After being battered by three hurricanes last year, Walt Disney World was starting to look like it might escape cleanly in this year's devastating hurricane seasonuntil Hurricane Wilma turned for Florida last week. While the resort area won't escape cleanly, it won't be as bad as feared, either. At publication deadline, predictions were only for tropical storm-force winds in the Orlando area, though hurricane-force winds were a likelihood to the south, with the strongest winds predicted to hit Florida at Marco Island on the Gulf coast and cross the state before heading into the Atlantic near West Palm Beach.
Wilma, which tied the record for most hurricanes in a year (12) and most named storms in a year (21, which has since fallen when Tropical Storm Alpha was named Saturday afternoon) devastated Mexico's Yucatan peninsulahovering in the area for a couple of daysbefore heading east toward Florida.
Thanks to last year's experience, Disney had storm-tested plans already in place. All theme parks and water parks, as well as Downtown Disney and Disney's Wide World of Sports, are closed today.
The third showing of the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue last night was canceled, but Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party went on as scheduled. Any guests who were unable to attend the event should contact Guest Communications (link) for refunds on their tickets.
All guests have been evacuated from Fort Wilderness to the All-Star resorts. Most cast members from Fort Wilderness will be reporting for duty at the Wilderness Lodge today.
Cast members at all resort locations are being told to report for work today either no later than 7 a.m. or no earlier than 2 p.m., in order to avoid travel during the expected peak of the storm. Disney is providing child care for children of cast members due to the closure of area schools today.
Beginning on Friday, only Florida residents were allowed to make new hotel reservations, so that there would be enough rooms for evacuees.
Guests with check-in dates from Friday, October 21, through today were able to have the standard fees waived for cancellation or date changes to the room portion of their trips. Penalty fees for cancellation or changes to airline tickets were up to the airlines.
A fleet of buses is on standby call for a Disney's Magical Express evacuation plan in order to push everybody whose departure flights were cancelled, delayed or rescheduled, because those whose flights were cancelled will only be able to rebook at the airport, rather than at the Disney's Magical Express check-in desks at the resorts.
The Disney Cruise Line rerouted the Disney Magic, freshly back from dry dock, from the Western Caribbean to the Eastern Caribbean this week to keep the ship out of Wilma's path. The Disney Wonder, which always takes passage in the East, left Port Canaveral safely on Sunday, and will be out of harm's way while Wilma passes through.
Just a reminder that MouseFest is scheduled for November 30 December 5 (land) and December 48 (sea). MouseFest Gold Sponsor MousePlanet is organizing three events and officially participating in a fourth during the land portion. For more information and how to let us know that you're coming, visit our MouseFest events page (link). For more information on MouseFest, visit the MouseFest event site (link).
In a golf tournament where many big names didn't make the cut and there was much ado about the renovations to the marquee Magnolia course, Lucas Glover sank an extremely difficult shot from a bunker to win the Funai Classic at Walt Disney World yesterday as Hurricane Wilma approached Florida.
While there was much talk about the lengthening of the Magnolia course over the summer, the winning four-round total of 265 was one stroke under Ryan Palmer's winning total of 266 from last year, and the same as 2003 champion Vijay Singh's score.
Glover made a 40-foot birdie putt from the fringe of the green on the 17th hole Sunday to go to 22 strokes under par, but saved the best for last. Starting to struggle on the final hole, Glover first landed in the left rough before dropping his next shot into the bunker in front of the green. With things looking grim for his chances to win, Glover slammed his bunker shot into the air, landing on the green and rolling in from 5 feet away for a final tally of 23 strokes under par.
Glover then had to wait for the final groups to finish before being certain of his win. Tom Pernice Jr. missed a 15-foot putt on the final hole to finish one stroke back at 266. Finishing in a five-way tie for third, two strokes back, were Geoff Ogilvy, defending champion Ryan Palmer, Justin Rose, Rich Beem and Harrison Frazar.
The tournament still managed to provide some excitement despite the list of those who did not make the cut and therefore did not play on Saturday (except to finish the rain-shortened second round) and Sunday, including Tiger Woods and Vijay Singh, the top two on the money list for this year's tour.
The 79th running of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade on November 24 will feature a Disney touch. Walt Disney World is sending the venerable S.S. Celebration Showboat float used in many parades over the years to New York, where it will carry a host of Disney characters. Joining Mickey Mouse and friends aboard the 33-foot tall float will be LeAnn Rimes, who will sing Remember When, the theme song for the Happiest Celebration on Earth.
The float has had its 42-foot length fitted out with gold accents for the golden celebration. But why is Disney promoting Walt Disney World if it's Disneyland's 50th anniversary? you might ask. Well, Disneyland park has had crowds much larger than anticipated for this season, and Walt Disney World has more than 10 times as many hotel rooms to fill. Also, Walt Disney World is probably closer to more of the viewing audience than Disneyland. We can only hope that they'll at least make mention of Disneyland, and that they'll avoid making people think that it's Walt Disney World's 50th anniversary, as some recent commercials seem to do.
The nationally televised parade steps off at 9 a.m. on Thursday, November 24.
Low-fare carrier Southwest Airlines has displaced Delta Air Lines as the airline with the highest percentage of passengers at Orlando International Airport for the fourth month in a row.
Budget Travel magazine has honored the Disney's Magical Express program with an Extra Mile award.
Assembly of the Yeti animatronic for Expedition: Everest has finally begun.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email us here.
The Passholder Best Rate program has reduced the advance reservation requirement from 120 days to 60 days. The program is now accepting reservations, online only, through February 15, 2006.
Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates through the end of 2006. Note that the resort has allocated some rooms as low as $77.00 weekdays and $87.00 weekends now through December 22.
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Standard View
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Pool View
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Bed & Breakfast Package
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Sleep Number - Standard View
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Sleep Number - Pool View
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| 2005 | |||||
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Through Nov 17
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$97 (M-F)
$107 (S,S) |
$107 (M-F)
$117 (S,S) |
$116 (M-F)
$126 (S,S) |
N/A
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N/A
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Nov 18 26
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$107
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$117
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$126
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N/A
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N/A
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Nov 27 Dec
3
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$97
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$107
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$116
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N/A
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N/A
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Dec 4 22
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$87
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$97
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$106
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N/A
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N/A
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Dec 23 27
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$133
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$143
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$152
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N/A
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N/A
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Dec 28 31
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$175
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$185
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$194
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N/A
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N/A
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| 2006 | |||||
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Jan 1 10
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
| Jan 11 14 |
$125
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$135
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$144
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$135
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$145
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Jan 15 Feb
2
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
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Feb 3 15
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$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F)
$144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F)
$145 (S,S) |
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Feb 16 19
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$175
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$185
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$194
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$185
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$195
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Feb 20 Apr
6
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$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F)
$144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F)
$145 (S,S) |
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Apr 7 12
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$145
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$155
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$164
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$155
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$165
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Apr 13 16
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$175
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$185
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$194
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$185
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$195
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| Apr 17 22 |
$145
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$155
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$164
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$155
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$165
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Apr 23 29
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$115
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$125
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$134
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$125
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$135
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Apr 30 May
24
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
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May 25 29
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$125
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$135
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$144
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$135
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$145
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May 30 June
8
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
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June 9 29
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$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F)
$134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
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June 30 July
8
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$125
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$135
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$144
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$135
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$145
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July 9 Aug
19
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$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F)
$134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
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Aug 20 Oct
5
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
| Oct 6 Nov 4 |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F)
$144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F)
$145 (S,S) |
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Nov 5 25
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$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F)
$134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
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Nov 26 Dec
19
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$95
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$105
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$114
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$105
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$115
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Dec 20 25
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$115
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$125
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$134
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$125
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$135
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Dec 26 31
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$175
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$185
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$194
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$185
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$195
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Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
Walt Disney World's 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 option | $94.75 / $83 | $154 / $131 | $206 / $172 | $220 / $183 | $228 / $190 | $231 / $192 | $234 / $195 | $237 / $197 | $240 / $199 | $244 / $202 |
| w/ Water Park Fun & More option | $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) | |
| w/ both options | $139.75 / $128 | $199 / $176 | $251 / $217 | $265 / $228 | $273 / $235 | $276 / $237 | $279 / $240 | $282 / $242 | $285 / $245 | $289 / $247 |
| w/ both options, 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 |
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.
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through December 2005.
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MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-6p |
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-6p |
MK 9a-6p |
MK 9a-9p |
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MK 9a-6p |
MK 9a-6p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-10p |
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through December 2005.
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| Monday 10/24 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Beach Boys 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 4p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Tuesday 10/25
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Beach Boys 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 4p Fantasmic 7:30p, 9p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Wednesday 10/26
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: FamilyStone Experience 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 4p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Thursday 10/27
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: FamilyStone Experience 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 4p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Friday 10/28
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: FamilyStone Experience 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 4p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Saturday 10/29
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Miracles Review featuring Sydney Justin 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 4p Fantasmic 7:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Sunday 10/30
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Miracles Review featuring Sydney Justin 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 10/31 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Miracles Review featuring Sydney Justin 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Tuesday 11/1
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Wednesday 11/2
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Thursday 11/3
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Friday 11/4
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: Chubby Checker & The Wildcats 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Saturday 11/5
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Eat to the Beat Concert Series: The Rippingtons featuring Russ Freeman 5:15p, 7p, 8:15p Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
(Separate admission required)
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| Monday 10/24 | ||
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Stormbringer |
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Tuesday 10/25
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Leonard Brothers |
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Wednesday 10/26
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Leonard Brothers |
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Thursday 10/27
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80Z All-Stars |
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Bill Wharton & The Ingredients (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
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Friday 10/28
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Leonard Brothers |
80Z All-Stars |
New York Dolls with TBA (main room), $23.50 advance/$26 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Bill Wharton & The Ingredients (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
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Saturday 10/29
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Leonard Brothers |
80Z All-Stars |
Rusted Root with TBA (main room), $20 advance/$22.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Bill Wharton & The Ingredients (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
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Sunday 10/30
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80Z All-Stars |
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Paula Stevens-Jones and Ambassadors of Praise (gospel brunch), $30 adult, $15 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Breaking Benjamin with Smile Empty Soul and 10 Years (main room), $20 advance/$22.50 day of show; 7 p.m. |
| Monday 10/31 | ||
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Leonard Brothers |
80Z All-Stars |
Lyfe Jennings with TBA (main room), $17.50 advance/$19.50 day of show; 8 p.m. |
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Tuesday 11/1
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Frankie & the West End Boys |
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Wednesday 11/2
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Frankie & the West End Boys |
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Stryper with TBA (main room), $15 advance/$17.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. |
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Thursday 11/3
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Leonard Brothers |
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Him w/ Finch and Skindred (main room), $23.50 advance/$26 day of show; 8:30 p.m. |
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Friday 11/4
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Leonard Brothers |
80Z All-Stars |
The Bravery with TBA (main room), $14 advance/$16 day of show; 8:30 p.m. |
(Send an email to Mark Goldhaber)
Mark (@MPMark) is a veteran of dozens of trips to Walt Disney World starting in 1972, with a few Disneyland trips thrown in for good measure. As a Disney stockholder and a Disney Vacation Club member, Mark is always in touch with what's going on with The Mouse. Mark serves as MousePlanet's Walt Disney World content coordinator. Mark is a senior information technology manager working for the State of New York. He lives in the suburbs outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son.