It has been a very slow news week at Walt Disney World, so we're going to take this lull to recap a number of the rumors that we've heard lately in order to fill out some additional space beyond the pitifully few news stories.
One bit of actual news is that cast members are expecting the worst in trying to clear the park of guests without wristbands on the nights of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this year. (The first party is Friday night.) With the parade starting not all that long after the party starts and the park closes, it will be tough to get the changeover done. Each land will be "swept" of those without wristbands before a final sweep down Main Street by guest control cast members walking down the street in a line clearing out everyone who should not be there.
If you're planning to attend the party, make sure that your wristband is visible and that you retain your park ticket. That will make it easier for you and quicker for the cast members.
Exterior painting on the Theater in the Wild at Disney's Animal Kingdom is nearing completion. Photo by Brian Warneke.
Disney has raised the cost of parking again, as of September 3. Car, taxi, shuttle, limousine and motorcycle parking at the theme park lots now costs $10 per day. Campers and trailers will cost $11 to park, while buses and tractor trailers will cost $14. Those prices are up from $9, $10 and $12, respectively, which were last raised on October 9 of last year. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando had both already raised their parking prices to $10 per car some time ago.
Some finish work around the edges of the Theater in the Wild remains, as well. Photo by Brian Warneke.
Help us out!Want to help MousePlanet upgrade our park guides? We're looking to add menu information for all restaurants to our Walt Disney World Park Guide. Send photos or scans of menus (no fair copying from other Web sites) to menus@mouseplanet.com. Please note that there is a 5MB limit on total attachments in a single email. |
…There were auditions last week for the role of Tinker Bell. It's rumored to be for a new meet-and-greet where guests would be "sprinkled with pixie dust," which would cause them to shrink to Tink's size, allowing them to meet the pixie. This is reportedly in conjunction with the expansion of the Disney Fairies line.
…The Illuminations globe may be removed from the show for a couple of weeks in January for a technology upgrade on some of the monitors.
…The princess parade during the Princess and Pirate Party events this winter may feature all of the princesses on horseback.
…Jack Sparrow may make an appearance in the Mickey's Boo To You parade at Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party.
…It's rumored that Jungle Cruise and Space Mountain are both scheduled for refurbishments in 2008, with Jungle Cruise budgeted at $13 million and Space Mountain at over $30 million.
The wall blocking the construction site for the new Asia restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom starts at the Flights of Wonder theater. Photo by Brian Warneke.
MousePlanet's Mike Scopa is running in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure at Walt Disney World next month. For more about why he's running and to donate, go to his fundraising Web site (link).
Also, Terry Pendt, one of the co-owners of KeepToTheCode.com (the official fan site for Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean movies), is in kidney failure, on home dialysis, and waiting for a donor kidney to become available for a transplant. To help him with his huge medical bills, the folks at FrightFest (a horror-themed event in New Hampshire that he also helped to get off the ground) are throwing a fundraiser at this year's event, with a two-night party featuring Kane Hodder (Jason Voorhees in some of the Friday the 13th movies). If you're into horror movies and will be in New Hampshire in late October, you might want to consider stopping by the event to help Terry out. For more info on Terry and the event, go to the FrightFest Web site (link).
The Asia construction wall extends all the way back to the restrooms in Anandapur. Photo by Brian Warneke.
…A reminder that Saturday will see the final performances of Cinderellabration.
…No word yet as to whether the death of Steve Irwin ("The Crocodile Hunter") by a stingray barb has had any effect on bookings for the Castaway Ray's Stingray Adventure at the Disney Cruise Line's Castaway Cay.
…The Main Street Family Fun Day Parade is expected to begin soon, and will run three times daily before the 3 p.m. parade. Ropes and other guest control measures will not be set up for this short parade, as participation is encouraged.
…They have been spending quite a bit of time on sidewalk replacement on the east side of Main Street, U.S.A. recently. There's also been a delay in the replacement of a lamp post where the west side of Center Street used to be.
…The crane for removing the Happiest Celebration on Earth trimmings from Cinderella Castle arrived a few days early and the decor is just about completely off. Painting should be underway shortly.
…Disney's Magical Express is moving their location from the "A" side of the terminal to the "B" side, effective October 3.
The construction wall ironically proclaims that it is for preservation purposes. Photo by Brian Warneke.
This week's question: What are the only two dolls in "it's a small world" that represent the United States of America? Stay tuned to next week's park update for the answer.
The answer to last week's question: "While some restaurants at Epcot have changed format over the years (such as Le Cellier, which changed from a buffeteria to a steakhouse), one of its original dining locations has closed to the general public, and is now only open for special events. What is it?" is:
The Odyssey Restaurant, which sits between Future World and World Showcase. It is the location of Epcot's First Aid station and Baby Care Center, and will be used for several events during this year's Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. The restaurant, which probably suffered from its out-of-the-way location, was originally to be located much closer to the main walkway to World Showcase Plaza, but had to be moved due to a sinkhole that is in the middle of the pool that currently separates it from the walkway.
The Odyssey Restaurant sits on the other side of a pool that hides a sinkhole. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
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.
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.
Annual passholder rates have been announced for October 1 through December 23. Of course, there will be no AP rates during peak Christmas Week dates of December 24-31. The rates very by season (the period covered spans regular, value and holiday seasons), but they'll give you approximately $20 off per night at Value resorts, $40 off per night at Moderates, and $71-$80 per night at Deluxe resorts. The booking code for these rates is FBZ. (The passholder Web site says FCB, so I would guess that both would work.)
Florida Residents have their own discounts, using booking code FBY. Availability dates are October 5 through December 23, and rates are $5 more than the AP rates.
Both of these rates can be booked up until December 23.
The general public has not been left out, either. Disney has announced a special discount for packages purchased through September 30. For vacations between October 1 and December 23 (with the possible exception of November 19-23 and December 2-8), a great low rate, with the example rate given as $355 per adult for five nights at a value resort, based on double occupancy, with lower per-person rates for juniors and children staying in the same room. The Disney Dining Plan can also be added to these packages.
To book online at the Disney Web site, click "Special Offers" on the left side of the Tickets and Reservations part of the site to see the offer.
To book via phone or through a travel agency, use code ZBG for Magic Your Way packages and ZBH for Magic Your Way Plus Dining.
Disney Rewards Visa cardholders got access to the same discount three days earlier, and can also book through September 30. It's unknown whether they get anything more than the general public, but the cardholders can book with code ZBC for Magic Your Way packages and ZBD for Magic Your Way Plus Dining.
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.
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 $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.
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.
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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 |
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Through 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) |
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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) |
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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.
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 show will not be performed on Sundays and Mondays, as well as September 17?25.
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.
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.
| 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 | $67 / $56 | $132 / $110 | $192 / $160 | $202 / $168 | $206 / $169 | $208 / $171 | $210 / $173 | $212 / $175 | $214 / $176 | $216 / $177 |
| w/ Park Hopper option | $112 / $101 | $177 / $155 | $237 / $205 | $247 / $213 | $251 / $214 | $253 / $216 | $255 / $218 | $257 / $220 | $259 / $221 | $261 / $222 |
| w/ Water Park Fun & More option | $117 / $106 | $182 / $160 | $242 / $210 | $252 / $218 | $256 / $219 | $258 / $221 | $260 / $223 | $262 / $225 | $264 / $226 | $266 / $227 |
| (plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 4) | (plus 4) | (plus 5) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | |
| w/ both options | $162 / $151 | $227 / $205 | $287 / $255 | $297 / $263 | $301 / $264 | $303 / $266 | $305 / $268 | $307 / $270 | $309 / $271 | $311 / $272 |
| w/ both options, no Expiration | N/A | $237 / $215 | $302 / $270 | $337 / $303 | $356 / $319 | $363 / $326 | $395 / $363 | $432 / $395 | $459 / $421 | $466 / $427 |
| Advance Purchase Discount - 1 option | N/A | N/A | N/A | $2/$2 | $5/$2 | $6/$2 | $7/$2 | $7/$3 | $7/$3 | $7/$3 |
| Advance Purchase Discount - 2 options | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12/$10 | $15/$10 | $16/$10 | $17/$10 | $17/$11 | $17/$11 | $17/$11 |
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through March 2007.
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through March 2007.
| Monday 9/11 | |||
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph's World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Tuesday 9/12
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph's World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Wednesday 9/13
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph's World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Thursday 9/14
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph's World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Friday 9/15
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph's World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Saturday 9/16
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Ralph's World 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8:30p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Sunday 9/17
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Playhouse Disney Dance Party 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 9/18 | |||
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Tuesday 9/19
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Wednesday 9/20
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Thursday 9/21
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Friday 9/22
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 7p-12a |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Saturday 9/23
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
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Sunday 9/24
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Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Playhouse Disney in Concert: Imagination Movers 10a, 11:15a, 1:15p, 2:30p Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 8p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Movies begin at 8:40. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 7:30 and a singalong at 8:00.
| 11 The Rescuers Down Under |
12 The Apple Dumpling Gang Rides Again |
13 The Little Mermaid |
14 The Parent Trap |
15 Aladdin |
16 Toy Story 2 |
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| 17 101 Dalmatians |
18 The Princess Diaries 2 |
19 The Jungle Book |
20 The Absent-Minded Professor |
21 The Hunchback of Notre Dame |
22 Herbie: Fully Loaded |
23 Chicken Little |
| 24 Beauty and the Beast |
25 High School Musical |
26 Home on the Range |
27 Brother Bear |
28 The Emperor's New Groove |
29 Finding Nemo |
30 The Pacifier |
(Separate admission required)
| Monday 9/11 | |
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Stormbringer |
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Tuesday 9/12
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Stormbringer |
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Wednesday 9/13
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Charlie Hotel |
Better Than Ezra with Special Guest TBA (main room), $15 in advance/$17.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. |
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Thursday 9/14
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Charlie Hotel |
An Evening with Hootie & The Blowfish (main room), $27.50 in advance/$30 day of show; 9 p.m. Eric Culbertson (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
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Friday 9/15
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Papo's Groove |
Wolfmother with special guest The Mess Hall (main room), $15 in advance/$17.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m.
Midnight Ramblers (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
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Saturday 9/16
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Papo's Groove |
Bird Dog Bobby (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m
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Sunday 9/17
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Harrydash |
The Turner Brothers (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Flogging Molly with special guests The Attack and As Fast As (main room), $17.50 in advance/$19.50 day of show; 7 p.m. |
| Monday 9/18 | |
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Harrydash |
Musica Fresca Tour with Yerba Buena, Volito, Akwid + Radio Mundial and Yahoo! Battle of the Bands (main room), $20 in advance/$22.50 day of show; 8 p.m. |
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Tuesday 9/19
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Untouchables |
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Wednesday 9/20
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Untouchables |
An Evening with Pat Green with Guest Patrick Davis (main room), $20 in advance/$22 day of show; 8 p.m. |
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Thursday 9/21
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Untouchables |
Rusted Root with Special Guest Trevor Hall (main room), $20 in advance/$22.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Gravy (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
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Friday 9/22
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Papo's Groove |
Pocket Change (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m. |
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Saturday 9/23
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Papo's Groove |
Reverend Horton Heat with HorrorPops (main room), $15-$30; 9 p.m. Pocket Change (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m
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Sunday 9/24
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TBA |
Apostle JL Cash and Praise (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. 2K Sports Bounce Tour Featuring A Tribe Called Quest (main room), $37.50-$90; 8 p.m. |
(Send an email to Mark Goldhaber)
Mark (@MPMark) is a veteran of many trips to Walt Disney World starting in 1972, with a few Disneyland trips thrown in for good measure. He is also a Disney stockholder and a Disney Vacation Club member. Mark brings you the latest news about Walt Disney World in the weekly Walt Disney World Update. He also fills you in about behind-the-scenes stories and other points of interest in his World View column and occasionally contributes stories about the Walt Disney Company itself in the Business of Magic column. Mark is an information technology administrator working for the State of New York. He lives in the suburbs outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son.
