Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for August 14 – 20, 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

Restrictions due to elevated travel threat condition causes carry-on challenges

As pretty much anybody with access to any news source is already aware, in the wake of a foiled terrorist plot to explode several airplane mid-flight the Department of Homeland Security has raised the threat condition to Severe, or Red, for all commercial flights from the United Kingdom to the United States, and to High, or Orange, for all other international flights and all domestic commercial aviation.

The increased security requirements due to this change will affect all air travelers, and since such a large percentage of Walt Disney World visitors are air travelers, we thought that it would be appropriate to discuss some coping strategies here.

For all flights, domestic and international, no liquids or gels of any kind will be permitted in carry-on baggage. Items must be in checked baggage. This includes all beverages, shampoo, suntan lotion, creams, toothpaste, hair gel and other items of similar consistency. The only exceptions to this are baby formula and breast milk if a baby or small child is traveling, prescription medicine with a name that matches the passenger's ticket, and insulin and essential other non-prescription medicines.

This caused a great deal of confusion and consternation when the change was implemented on Thursday morning, as travelers who were unaware of the changes were forced to discard enough makeup, beverages and toiletries to open a small store at each airport. On Friday, most travelers had heard of the changes, and were able to pack the offending items into their checked luggage before heading to the airport.

Passengers traveling from the U.K. to the U.S. are subject to even more stringent restrictions, as they must comply with a very tightly restricted list of items that they are allowed to carry on the plane. All electronic and battery-operated devices are banned, and must be checked, including laptop computers, mobile phones, noise-cancelling headphones, and portable music players. The only items allowed on flights from the U.K. (preferably within a clear plastic bag) are:

• Travel documents essential for the journey, such as passports and travel tickets;
• Pocket-size wallets and pocket-size purses plus contents, for example, money, credit cards, identity cards, etc.(handbags not allowed);
• Prescription medicines and medical items sufficient and essential for the flight, such as a diabetic kit, except in liquid form unless verified as authentic (you will need a prescription to carry on medicines);
• Spectacles and sunglasses, without cases;
• Contact lens holders, without bottles of solution;
• For those traveling with an infant: baby food, milk (the contents of each bottle must be tasted by the accompanying passenger), and sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, such as diapers, wipes, creams, and diaper disposal bags;
• Female sanitary items sufficient and essential for the flight, if unboxed, i.e., tampons, pads, towels and wipes;
• Tissues (unboxed) and/or handkerchiefs;
• Keys (but no electrical key fobs).

In addition, for U.K. travelers, any food purchased in the international departures lounge must be consumed before boarding. All passengers must be hand searched, and their footwear and all the items they are carrying must be X-rayed. Any liquids discovered must be removed from the passenger. Wheelchairs and walking aids must be X-rayed, and only airport-provided wheelchairs may pass through the screening point.

For all flights, beverages purchased in the "sterile" area between the security checkpoint and the gate must be consumed before boarding the plane. If you have anything left in your cup or bottle and they call your flight, chug it and toss it because you can't take it.

The Transportation and Safety Administration makes the following recommendations to ease your travel:

• Pack lightly, without clutter to facilitate easier screening;
• Check with your air carrier well before your flight departs for information on when you should arrive at the airport;
• Cooperate with TSA personnel at all checkpoints and gates because TSA Security Officers will be checking carry-on baggage at the gate;
• Be attentive and vigilant to any suspicious activity.

The full TSA advisory can be found on their Web site (link).

Many airlines are allowing passengers to check extra bags at no charge when traveling to and from the U.K. due to the additional restrictions. Airlines are posting information about the travel restrictions on their web sites, so please check with your airline regarding any changes to ticketing and baggage policies.

As to planning your travel, you'll need to rethink your packing strategy if you normally carry beverages and toiletries on the plane with you.

Plan to rely heavily (if necessary) on the in-flight beverage service if you tend to dehydrate. It depends on each airline on whether they offer bottled water, or only provide you with whatever local water is supplied into their reservoir. In addition, don't plan on purchasing any alcohol or perfume in duty-free shops at the airport, since you can't take it on the plane with you.

Toiletries provide an additional complication. The liquids and gels in a toiletry kit may have a combined weight of several pounds. With the lowered weight restrictions that most airlines have been implementing, the additional weight may very well put you over the limit, costing you quite a few bucks in overweight charges.

The toiletry restrictions also will affect those who frequently travel with only a carry-on bag. Liquid and gel toiletries will either have to be checked in a separate bag that you'll now have to wait for, be purchased again at your destination, or done without.

Kelli Grant on SmartMoney.com provides several good tips (link) about traveling with substitutes for liquids and gels that you might normally carry on your flight. For example, bring Wet Ones moist wipes instead of hand sanitizer gel, Oral B Brush-Ups instead of toothpaste, Listerine Pocket Packs instead of mouthwash, caplet forms of Dramamine and Pepto Bismol instead of liquid or gel capsules and so on.

As always, the most definitive information as to what is and isn't allowed, and what the current policies and procedures are, will come from the TSA, your airline and the airports that you're traveling to and from. Make sure to check with them before you leave, just to make sure that you have a correct understanding of what you should do.

Enjoy your trip!

Universal raises prices to match Disney

Not surprisingly, on the heels of Disney's price hike last weekend, Universal Orlando announced on Friday that they would follow suit and increase their one-day, one-park adult ticket to $67 plus tax, matching Disney's price. The increase also affects standard pricing for two-park tickets, tickets for children, Florida residents, and those purchasing via the Internet. Universal is still providing several online deals, with Florida resident tickets going for $49.95 (vs. $60.30 at the gate) and a one-day, one-park ticket including an additional four free days for $63.

Universal's best seller, however, will not be affected. A two-day, two-park ticket purchased over the Internet that offers three additional days and offers free admission to children ages 9 and under will still cost $99.95.

At this point, SeaWorld Orlando has said that it does not expect to raise its prices to match the other two resorts.

Many restaurants disappear from 2007 Dining Plan, shared credits may be no more

There are some additional changes to the Disney Dining Plan for 2007 that we did not have time to compile before going to press last week, as the package documents were released just hours before deadline. For starters, the official dining plan brochure now contains a Frequently Asked Questions section that either indicates a tightening of a current policy that is not currently being enforced or just the documenting of that current policy, which may continue to be held in abeyance. The FAQ includes the question "Can adults use child meal entitlements?" The answer is "Sorry, meal entitlements can not be shared between adults and children age 3-9." Now, you can certainly take your chances at attempting to purchase adult meals with children's credits in 2007, but this may indeed be the warning shot across the bow that Disney will no longer let guests get away with the current meal plan abuse.

What's even harsher, though is the surprising development that a large number of restaurants have been discontinued from the plan. While, as we mentioned last week, in-room dining has been added to the plan (at a cost of twp table-service meals per person), there are a great many more subtractions than additions. (Another addition that we did not note last week is the fact that, for those eligible groups of eight or more, Grand Gathering Experiences may also be purchased with the plan, at a cost of two table-service meals per person.)

But let's take a look at the subtractions.

In the resorts, the Belle Vue Room and the Big River Grille & Brewing Works at the BoardWalk, the Ale & Compass at the Yacht Club and every food service location at the Coronado Springs Resort have been removed from the plan.

At Downtown Disney, Cap'n Jack's is the only establishment left on the plan. Cooke's of Dublin, Earl of Sandwich, FoodQuest, Planet Hollywood, Raglan Road, Wolfgang Puck Cafe and Wolfgang Puck Express are all gone.

Over at the Magic Kingdom, Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn is the only place removed. The Disney-MGM Studios only sees the loss of Dinosaur Gertie's Ice Cream of Extinction, and Disney's Animal Kingdom will only see the loss of Dino Bites from the dining plan. These changes may actually be nothing. The locations may have just been lumped into the "ice cream carts" category.

Epcot is by far the hardest-hit location. If you enjoyed dining at the various World Showcase restaurants, time to read it and weep. Here is the list of dining locations that have been dropped from the dining plan: Boulangerie Patisserie, Cantina de San Angel, Les Chefs de France, L'Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante, Lotus Blossom Cafe, Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki Dining Room, Nine Dragons Restaurant, Refreshment Cool Post, Refreshment Port at Showcase Plaza, Restaurant Marrakesh, San Angel Inn Restaurante, Tangierine Cafe, Tempura Kiku and Yakitori House.

As to why the changes have appeared, there are two schools of thought making the rounds. Both circle around the fact that, aside from the ice cream stands and the two resort lounges, all of these locations are run by outside companies. One school of thought involves the fact that Disney may have needed to publish the plan information before dining-plan contracts with the third-party restaurants had been negotiated, and that many restaurants may indeed return to the plan later this year as contracts are signed.

The second possibility is that, while Disney enjoys using the dining plan as a loss-leader to get heads in beds, the third parties owning the restaurants do not get the benefit of income from hotel stays or unused dining credits. It's possible that they are unwilling to take a reduced payment for food, especially those that were already full on a regular basis. Additional items and alcoholic beverages purchased by diners may have helped to offset some of this deficit, but it may not have been enough.

We'll just have to wait and see if some of these departed dining locations return to the plan before the end of the year. In the meantime, it's best to plan as if they will not be available with your dining credits.

Restaurants expected to be crowded through October

With the heavy resort package sales generated by free dining promotion, Disney has circled the wagons to prepare for the influx of guests looking to use those table-service credits for the most value. In addition to adding seatings and dining options, as noted last week, Disney has asked cast members to steer clear of table-service restaurants during dinner from August 13 to October 7. To further discourage cast members from taking seats from bargain-minded guests, Disney has blocked out the 20% cast member discount on those dates.

If you're looking to eat a sit-down meal during that time and you don't have your Advance Dining Reservations already made, you will probably want to call the WDW Dine Line, 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) and see if there's anything left. Same-day availability will be severely limited, if there's anything left at all.

New Magic Kingdom entertainment on the way

There is even more live entertainment coming to the Magic Kingdom as part of the Year of a Million Dreams. Four new shows will help to entertain families around the park.

The High School Musical Pep Rally will feature the East High Spirit Committee teaching guests cheers and dance moves from High School Musical's songs, and everyone will get to participate in a finale version of "We're All in This Together."

Making up for the removal of the show stops in the daily afternoon parade, The Main Street Family Fun Day Parade will allow guests to participate in a parade down Main Street, U.S.A. Seven themed units of guests, characters and other performers will head down Main Street, U.S.A. to Town Square, where all guests and performers will participate in a flag-waving patriotic finale.

Taking over the streets of Frontierland, Woody's Cowboy Camp features Woody, Jessie and Bullseye riding in on a wagon along with Sam the Singin' Cowboy and other western-themed performers. Sam will lead a hoedown in the street as guests are invited to join the fun.

Finally, replacing the Sword in the Stone show in the courtyard behind Cinderella Castle, the Royal Court Academy will feature Sir Cecil and Lady Cecilia, the Magic Kingdom's royal image consultants, who will teach guests how to become a royal. The finale features guests being presented to a Disney character prince and princess, and all will have the chance to dance along with those characters.

• BarlowGirl - Cinderella Castle Stage - 7:30 p.m.
• Rebecca St. James - Galaxy Palace Theater - 7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
• Todd Agnew - stage location TBA - 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
• Vicky Beeching - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Caf - 8:30 p.m.
• Casting Crowns - Cinderella Castle Stage - 9:10 p.m.
• Matthew West - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Caf - 9:45 p.m. & 11 p.m.
• Building 429 - stage location TBA - 10:20 p.m. & 11:35 p.m.
• David Crowder Band - Galaxy Palace Theater - 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
• MercyMe - Cinderella Castle Stage - 11:20 p.m.

Saturday, September 9

• BarlowGirl - Cinderella Castle Stage - 7:30 p.m.
• Smokie Norful - Galaxy Palace Theater - 7:30 p.m. & 9 p.m.
• ZOEgirl -stage location TBA - 7:30 p.m. & 8:45 p.m.
• Winner of the "GMA Music in the Rockies" competition - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Caf - 8:30 p.m.
• tobyMac - Cinderella Castle Stage - 9:10 p.m.
• The Afters - Cosmic Ray's Starlight Caf - 9:45 p.m. & 11 p.m.
• Hawk Nelson - stage location TBA - 10:20 p.m. & 11:35 p.m.
• Jeremy Camp - Galaxy Palace Theater - 10:30 p.m. & 11:45 p.m.
• Kirk Franklin - Cinderella Castle Stage - 11:20 p.m.

Quick takes …

…The 2007 Walt Disney World Half-Marathon has now joined the Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge in sold-out status. Spots are still available in the full Marathon and the Family Fun Run 5K.

…Just a reminder, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It closes for good on Saturday night.

Going … going … gone. Millionaire will be history after Saturday night. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

…It looks like the new castle show replacing Cinderellabration will be called Mickey's Dream-Along Castle Party.

Coming soon

• July 28 – August 16, Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex
• August 13 – September 30, "Playhouse Disney in Concert" series at the Disney-MGM Studios
  • Aug. 13-14 – Imagination Movers (ABC Theater)
  • Aug. 15-19 – "Mickey's Magic Show" (Soundstage 1)
  • Aug. 20-23 – The Doodlebops (ABC Theater)
  • Aug. 24-27 – "Mickey's Magic Show" (Soundstage 1)
  • Aug. 28 – Playhouse Disney Dance Party (Sorcerer Mickey Hat stage)
  • Aug. 29-Sept. 1 – The Wiggles (Epic Theater)
  • Sept. 2-10 – Johnny & the Sprites (ABC Theater)
  • Sept. 11-16 – Ralph's World (ABC Theater)
  • Sept. 17 – Playhouse Disney Dance Party (Sorcerer Mickey Hat stage)
  • Sept. 18-24 – Imagination Movers (ABC Theater)
  • Sept. 25-30 – Dan Zanes and friends (ABC Theater)
• August 19, Final day of Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It
• August 19, NFFC World Chapter meeting
• September 1?4, Tom Joyner Family Reunion
• September 1?4, DVC members may not pool-hop on these dates
• September 8–9, Nights of Joy
• September 8–10, Disney's Pin Celebration: "It All Started With … Walt"

Trivia question of the week

This week's question: Where was the first restaurant to be called the Tomorrowland Terrace at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom located? Stay tuned to next week's park update for the answer.

The answer to last week's question: "How long is the promenade around the 40-acre World Showcase Lagoon?" is:

1.3 miles (2.1 km).

It's a long walk around World Showcase Lagoon. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.

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 September 8.
• Mad Tea Party – will be closed for refurbishment August 21–22.
• Mickey's Country House – will be closed for refurbishment September 11–15.
• The Hall of Presidents – will remain open during a refurbishment September 11–25.
• Timekeeper – is closed for good. The Monsters, Inc.-themed The Laugh Floor Comedy Club is expected to open in January, 2007.
• Cinderellabration – will have its last performances on September 16.

Epcot

• Nemo's Undersea Adventure – will open in November in The Living Seas, which will be renamed "The Seas with Nemo and Friends.".
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – is closed for good.

Disney-MGM Studios

• One Man's Dream – will be closed for refurbishment August 17–18.
• Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It – will close August 19. A new interactive ride-through attraction, Midway Madness, will open in summer 2008.
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – will not be performed September 14–19.
• Studios Catering Company – will be closed for refurbishment September 14–19.
• Backlot Express – will be closed for refurbishment September 20–30.
• Fantasmic – will not be performed November 1–8 while work is done on the island stage.

Animal Kingdom

• Finding Nemo – The Musical – will open in the Theater in the Wild on November 12, with soft openings slated to begin on November 5..

Resorts

• All-Star Movies Resort – the Fantasia pool will be closed for an extensive rehab from September 11 – December 11. All-Star Movies guests can use the "quiet" pools as well as the main pools at the other All-Star resorts.
• All-Star Music Resort – Conversion of the Jazz Inn buildings to Family Suites continues, followed by rooms in the Calypso section. All work is expected to be completed by October 13.
• 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. Captain Cook's Snack Company is closed for refurbishment and expansion until August 15.
• Contemporary Resort – Work on rooms in the tower building is nearly complete, with the final piece in the puzzle being the 14th floor concierge suites, which will be closed from July 23 through August 23 for their extreme makeover. The refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in the South Garden Wing also continues, and is now expected to be completed this summer. Work is now proceeding on the fourth floor concourse area, with construction walls blocking off much of the floor space. Rumors indicating that the North Garden Wing could be completely rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club lodgings are growing much stronger.
• 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

• Blizzard Beach – Will close for annual refurbishment October 29, and will reopen on January 7.
• Typhoon Lagoon – Will close for annual refurbishment on January 7, and will reopen some time in March 2007.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. Also, no performances September 17–25.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). July 28 – August 16. 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).
• Imagine the Possibilities -- A Friendly Figment Reunion. Sept. 7. Fans of the popular purple dragon gather for a sculpture release (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. Nov. 13 – Jan. 7, 2007. 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. Nov. 24 – Dec. 30. 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

• Pop Warner Super Bowl. Dec. 3–9. Football players and cheerleaders invade the resort for the pigskin championships (link).
• 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).
• Disney's Pirate & Princess Party. Jan. 22, 26, 29, Feb. 1, 5, 8, 12, 15, 23, 26, Mar. 2, 5, 8. A new hard-ticketed event celebrates the the pirates and princesses in all of us (link).

April 2007

• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon and Half Marathon (link). April 1. Strap your skates on to race from the Wide World of Sports Complex to the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot, and back again.

May 2007

• Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend 5K and 1 Mile (link). May 5. 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 6. The course starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot. Registration is now open (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

New room discounts for passholders, Florida residents and general public

Disney has announced new room rate discounts for travel through September 30. New, lower room rates are available to the general public beginning August 19 as room-only reservations or as a Magic Your Way package with or without dining.

Passholders and Florida residents get even lower rates, with value resorts starting at just $59 per night. These rates start August 27, following the already-existing discounts that run through August 26.

To make reservations at the general public rates, use promotional code BPN or BPO for room-only reservations, YYC for Magic Your Way packages and YYD for Magic Your Way Plus Dining. Passholders should use promotional code FAU or FAV, while Florida residents should reference code FAR.

Passholder and Florida resident discounts extended through late summer

Passholder and Florida resident discounts are available for the month of August. The rates are available at all resorts.

From August 6-26, the discounts are $25 per night off Value resorts, $50 per night off Moderate resorts and $75 per night off Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. Passholders should use promotional code EZX or EZY, while Florida residents should reference code FAA or FAC.

To receive the discount, you can either make your reservations through the Passholder or Florida resident Web sites, through travel agents or by calling the special Passholder or Florida resident phone numbers (available at the respective Web sites).

At check-in, Passholders will be required to show an annual pass or exchange voucher, and Florida residents will be required to show proof of Florida residency.

Swan and Dolphin Resort announces special summer deal for teachers, Straight-A students

Florida teachers and Straight-A students will receive more than fifty percent off of the standard room rate at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort (link) this summer. At check-in, teachers must present their school ID and students must present a report card showing all As. Students will get additional perks. When showing the straight-A report card, students will receive a "Straight A Club" cap, which will entitle the wearer to a complimentary character dinner at Gulliver's Grill at the Swan (when dining with a parent).

The special rate ends on September 4, 2006. Rates are based on availability and do not include tax. To make reservations at this rate, call 800-227-1500 and ask for the "Teachers and Students" special offer.

Cirque discounts for Passholders and DVC members

Passholders and DVC members get 25 percent off Category 2 admission to performances of Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba through September 30, 2006. Each passholder or DVC member can buy up to four tickets. Tickets should be purchased by phone at 407-939-7604 up to 30 days in advance, and must be picked up at the box office with valid Passholder or DVC identification. The offer is not valid on Saturday shows during July, and the show will not be performed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as July 30 ? August 1 and September 17?25.

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.

Special offer for Super Soap Weekend travel from Small World Vacations

Small World Vacations, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced a special offer for those traveling during this year's Super Soap Weekend event. The travel agency will give one free One Life, Many Voices CD with each qualifying Disney Magic Your Way Vacation package that falls during 2006 Super Soap Weekend (November 11 and 12) booked with Small World Vacations (link).

The One Life, Many Voices CD is an independent fundraising effort with 100% of net proceeds going directly to aid 2005 Hurricane Disaster Relief, created by the stars of the ABC soap One Life to Live.

The free CD will be mailed with final travel documents. If the guest cancels their Super Soap vacation reservation, the offer is null and void. Small World Vacations' minimum night stay policy applies. Small World Vacations has donated to the One Life, Many Voices Hurricane Relief Fund on behalf of their guests.

New Radisson offer

The Radisson Resort Orlando - Celebration, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced even lower reduced rates for MousePlanet readers from now through September 30. Rates start at $89 per night from June 30 through August 21 and $59.95 per night from June 30 through September 30!

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, and again on August 6, 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. Prices do not include 6.5% Florida sales tax.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through February 2007.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through February 2007.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for August 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)