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

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News and Views

Deaths in Disney: Newsworthy?

Last week, in reporting the death of a 12-year-old girl who collapsed at the Typhoon Lagoon water park, I asked if you felt that deaths not attributable to any wrongdoing on Disney's part should be covered by MousePlanet. You really responded to the question, resulting in my second-largest flood of mail in the 2-1/2 years that I've been writing for MousePlanet. We'll run some of those letters in an upcoming mailbag column, but I'll sum up the general sentiments here.

Many of you lament the fact that these incidents make the news, and feel that deaths that are health-related or not due to any fault on Disney's part should not be reported at all in the media. Another large group of respondents noted that, while these events really should not be reported, they prefer that MousePlanet continue to cover them because they want to know the relevant facts and viewpoints not reflected in the mainstream media, who they feel sensationalize these tragic events because the name "Disney" makes for great headlines.

Another group feels that, because it can't always be determined immediately whether or not Disney is at fault, the stories should at least be covered until Disney's role is either confirmed or ruled out. Finally, the last significant group of respondents feel that it should be reported because either they want to know everything that happens at Disney parks, or because they think that the mistakes made by those who died serve as good reminders to properly plan and behave themselves at Walt Disney World, instead of letting their guard down and forgetting common sense rules, such as keeping hydrated on hot, humid days.

After reviewing all of the letters, it looks like the general consensus is that MousePlanet should continue to cover these stories. However, unless it is a truly noteworthy story, I may not lead the Update with it. Thanks for all of your input!

Why the name change?

Last week we reported that the names of the Magic Your Way Plus Pack and Premium Ticket were being changed to the "Water Park Fun & More option " and "Magic Your Way with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More," respectively. While we had heard that the "Premium Ticket" and "Premium Package" were getting confused in people's minds, we were not certain as to the confusion over the Plus Pack.

Well, we've now heard that in the last couple of months, Disney has sent out e-mail surveys asking questions about the names of the Magic Your Way passes as well as other possible pass names, and what guests expected would be included in each pass name. It appears that the reason for the change in nomenclature is that people have been ordering base tickets with the "Magic Plus Pack" option thinking that they were ordering "Park Hopper Plus" tickets. Experienced guests or those whose research only included the previous names of the admission passes apparently only registered the "Plus" and they thought it was the same thing. Hopefully, "Water Parks & More" will help with that problem, as it does not contain the word "Plus" and it more concisely tells you what that option gives you.

Polynesian goes online today, remaining resorts also scheduled to get wired

The Polynesian Resort is scheduled to become the 15th Walt Disney World resort to provide high-speed Internet service to guests today. All of the other deluxe (with the exception of Animal Kingdom Lodge) and home-away-from-home resorts already have their high-speed hookups online, and the Coronado Springs and Port Orleans French Quarter resorts are also up and running.

The expected schedule for the remaining moderate and value resorts is as follows:

Port Orleans Riverside - September 1
Caribbean Beach - October 20
Animal Kingdom Lodge - October 27
All Star Movies - December 6
All Star Music - January 13, 2006
All Star Sports - February 14, 2006
Pop Century Classic Years - April 19, 2006

The in-room Ethernet connections, which require an LAN cable for connectivity, will be billed to your room and cost $9.95 for 24 contiguous hours. (If you first use it at 9 p.m., you've paid for it through 9 p.m. the next night.) Technical support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by touching 56 from your guest room phone or on any house phone.

Wi-Fi wireless access is also available at several resorts. The BoardWalk, Contemporary, Coronado Springs, Grand Floridian, Yacht Club and Beach Club resorts feature access in many public areas, including lobbies, lounges and pool areas. Check with the resort for details.

The Wi-Fi connections require a wireless interface card in your computer (available for purchase in hotel gift shops where Wi-Fi is available) and cost $4.99 for the first 60 minutes or $9.95 for 24 contiguous hours. Service is provided by Smart City, who also provide technical support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 407-938-HELP (407-938-4357).

Of course, you can also access your ISP via a POTS (Plain Old Telephone System) connection if you wish, though regular resort phone charges will apply.

If you're staying at the Swan or Dolphin Resorts, you've had high-speed Internet connectivity for a while. The two resorts have Starwood Turbo Net High Speed Internet in all guests rooms. With the same requirements as the in-room access in the Disney resorts (network card in your PC, CAT5 Ethernet cable in room), the Internet access is included with the standard $10 per night resort fee.

Tom Joyner tix on sale now

Tickets for the "Disney-MGM Studios Party" during the Tom Joyner Family Reunion on September 3 are now on sale. The party starts at 9 p.m. and includes entertainment and many of the Studios' feature attractions such as Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Live acts include Ashanti, Jill Scott, Lionel Richie, Damon Wayans, Omarion, Hammer, Shirley Caesar, Smokie Norful, Lil Irocc, Dr. Bobby Jones, and more. The tickets cost $60 per person and are available by phone at 407-W-DISNEY (407-934-7639) or online via Ticketmaster (link).

Winn-Dixie status

For those who prefer to stock up on groceries while at Walt Disney World and who are watching the reorganization or Winn-Dixie with a wary eye, here's a bit of good news. There are only a couple of stores along the common route from the airport to Walt Disney World or nearby that will be closing. The Winn-Dixie locations at the Hunter's Creek Shopping Center and the SouthChase shopping center will be the only ones affected. (Another one in Winter Park is also closing, but that is likely visited by very few out-of-towners.) The two closing locations are near each other. The Hunter's Creek location is off of the John Young Parkway (SR-423) exit from the Central Florida Greeneway (exit 10) and the SouthChase location is off of the South Orange Blossom Trail (US-92/US-441) exit from the Greeneway (exit 11).

If you use a Winn-Dixie location that was not listed and you're still concerned about its status, go to the affected stores list on the Winn-Dixie web site (link) and find your store. (The Orlando Daytona region is about two-thirds of the way down the list.)

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 our 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 early September.

Ears to the ground

…After originally reporting that the Pinocchio's Village Haus quick-service eatery would be closing on May 8 to begin changing their kitchen over from burgers to pizza and Italian specialties, then having that change be pushed back, we're now hearing that the new menu should debut today. If anyone out there can confirm that this is or is not true, please let us know.

…We are hearing unconfirmed reports that the Pooh's Playful Spot playground in the Magic Kingdom is targeted for a September 1 opening.

…It is a possibility that the Happy HalloWishes fireworks, debuting this year at Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, may have a couple of test firings on September 26 and 28 in place of the regular nightly Wishes performance.

…Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn on Tom Sawyer Island begins its seasonal closure August 14.

…The ABC Commissary at the Disney-MGM Studios reportedly closes September 6-12 for some backstage refurbishment.

…The Newsstand shop on the Streets of America Backlot at the Disney-MGM Studios reportedly closes September 13-22 to install the Osborne Spectacle of Lights.

…Speaking of the Osborne lights, we have heard reports that the large globe was installed last week.

…There's an interesting article in the Christian Examiner about Walt Disney World president Al Weiss and his involvement in the church planting movement (link).

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 1.
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.
Liberty Square Riverboat – will reportedly not be operating due to refurbishment September 11–19.
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – will reportedly remain open during a short refurbishment, September 6–23.
Timekeeper – open 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 underway 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 through October 31. Rumors indicate that the buildings may be completely gutted and rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club villas. No confirmation of the conversion yet. Renovations on the rest of the resort are also underway, and are expected to run through November, 2007.
BoardWalk Resort – 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

Blizzard Beach – Will close for its annual refurbishment on October 23, and is expected to reopen mid-December.
Typhoon Lagoon – Is expected to close for its annual refurbishment mid-December, and to reopen in late February or early March.

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 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).

March 2006

ESPN The Weekend. March 3–5. Corporate synergy brings the cable channel back to the Studios for its third go-round (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 October 2005.

Sun	Mon	Tues	Wed	Thurs	Fri	Sat
	8/15	8/16	8/17	8/18	8/19	8/20
	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-10p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-6p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-9p 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-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-9p AK 9a-5p BB 9:30a-6:30p TL 9:30a-6:30p
8/21	8/22	8/23	8/24	8/25	8/26	8/27
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	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	MK 9a-9p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p	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	MK 9a-10p EF 9a-7p EW 11a-9p MGM 9a-8:30p AK 9a-5p BB 10a-6p TL 10a-6p
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