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

Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Yet further clarification of the "90+10" dining reservation window

Due to some miscommunication, last week we did not correctly pass along the process for making "90+10" dining reservations when you've booked your stay through a travel agency. We stated that, because travel agency reservations are entered into the Disney travel system differently than those made directly by individuals, if you had booked your reservation through a travel agent, your agent needed to make the call to take advantage of the extra 10 days of reservations. That is incorrect.

In fact, what was misunderstood is that your reservation number from the travel agency is not the number that would be in Disney's reservation system. You would need to get your Disney confirmation number from your travel agent, and then you can use that to make your own dining reservations. It is the travel agency reservation number that would not appear in the Disney system. We're sorry for that confusion.

Thanks to MousePlanet readers Rob Kucinski and Lisa Cantwell for bringing that error to our attention.

Living Seas construction curtails tank tours

Last week, we reported that, despite the closure of the Living Seas pavilion for refurbishment, in-tank Epcot DiveQuest, Seas Aqua Tour and Dolphins in Depth programs would continue to operate unless the construction interfered with the residents of the tank. We are now hearing that at least the Dolphins in Depth tour has stopped accepting new reservations for tours from August 22 through November 30, though currently scheduled tours during that period have not been cancelled at this time. Dates during that period may be released with short notice, most likely based on the construction schedule, so keep checking back if you really want to go on the tour during that time. At this time, the Epcot DiveQuest and Seas Aqua Tour are unaffected.

Seasonal hour reductions appear on schedule

Disney has begun scheduling late-season hour reductions at the parks. Beginning August 21, the Magic Kingdom is dropping nightly performances of SpectroMagic and Wishes (with Wishes running at 10:00 each night) to running SpectroMagic along with Wishes three times a week and Wishes running at the 9:00 p.m. park closing time four nights a week. Effective September 1, Wishes runs at the 8:30 park close four nights per week, with Spectro continuing to run three nights a week. Starting September 11, on the four nights per week that the park closes early without Spectro, Wishes runs at the 8:00 park closing time.

Over at the Disney-MGM Studios, the Lights, Motors, Action! stunt show has shifted its schedule earlier in the day, with performances now taking place at 11:00 a.m., 1:55 p.m. and 4:40 p.m. Through August 20, the Stars and Motor Cars Parade will run at 5:30 p.m. and Fantasmic will run at 9:30 p.m. From August 21 through September 17, the parade will run at 5:00 p.m. while Fantasmic will begin at 9:00 p.m. Starting September 18, the parade kicks off at 4:30 p.m. and Fantasmic starts at 8:30 p.m. It's uncertain as to whether the stunt show will change its schedule on August 21 and September 18, as well.

Finally, starting on August 14, Disney's Animal Kingdom will move its closing time up from 6:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily, except for August 16, 18, 19 and 20, which will still have a 6:00 closing time. Epcot, as always, will be unaffected, continuing to close at 9:00 p.m.

Disney has also begun seasonal adjustments at quick service eateries in the Magic Kingdom. The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station and El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante have closed for the month of August. The Pinocchio Village Haus Restaurant have shortened their operating hours during August and will only be open from 11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Outdoor vending carts will also reduce their hours.

Epcot Extra Magic Hour news

Twice-a-week Extra Magic Hours at Epcot have been extended through the end of August. We are hearing that the only attractions closed during these evenings will be Universe of Energy, Innoventions, and the films in France, China and Canada. Some World Showcase table service dining locations will also be open late. It has not been determined whether the closure of The Living Seas later this month will trigger the opening of another attraction. In addition, there are now six locations at Epcot where you can pick up your EMG wristbands. The six locations are the main entrance, the breezeways at Innoventions East and West, the main walkway between Future World and World Showcase, the bridge between World Showcase Plaza and Mexico, and the American Adventure.

Teen diver nearly drowns during underwater restoration work near Dolphin resort

A 16-year-old diver was rescued after nearly drowning in Crescent Lake while doing shore restoration work near the Walt Disney World Dolphin Resort, and remains in critical condition at press time. Alan Kringel was working for Anchor Marine Environmental Services, doing underwater work on a barrier in the lake. The company had been hired to perform the restoration project.

According to an Orange County Sheriff's Office report, only Kringel's hands and arms surfaced when he finished work Tuesday. Worried, the other members of his four-man team tugged at a rope attached to his helmet, but only the helmet surfaced. Crew members found him tangled in another rope used for diving and hauled him back into the boat, according to the sheriff's report.

Kringel was not breathing and had no pulse when pulled from the water, and rescuers performed CPR to rescusitate him. He was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center by helicopter.

Kringel, who received his diving certification eight months ago, had been working for the company for about six months. The federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration is investigating the incident.

Increasing Internet usage blamed for closure of Disney call center

Due to increasing usage of the Internet for purchase of merchandise from Disney Direct and reservations at Walt Disney World, Disney is closing its call center in Kansas City by February. The Disney Direct Marketing Onstage Teleservice office is currently staffed by 50 full-time managers and workers and about 200 part-time and seasonal employees. The office's primary function was handling sales for the Disney Catalog, but they also handled overflow calls for Walt Disney World reservations. Some workers at the office, which opened in 1990, are being offered the opportunity to transfer to other call centers. The remainder will get a severance package.

MouseFest events announced

The schedule for MouseFest 2005 is starting to fill up. Many Web sites have announced gatherings to be held all over Walt Disney World and aboard the Disney Wonder during the event. Check the MouseFest Web site (link) for details.

Thus far, MousePlanet is sponsoring three events for this third annual gathering of the Disney Internet community. First and foremost is a mini-MouseAdventure event, a shortened version of MousePlanet's signature event (link). This marks the first time that the event has been held in Florida. (Last year, a "taste of MouseAdventure" was included in the MouseFest program guide). The event will run from approximately 10:00 a.m. until noon on Thursday, December 1. The mini-MouseAdventure will be immediately followed by our second event, the second annual Mike Scopa Dole Whip Meet, at Aloha Isle in Adventureland.

Our final scheduled event will be the first annual MousePad Shocolate Mousssse Meet at Boulangerie Patisserie in Epcot's France pavilion at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, December 3, following the Mega Mouse Meet event at the Walt Disney World Swan hotel. For more on the origin of the Shocolate Mousssse phenomenon among MousePlanet readers, please see this thread on our MousePad discussion forums.

More information will be released about these events in the near future.

Ears to the ground

…Reservations for the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival are going fast. In fact, over half of the available reservations for the entire festival were sold out by the second day. If the event that you want to attend is sold out, Disney has started a waiting list. Call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) to make a reservation or get on the waiting list.

…Preparations are apparently underway to reopen the toy shop on Main Street, U.S.A. The store, currently home to the Disney's PhotoPass staff, will continue to house the photographers for another couple of months before being converted back to retail space. Additional telephone and computer wires are reportedly being run into the shop, and the back stockroom has bee filled with toys.

…We are hearing a rumor that Disney is considering bringing back an Ultimate Park Hopper-type ticket some time next year. In the wake of the conversion to Magic Your Way passes, the all-inclusive ticket appears to be the pass that guests miss the most. Of course, if it does return, look for pricing to similarly front-weighted to the MYW passes, where the price per day gets drastically cheaper the longer you stay.

…The Magic Kingdom is continuing to ramp down from peak status. The Enchanted Tiki Room, Hall of Presidents, Liberty Belle Riverboat and Carousel of Progress are no longer included in Extra Magic Hours.

…With the launch of the space shuttle Discovery, Epcot's Mission: Space attraction is running with an active shuttle program for the first time. Opened a few months after the Columbia disaster, the attraction has not had the benefit of a space program to help pique interest.

…The Chip 'n' Dale meet and greet that normally takes place near the Jungle Cruise is moving to the Adventureland Verandah, displacing Aladdin and Jasmine, who are moving to the Agrabah Bazaar near the Flying Carpets ride.

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 of seats and carpeting occurring on a rolling basis; the attraction remains open.
Main Street Railroad Station – under refurbishment through December 20. Guests will still be able to board the train at the station, though the entrance and exit may be relocated during the work. The area surrounding the locker rental stand will be inaccessible due to renovations that are rumored to be moving stroller rentals into that location. The station is also slated to receive new glass, canopies, paint and so forth.
Timekeeper – opens seasonally.
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.
Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

The Living Seas pavilion, including the popular Turtle Talk with Crush attraction, will be closed for refurbishment from August 21 through late November. Rumors indicate that another new Finding Nemo-based attraction may be added.
Ice Station Cool – closed through late this year for refurbishment.
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

No current refurbishments.

Animal Kingdom

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 – Work is now beginning on the complete refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in all buildings, 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. Meanwhile, the Keister Coaster pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–26.
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 six units due in 2007, involves razing the old Fairway Villas.
Yacht Club Resort – Siding renovation project to continue through mid-2005.
Port Orleans Riverside Resort – The Ol' Man Island spa is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–23, while the Magnolia Bend quiet pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 15–24.
All-Star Music Resort – The Piano pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–14.
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. No performances August 16-17 or August 30.

Park Events

Ongoing 2005

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp. July 29 – August 17. The National Football League team heads down I-4 to get in shape for the season (link).

September 2005

Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Sept. 2–5. The annual gathering hopes not to be cancelled by hurricane again this year (link).
A Precious Weekend - Happiness Shared Together. Sept. 3–4. Release of first-ever Precious Moments and Disney Character integrated figurines (link).
One Little Spark... A Morning with a Purple Dragon. Sept. 8. Release of Figment sculpture and limited-edition pin (link).
Night of Joy. Sept. 9–10. Disney's annual Christian music festival (link).
Happiest Pin Celebration on Earth. Sept. 9–11. The big fall pin event, held at Epcot's World Showplace (link).
Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 23–25. Competitors race around the resort on water, bike and foot (link).
Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 30 – Nov. 13. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series (link).
Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31. The big celebration of the boo-tiful season (link).

October 2005

Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K. Oct. 8. The annual fund-raising run for breast cancer research (link).
Disney's Race for the Taste 10K. Oct. 9. The annual Disney 10K race gets a new name and a theme (link).
Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. Oct. 20–23. The 35th annual fall golf classic is played on the Palm and Magnolia courses (link).

November 2005

Festival of the Masters. Nov. 11–13. Artists display their works at Downtown Disney (link).
Super Soap Weekend. Nov. 12–13. Daytime stars descend upon the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Nov. 23 – Jan. 8, 2006. Millions of lights bombard the eyes at the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
Holidays Around the World. Nov. 25 – Dec. 30. Epcot celebrates the season, including the popular Candlelight Processional (link).
Festival of the Seasons. Dates TBA. Downtown Disney celebrates the season (link).
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What's not to like? (link).
MouseFest 2005. November 30 – December 3. Meet your favorite Disney Internet and guidebook authors (including some of us!) at a gathering of the Disney Internet community around the World (link).

December 2005

MousePlanet presents a mini-MouseAdventure at MouseFest. Dec. 1. Meet at the outdoor seating area by Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom at 10:00 a.m. for this event. This is a shortened version of MousePlanet's signature event (link), and marks the first time that the event has been held in Florida.
MousePlanet presents the second annual Mike Scopa Dole Whip Meet at MouseFest. Dec. 1. Meet at the Aloha Isle take-out window in Adventureland at noon.
MousePlanet presents the first annual Shocolate Mousssse Meet at MouseFest. Dec 3. Meet at Boulangerie Patisserie at Epcot's France pavilion at 5:00 p.m. following the Mega Mouse Meet for this event. For more on the origin of the Shocolate Mousssse phenomenon among MousePlanet readers, please see this thread on our MousePad discussion forums.
Pop Warner Super Bowl. Dec. 4–10. Football players and cheerleaders descend on the resort for the annual championships (link).
Pleasure Island New Year's Eve. Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates the actual New Year (link).
New Year's Eve at Cirque du Soleil. Dec. 31. Cirque puts on special New Year's performances (link).
Atlantic Dance Hall New Year's Eve. Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at the BoardWalk's own dance club (link).

January 2006

Disney's Health and Fitness Expo. Jan. 5–7. Check in for the weekend's races and check out the vendors (link).
FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run. Jan. 7. The shortest run of the weekend (link).
Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration now open (link). [Note: The full- and half-marathons are now held on separate days. Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 8. Registration now open (link).

May 2006

Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 19–21. Collectible bears and dolls at Epcot (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Fall Passholder rates are out

Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts have been released for August 28 through October 4, with rates starting at $59 per night for value resorts and $89 per night for moderate resorts. The discount code to use is EXI. 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
2005
Through Aug 13	$87	$97
Aug 14 – Sept 29	$83	$93
Sept 30 – Oct 22	$107	$117
Oct 23 – Nov 22	$87	$97
Nov 23 – Nov 26	$107	$117
Nov 27 – Dec 22	$87	$97
Dec 23 – 27	$133	$143
Dec 28 – 31	$179	$189

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.

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 August 2005.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	8/1	8/2	8/3	8/4	8/5	8/6
	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-7p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p
8/7	8/8	8/9	8/10	8/11	8/12	8/13
MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-11p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p
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

Entertainment Schedule