Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for April 24 – 30, 2006

Go directly to: News & Views | Coming Soon | Trivia of the Week | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule

News and Views

Late-breaking news - Halloween and Christmas party dates, prices and on-sale date

As this update was going to press, MousePlanet has learned that there were solid but unconfirmed dates and prices for both Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Both parties will have more dates than ever before, will start earlier than ever before, and cost more than ever before.

Halloween party dates will be September 15, 22, 29, October 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30 and 31. The first two dates, earlier than ever before, are in addition to the dates that I had previously reported. Note that the Magic Kingdom schedule currently online at the Walt Disney World Web site still shows the park as closing at 9 p.m. and 8 p.m. on those nights, respectively. Discounted advance purchase pricing is $39.36 for adults and $31.90 for children. Advance purchase discounts are not available for October 27, 30 and 31. For those three nights, as well as all tickets bought the day of the event (if available), the pricing will be $45.75 per adult and $38.29 per child. Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can get an additional 10 percent discount on September 15 and 22, and October 16, 17, 23 and 24. Those additional discounts must be picked up at will-call and will require valid passholder or DVC member identification.

Christmas party dates will be November 13, 17, 27, 28, and 30, and December 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, and 21, although one source indicates that December 22 will also be a party night. The first two dates are the first time that the party has been held before Thanksgiving. Discounted advance purchase pricing is $42.55 for adults and $34.03 for children (including tax). Advance purchase discounts are not available for Friday nights in December, as well as all dates from December 18 on. For those nights, as well as all tickets bought the day of the event (if available), the pricing will be $48.94 per adult and $40.42 per child. Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can get an additional 10 percent discount on November 13, 17 and 28, and December 14. Those additional discounts must be picked up at will-call and will require valid passholder or DVC member identification.

All prices listed above include tax. Child ticket prices are for ages 3-9, adult prices for ages 10 and up.

Tickets are expected to go on sale on Monday, May 1.

Star Wars Weekends update

Two special merchandise items will be available for sale in conjunction with Star Wars Weekends this year, while new special characters are rumored to appear and one event has been underway for over a month while it's under consideration as a permanent fixture at the Disney-MGM Studios.

The first special piece of merchandise, to actually be released a couple of weeks before Star Wars Weekends begin on Saturday, May 6, is a special limited-edition hand-painted cel called "Defend-Ears of the Kingdom," featuring Jedi Mickey in front of a speeder bike on the moon of Endor (link). The artists will be at the Disney-MGM Studios Animation Gallery for a special meet and greet & signing opportunity from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. & 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the day of release. Artists' signatures will only be available with orders placed on or before that day. Prices vary from $110 to $275 depending on the chosen framing option.

The second items is a "Big Fig" figure of Jedi Mickey, also called "Defend-Ears of the Kingdom,", which will be released during the first weekend of the event on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20. The artist will be on hand (expected to be at Animation Gallery) for a meet-and-greet and signing both days from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. The first 600 pieces will have a limited-edition bottom-stamp on Mickey's foot. Wish list orders are being taken at the Disney Gallery Web site (link), and will be fulfilled after the release event is over while supplies last.

Meanwhile, rumors have surfaced of two additional Disney characters that may appear in Star Wars garb. In addition to Jedi Mickey, keep an eye out for possible appearances by Don Solo (Donald Duck dressed at Han Solo) and PluBacca (Pluto dressed at Chewbacca). We don't have confirmation on this yet, but it sounds intriguing.

Finally, the Jedi Training Academy event began running on March 27. The popular event, which takes place at a stage in front of Star Tours, is being considered for year-round status. During the test, young Padawans will only have the opportunity to duel against Darth Vader. During the Star Wars Weekend events, Darth Maul will also do battle with the young Jedi-wannabes.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the release of the original Star Wars film. Word is that next year's Star Wars Weekends will be the biggest, most extensive ever, including a special Star Wars-themed fireworks display.

Pirates in the Big Apple

Disney is again creating a special merchandise event at the Disney Gallery in New York City. This time, it's based around the premiere of Pirates of the Caribbean II: Dead Man's Chest. Few details of the $120 per person event are available at this point, though it will include a midnight viewing of the movie on its release date, appearances by Imagineer (and author of Pirates of the Caribbean: From the Magic Kingdom to the Movies) Jason Surrell and Pirates movie creature designer Mark "Crash" McCreery, as well as a bunch of special merchandise that will be sold via the usual random selection process (RSP). There will also purportedly be "a fine spread o' all th' pirate grub ye can sink yer teeth into" and "buccaneer booty an' gifts."

RSP merchandise will include Harmony Kingdom resin treasure boxes, a framed set of coins from the movie, framed artwork and an event pin, with more merchandise yet to be announced. Prices go as high at $5,700 for a piece of original artwork. For more information, check out the event's Web site (link).

New Radisson offer

The Radisson Resort Orlando – Celebration, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced reduced rates for MousePlanet readers from now through July 8, plus a special 15 percent discount through September 30.

Rates start at $85 per night from now through June 1, and at $95 per night from June 2 through July 8. In addition, all rooms booked by May 15 for travel dates through the September 30 will receive a 15 percent discount beyond the low rates already published here.

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now. These special rates and discounts are for MousePlanet readers, so remember to book through our links here.

Parade Cars correction

Last week, we mentioned that vehicles modified to look like Lightning McQueen and Mater the tow truck from the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie Cars would be joining the Stars and Motor Cars parade at the Disney-MGM Studios on this Friday. We apparently confused two separate Cars stories. Lightning and Mater will indeed be joining the parade, but they were specially built for the parade from the ground up. The modified vehicles are actually Lightning and Sally, and they're going on a national tour to promote the movie as part of "Cars Road Trip '06" presented by State Farm Insurance (link). The tour is part of State Farm's "Countdown to Cars" promotion, where they're giving away 25 Ford Mustangs (link).

Airport improves baggage handling

Checking your luggage on your flights out of Orlando International Airport is about to get easier. In mid-May, baggage will be taken and diverted without need for passengers to drag them over to a screening machine after first checking in at the counter. The program will be run by PrimeFlight Aviation Services, a Transportation Security Administration-approved agency.

Golf Price Slice returns

A round of golf at Walt Disney World will be less expensive after 10 a.m. again this summer as the resort is bringing back the Disney's Price Slice promotion. From May 22 through September 30, greens fees will be "sliced" to $55 for the Magnolia and Eagle Pines courses, $49 for the Palm course and $45 for the Lake Buena Vista course. The rates include the use of an electric cart and are discounted from the before-10 a.m. prices of $89 (Magnolia and Eagle Pines), $79 (Palm) and $69 (Lake Buena Vista).

The Osprey Ridge course is not involved in the promotion, as it will be closed from May 15 through September 23 for refurbishment. The Tifdwarf grass on the greens is being replaced by TifEagle turf, tee boxes are being laser leveled and other work will also be done. The annual makeover of a selected course has been extremely well-received, with the Palm course going first in 2004 and the Magnolia getting upgraded last year. It is unknown at this time whether the Eagle Pines or Lake Buena Vista course is scheduled for next year.

To reserve a tee time, call 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653) or go to the Disney Golf Web site (link). Note that the site appears to have difficulty with browsers other than Internet Explorer.

A taste of Everest?

Many television specials, special restricted and open "sneak peaks," an online media blitz including a special Web site with a multimedia game, a national television commercial blitz and a major press event have been used to help launch Expedition Everest. Is there any marketing stone left unturned? Of course! How about … special desserts?

Following in the mold of the series of "Happiest Celebration on Earth" commemorative desserts, Disney resorts are rolling out special Everest-themed desserts to tickle your taste buds and plug the newest member of the Disney mountain range.

Here's a sampling of the tasty treats:

• Whispering Canyon Cafe (Wilderness Lodge) – Everest Cake: "a summit of fluffy white meringue crowning a warm chocolate 'mountain'"
• California Grill (Contemporary Resort) – "mountains of candy crumbles atop a mlange of fluffy vanilla sponge cake with honey-scented cream, peaches, nectarines and crunchy candy crumbles"
• Boma (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – Snow-Capped Everest Cakes: "cakes soaked in Amarula, an African liqueur, and topped with white chocolate 'snow'"
• Jiko: the Cooking Place (Animal Kingdom Lodge) – Expedition to Everest Sundae: "a caramelized banana split with Amarula, chocolate and vanilla ice cream, malted whipped cream peaks and chocolate wisps"
• Shutters at Old Port Royale (Caribbean Beach Resort) – Everest Snowball: "Oreo cake dipped in white chocolate and coconut, served with a chocolate cookie and chocolate and strawberry sauces"
• Narcoosee's (Grand Floridian Resort & Spa) – Everest Expedition: "a brown sugar tart in a chocolate and raspberry sauce with mounds of vanilla ice cream"

Let the sampling begin!

Quick takes …

…We've gotten word that contractors working on the building formerly occupied by The Timekeeper are calling the area "Monsters, Inc." That would seem to corroborate the "Laugh Floor" rumor that I reported last week, though it's possible that the contractors could be going on bad information or may have been specifically told to reinforce the rumor.

Something is going on in the former home of The Timekeeper. Photo by Indy.

Why, it's Imagineers at Play! Photo by Indy.

…Roy E. Disney has reportedly been spending the last week or so at Disney's Animal Kingdom recording introductions for the upcoming video release of all thirteen True-Life Adventures movies.

…We are hearing rumors that trees have been removed backstage behind Al's Toy Barn at the Disney-MGM Studios as the first step in clearing space for a new attraction to open in 2008. Word is that the family-friendly attraction would have its entrance at the current location of the Toy Barn, and would have a Pixar theme. As this is a just rumor at this point and no construction has been done, nothing is certain other than the fact that word is circulating about the possibility from multiple sources.

…The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror celebrates its 13th anniversary on July 22, 2007. Rumors are swirling that a new set of enhancements will be introduced in celebration of that milestone. "Tower of Terror 5" would reportedly have something new coming in the 5th Dimension room. To follow the "Never the Same Fear Twice" and "The Tower is in Control" tag lines, we are hearing something about "Thirteen Years of Terror, Thirteen Times the Terror." Again, nothing confirmed, but it is intriguing.

…A new Fastpass queue has been designed for Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, and it appears to be working extremely well in getting rid of the traffic jams at peak times.

…Adventures by Disney (link) has introduced a special deal for those booking by May 31. Up to two children ages 14 and under may stay and participate for free when staying with two adults ages 15 and over. As with adults, transportation to and from the destination is not included. Maximum occupancy is four per room. For more information, call Adventures by Disney at 866-470-5122 or your travel agent.

Coming soon

• April 21 – June 11, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
  • Flower Power Concert Series
    • April 24, Nelson
    • April 25–27, The Buckinghams
    • April 28–May 1, Gary Puckett
    • May 2–4, The Grass Roots starring Rob Grill
    • May 5–8, Paul Revere & The Raiders
    • May 9–11, The Association
    • May 12–15, Davy Jones
    • May 16–18, The Tokens
    • May 19–22, B.J. Thomas
    • May 23–25, Felix Cavaliere's Rascals
    • May 26–29, The Guess Who
    • May 30–June 1, Tony Orlando
    • June 2–5, Arlo Guthrie
    • June 6–7, The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie
    • June 8–11, Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone
  • Themed weekends
    • April 28–30, Party in the Garden
    • May 5–7, Art In The Garden
    • May 12–14, Mother's Day
    • May 19–21, Characters in Bloom
    • May 21, Teddy Bears and Dolls, 11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.
    • May 27–29, Memorial Day
    • June 2–4, I Dig Bugs
    • June 9–11, Festival Farewell Weekend
• April 28–29, May 5–6. Grad Nite
  • April 28–29, Fall Out Boy, Marcos Hernandez, Omarion, Teddy Geiger, Fefe Dobson
  • May 5–6, Simple Plan, Frankie J, Omarion, Teddy Geiger, Fefe Dobson
• May 5–7, Minnie Marathon Weekend
  • May 5, race expo
  • May 6, 5K and 1 mile runs
  • May 7, Women Run the World 15K
• May 19 – June 11, Star Wars Weekends
  • May 19–21, Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Rick McCallum (producer), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok)
  • May 26–28, Jake Lloyd (young Anakin Skywalker), Matthew Wood (sound editor, voice of General Grievous), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok)
  • June 2–4, Jay Laga'aia (Captain Typho), Bonnie Maree Piesse (young Beru), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok)
  • June 9–11, Jeremy Bulloch (Bobba Fett), Temura Morrison (Jango Fett), Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok)
• May 26–29, DVC members may not pool-hop on these dates

Trivia question of the week

What was the name of the restaurant on the top floor of the Contemporary Resort before it became the California Grill, and what was the name of the twice-nightly dinner show that was performed there?

(Answer will be posted next week.)

Answer to last week's question: The highest point in any of the Disney theme parks is the wand and its decorations on Spaceship Earth, rising 247 feet in the air – the only point in the parks that is high enough to require aviation lights.

A personal request – please give

I've decided to finally get off of my fat butt and do a public, fitness-related activity. It took a fundraising event to do it. On April 30, I am participating in the March of Dimes WalkAmerica event. I'm walking three miles and hoping to raise a bunch of money for a good cause. The cause is very personal to me, because it was therapies funded and developed by the March of Dimes that enabled my son to survive after he was born twelve weeks prematurely.

I'm really not good at asking for things, because I don't like to do it, but I'd really like to ask you to consider giving what you can to this worthy cause. Please go to my fundraising page at for more information or to donate. With less than a week to go, I'm just under halfway to my fundraising goal. I'd like to see if we can make one final push to hit that goal. Thanks in advance for your consideration!

Don't forget the other fundraisers in the Disney Internet community, Deb Wills (of AllEarsNet.com) for the Avon Foundation Walk for Breast Cancer (link) and Lou Mongello (of DisneyWorldTrivia.com) for the Starlight Starbright Foundation (link). And while this year's walk is over, Jim Hill (of JimHillMedia) walks annually in support of the Janet McDonald Memorial Walk Against Cancer (link), so look for support opportunities there next year.

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

Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Liberty Square Riverboat – is not operating due to refurbishment, and will return to service on July 1.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – has completed the first part of its refurbishment and is currently open through April 30 for the peak Easter crowds. The attraction will close again on May 1 through July 1 for the addition of characters from the movie that was inspired by the ride.
• Timekeeper – is closed for good.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

• Ellen's Energy Adventure – will close for refurbishment May 1–14.
• The Seas with Nemo & Friends – will open this fall in The Living Seas.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – is closed for good.

Disney–MGM Studios

• No current refurbishments.

Animal Kingdom

• Finding Nemo – The Musical – will open in the Theater in the Wild late this year.

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 this summer.
• Contemporary Resort – Work is now underway on the complete refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in the tower building and both garden wings, and is now expected to be completed this summer.
• 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

• Typhoon Lagoon – Will close for annual refurbishment October 29, and will reopen some time in December.
• Blizzard Beach – Will close for annual refurbishment when work on Typhoon Lagoon is complete, and will reopen some time in February or March.

Elsewhere

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

Park Events

April 2006

• 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) at the 13th annual event.
• 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).
• Muddy Buddy. May 13. Pairs of athletes run, bike and tackle an obstacle course (including a mud pit) in this new endurance event (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).
• Florida Half-Ironman Triathlon. May 21. Athletes complete in a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride and a 13.1 mile run (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).
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Sept. 15, 22, 29, Oct. 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 20, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs. (link).
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 29 – Nov. 12. The 11th annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series (link).

October 2006

• 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. Nov. 13, 17, 27, 28, 30, Dec. 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What's not to like? (link).

December 2006

• MouseFest 2006. Dec. 3–11. The annual gathering of the Disney Internet community takes place at sea from Dec. 3–7 and on land from Dec. 7–11 (link).
• 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

Free dining plan back, for a limited time

Perhaps the best-received package in recent Disney history, the "Stay, Play and Dine" free dining plan is back. Packages purchased by June 4 for stays from August 13 – September 30 will receive the Disney Dining Plan for free. Essentially, it's the Magic Your Way Plus Dining package for the price of a standard Magic Your Way package. That's a savings of $37.99 per night per adult (ages 10 and up) and $10.99 per night for children (ages 3-9). Add it up and a family of four with kids ages 3-9 will save $97.96 per night, and a family of four with kids over age 9 will save a whopping $151.96 per night.

Disney Visa cardholders can use request code YWL when booking, while the general public should use code YWX.

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.

New Radisson offer

The Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced reduced rates for MousePlanet readers from now through July 8, plus a special 15 percent discount through September 30.

Rates start at $85 per night from now through June 1, and at $95 per night from June 2 through July 8. In addition, all rooms booked by May 15 for travel dates through the September 30 will receive a 15 percent discount beyond the low rates already published here.

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now. These special rates and discounts are for MousePlanet readers, so remember to book through our links here.

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 October 2006.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2006.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for April 2006

Movies begin at 8:40. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 7:30 and a singalong at 8:00.

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)