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

Computer crash takes out most of WDW computers, back-end systems unaffected

Disney resorts around the world were affected last Tuesday, when an outbreak of a number of computer worms—including some called Zotob. Bozori, IRCbot and RBOT.CBQ—exploiting a flaw in the Microsoft Windows 2000 operating system crippled computer networks across the Internet, largely in the United States, Germany, and Asia. At approximately 1 p.m., all resort computers at Walt Disney World showed a message that they would be shutting down in two minutes, and to please save all work. A patch for the flaw had been released by Microsoft on August 9, but the patch had apparently not yet been applied by Disney. [Many large organizations delay application of patches while testing to ensure that they do not break their existing software applications, or to allow the patch distribution to occur during a scheduled downtime for 24/7 operations. It is likely that the latter was the case for Disney.]

Front desk, cashier, housekeeping, engineering, reservations, and dispatch operations at the resorts were all affected. While dining, merchandise and Fastpass computers at the theme parks went down, attractions (likely on a different update schedule or different operating system) were not affected. External systems related to Disney's Magical Express (both the buses and the luggage operation) also were unaffected.

The problem affected only the front-end computers. The back-end servers and mainframes holding the actual data were up and running with no problems, and no data was lost. Guest reservations already in the system were unaffected. Tuesday evening, Lisa Haines, Vice President of Strategic Communications for Walt Disney Parks & Resorts told MousePlanet, “[S]ome of our domestic business units experienced a very brief interruption today due to the virus. There was minimal Guest impact though—and all systems are now up and running again.”

When the shutdown alert appeared, resort staff rushed to print out as much information as they could, including check-in and check-out lists, but there was much more than could be printed in the time available. Throughout the afternoon, the computers came up for perhaps two minutes at a time before shutting down again. Resorts had to go to their emergency backup “crash kits” to manually dispense park passes and process check-ins and check-outs. Staff were positioned throughout the resort to manually let people into their rooms. Merchandise and dining locations in the parks also used their crash kits to manually process all transactions.

By late afternoon, Disney had begun trying to push out a patch fix for the worm, and it slowly propagated out through the system in fits and starts. By evening, technical staff were going to each machine throughout the resort to manually apply the patch to ensure that it correctly installed. Systems started coming back online at 5:30 p.m. By 7:00, all locations were up with a minimum of one computer, but it took quite a while before everything was back in full working order.

Extra Magic Hours to get water park test

Disney is going to offer Extra Magic Hours at the water parks on a test basis from August 27 through September 30. Typhoon Lagoon, which was built with nighttime lighting, will offer Extra Magic Hours for three hours after closing. Blizzard Beach, which does not have extensive lighting, will offer Extra Magic Hours for one hour before opening.

The tentative schedule has Extra Magic Hours at Blizzard Beach on August 31 and September 7, 14, 21 and 28. Typhoon Lagoon's Extra Magic Hours evenings will run on August 27 and September 3, 10, 17 and 24.

Marathon, Half Marathon, Fun Run and Inline Marathon news

The Walt Disney World Marathon and Half-Marathon are now at 80 percent of capacity and slots are filling fast. If you're thinking of participating, you may want to hurry up your decision, as the race will probably fill up in the next month or so as people start to plan and train. If you are planning to participate, you might want to check out Lani Teshima's WDW Marathon Guide here on MousePlanet (link).

Over 2,000 athletes have already signed up for Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, in which they will attempt to finish both the Half Marathon on Saturday and the Marathon on Sunday. Those who manage to complete the Half Marathon and the Marathon will receive the inaugural Goofy Medal, in addition to receiving the Donald Medal for the Half Marathon and the Mickey Medal for the Marathon.

Chicken Little and Abby Mallard will be at the Family Fun Run following the Half Marathon to give you a high five as you cross the finish line.

Disney has announced the dates for next year's Inline Marathon Weekend, which will take place April 1-2, 2006. The main event is scheduled for Sunday, April 2, while the kids' race will take place on Saturday, April 1. Registration is now available online (link). The race will skate through the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot. Discounts are available for early registration through December 31.

Official “Run Disney” training gear is now available for purchase online (link).

Swan and Dolphin drop resort fee, switch to pay-as-you-go

Last week, in a rundown of the status of high-speed Internet access at the resorts, we noted that access at the Swan and Dolphin resorts was included in the $10 per night resort fee. We've now been advised that the resort fee has been discontinued as of July 28. Guests will continue to receive a complimentary newspaper and in-room coffee. However, the other amenities that were included in the fee are now available à la carte. Health club access will cost $8 per day, and Internet access will cost $10.95 for 24 contiguous hours. While Internet users will see a cost increase, everyone else will see their costs drop.

Thanks to reader Dan Fronckowiak for this information.

Disney officially confirms Pooh's Playful Spot

While it's been known for a while that Disney was building a kids' playground on a portion of the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon, it had not been officially confirmed until now. The official release states:

Opening in September is a delightful new place where parents and children can play or relax together during a Walt Disney World vacation.

Called Pooh's Playful Spot, the whimsically themed area is located directly across from The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh attraction in Fantasyland and will immerse guests of all ages in the beloved tales of the Hundred Acre Wood.

The beautifully landscaped oasis created by Walt Disney Imagineering offers numerous fun features for littler guests, including spurting fountains of water, crawl-through logs and honey pots, a slide, a treehouse for climbing and log-style benches for grown-ups -- all themed to the stories of Pooh, Tigger and friends.

Unofficial word indicates that the playground will be open on September 1.

Disney Magic drydock work

Beginning October 1, 2005, the Disney Magic cruise ship will enter drydock in a Norfolk, Virginia, facility for ten days. During the visit, changes include an expansion of the Vista Spa and Salon with three new suites and almost doubling the size of the fitness center. 1,700 square feet will be added to the area. Three conference rooms on Deck 2 will be converted into a fifth location dedicated to children. The new space, called Ocean Quest, will include a replica of the ship's bridge, allowing children to take the captain's seat and work through steering simulations.

Additionally, a new LED screen will be installed on Deck 9 near the family pool, allowing films and other video to be presented. Parrot Cay, one of the ships three rotational restaurants will also receive a makeover, allowing the theme and atmosphere change from night-to-night during a cruise. Disney Magic will return to its routes on October 15.

Occupancy, spending up, attendance down at Walt Disney World

In its third-quarter results (April through July 2), released recently, Disney noted that attendance decreased 1 percent over last year. However, room occupancy jumped from 1,801,930 room nights to 1,929,840 room nights which, despite 22,000 more available room nights during the quarter, increased the occupancy rate from 83 percent to 88 percent. Revenues increased $92 million during the quarter as per capita theme park spending increased 4 percent. The increase in spending was due to increases in ticket prices and a decrease in promotional discounts.

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 early September.

Ears to the ground

…In October, the World of Disney store at the Downtown Disney Marketplace will begin a rolling refurbishment and redecoration project that will run through April, 2006. The store will remain open during the work.

…Last Thursday, the real-life Expedition: Everest left for the Himalayas to explore the mountain's flora and fauna.

…There is a rumor that the entire Downtown Disney area is slated for an overhaul in the near future. If anybody has any more information on this, please let us know.

…With The Living Seas pavilion closing for refurbishment, the O Canada Circlevision attraction has replaced it on the Extra Magic Hours roster.

…The Guitar Gallery at Downtown Disney West Side closed on August 9, and the store is being relocated to elsewhere in the Orlando area.

…As recovery from last year's hurricanes continues, the building number signs at the Pop Century Resort are now back up. In addition, the 70s totem by the porte cochere entryway expected to be replaced by the end of the year.

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, is closed for refurbishment 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 performance August 30.

Park Events

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).

February 2006

Twirlmania. February 17-20. Twirlers, auxiliary guard, pom, and dancers descend on the Wide World of Sports (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).

April 2006

Disney's All-Star Kids Classic. April 1. Registration is now open for the kids' inline race (link).
Walt Disney World Inline Marathon. April 2. Registration is 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 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
	8/22	8/23	8/24	8/25	8/26	8/27
	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
8/28	8/29	8/30	8/31	9/1	9/2	9/3
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