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Update for February 6 12, 2006
Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule
News and Views
Pirates of the Caribbean getting movie makeover
When the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction closes for refurbishment on March 1, Jack Sparrow will be moving in. Last week, Disney made it official and announced that Jack Sparrow, Barbossa and Davy Jones (from the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest) will be added to the attraction.
The characters will reportedly be woven into the existing scenes to add a new subplot. The story line will have the evil pirates looking for Captain Jack Sparrow, thinking that he knows where treasure is. For example, in the "dunking" scene, the pirate captain will be demanding that the mayor reveal the location of Captain Jack Sparrow (who will be seen hiding in the background). Another rumored Sparrow sighting will take place in the barrel previously occupied by a hiding maiden.
The official press release notes that "new special effects will also be added." While the sound and lighting systems will be upgraded, there's more in the offing as information has been leaked to us rather heavily that there will be a new visual effect coming.
Note: Since publication this morning we have received some infomation that suggests this poster from may be fake and that getting us to publish it was a somewhat elaborate hoax. If so, it worked on us. We're doing our best to investigate but for now have decided to remove the image and the information about it while we continue to look into things.
Another pirate cruise for kids debuts
Following the success of the Pirate Cruise for kids a the Grand Floridian Resort and Albatross Treasure Cruise at the Yacht Club Resort, and building on the legend of the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction and movie, the Caribbean Beach Resort will debut the Islands of the Caribbean Adventure Cruise this Tuesday.
As with the other cruises, it is for kids ages 4-10, who must be potty-trained with no pull-ups. Up to 12 young pirates will receive bandannas and follow clues to find treasure, which will be divided up between the lucky crew members. Lunch, in the form of Smuckers Uncrustables sandwiches, juice and snacks, will be served.
The cruise will sail from the Barefoot Bay Boat Yard every Tuesday and will run from 9:30-11:30. It may not yet be available in the main reservation system at the WDW-DINE and WDW-PLAY numbers, so if you can't make a reservation that way, you can call the Barefoot Bay Boat Yard Marina directly at 407-934-2850. The cruise will cost $28.17 plus tax per child ($30.00 including tax).
NFFC meeting next week, show and sale next month
If you're going to be in the Walt Disney World area next weekend, you may be interested in attending the NFFC's World Chapter's next meeting, which will feature noted Disney historian Jim Korkis. The event will be held on Saturday, February 18, at 7:00 at the Vista del Lago Club House. For directions to the meeting, please see the press release on our Announcements forum.
Also listed in the press release is information about the NFFC's Second Annual Florida Strictly Disneyana Show & Sale, which will be held at the Celebration Middle School Gymnasium on March 11-12. Among the guests will be Disney artist Tony West, who is also the producer of Dream On, Silly Dreamer, the film about the rise and fall of Walt Disney Feature Animation [to be released on DVD (link) next Tuesday!].
Ward the latest Super Bowl MVP to go to Walt Disney World, but taking The Bus
Hines Ward is the latest in a long line of Super Bowl Most Valuable Players to appear in an "I'm Going To Disney World" commercial spot. But there was an added twist, as future Hall of Famer Jerome "The Bus" Bettis got a part, as well. In the filming of the commercial on the field following last night's game, Hines shouted "I'm going to Disney World and I'm taking The Bus!" Ward and Bettis will be feted at a parade in the Magic Kingdom today.
In honor of the campaign's 20th anniversary, commercials shown during the game showed players from both teams (including both Ward and Bettis) practicing how they would shout the trademark phrase if they were to win.
Ears to the ground
Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin returned from refurbishment last Thursday, almost a week earlier than scheduled. Unfortunately, it appears that the ride vehicle replacement has not been done, and the same old vehicles are still there, still needing a good paint job.
The Inferno Barge has returned to Illuminations.
Adventures by Disney (link) has announced their summer touring schedules, which include Hawaii, Yellowstone, Costa Rica, London, Paris and Italy. Thanks to MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations (link) for the tip-off.
Last Wednesday night, the American Federation of Musicians Local 389 approved a new six-year labor contract with Walt Disney World. The local 100 full-time and 400 part-time musicians in and out of the parks.
Disney Vacation Club members will see their discounts on tours at the Magic Kingdom drop from 20 percent to 15 percent effective April 1.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
Talk about Walt Disney World on our discussion forums here.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress has been returned to the list of "seasonal" attractions, so its open status may change at any time.
- Liberty Square Riverboat is not operating due to refurbishment through April 1.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin has reopened early from refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean will close from early March through July 6 for the addition of characters from the movie that was inspired by the ride, as well as a Siren Cove effect in the caverns section of the attraction.
- Timekeeper open seasonally.
- Cinderella's Surprise Celebration reportedly returns after the 18-month Happiest Celebration on Earth festivities end.
Epcot
- Test Track will be closed for refurbishment through February 14.
- The Wonders of Life pavilion has closed again following its holiday 2005 season run, and is thought to be closed for good.
DisneyMGM Studios
- No current refurbishments.
Animal Kingdom
- Expedition Everest is scheduled to officially open in Spring 2006. The official opening press event is scheduled for April 7, just before the peak season of the two weeks surrounding Easter. Soft openings for the general public are now underway.
Resorts
- AllStar Movies Resort The Fantasia pool will be closed through early February for refurbishment. Guests can use the Mighty Ducks pool or take a complimentary shuttle service (10 a.m. 10 p.m.) to the other AllStar resorts to use the pools there.
- Wilderness Lodge Roaring Forks Snacks will be closed through March 8 for refurbishment. Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist Point will remain open, and grab-and-go items will be made available elsewhere during the refurbishment.
- 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.
- Contemporary Resort The South Garden Wing is partially-open during refurbishment through September, 2006. Renovations on the rest of the resort are also underway, with the tower building being done one floor at a time and the North Garden Wing to follow, and are expected to run through October, 2007.
- Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Phase I's four buildings and Phase II's eight units are complete, Construction on Phase III is underway, with the six units expected to open between June and December, 2006.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon Closed for its annual refurbishment through February 25.
Elsewhere
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba performs Tuesdays Saturdays.
Park Events
February 2006
- National Dance Team Championship. February 36.
- National High School Cheerleading Championship. February 1013.
- Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). February 17 ? March 29.
- Twirlmania. February 1720. Twirlers, auxiliary guard, pom, and dancers descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
- Cheer & Dance National Championships. February 2526. School & Youth Rec Cheer February 25, All-Star Cheer & Dance February 26 (link).
March 2006
- Cheer & Dance National Championships. March 35. All Star/Studio March 3, School Dance March 35 (link).
- ESPN The Weekend. March 35. Corporate synergy brings the cable channel back to the Studios for its third go-round (link).
- World Baseball Classic. March 3-11. Baseball's best players from Australia, Domincan Republic, Italy and Venezuela square off in the first round of the international tournament (link).
- National All Star Cheerleading Championship. March 1013.
- National Kidney Foundation of Florida Gift of Life 5K Run/Walk. March 19. The seventh annual event to raise money and promote organ and tissue donation awareness (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).
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. April 21 June 11. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays, gardening demonstrations and the Flower Power concert series (link).
- Grad Nite. April 28-29, May 5-6. High school seniors take over the Magic Kingdom after an early closing and party all night (link).
May 2006
- Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend 5K and 1 Mile (link). May 6. The short runs of the ladies-only running weekend take place at and near Downtown Disney.
- Women Run the World 15 K (link). May 7. The ladies-only run starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot.
- Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 1821. Collectible bears and dolls at Epcot (link).
- Star Wars Weekends. May 19-21 and 26-28, and June 2-4 and 9-11. The popular event is slated to return to the Studios in 2006 (link).
July 2006
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). July 29 August 17. The NFC South champions prepare for the 2006 campaign, with practices open to the public.
September 2006
- Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Sept. 14. The radio host's annual gathering returns for another year (link).
- Night of Joy. Dates TBA. Disney's annual Christian music festival (link).
- Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 24. Athletes compete in a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run (link).
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 29 Nov. 12. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series (link).
October 2006
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Dates TBA. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs. (link).
- Disney's Race for the Taste 10K. Oct. 8. The annual Disney 10K race continues its association with the Epcot Food & Wine Festival (link).
- ABC Super Soap Weekend. Dates TBA. Your favorite ABC soap opera starts converge on the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
- Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. Oct. 1622. Lucas Glover will try to defend his title at the 36th annual fall golf classic on the Palm and Magnolia courses (link).
November-December 2006
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Dates TBA. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What's not to like? (link).
December 2006
- 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 2007
- Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 6. Registration now open (link). [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
- Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration now open (link).
Current Discounts & Promotions
Passholder Best Rate Program gone, regular passholder discounts return
The Passholder Best Rate program apparently received a cold reception from annual passholders that like to plan their trips on the spur of the moment. The program has been discontinued and been replaced by straight discounts available up until the last minute. Passholders can see discounts for multiple months in advance on the passholder web site (link). Currently, discounts are available through April 8.
Radisson announces exclusive Disney Fan Rate specials
The Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration (formerly the Radisson Resort Parkway), a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced special exclusive rates for MousePlanet readers through the end of February. These rates are lower than those that you'll receive through Hotels.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Radisson.com, or anywhere else on the Internet.
The rates are as follows:
Now through February 2 - $85.00 weekdays / $95.00 weekends
February 3-9 - $95.00
February 10-26 - $105.00 weekdays / $115.00 weekends (EXCEPTION: 2/16 - 2/21
at $135.00 due to Daytona 500 Race)
Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration releases rates through the end of 2006
The Radisson Resort Parkway is now the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration! The resort, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their standard rates through the end of 2006. Note that the nightly rates do not include a $7 per night resort fee.
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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2006 | |||||
Through Feb 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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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) |
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.
Magic Your Way ticket price guide
Walt Disney World's entire ticket price structure changed as of January 2, 2005, to the new Magic Your Way passes, and prices increased on January 1, 2006.. Advance purchase discounts are only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 4 days, with higher discounts on those tickets with both options.
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 | $63 / $52 | $125 / $103 | $181 / $149 | $195 / $160 | $199 / $162 | $202 / $164 | $204 / $165 | $206 / $167 | $208 / $169 | $210 / $171 |
w/ Park Hopper option | $103 / $92 | $165 / $143 | $221 / $189 | $235 / $200 | $239 / $202 | $242 / $204 | $244 / $205 | $246 / $207 | $248 / $209 | $250 / $211 |
w/ Water Park Fun & More option | $113 / $102 | $175 / $153 | $231 / $199 | $245 / $210 | $249 / $212 | $252 / $214 | $254 / $215 | $256 / $217 | $258 / $219 | $260 / $221 |
(plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 4) | (plus 4) | (plus 5) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | |
w/ both options | $153 / $142 | $215 / $193 | $271 / $239 | $285 / $250 | $289 / $252 | $292 / $254 | $294 / $255 | $296 / $257 | $298 / $259 | $300 / $261 |
w/ both options, no Expiration | N/A | $225 / $203 | $281 / $249 | $305 / $270 | $329 / $292 | $342 / $304 | $359 / $320 | $406 / $367 | $428 / $389 | $435 / $396 |
Advance Purchase Discount - 1 option | N/A | N/A | N/A | $2/$2 | $5/$3 | $7/$4 | $8/$4 | $8/$4 | $8/$4 | $8/$4 |
Advance Purchase Discount - 2 options | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12/$10 | $15/$11 | $17/$12 | $18/$12 | $18/$12 | $18/$12 | $18/$12 |
Park Hours
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 2006.
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MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-10p |
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MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-8p |
MK 9a-9p |
MK 9a-11p |
MK 9a-12a |
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Entertainment Schedule
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 2006.
Theme Park Events
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Monday 2/6 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Tuesday 2/7
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Wednesday 2/8
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Thursday 2/9
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Friday 2/10
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Saturday 2/11
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Sunday 2/12
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Monday 2/13 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Tuesday 2/14
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Wednesday 2/15
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Thursday 2/16
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Friday 2/17
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Saturday 2/18
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Downtown Disney Entertainment
(Separate admission required)
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Monday 2/6 | |
Harrydash |
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Tuesday 2/7
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Harrydash |
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Wednesday 2/8
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Leonard Brothers |
The Machine (main room), $12.50 advance/$15 day of show; 9 p.m. |
Thursday 2/9
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Leonard Brothers |
Joe Turner and the Memphis Blues Caravan (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Friday 2/10
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Harrydash (Leonard Brothers at West End Stage.) |
Sister Hazel with TBA (main room), $17.50 advance/$19.50 day of show; 7:30 p.m. Joe Turner and the Memphis Blues Caravan (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Saturday 2/11
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Harrydash (Leonard Brothers at West End Stage.) |
Joe Turner and the Memphis Blues Caravan (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Sunday 2/12
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Stormbringer |
Sisaundra Lewis (gospel brunch), $30 adult, $15 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. |
Monday 2/13 | |
Stormbringer |
Jagermeister Music Tour Featuring Disturbed with bloodsimple (main room), $32.50 advance/$35 day of show; 8 p.m. |
Tuesday 2/14
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Big Idea (Leonard Brothers at West End Stage.) |
Jagermeister Music Tour Featuring Disturbed with bloodsimple (main room), $32.50 advance/$35 day of show; 8 p.m. |
Wednesday 2/15
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Frankie & the West End Boys |
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Thursday 2/16
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Stormbringer |
Motor City Josh (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Friday 2/17
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Stormbringer |
XBOX 360 Presents The Academy Is? with Special Guests Acceptance and Panic! At The Disco (main room), $14 advance/$16 day of show; 7 p.m. Albert Castiglia (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
 
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