The new Finding Nemo: The Musical show at the Theater in the Wild in Disney's Animal Kingdom features fabulous new costumes, scenery and special effects, though there have been some issues seen and reported that will need addressing. Of course, this is not unusual for a show that is still considered to be in previews. During a performance last Monday afternoon, it appeared that the some of the performers were still concentrating too much on keeping in character to allow themselves to fully throw themselves into their songs. (Despite that, the packed 1,500-seat theater seemed to unanimously enjoy the show.) We have also heard reports of repeated show stoppages and a mid-show cancellation or two. Again, though, these are common issues for new shows and should be ironed out by the time it officially premieres in late January. We'll bring you a full review following that official opening.
A crew in the Magic Kingdom prepares to tape a sequence near the wishing well for the Christmas Parade broadcast. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
Since posting last week's story about the contracting out of bell, valet and baggage services positions at the Grand Floridian and value resorts, we've gotten further information that helps clarify exactly what's going to happen. To start, the valet positions only at the Deluxe resorts and luggage assistance at Value resorts will be outsourced. The luggage assistance positions will be contracted to Baggage Airlines Guest Services (BAGS), the company that runs the baggage portion of the Disney's Magical Express service, while the valet service at the Deluxes will be contracted to a different firm.
Bell services at Deluxe, Moderate and Disney Vacation Club (DVC resorts will continue to be handled by Disney cast members. Valet employees at the Deluxes will be offered positions in bell services, and Value resort cast members will just drop the luggage half of the luggage/front desk assignments.
Perhaps inspired by all of the dancing Christmas light videos making the rounds of the Internet last year, the 2006 incarnation of the Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights at the Disney-MGM Studios has become the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights, with the addition of controllers that allow groups of lights to turn on, turn off and dim in synchronization with Christmas music by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. A tremendous crowd-pleaser that brought roars of approval after each show, the lights are on nightly from 6 p.m. until park close (8 p.m., except for December 24-31). The new shows appear to be gaining a following large enough to compete with the fans of the dancing Lights of Winter in Epcot. We are making video of one of the various shows available (link). The video (in WMV format) is 320 x 240 pixels in resolution. Please note that the file is approximately 8 MB in size and may take a while to download.
The Osborne Lights are bigger and brighter than ever. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
And this year, they dance! Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
MouseFest is almost here!Just a reminder that MouseFest is scheduled for December 3?7 (sea) and December 7?11 (land). MouseFest Sponsor MousePlanet is organizing three events and officially participating in a fourth during the land portion, with a fifth being organized by David Koenig, MousePlanet staff writer and author of the "Mouse Tales" series of books. For more information and to find out how to let us know that you're coming, visit our MouseFest events page (link). For more information on MouseFest, visit the MouseFest event site (link). |
Since our last report on the Country Bears Christmas Special, we've received several pieces of information about the reasoning behind the decision. We first heard that there were no personnel costs in the budget to handle the changeover this year. That sounded a little unusual, in that it would have probably leaked out earlier that the money was not there.
Next, we heard that the money for the changeover was reappropriated for the other new attractions that have recently opened or are soon to open (both Nemo attractions and the Monsters, Inc. attraction). Again, we haven't anything about cost overruns in any of those, so again that did not ring true.
Yesterday, we received something that may explain what's going on. An avid observer of the attraction has noted that there have been a number of repairs made to the attraction in recent days. Some of the animatronics seem to be having their movements corrected, others are getting new costumes, and some additional effects are being seen. It seems that the money that had been targeted for the Christmas conversion may have been reappropriated for much-needed general show upgrades. If that is the case, then there's a chance that the Christmas Special may return next year. There are no guarantees, of course, and this story is completely guided speculation. We're hoping that we're correct on this, but only time will tell.
Special snacks are being offered at the Disney-MGM Studios in conjunction with the Osborne Lights. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
A further update to a note in last week's Quick Takes section. We've received reports from readers who have not only gotten 50 percent off of their photos from Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party with the code from their special PhotoPass cards from the party, but have actually been able to get 50 percent off of all of their PhotoPass photos with that code. We're looking for further confirmation of that from other readers, for both the Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
Also related to the parties, we've received a couple of reports of people without wristbands not only in the park during the parties, but actually being admitted to attractions without having their wrists checked. So we're looking for feedback on whether those of you who have been to either party feel that the simultaneous closing of the park and start of the party is actually working this year.
Send us email and let us know.
Menus wanted!Want to help MousePlanet upgrade our park guides? We're looking to add menu information for all restaurants to our Walt Disney World Park Guidle (link). Send photos or scans of menus (no fair copying from other web sites) to menus@mouseplanet.com ( link). Please note that there is a 5MB limit on total attachments in a single email. |
…The Wonders of Life pavilion is now open through the end of the year. Catch it while you can!
…Work on the Contemporary Resort's North Garden Wing appears at this time to be asbestos abatement in preparation for demolition in the near future. Rooms numbers for accommodations in the wing have been removed from the reservations system. We'll keep an eye on it to see what happens.
…Captain Cook's Snack Company has reopened at the Polynesian Resort, featuring such interesting choices as self-serve Dole Whips. That's right, self-serve Dole Whips! Mike Scopa may actually have to relocate his home base from Pop Century for this one. It also looks like they are trying out the touch-screen ordering kiosks in use at Taste Pilots' Grill in Disney's California Adventure.
…The refurbishment of Rock 'n' Roller Coaster has been moved up from its original dates of January 7 through February 10. It will now be closed from January 2–21.
…The Riverside Mill food court at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort will be closed for refurbishment from January 2 through mid-April.
…We're hearing mixed reports on the dry runs over at the Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor Comedy Club in the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland. However, they are actively looking for comments and critiques from those in attendance to help improve the show. With luck, all of the current issues will be ironed out by the time the show officially opens at the end of January.
…Just in time for the holiday season, the Hess station near the Transportation and Ticket Center toll booths has reopened with 24 gas pumps, as well as 4,000 square feet of retail space that will sell merchandise and food.
The Holiday Services crew puts up the lobby's tree at the Saratoga Springs Resort last Wednesday in a last-minute push to complete this year's decorations. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
…The final Candlelight Processional narrator slots have finally been confirmed. Originally thought to feature Chita Rivera, two narrators will split the three nights. On December 3, Marie Osmond will narrate the Christmas story, while Mario Lopez (fresh from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars") will handle the role on December 4 and 5.
…Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort was one of only two restaurants in Central Florida to receive a four-diamond ranking in the 2007 Mobil Travel Guide. (Norman's in the Ritz-Carlton at Grande Lakes was the other.) Only two hotels received a four-diamond rating, neither of them Disney hotels.
…At the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions' annual conference and trade show earlier this month, Expedition Everest: Legend of the Forbidden Mountain was announced as the winner of the Themed Entertainment Association's THEA award for Best Attraction. The award will be presented at the TEA Summit in March at the Disneyland Resort.
…Gatorland, the venerable 57-year-old Florida institution, reopened last Friday, two and a half weeks after the fire that gutted its landmark gator-jaws entrance, gift shop and front office. Aside from the loss of that building, visitors should not notice any major differences. Owners hope to have reconstruction of all facilities completed by the end of next year.
…Congratulations to the Arkansas Razorbacks, who beat West Virginia 71-64 to win the inaugural Old Spice Classic basketball tournament at the Milk House at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex this past weekend. Third through eighth place went to Marist, Western Michigan, Southern Illinois, Virginia Tech, Montana and Minnesota.
For those who can't find him elsewhere, Santa holds forth in Downtown Disney nightly. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
The Main Street Trolley show has taken on its annual holiday costume change. Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
This week's question: How many islands are in the World Showcase Lagoon? Stay tuned to next week's park update for the answer.
The answer to last week's question: "How many miles does the Walt Disney World bus fleet drive each year?" is:
The resort's 260-270 buses drive a cumulative 12 million miles per year.
Disney has announced discounts on Magic Your Way packages for January through early March and room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for January through mid-February.
The Magic Your Way deals include free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options added to your tickets and are valid from January 1 through March 8, with possible blackout dates for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holiday weekend. You must book this rate by December 16. No other discounts apply. To book the package, call Disney directly or your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet's preferred travel agency) and request booking code ZCK (standard Magic Your Way package) or ZCL (Magic Your Way Plus Dining).
Room-only discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Florida residents from January 1 through February 14. Discounts are $23 off per night at Value resorts, $46 per night at Moderate resorts and $80 per night at Deluxe and Disney Vacation Club resorts. These rates can be booked up to the night of arrival, depending on availability. Discounts are priced off of rack rate. To book the rates, call Disney directly or your travel agent (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet's preferred travel agency) and request booking code FCC (Passholders) or BRL (Florida residents).
Thanks to MousePlanet sponsors Small World Vacations and MouseSavers for this information.
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.
Walt Disney World has announced a new discounted offer for residents of Canada. The deal, available most nights from January 1–11 and January 15 – February 14, offers free Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options with purchase of a package. Prices start at US$377 per adult, double occupancy, at Disney value resorts. No other discounts apply. Use booking code ZCV for this offer. Reservations prior to November 2 require a Canadian address, which seems to point to this offer being expanded to U.S. visitors after that date. Packages must be booked by December 16.
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.
| Standard View |
Pool View |
Bed & Breakfast Package |
Sleep Number - Standard View |
Sleep Number - Pool View | |
| 2006 | |||||
| Through Dec 19 |
$95 |
$105 |
$114 |
$105 |
$115 |
| Dec 20 – 25 |
$115 |
$125 |
$134 |
$125 |
$135 |
| Dec 26 – 31 |
$175 |
$185 |
$194 |
$185 |
$195 |
Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
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 May 2007.
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2007.
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| Monday 11/27 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator John O'Hurley 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Tuesday 11/28 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator John O'Hurley 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Wednesday 11/29 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Candlelight Processional - narrator John O'Hurley 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Thursday 11/30 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Rita Moreno 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Friday 12/1 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Rita Moreno 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Saturday 12/2 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p, 10p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Rita Moreno 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Sunday 12/3 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Marie Osmond 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Monday 12/4 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Mario Lopez 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p, 8:30p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Tuesday 12/5 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Mario Lopez 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Wednesday 12/6 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Brian Dennehy 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Thursday 12/7 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Brian Dennehy 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Friday 12/8 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6p Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 7p-12a |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Brian Dennehy 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-7p Fantasmic 6p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Saturday 12/9 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p, 10p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Steven Curtis Chapman 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
| Sunday 12/10 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Candlelight Processional - narrator Steven Curtis Chapman 5p, 6:45p, 8:15p Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat 6p Illuminations 9:30p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights 6p-8p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade 3:45p |
Movies begin at 7:40 and (on Friday and Saturday only) 9:40. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30 and a singalong at 7:00. The December movie schedule was not yet available at press time..
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29 Mary Poppins |
30 The Incredibles |
(Separate admission required)
| Monday 11/27 | |
Stormbringer |
John Legend with Robin Thicke (main room), $28.50 in advance/$32.50 day of show; 7:30 p.m. |
| Tuesday 11/28 | |
Stormbringer |
Army Of Anyone (featuring Richard Patrick from Filter and Robert + Dean DeLeo of Stone Temple Pilots) (main room), $10.11 in advance/$13 day of show; 8:30 p.m. |
| Wednesday 11/29 | |
Hip Kitty |
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| Thursday 11/30 | |
Hip Kitty |
The Dan Band with Bryon Thomas & The Flames (main room), $15 in advance/$17.50 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Sauce Boss Bill Wharton (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
| Friday 12/1 | |
Hip Kitty |
Gwar with The Red Chord and Municipal Waste (main room), $17.50 in advance/$19.50 day of show; 8 p.m. Sauce Boss Bill Wharton (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
| Saturday 12/2 | |
Hip Kitty |
Sauce Boss Bill Wharton (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
| Sunday 12/3 | |
Hip Kitty |
Apostle JL Cash and Praise (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. Papa Roach with Stealing December and (hed) p.e. (main room), $20 in advance/$23 day of show; 6 p.m. |
| Monday 12/4 | |
Harrydash |
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| Tuesday 12/5 | |
Harrydash |
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| Wednesday 12/6 | |
Tom Sartori |
Cannibal Corpse with Dying Fetus and Necrophagist (main room), $16 in advance/$19 day of show; 8 p.m. |
| Thursday 12/7 | |
Tom Sartori |
Blind Guardian Twist In The Myth Tour '06 (main room), $20 in advance/$24 day of show; 9 p.m. Alberta Adams (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
| Friday 12/8 | |
Tom Sartori |
Copeland with Owen, Acute & The Appleseed Cast (main room), $14 in advance/$16 day of show; 7:30 p.m. Motor City Josh (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
| Saturday 12/9 | |
Tom Sartori |
Dukes of Juke (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
| Sunday 12/10 | |
TBA |
The Turner Brothers (gospel brunch), $31 adult, $16 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 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.
