Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for February 27 – March 5, 2006

Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Time for a reality check

It's been a while since I checked in to make sure that I'm presenting the news that you need and want in our weekly Walt Disney World Park Update. So now's your chance. Let me know what you think of our content.

Do you actually use the Downtown Disney entertainment schedules? Are the park hours and entertainment schedules helpful, and are two weeks' worth about right?

Are we giving you too much or not enough coverage of any particular area?

What do we not have that you'd like to see? A summary of the next few weeks' events that we've already detailed in the news months ago, just as a reminder? Trivia questions?

Let me know what you'd like to see, so that I can give you the Update that you want to read (and not waste time and space on stuff you're not interested in). I'll report back on your comments next week, along with my planned changes.

So here's your shot. E-mail me here.

Disney opens family suites at All-Star Music

There's a new option for families who would normally need two hotel rooms during their stay at Walt Disney World. The 520 square-foot All-Star Music Family Suites feature all new furniture in their two bedrooms, two bathrooms and mini-kitchen. The kitchen has a microwave, a 4.3 cubic-foot "cube" refrigerator, a sink and a coffee/tea pot with refillable amenities, plus limited cabinet space.

The main bedroom has a queen bed, plus a 27" flat-screen TV. The second bedroom has a double sleeper sofa, a convertible twin chair sleeper and a convertible twin ottoman, plus additional storage space. Like the rest of All-Star Music, the family suites also have high-speed Internet access available for an extra charge.

The 192 units are in the Calypso and Jazz buildings, and are non-smoking only. The rack rates for these rooms are $169 in value season, $209 in regular season, $239 in peak season and $259 in holiday season. The room code for these rooms is AB, and there are no AAA rates for these rooms at this time.

Thanks to MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations (link) for the information.

If these rooms are as successful as expected, it is quite possible that the second phase of the Pop Century Resort (1900s-1940s, The Legendary Years) will begin construction as suites-only. Nothing newly firm on that, but it would follow from what we've heard in the past.

Disney Magic heading for the Mediterranean?

It looks like the mystery surrounding the Disney Magic's itineraries for summer 2007 will be revealed in just over a month. On March 28, the Disney Cruise Line will begin contacting guests who had faxed in their special requests for the still-undisclosed itineraries.

The waiting list (which is currently closed to new requests) is expected to be cleared by April 3, and on April 4 all remaining berths will become available to the general public. There will be some availability left in stateroom categories 4-12 at that time.

If you are not on Disney's waiting list and want a shot at the remaining berths, you can contact MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations (link) to get on their agency's list, and they will start their attempts at booking as soon as the phones open up on April 4.

While there is no confirmation yet, reports point to Mediterranean itineraries between mid-May and Labor Day weekend. Fourteen-night Trans-Atlantic repositioning cruises would run May 12-26 and August 18-September 1, with alternating 10- and 11-night Mediterranean cruises running in between those dates.

Thanks to MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations (link) for this information.

On-board credit special offer from Small World Vacations

MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations is running a one-week-only special offer of $25 to $100 onboard credit for Disney Cruises booked between Tuesday, February 28, and Monday, March 6 (link). This offer can be combined with their "Cash to You" check of up to $200 (link). Some blackout dates apply. Be sure to mention MousePlanet when you contact them!

Boy hospitalized after falling off coaster at Cypress Gardens

A 13-year-old boy is in intensive care at a hospital in Tampa after being airlifted there following an incident Saturday evening where he fell from the Triple Hurricane roller coaster at Cypress Gardens. Martin Llamas "came out of the car, went over the rail of the ride and dropped a distance of 10 to 12 feet onto grass," according to Carrie Rogers, spokeswoman for the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Mark Gonzales, of the state Bureau of Fair Rides Inspection, reported that he could find no problems with the ride following an inspection yesterday morning. Llamas' restraint was still secured when the coaster stopped. The ride reopened following the inspection.

According to a statement released by Cypress Gardens yesterday, Llamas acted on a dare to maneuver out of his restraint and stood up on the ride, causing him to fall to the ground before the ride ended. So to anyone out there who gets dared to get out of their restraint on a roller coaster, we now have a graphic demonstration of why that's a really stupid dare to take.

Annual Passholder and Florida resident rates announced through June 3

Annual passholder rates have been announced for April 23 through June 3. This, of course, confirms that no AP rates were made available for the peak Easter break dates of April 9-22, as expected. The rates start at $74 per night at Value resorts, $119 per night at Moderates, and $149 per night at Deluxe resorts. The booking code for these rates is EZN. (The passholder Web site says EZO, so I would guess that both would work.)

Florida Residents have their own discounts, using booking code BOR. Availability dates are also April 23 through June 3. Resident rates start at $79 for Value resorts, $124 for Moderate, $154 for Deluxe and $184 for Fort Wilderness Cabins.

Magic Your Way packages add free ticket upgrades through June 3

Disney has announced a special offer for packages purchased through March 30. For vacations between April 23 and June 3, you get free Park Hopping and Water Parks & More options added to your base Magic Your Way park passes. The Disney Dining Plan can also be added to these packages. If you're tring to book on the Disney Web site, you'll need to click "Special Offers" on the left side of the Tickets and Reservations part of the site in order to see the offer.

Thanks to MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations (link) for the information.

Quick takes

…We're starting to hear rumors that the Stars and Motor Cars Parade may be leaving the Disney-MGM Studios later this year in order to head over to the Walt Disney Studios Paris. Some of those rumors state that the replacement will be a version of the Block Party Bash currently running at Disney's California Adventure. No confirmation on any of this yet, though.

…The Orlando Sentinel has a nice article (link) saluting Wayne Culver, who is retiring after 39 years as a custodial manager at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. He was one of two original custodians brought from Anaheim for the opening of the Florida resort in 1971.

…For those with a lot of money to burn, an eBay auction is featuring what may be the largest collection of Mickey Mouse memorabilia outside of the Disney Archives (link).

…Character meet-and-greets that formerly took place in the queue area for The Timekeeper have been moved. Stitch and Buzz Lightyear will now greet guests elsewhere in Tomorrowland, while The Incredibles will move back to the Animation attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios.

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, and will return to service on July 1.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – will close from March 1 through July 6 for the addition of characters from the movie that was inspired by the ride. The attraction will reportedly reopen briefly for the peak Easter crowds before closing again to complete the refurbishment.
• Timekeeper – is closed for good.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

• The Wonders of Life pavilion – is closed for good.

Disney–MGM 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

• 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

• No current refurbishments.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays.

Park Events

February 2006

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). February 17 ? March 30.
• Parti Gras. February 24, 25, 28. Pleasure Island's annual celebration of Mardi Gras includes special decor and live entertainment.

March 2006

• Cheer & Dance National Championships. March 3–5. All Star/Studio March 3, School Dance March 3–5 (link).
• ESPN The Weekend. March 3–5. 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 10–12 (link).
• Pleasure Island St. Patrick's Day Celebration. March 16–18. Raglan Road leads the festivities as the Island turns green to celebrate the holiday.
• 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 course starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot.
• Danskin Women's Triathlon. May 13-14. Athletes compete in a 400 yard swim, a 9 mile bike ride, and a 2 mile run (link).
• Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 18–21. 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).
• Gay Days 2006. May 31 - June 4. The 16th annual gathering of the GLBT community at Walt Disney World (link1 | link2).

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. 1–4. The radio host's annual gathering returns for another year (link).
• Night of Joy. Dates TBA. Disney's annual Christian music festival (link).
• Disney's Pin Celebration. Sept. 8 – 10. This year's event is themed as "It All Started With … Walt" (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. 16–22. Lucas Glover will try to defend his title at the 36th annual fall golf classic on the Palm and Magnolia courses (link).
• Disney Pin Cruise. Oct. 29 – Nov. 2. This year's cruise is themed as "Cruisin' Through Time" (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

Magic Your Way package with free ticket upgrades available through June 3

Disney has announced a special offer for vacations between April 23 and June 3, that will include free upgrades of base Magic Your Way park passes. The passes will be upgraded with both Park Hopper and Water Parks & More options at no charge. When booking on the Disney Web site, make sure to click the "Special Offers" tab on the left side of the page, or the offer may not appear.

Passholder discounts now available through June 3

Passholders discounts are now available on the passholder Web site for vacations from April 23 through June 3. When calling by phone, use booking code EZN or EZO. Florida resident discounts for the same dates are available on the resident Web site, using booking code BOR. Passholder rates start at $74 per night for value resorts, resident rates start at $79 per night for the values.

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.

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.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 2006.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 2006.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)