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News and Views

Candlelight Processional dining packages now available under Disney Dining plan

Disney has apparently changed its policy and is now allowing guests to make reservations for the Candlelight Processional dining package at Epcot using their Disney Dining plan credits. Guests still need to leave a credit card to hold their package, but the meal itself will be charged to the dining plan. Thanks to MousePlanet reader David Wickwire for passing this along.

Another "corpse flower" expected to bloom at Animal Kingdom this weekend

Last summer, Disney's Animal Kingdom featured a rare bloom of a Titan Arum (known as the "corpse flower" because of the odor that it emits) that opened up from July 17-19. This year, another of Disney's collection of four Titan Arum plants is expected to bloom over Labor Day weekend.

An example of the titan arum from the United States Botanical Garden in Washington, D.C. Image courtesy United States Botanical Garden.

While last year's bloom checked in at 61 inches, this year's Arum is expected to rival the world record nine-foot bloom set in Germany. "Because of the size of the tuber it's growing on, there is the potential for this flower to set a Guinness World Record when it blooms," said Disney horticulture manager Wendy Andrew.

The plant is growing at Rafiki's Planet Watch.

Popular Hotel Plaza restaurant closes

Arthur's 27, a popular restaurant on the top (27th) floor of the Buena Vista Palace, has closed after 22 years. The restaurant was best known for its fabulous view that afforded diners a view of fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, Epcot and the Disney-MGM Studios. The space, as well as the former Laughing Kookaburra bar, will now be used for private functions.

Time running out for runners

Registration for the Walt Disney World Half-Marathon has closed, and registration for the full marathon is expected to follow in the near future. If you're planning to run and haven't signed up yet, you'd better hurry. For more information about the Walt Disney World Marathon, you might want to check out Lani Teshima's WDW Marathon Guide here on MousePlanet (link).

Disney on Ice goes to the Magic Kingdom with The Incredibles

The newest Disney on Ice show goes where no ice show has gone before—to the Magic Kingdom. The somewhat long-named Disney Presents Pixar's The Incredibles in a Magic Kingdom Adventure brings the superhero family to the Florida theme park. The show features highlights from such favorite attractions as "it's a small world," Pirates of the Caribbean, the Mad Tea Party and the Haunted Mansion. The finale features a parade down Main Street, U.S.A., which provides an opportunity for the Feld Enterprises production to feature the Fab Five characters, as well as princesses and other Disney characters.

The new show skates previews at The Lakeland Center in Lakeland before moving down the road to officially open at the TD Waterhouse Center in Orlando on September 9. The tour will take the show to arenas in 20 states between now and Memorial Day 2006.

Downtown Disney to host waterski championship

Village Lake at Downtown Disney hosts the U.S. Open Waterski Championships September 9-11, 2005. Viewing will be free from around the lake, though most of the events will occur near the West Side complex. Boat transportation between Downtown Disney and the nearby resorts (Saratoga Springs, Old Key West and Port Orleans) will be suspended until 5 p.m., and those resorts will not supply watercraft rentals to prevent pleasure boaters from interfering with the event.

Ears to the ground

…Reminder: The Disney-MGM Studios will close early (at 7:00) this Saturday (9/3) for a Tom Joyner Family Reunion event and the Magic Kingdom will close early (at 6:00) next Friday and Saturday (9/9-10) for the Night of Joy events.

…The Pooh's Playful Spot playground on a portion of the site of the former 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon opens Thursday, with Cast Member previews Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The playground has already been added to Magic Kingdom park maps.

…The Wonders of Life pavilion has been removed from the latest Epcot park maps. This doesn't bode well for the pavilion's future.

…We have a report that refurbishment of the South Garden Wing of the Contemporary Resort has been extended to September, 2006. At this time, Disney Vacation Club representatives are neither confirming nor denying rumors of a conversion to DVC accommodations.

…We've heard that the Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station will reopen on Sunday.

…The Happiest Celebration on Earth and free dining plan promotions have been so successful that crowds in the restaurants have caused cast member dining discounts to be rescinded between the hours of 5 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

…In order to increase the size of crowds in each showing, the Honey I Shrunk the Audience attraction has switched from a "continuous shows" schedule to running twice an hour, on the hour and half-hour.

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 – a large part of the area has reopened, featuring corral–type planters and more walkway space. Another large portion 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 scheduled to open 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, and has been removed from park maps. It's future is uncertain.

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 is closed for refurbishment through September, 2006. 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. Additional performances September 4.

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.

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 October 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)