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).
The pocket guide for MouseFest has been published (link). Two versions are available, one for viewing (pages are in order) and one for printing (page will be in order once you assemble the booklet.
After a couple of years without a sponsor after AT&T dropped out in 2003, Spaceship Earth picked up new sponsorship last week when international technology giant Siemens AG signed a major 12-year deal with the Walt Disney Company. In addition to sponsoring Spaceship Earth, Siemens will also get sponsorship of the Iluminations fireworks show at Epcot, and new attractions at Innoventions in both Epcot and Disneyland. Also, Siemens' Sylvania lighting division will get sponsorship of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at the Disney-MGM Studios, as well as Disney's Electrical Parade and Walt Disney's Parade of Dreams in California.
The deal also includes sponsorship of ABC's video board in New York City's Times Square and further joint technology ventures. This is another in a series of technology-focused deals made under Disney's technophile CEO Bob Iger. In a press release announcing the deal, Iger said, Embracing new technology is a key strategic priority at Disney because it supports our commitment to creating an outstanding guest experience and drives growth for the entire Company.
There is no word yet on future changes at Spaceship Earth to reflect Siemens' sponsorship, though the remaining AT&T logos have all disappeared.
Last week, we ran a rumor that all buildings on the lake side of Pleasure Island would be demolished and replaced by themed restaurants operated by outside participants, inadvertently setting off alarm bells across the Internet among fans of the Adventurer's Club. We have now received conflicting information from another source that indicates that the Adventurer's Club, at least, will not be going anywhere. Again, we do not have confirmation either way from those inside the Team Disney building, so there's no guarantee that this better-informed source is the final word, or whether it's just the Adventurer's Club or all of the endangered buildings that are safe. However, due to the conflicting information, we're now going to stand down from red alert and switch to wait-and-see mode until we get final confirmation one way or the other. The information about the West End Stage, the Hub Stage and the fireworks being done for, though, is still solid. They will all be gone.
We apologize for stirring up the hornet's nest, though in all fairness we did make sure that it was labeled as rumor and not fact due to the lack of confirmation.
We've just received word that The Living Seas pavilion at Epcot is officially reopening on November 23. Sea Base Alpha is being renamed to simply Sea Base, with the entrance through the area that formerly housed the exit hydrolators. And yes, the rumor appears to be truethe entire pavilion is going to a Finding Nemo theme.
All you Tarzan Rocks fans out there might want to hurry up to get one last viewing of the show. In the November issue of the Mickey Monitor WDW passholder newsletter, Disney confirms that the show will be ending its wild run in early January 2006 to make room for an exciting, new offering. We've already noted (link) that the new show will be based upon Finding Nemo, and will debut in late 2006 or early 2007 after the Theater in the Wild undergoes a major renovation.
Do you want to have your home videos of your Disney vacation appear on the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade telecast? Disney and show producer Harborlight Entertainment are accepting submissions of home videos for possible inclusion in the show. According to Disney, they're looking for a variety of video clipsfrom funny to fun and heartwarming to heartfelt. The only requirements are that it was shot in a Disney Theme Park and that it meets ABC broadcast guidelines.
Make sure that you submit a copy of your original, since they will not be returning your media. You can submit many formats, including VHS, 8mm, Super 8, Hi-8, Mini-DV and DVD, but must receive your submission by December 8. We suggest that you read the rules and procedures, available as a PDF file online (link), carefully.
The Hotel Royal Plaza on Hotel Plaza Boulevard near Downtown Disney closed last summer due to damage from Hurricane Charley, and took advantage of that time for repairs and refurbishment to the 394 guest rooms, meeting space and public areas. The Royal Plaza is now set to reopen in January (though their Web site is not accepting bookings before February 1), and has begun an effort to fill the 140 full-time positions needed to run the resort.
For the 26th timethe ninth since Walt Disney World's first involvement and the fifth since it took on name sponsorshiphistorically black schools Bethune-Cookman College and Florida A&M University meet on Saturday in the Walt Disney World Florida Classic football game. To tie in with the game, Walt Disney World will host events at the Coronado Springs Resort on Thursday and the Disney-MGM Studios on Friday.
Beginning at 11:30 a.m. Thursday at the Coronado Springs Resort, the Inaugural Florida Classic Symposium on Sports & Society will feature a discussion of the business of sports by college and professional athletics executives. Registration for this event is now closed.
On Friday, Florida Classic Fan Day kicks off at park opening of the Disney-MGM Studios, featuring marching bands from both schools leading the Hollywood Holly-Day Parade, a cheerleader squad competition, a step exhibition featuring various fraternities and sororities to be held on a stage in front of the Sorcerer's Hat, a special Florida Classic version of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It and a tailgate party featuring music and entertainment.
The game kicks off at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday at the Citrus Bowl in Orlando, with a telecast on ESPNU.
In a press release last Thursday, Disney Theatrical announced some of its future plans. The Broadway production of The Lion King is moving in its entirety from the Disney-owned New Amsterdam Theatre to the Minskoff Theatre next June. The show closes at the New Amsterdam on June 4, and the cast and crew head three blocks uptown (from 42nd & Broadway to 45th & Broadway) to reopen the show in its new home on June 13.
After The Lion King vacates the New Amsterdam, load-in begins for the another Disney Theatrical production, with Mary Poppins opening at the theater in the fall. The Broadway edition of the collaboration between Disney Theatrical and Cameron Mackintosh begins preview performances on October 14, 2006, and has its official opening night on November 16. The show, which opened last December at the Prince Edward Theatre in London's West End, may surprise American theater-goers, as it is much darker than the popular Disney film.
Finishing out the theatrical round-up, while it was not listed in the press release, Tarzan begins preview performances at the Richard Rogers Theatre on March 24, 2006, and holds its grand opening on May 10. Visa cardholders and Walt Disney World Passholders may purchase their tickets now, while tickets go on sale to the general public this weekend.
Victoria & Albert's restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort has received its sixth straight Five Diamond rating from AAA. It is the only Disney restaurant to have received this designation from the AAA.
On the subject of food, Epcot has just named Christine Weissman as its new executive chef. Weissman replaces Michael LaDuke, who left to join Darden Restaurants. Weissman moves to Epcot from her previous post as chef de cuisine of catering at the Contemporary Resort and Magic Kingdom.
Disneyland has began a monthly official podcast (link) last week. Can Walt Disney World be far behind? Probably.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
The Passholder Best Rate program is now accepting reservations, online only, through April 13, 2006. In addition, some rates have dropped even lower, with value resorts going for $49 most nights from January 16 - February 4, 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 April 2006.
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MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-10p |
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MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-12a |
MK 9a-11p |
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through April 2006.
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| Monday 11/14 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Tuesday 11/15
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Wednesday 11/16
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Thursday 11/17
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Friday 11/18
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Saturday 11/19
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Sunday 11/20
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Monday 11/21 | |||
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Tuesday 11/22
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-10p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Wednesday 11/23
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-10p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Thursday 11/24
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-10p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Friday 11/25
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-10p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
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Saturday 11/19
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3:30p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-10p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
(Separate admission required)
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| Monday 11/14 | ||
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Frankie & The West End Boys |
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(main room), $26.50 advance/$29.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. |
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Tuesday 11/15
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Leonard Brothers |
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Wednesday 11/16
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Leonard Brothers |
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Fear Factory and Soilwork with Strapping Young Lad (main room), $17 advance/$19 day of show; 8 p.m. |
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Thursday 11/17
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Stormbringer |
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Hawthorne Heights w/ Silverstein, Bayside and Alden (main room), $15; 8 p.m. Jimmy Griswald (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
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Friday 11/18
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Stormbringer |
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Buddy Guy with Indigenous (main room), $28.50 advance/$31.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Damon Fowler Band (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
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Saturday 11/19
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Stormbringer |
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Frontline Promotions Presents The 9th Annual Official FL Classic After Party Grown Folks Night with Kid Capri (main room), $45 advance/$50 day of show; 9 p.m. Blue Sky Mission Club (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
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Sunday 11/20
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Stormbringer |
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Apostle JL Cash & Praise (gospel brunch), $30 adult, $15 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Fantasma & HOB Present An Evening With Bob Weir and Rat Dog (main room), $28.50; 7 p.m. |
| Monday 11/21 | ||
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Stormbringer |
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Tuesday 11/22
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The Big Idea |
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Marc Broussard with Special Guests David Ryan Harris and Mosaic (main room), $12 advance/$14 day of show; 7 p.m. |
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Wednesday 11/23
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The Big Idea |
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Thursday 11/24
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The Big Idea |
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Playstation Presents The Breed Love Odyssey Tour Featuring Mos Def and Talib Kweli with Special Guests Pharoahe Monch and Jean Grae (main room), $32 advance/$35 day of show; 9 p.m. |
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Friday 11/25
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Frankie & The West End Boys |
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Bauhaus with TBA (main room), $36.50 advance/$39.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Bird Dog Bobby (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 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.