, they were left to compensate guests for the delayed delivery. (No word yet on whether they were reimbursed by the airlines.) In addition, we're told that the number of guests whose luggage did not arrive the first day was also greatly overreported.
• Some guests are complaining about delays in luggage delivery when their bags do appear in their room within the promised three-hour time frame.
• There appear to be a number of reported problems with getting flight information into the computer system. Some guests found that it took three or more phone calls to get their information correctly recorded so that Disney was prepared for their arrival at the airport.
• Many guests are having no problems at all with the service. One reported a 10-minute wait at the check-in desk at the airport, two minutes at the counter and a five-minute wait for the bus. The guest did not go to their room until 7 p.m., but their luggage was there waiting for them.
• Some guests are attempting to have Disney transport them and their luggage when they did not sign up for the service in advance, as is required. Guests that are signed up for the service are also being given the option of claiming their own luggage and placing it on the bus that they will ride to their resort, adding to the general confusion involved in setting up a new system without a testing period.
• Guests who are flying on participating airlines but are not using the Disney's Magical Express service are experiencing no problems checking in for their flights at their resort.

In general, it should be noted that Disney is providing a free service for guests. While it is apparently taking a while to work the bugs out (and some bugs are larger than others), if guests are patient, sign up on time, check their tags and make sure that their flight information is correct in the system, things will go more smoothly.

If you've had experiences with Disney's Magical Express, good or bad, let us know about it.

Park guests wait to meet Darth Vader at Disney-MGM Studios' 2005 Star Wars Weekend. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Extreme Makeover: Deluxe Resort Edition

Walt Disney World has officially announced a project to redecorate all guest rooms at the Contemporary and Polynesian Resorts. The makeover will include new decor, furniture, carpeting, lighting and bathroom fixtures. Both resorts will receive upgraded furnishings such as flat-screen televisions and designer bedding. In addition to the room renovation, dcor in the hallways and public areas of the two resorts will also be updated.

Rooms at the Polynesian will get new hand-carved wood furniture, fabrics and furnishings. The decor will feature tropical blues, greens and browns, while the furniture will be dark and light wood tones. The resort's rooms are expected to be completed by next June.

All guest rooms at the Polynesian Resort will be completely redecorated, starting this month. Photo © Disney.

Rooms at the Contemporary Resort will see more of a change. The current style will be replaced by a more upscale, elegant design incorporating muted red, green and yellow accents over a basic black and white color scheme. Work at the Contemporary is expected to continue through November.

Work will be done on a rolling basis through each resort, allowing most rooms in each resort to remain open while other rooms are upgraded.

Another windy year ahead?

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the agency that runs the National Hurricane Center, announced last week that they expect the 2005 Atlantic hurricane season to be above-normal. The prediction indicates a 70 percent chance of an above-normal season and only a 10 percent chance of a below-normal season. The outlook calls for 12-15 tropical storms, of which seven to nine will become hurricanes, three to five of which are expected to become major hurricanes.

Hurricane season runs from the beginning of June through the end of November.

A life-size Ewok meets and greets children at Disney-MGM Studios' 2005 Star Wars Weekend. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Another Disney resort changes leaders, another former Disney Cruise Line exec takes over

Euro Disney SCA, the company that runs the Disneyland Resort Paris and is 41 percent owned by the Walt Disney Company, has named Karl Holz to replace current Chief Executive Officer Andre Lacroix, who was resigning "to pursue other opportunities."

After serving as Senior Vice President of Operations at Walt Disney World, Holz took over as President of Disney Cruise Lines when Matt Ouimet left the position to take the Presidency of the Disneyland Resort in 2003. Holz moved to Euro Disney SCA as President and Chief Operating Officer in September, 2004.

The resort has had accelerating financial troubles since 2002, when it was saddled with a disappointing second theme park that turned around a business that had shown seven consecutive years of profits. Since then, Lacroix coordinated a major financial restructuring for the business that managed to keep the resort from closing its doors. However, that was apparently not enough to save his job.

With the appointment of Holz, it would now seem that the Disney Cruise Line is a place for all aspiring Parks and Resorts executives to be, seeing as how the last two resort head positions were filled with former DCL presidents. Or maybe it's just a coincidence.

Wanna-be Jedis pose with an Imperial Storm Trooper at Disney-MGM Studios' 2005 Star Wars Weekend. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Guest misbehavior leads to more video screen intrusion at Spaceship Earth

The early part of the Spaceship Earth attraction has suffered yet another intrusion by a safety–spieling video screen. Before you reach the previously installed screens, the new intruder shows an image or the omnimover vehicles taken by an infrared camera within the ride, with a warning that failure to obey cast member directions may be asked to leave the park. Apparently, some recent visitors were jumping out of their ride vehicle in the middle of the ride. Folks, it's not just so that you don't bother other guests or damage the attraction. It's also for your own safety. Please remain seated, so that we don't have to deal with more safety spiels replacing part of the attraction's story.

Virtual Magic Kingdom to open in June

One of our sources fills us in a little on the beta test of the Virtual Magic Kingdom:

Virtual Magic Kingdom, an interactive online environment that corresponds quite closely with Disneyland and MK, is currently in testing phases. It looks great, and it should help to generate interest in the parks for the "tween" set. Lots of security safeguards and content filtering have been integrated into the system to make sure that everyone "plays nice." The site should be open to the public starting in June, with three lands to start (Main St, Adventureland, and Fantasyland). You can create your own avatar and design rooms, make music, and play games based on classic attractions. Winning a game will supply you with credits, which will allow you to "purchase" different items you can use to customize your rooms, and ultimately create your own games that other members can play. At the parks, there will be scavenger hunt-type "Quests" that will reward you with exclusive virtual rooms, furniture, pins, and an actual tour experience for your family (again, this is aimed primarily at ages 12-16). There will also be kiosks in the parks and at DisneyQuest where you can sign up and play VMK. Membership will be free.

More information about the Virtual Magic Kingdom is available online (link).

Queen Amidala poses with guests at Disney-MGM Studios' 2005 Star Wars Weekend. Photo by Lani Teshima.

New specialty plants at The Land

The Living with the Land boat tour of the experimental greenhouses of The Land pavilion at Epcot provides some new things to see since the pavilion's reopening. The attraction now shows guests Cinderella pumpkins alongside the previously-seen Mickey Mouse cucumbers. In addition, a new "tomato tree" is one of the only plants of its kind in the United States. Thousands of tomatoes are produced by this single plant.

Disney Adventures brings 'Future of Cool' event to Downtown Disney Marketplace

From June 24-26, Disney Adventures magazine brings the Future of Cool event to Downtown Disney Marketplace. Between the hours of 4 and 10 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to sing karaoke, learn new dance steps, check out the latest video games, see twice-daily bike and rollerblade shows, and win prizes. Admission is free.

Boba Fett poses at a meet-and-greet at Disney-MGM Studios' 2005 Star Wars Weekend. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Ears to the ground

…We're hearing that the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station will be closed for three weeks starting May 22, and will reopen on June 12. While speculation surrounds the possibility of changing the cuisine, reportedly the issues are actually related to staffing. Time is up on a large number of College Program and International Program participants, and the resort will be short-staffed until the new crews come in and get up to speed. While new food and beverage workers are trained, El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante will be open on a daily basis. We'll see if it stays open once the Noodle Station reopens.

…As we reported back in February (link), yet many who wrote in did not believe, the statuettes of various characters are returning to the Hub at the Magic Kingdom.

…We are hearing that the planets may be returning to the Magic Kingdom's Astro Orbiter within the next few days. We're also hearing that they should be spinning again.

Topiaries of Mickey and friends welcome guests to the 2005 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Lani Teshima.

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. every day.
• Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station – will be closed from May 22 – June 11.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

• 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.

Timon and Pumbaa topiaries "rustle up some grub" at from the 2005 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Disney–MGM Studios

• No current refurbishments.

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May – July, 2005.
• 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.

A Tinker Bell topiary greets guests at World Showcase Plaza for the 2005 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Resorts

• Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses: Tahiti April 24 – August 17; Tokelau May – September. Work is now beginning on the complete refurbishment and upgrading of all rooms and hallways, which is expected to be completed by June, 2006.
• 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. After the South Garden Wing is complete, renovations will continue through the rest of the resort, which is expected to run through November, 2007.
• 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.

Water mist helps a topiary dragon at the Epcot China pavilion breathe "fire" at the 2005 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Lani Teshima.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). April 15 – June 5.

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.
• 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

Late-summer Passholder and Florida resident rates are out

Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts have been released for July 5 through August 27, with rates starting at $74 per night for value resorts and $99 per night for moderate resorts. Discount codes are EXE for passholders and EXF for Florida residents. 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 ticket price structure 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 July 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through July 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)