Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for March 13 – 19, 2006

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

News and Views

T-Rex Cafe to be just one phase of Pleasure Island conversion

At publication time last week, it was uncertain exactly where the new 600-seat T-Rex Cafe would be built in Downtown Disney. We now know that the two-story, 25,000-square-foot building will be built between The Marketplace and Pleasure Island. Most likely, it will be built in the park-like area between McDonald's and the bridge near Fulton's, with the bridge being widened. This will effectively connect The Marketplace to Pleasure Island, helping Disney's attempt to make all of Downtown Disney one cohesive whole.

To assist in that plan, Disney is making a number of other changes. With the traffic flow on the East side improved by the new T-Rex Cafe, Disney also came up with a plan to improve flow on the West Side. Now that traffic can freely flow through Pleasure Island, with admission fees only needed for the clubs, there is no longer any need to constrict access points. So the West End stage will be dismantled in the near future, allowing Disney to build a much wider bridge/accessway from the information/ticket booth area to the former location of the West End Stage. There's also the possibility that the change in traffic flow could lead to an additional building being added next to the Comedy Warehouse structure, near (or replacing) the current stairway to the existing trestle bridge.

Superstar Studios closed March 3. DTV, Zen Zone and Missing Link Sausage Company close this coming Sunday, and Changing Attitudes and Reel Finds follow in April 1. None of those locations will return. The Harley-Davidson store will also close this coming Sunday, and it will reopen in the location currently housing Changing Attitudes and Reel finds this summer. On April 1, Kodak Imaging Services will close its current location in order to move to the currently unoccupied Ticket Trolley at the entrance to Pleasure Island near Mannequins.

The Hub Stage will also be demolished in the near future and an open plaza will be created with access to a boat dock. The plaza will provide lake views for visitors. It's likely that the locations being vacated adjacent to the Hub Stage will also be demolished to become part of the plaza.

Family Suites update

A couple of weeks ago (link), we noted that Disney had announced the new Family Suites at the All-Star Music Resort. We've gotten a little more information from our friends at MousePlanet sponsor Small World Vacations that only 52 suites in the Jazz building have been completed to date, but that the previously-announced total of 192 suites will be located in Jazz and Calypso upon completion.

The suites sleep up to six people, plus one child under the age of 3 in a Pak-n-Play crib. The complete list of sleeping accommodations is a queen bed, full-size pullout sofa, convertible ottoman and chair sleepers (4 separate sleepers). Both rooms have 27-inch flat-screen CRT televisions and wireless high-speed Internet access. Best of all, of course, is that there are two full bathrooms.

Animal Kingdom Lodge now certifiably "green"

On March 6, the Animal Kingdom Lodge became the sixth Walt Disney World resort hotel to be designated as a certified Green Lodge by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (link). The hotel was specifically cited for the use of automatic faucets in guest areas, using programmable thermostats and a variety of recycling initiatives.

The Boardwalk and Coronado Springs Resorts were two of the first group of four awards to be given, back on March 10, 2004. On August 3, 2005, they were joined as Green Lodges by the Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans and Pop Century Resorts. With the addition of the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney now has six of the thirteen resorts designated as Green to date.

Minnie Marathon Weekend registration open

Registration for the Minnie Marathon Weekend is now open. The three events (15K and 5K races and a 1-mile fun run/walk) will take place the weekend of May 5-7 and will include a health and fitness expo aimed at women. A new finisher's medal in the shape of Minnie Mouse's head will be awarded. So if you've got the Donald from the half-marathon, the Mickey from the marathon and the Goofy from running them both, you've got a new medal to complete the set. (Will they do a race for pets, so that they can give a Pluto medal to round out the Fab Five?)

Early registration fees for the events are $35 for the 15K (register), $25 for the 5K (register) and $20 for the one mile (register). The fees each increase by $5 after April 15. You can register online (link) or you can call 407-938-3398 to have a registration form mailed to you.

The health and fitness expo will begin May 5. The one-mile and 5K will take place on May 6 and the Women Run the World 15K will be run on May 7.

While the weekend, which will benefit the American Heart Association, is designed for women, men are welcome to participate on behalf of the women in their lives.

Beyond Breakfast and Beyond

It's looking like the Breakfast and Beyond character dining experience at Hollywood & Vine at the Disney-MGM Studios will be delayed a little longer. We're now hearing rumors that the meal will not begin service until the beginning of June. Another rumor that we're starting to hear is that the character meal will take place at both breakfast and lunch, possibly endangering the working name of the meal.

Reportedly, characters at the meal will include a virtual "Who's Who" of Pixar characters, including Buzz Lightyear, Sarge (of Green Army Men fame) and Mr. Incredible. Of course, none of this is final until they actually start holding the event.

Quick takes …

…We are hearing that it is a certainty that there will be a new night-time spectacular debuting at Epcot in October 2007 for the park's 25th birthday. No further details are available at this time.

…The Boardwalk Inn will be receiving an extensive refurbishment along the lines of the one currently underway at the Polynesian and Contemporary Resorts, including the installation of flat-panel televisions. This work will begin shortly after work begins on the Wilderness Lodge.

…The on-ride photo system at Expedition Everest is now up and running.

…Disney sees ESPN The Weekend as a fledgling Super-Soap opportunity, and they want to "maximize the Guest experience." To that end, they're considering the addition of different interactive events and additional merchandising.

…Passholders will be able to get 10 percent off the price of Adventures By Disney vacations when they book and submit a deposit by May 31.

Coming soon

• Now – March 29, Spring training home games for the Atlanta Braves at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex. Games are at 1:50 p.m. unless otherwise indicated.
  • March 13 (St. Louis Cardinals)
  • March 14 (Houston Astros) @ 7:05 p.m.
  • March 15 (Los Angeles Dodgers)
  • March 17 (Houston Astros)
  • March 18 (Cincinnati Reds)
  • March 22 (Philadelphia Phillies)
  • March 23 (Cleveland Indians)
  • March 24 (Washington Nationals) @ 7:05 p.m.
  • March 25 (Cleveland Indians)
  • March 27 (New York Yankees) @ 7:05 p.m.
  • March 29 (New York Mets)
• March 16–18, Sham-Rock ?n? Roll ? St Patrick?s Party at Pleasure Island, 7 p.m. ? 2 a.m.

Trivia question of the week

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is the fifth attraction to occupy that space. What were the other four attraction names?

Bonus question: How many times has the ride track's path changed over the years?

(Answer below)

Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.

Talk about these stories and more 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 – is closed 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

• 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 be completed in 2007.

Water Parks

• No current refurbishments.

Elsewhere

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

Park Events

Ongoing

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). February 17 ? March 30.

March 2006

• 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. Registration is now open (link).
• Women Run the World 15 K (link). May 7. The course starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot. Registration is now open (link).
• 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. Sept. 8–9. 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).
• 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

• Festival of the Masters. Nov. 10–12. Disney's annual arts festival at Downtown Disney's West Side, now sponsored by Sharpie! (link).
• ABC Super Soap Weekend. Nov. 11–12. Your favorite ABC soap opera stars converge on the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Dates TBA. Jennings Osborne's amazing display returns to the Studios (link).
• Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade. Dates TBA. The Animal Kingdom Parade trades its Jammin' for Jingle in this holiday makeover (link).
• Holidays Around the World. Dates TBA. Epcot's World Showcase gets storytellers, special entertainment and crafts for kids, the Lights of Winter and a spectacular Christmas tree (link).
• Festival of the Seasons. Dates TBA. Downtown Disney gets a holiday makeover (link).
• 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).

Trivia answer

If You Had Wings (sponsored by Eastern Airlines), If You Could Fly (no sponsor), Dreamflight (sponsored by Delta Airlines) and Take Flight (no sponsor).

Bonus question: None. The track path for Buzz Lightyear is still the same path as for If You Had Wings. It has never changed.

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 September 2006.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through September 2006.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for March 2006

Movies begin at 7:40. In the case of a weekend double-feature, the second movie begins at 9:15. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30 and a singalong at 7:00.

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)