Plans filed with a water management permit application give an indication as to the building layout for the new Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, the new Disney Vacation Club resort being built at the Animal Kingdom Lodge location. In addition to the conversion of 134 rooms on the existing Lodge's fifth and sixth floors, it looks like the originally announced total of 324 vacation homes on adjacent land may have been increased, unless the definition of "accommodations" differs between the number of rental units and what is considered an "accommodation" for legal purposes, as the environmental resource permit describes the project as "a 472-unit commercial development including roadway, utilities and storm water management system west of the existing Animal Kingdom Lodge."
A distinctively themed lobby, pictured in this artist rendering, and a new village of Vacation Homes will be part of Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas, a new Disney Vacation Club Resort located at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge at the Walt Disney World Resort. Image Disney.
It appears that the resort will be designed as a group of multi-unit buildings under one long roof, arranged in serpentine fashion, basically amounting to a double horseshoe. For a good look at the proposed site plan, check out this document and go to page 15. For all documents related to the project, go to the South Florida Water Management District's permit search page and enter application # 061214-5.
Some excerpts from the permit's Executive Summary (with technical water routing information and references to cast-only structures removed) give an idea of what's to come at the resort:
"The proposed Resort site is broken down into the following areas:"
"Resort Building – There are 18 5-story beads and a check-in building that are all connected in the form of a chain.…"
"Savannah – The main attraction for the guests at the resort is the view of the free roaming animals in the Savannah. A majority of this area will be left in its natural state.…"
"Pool Amenity Area – This 1.5-acre area consists of two buildings, swimming pools and lounging areas.…"
"Tennis Court and BBQ Area"
Cast Parking and Osceola Parkway Re-alignment – Osceola Parkway is being shifted to accommodate extra parking spaces that the new resort is eliminating from the Cast parking Lot.…"
"Guest Parking – There are 472 proposed parking spaces. The first floor of each of the guest buildings will be reserved for parking…"
One interesting point is the mention of parking on the first floor of the guest buildings. The first-floor parking is not visible in concept art released by Disney, so either it was added since the drawings were made, it has been dropped from the project, or the parking will actually be underground. We'll have to wait and see. The new building is scheduled to open in 2009.
It looks like the annual report to shareholders of the Walt Disney Company (available online here) is leaking some of the information that may be officially announced at this week's press event.
The attraction being built in the former location of the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire – Play It! attraction at the Disney-MGM Studios (and on Paradise Pier at Disney's California Adventure) will be called Toy Story Mania, rather than Midway Mania as rumored, according to artwork in the report. The image shows four-person ride vehicles, seating two pairs of riders back-to-back. The riders are all wearing dark (presumably polarized for 3-D effects) glasses and firing guns that are mounted on the vehicle (as with WDW's version of Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, not the removable guns from Disneyland's version). The glasses appear to confirm the Buzz Lightyear-meets-Spiderman rumors that the 3-D technology similar to that used in Islands of Adventures' Amazing Adventures of Spiderman attraction would be merged with the Buzz Lightyear shoot-em-up attraction to create a next-generation interactive ride. The attraction will reportedly debut in summer 2008.
Other images include attractions and parks rumored for Disneyland Resort in California and other Disney resorts overseas.
Work continues on the Yak and Yeti Restaurant in Disney's Animal Kingdom's Asia. The restaurant will likely be officially discussed at this week's press event. Photo by Brian Warneke.
After MousePlanet reported the story in last week's Disneyland Park Update, it was announced on Thursday that the Disney Cruise Line will return to the West Coast in 2008. The Disney Magic will leave Port Canaveral on May 10 on a repositioning cruise through the Panama Canal, arriving at the Port of Los Angeles on Sunday, May 25. It will leave later that day on the first of 12 seven-night cruises along the Mexican Riviera. Two-night stays before or after the cruise at a Disneyland Resort hotel will be available as a package add-on for these cruises.
The Magic will depart Los Angeles on August 17 on another 15-night repositioning cruise, docking at Port Canaveral on Monday, September 1. The ship is then expected to sail on either a 5-night or 12-night cruise to get back on its usual Saturday-Saturday East Coast schedule.
The 7-night West Coast cruise's itinerary:
The Disney Magic leaves on its maiden voyage to the Mexican Riviera in 2005. File photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.
The westbound repositioning cruise's itinerary:
The eastbound repositioning cruise's itinerary:
Mexican Riviera cruises start at $1,599 per person, and the Panama Canal repositioning cruises start at $1,699 per person. You can book any of those cruises starting January 31, 2007. You may want to talk to your Disney specialist travel agent to get on their list of cruises to book when the phone lines open. (Small World Vacations is MousePlanet's preferred travel provider.)
These new itineraries for the Magic come on the heels of a 2005 stay on the West Coast and an upcoming Mediterranean itinerary this summer. It seems a good likelihood that the Magic will be going on different itineraries each summer until the long-rumored third Disney cruise ship is built. Further announcements may be forthcoming at this week's press events on both coasts.
Get your MousePlanet swag!The MousePlanet.com store is now open for business ( link)! You can get shirts, mugs, hats and even a Teddy Bear! Check it out and show your MousePlanet pride! Now you can show everybody in the parks what site you read! |
Staff writer Lani Teshima reports:
As predicted, registration for next year's 2008 WDW marathon seems to be up from past years (due in some part to it being the event's 15th anniversary). But the really critical part here is that registration for the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge is now at 50% capacity. This is stunning! Capacity is restricted to a very small 3,000 entrants, but it's been less than two weeks since they opened registration.
At this pace, they will be filled for the Goofy next month.
Get more information at the 2008 Walt Disney World Marathon site.
The waterwheel at the Swiss Family Treehouse is out of service due to the broken cable. Photo by Brian Warneke.
It seems that there may have been major issues with the "VIP lounge" set up for the Marathon Weekend. Guests paid $50 per person for special amenities before and after the race. MousePlanet reader "Nanaguide" writes:
I ran the Disney Half-marathon last weekend. I was really pleased with the staggered starts (6a.m.,6:10,and 6:30). You could actually start running when you hit the pad.It was a big improvement from last year. On the other hand I was really disappointed in their new $50 VIP lounge - what a waste of money. There were 3 toilets—the line was so long before the race that one of VIP helpers told us to go use the regular restrooms. After the race there were supposed to be free massages. I signed up and waited for over an hour and finally left without a massage. There were supposed to be special characters—no characters, nice treats—nothing different than what all contestants got. I should have saved my $50—Disney really screwed up on this new add-on. I've heard other horror tales about the race but since they are only rumors I won't mention them.
If anyone else experienced similar issues with the VIP lounge or other accommodations related to the marathon, please let us know.
The digital wait time clock for the Country Bear Jamboree has been replaced by something more in keeping with the period. Photo by Brian Warneke.
Those who missed Mickey's Pin Trading Night, rejoice! The free event has returned, on a monthly basis. The first event will be this Friday, January 26, from 5-8 p.m. in the Nutcracker 3 room of the Contemporary Resort's Convention Center. The event will also feature a sneak preview of upcoming pins for Walt Disney World, the Disney Cruise Line and the World of Disney store in New York.
Other nights on the calendar so far are all on Fridays, and all at the "specially designed trading room with plenty of lighting" at the convention center. Dates are February 16, March 16 and April 27.
The logo for this year's pin event features Mickey and Figment. Image Disney.
Early information is out on Disney's Pin Celebration 2007, subtitled "Where dreams hapPin." The event will be held September 7-9, 2007, and will once again return to the World ShowPlace. To monitor what's going on with the event for yourself, watch the event's Web site.
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 Guide (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 top-level Ye Swabs packages (at $2,350 per person) has sold out for the Pirates of the Caribbean: Adventures of Seven Seas Lagoon event, and the waiting list is full. Registration is still open for both A Pirates Life for Me and X Marks the Fun at the event's Web site.
…Former Disney Parks & Resorts Chairman Dick Nunis has stepped down as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Florida to return to the corporate world, though he will remain a member of the board. Nunis runs a consulting company called New Business Solutions, Inc. No word on what projects he might be taking on, but based on his tenure at Disney, whatever it is, he will be a force to be reckoned with.
…The next two events to be held by the World Chapter (Orlando Area) of the NFFC are scheduled for February 10 (with guest speaker Disney Legend Charlie Ridgeway) and March 16-17 (Disneyana "Garage Sale"), both to be held at the Quality Inn and Suites 15 miles west of Walt Disney World on Route 192. See the full announcement on our MousePad discussion forums or visit the World Chapter Web site.
…The Transportation Security Administration has approved the first usage of shoe scanner machines at the CLEAR registered traveler entrances to the security checkpoints at Orlando International Airport (OIA). The shoe scanners will enable CLEAR members (who have paid an annual fee and put their biometric information on file in order to have quicker passage through the security checkpoint) to leave their shoes on while going through security. OIA is the original test site and is the only operational location for the private sector registered traveler program.
Work on the facade of the Peter Pan queue area has been completed. Photo by Brian Warneke.
This week's question: What famed location are the rock formations of Big Thunder Mountain inspired by? Stay tuned to next week's park update for the answer.
The answer to last week's question: "Where at Walt Disney World can you find a wooden leg named "Smith"?" is:
On the Lost and Found shelf at the Frontierland train station.
A wooden leg named "Smith" sits among other unclaimed items at the Frontierland Train Station. File photo by Brian Bennett.
Disney has announced room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for January through mid-February.
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.
Disney has announced room-only discounts for Annual Passholders and Florida Residents for mid-February through the end of March. Room-only discounts are available for Annual Passholders and Florida residents for most night from February 15 through March 30. Discounts are up to $40 off per night at Value resorts, $61 off per night at Moderate resorts and $131 off 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 FCR (Passholders) or FCT (Florida residents).
From January 1 through March 31 of this year, Annual Passholders and Florida residents can purchase a multi-club Pleasure Island ticket for the regular price of $21.95 (plus tax) and get unlimited visits through June 30. Guests must be over 21 years of age to purchase the tickets, and proof of age, proof of an annual pass or Florida residency, and a valid photo ID are required at the Pleasure Island box office when purchasing a ticket or redeeming a certificate from an online purchase. The offer cannot be combined with other discounts or offers, and is not valid for single-club tickets. Guests must be 21 years of age to enter any of the dance clubs (basically anything other than the Adventurer's Club and the Comedy Warehouse), and must show proof of age at the time of entry.
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 July 2007.
MK 9a-7p |
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MK 9a-6:30p |
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Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through July 2007.
| Monday 1/22 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6:30p Pirate & Princess Party 7:30p-12:30a |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Tuesday 1/23 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Wednesday 1/24 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Thursday 1/25 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6:30p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Friday 1/26 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6:30p Pirate & Princess Party 7:30p-12:30a |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Saturday 1/27 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Sunday 1/28 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
| Monday 1/29 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6:30p Pirate & Princess Party 7:30p-12:30a |
Illuminations 9p |
Hollywood Holly-Day Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Tuesday 1/30 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Wednesday 1/31 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Thursday 2/1 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 6:30p Pirate & Princess Party 7:30p-12:30a |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Friday 2/2 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Saturday 2/3 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
|
Sunday 2/4 | |||
Disney Dreams Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Movies begin at 7:40 and (on Friday and Saturday only) 9:15. Movies are preceded by a campfire at 6:30 and a singalong at 7:00.
| 22 The Princess Diaries 2 |
23 |
24 Blackbeard's Ghost |
25 The Incredibles |
26 |
27 Peter Pan The Shaggy Dog | |
28 |
29 101 Dalmatians |
30 |
31 Pinocchio |
(Separate admission required)
| Monday 1/22 | |
80z All Starz |
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Tuesday 1/23 | |
80z All Starz |
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Wednesday 1/24 | |
Madchester |
The Robert Cray Band (main room), $23 in advance, $25 day of show; 8 p.m. |
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Thursday 1/25 | |
80z All Starz |
Lois Greco Band (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
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Friday 1/26 | |
80z All Starz |
Pocket Change (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p. |
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Saturday 1/27 | |
80z All Starz |
Mastodon with Converge and Priestess (main room), $15 in advance, $17 day of show; 8 p.m. Pocket Change (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
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Sunday 1/28 | |
80z All Starz |
Paula Stevens Jones & The Ambassadors of Christ (gospel brunch), $32.50 adult, $16.25 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. |
| Monday 1/29 | |
Leonard Brothers |
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Tuesday 1/30 | |
Leonard Brothers |
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Wednesday 1/31 | |
Leonard Brothers |
Live (main room), $27.50 in advance, $30 day of show; 8 p.m. |
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Thursday 2/1 | |
Untouchables |
Willie Nelson (main room), $52.50 in advance, $55 day of show; 8:30 p.m. Harmonica Shah (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
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Friday 2/2 | |
Untouchables |
Dir En Grey with Fair To Midland + Bleed The Dream (main room), $29.50; 7:15 p.m. Scholars Word (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p. |
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Saturday 2/3 | |
Untouchables |
Hindu Cowboys (Blues Kitchen), free; 10:30 p.m |
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Sunday 2/4 | |
TBA |
Brothers of Harmony (gospel brunch), $32.50 adult, $16.25 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. |
(Send an email to Mark Goldhaber)
Mark (@MPMark) is a veteran of dozens of trips to Walt Disney World starting in 1972, with a few Disneyland trips thrown in for good measure. As a Disney stockholder and a Disney Vacation Club member, Mark is always in touch with what's going on with The Mouse. Mark serves as MousePlanet's Walt Disney World content coordinator. Mark is a senior information technology manager working for the State of New York. He lives in the suburbs outside Albany, New York, with his wife and son.
