Walt Disney World Park Update

Update for April 16 – 22, 2007

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News and Views

Extreme Makeover: Spaceship Earth Edition

Big changes are afoot for the most-visited ride at Walt Disney World, Epcot's Spaceship Earth. The attraction, which—thanks to its location and its high-throughput ride system—sees more visitors each day than any other, closes later this year for major changes to the interior of the Geosphere.

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Spaceship Earth, which has told the story of communication throughout the ages for the last 25 years, is going to see a new theme laid on top of its time-travel theme. The new storyline will show "how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos," according to a Disney press release.

These themes match with the desired image that new sponsor Siemens AG wants to portray. The multinational conglomerate, which employs almost a half-million people in 190 countries, took over sponsorship of the attraction last November. At the same time, Siemens' Sylvania subsidiary took over sponsorship of Illuminations and the Osborne Lights.

The attraction will see the addition of new show scenes, and each of the existing scenes will see new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score. It looks like there will be little remaining the same, though it also appears that Siemens is very concerned with retaining the feel of the original attraction.

The storyline reaches the present as the ride vehicles approach the dome at the top of the geosphere, where interactive touch screens aboard each ride vehicle will allow guests "to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future," according to Disney. This sounds almost like the final portion of the former Horizons attraction, where guests could choose their future of either space, land or undersea.

At the conclusion of the remade attraction, a brand-new post-show will allow guests to explore "Project Tomorrow" Inventing the World of Tomorrow." New interactive exhibits (created by Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center) will allow visitors to explore the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management—three areas of Siemens' business.

Project Tomorrow's first phase opens later this month, featuring an illuminated globe 20 feet in diameter showing inspirational images. Other displays include Body Builder, a 3-D game that simulates Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries, which will invite players to assemble a digital human body. Super Driver, a driving simulation game, features motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

Some time over the summer (we don't have a firm date yet), the main Spaceship Earth attraction will close and leave just Project Tomorrow open to entertain guests while the major work goes on inside the geosphere. It's likely that the closure won't happen until after the July 4 week, since Spaceship Earth will be needed to soak up the crowds during the peak times.

Renovations will be phased in though the year, and the work won't be complete until early 2008. This leads to conjecture that the work inside the attraction will be done piece by piece, allowing the attraction to close and then reopen for the peak seasons, closing again for the next phase as the crowds disappear. This would likely mean that the lighting effects, costume changes, and perhaps set decoration would be done little by little, with the new show scenes added by blocked off, until the last batch of changes would allow the changeover to the new theming, including the new narration and theme music.

As we get ride closure dates and more information, we'll pass it along.

Next weekend is Art in the Garden Weekend at the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, so we'll start with a look at the various artwork scattered throughout Future World West. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Participating teams named for 2007, 2008 Old Spice Classic at Wide World of Sports

Disney has announced the teams scheduled to participate in the Old Spice Classic for the next two years. Held in conjunction with ESPNU and the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference, the tourney takes place at the Milk House at the Wide World of Sports Complex each November.

This year, the tournament (held on November 22-25) will feature the University of Central Florida, George Mason, Kansas State, N.C. State, Penn State, Rider (the MAAC representative), South Carolina and Villanova.

Next year, Gonzaga, Maryland, Memphis, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Siena (the MAAC representative), Tennessee and Wichita State will vie for the trophy. The event's inaugural tourney was held last November, and saw Arkansas defeat West Virginia in the title game.

Paradise blooms between Innoventions and Imagination. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Disney Dining Experience offers Splendor in the Courtyard breakfast

Disney Dining Experience cardholders have another special dining event coming up this Sunday. "Splendor in the Courtyard" returns this year, celebrating plein-air artists in the United Kingdom Courtyard garden before the World Showcase opens for the day next Sunday, April 22. The 8:30-10:00 a.m. event costs $55 plus tax (gratuities included). ["Plein air" is a term derived from the French phrase en plein air, which means "in the open air," used to describe the act of painting outdoor rather than indoors.]

Featuring painters Linda Blondheim, Mary Jane Volkmann, Linda Pence and L. Diane Johnson, guests will enjoy a special Plein air breakfast, then have the opportunity to talk with the artists about their work. Guests are encouraged to participate in the "Splendorific Hat Contest," where the most creative hat designer will win a special memento.

Casual attire is recommended for the event, and park admission is required. Guests attending the event should enter through the International Gateway and check in at the Twinings Garden. Reservations opened last Friday. Cardholders should call Rosa Flores at 407-560-5703 for more information and to make reservations.

David Cumbie's steel Kinetic Playground attracts much attention. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Bonnet Creek's Waldorf and Hilton at celebrate groundbreaking

Ground has finally broken for the Hilton Bonnet Creek Hotel and the Waldorf=Astoria at Bonnet Creek announced on May 31 of last year. At the time, Hilton had said that they hoped to break ground by the end of last year with a planned opening in Summer 2009. It's not certain if the delayed groundbreaking will delay the opening date. However, with the recent announcement of a new Four Seasons resort in the middle of Walt Disney World's property, the competition pressure is now certainly on.

Tinker Bell's Fairy Garden is a popular stop for kids. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Gaylord Palms releases "Pirate's Guide"

To tie in with the release of Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End on May 25, the Gaylord Palms Resort near Walt Disney World has published "A Pirate's Guide to Orlando," featuring "the favorite pirate-related adventures for visitors to Central Florida." Aside from trumpeting the resort's own Pirates Treasure Hunt (mentioned in our April 2 Update), the list also includes the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction at the Magic Kingdom, DisneyQuest (featuring the Pirates of the Caribbean: Battle for Buccaneer Gold virtual attraction), the Pirates and Princesses-themed Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, and the Adventure Room at World of Disney, as well as Elmo and the Bookaneers at SeaWorld Orlando, Pirate's Cove Adventure Golf and Pirate's Dinner Adventure.

Some progress in labor negotiations

There appears to be progress in the contract talks between Walt Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union, the umbrella group composed of six unions representing nearly half of Walt Disney World's employees. Tentative agreements have been reached on schedule bids, scheduling technology and vacation bidding, as well as banked sick pay for use under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993. There is also tentative agreement on some improvements for the Character Department. Of course, any tentative agreements are not final until the entire labor agreement is completed and ratified by union members, and Disney has not yet responded to the STCU's financial proposal. The two sides will continue negotiations tomorrow. Meanwhile, the unions have begun a publicity campaign for their self-promotional Web site, sub-titled "An Exposé on the Condition of Service Workers at Walt Disney World."

Bambi and friends are once again located in Canada. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Environmental activists launch campaign to make Disney resorts more "green"

Despite the fact that six Walt Disney World hotels have received Green Lodgings certification from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection in addition to many other environmental plaudits won by the Resort, Disney still has lots of room for improvement, according to a group of environmental activists.

The Center for Health, Environment and Justice (CHEJ), the Florida Alliance for Healthy Indoor Environments (FAHIE) and health and environmental groups announced a campaign on Friday to challenge Walt Disney World to use certified green cleaning products and practices.

A press release from the group noted that Disney uses non-toxic cleaners at Disney's Animal Kingdom to protect animals, but still uses toxic cleaners in guest areas. The group singled out aerosol air freshener, laundry detergent, floor maintenance cleaner, glass cleaner and liquid cleaner for special mention on their Web site.

In a February 10 response to the group, Walt Disney Company Vice President for Corporate Environmental Policy Kris McNamara noted: "We do not believe that any products that would constitute a hazard to guests or workers, or render the Company out of compliance with any local, state or national health, safety and environmental regulations are being purchased or used."

CHEJ notes that Disney is already using green cleaning products in three of their hotels, and is launching their campaign for Disney to to extend their use to all hotels.

The France pavilion once again features the Guerlain fragrance garden. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

Quick takes …

…A themed electronic message display board will be installed in a planter on the west side of Epcot's Future World, near the entrance ramp of The Land pavilion, with the existing information sign relocated to an adjacent planter. It is expected that this will be a wait time board similar to the one installed in Future World East late last year. It is possible that the sign could also inform guests if all Fastpasses for Soarin' have been distributed for the day.

…Speaking of the premier attraction at The Land pavilion, the queue partition wall at Soarin' will be demolished and replaced by an 8-foot-high partition wall, according to paperwork filed with Orange County. No other info on that is currently available.

…A new character greeting location is coming to Epcot, as the Character Spot in Innoventions West debuts in June, replacing the existing Epcot Character Connection. The location will feature five themed areas—cartoon settings depicting transportation, space, energy, land and communication. Mickey Mouse will be present for meet-and-greets, along with Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Chip and Dale. The location is expected to be open during Future World operating hours.

…Disney Sports Attractions and the American Bicycle Association have signed an agreement that will bring the ABA's national bicycle motocross (BMX) races to the Wide World of Sports Complex, beginning with the Fall Nationals this October.

The Italy pavilion looks lovely, bedecked with flowers. Photo by Cathy Sowa.

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.

Coming soon

• Apr. 5 – June 3. Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival [park guide page].
  • Flower Power Concert Series
    • April 15?18: The Buckinghams
    • April 19?21: The Turtles featuring Flo and Eddie
    • April 22?24: The Box Tops
    • April 25?28: The Tokens
    • April 29?May 1: Peter & Gordon
    • May 2?3: Jose Feliciano
    • May 4?5: Petula Clark
    • May 6?10: Nelson
    • May 11?15: Davy Jones
    • May 16?19: B.J. Thomas
    • May 20?22: Grass Roots featuring Rob Grill
    • May 23?25: The Guess Who
    • May 26: The SOS Band
    • May 27?30: Gary Puckett
    • May 31?June 3: Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone
  • Themed Weekends
    • April 20?22: Art in the Garden Weekend
    • April 27?29: I Dig Bugs Weekend
    • May 4?6: Cinco de Mayo Weekend
    • May 11?13: Mother's Day Weekend
    • May 18?20: Characters in Bloom Weekend
    • May 25?28: Memorial Day Weekend
    • June 1?3: Festival Farewell Weekend
• Apr. 20, 21, 27, 28. Disney Grad Nite.
• Apr. 21–22. USASF Cheerleading & Dance Worlds.
• Apr. 27. Mickey's Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort.
• May 25-28, Jun. 30-Jul. 7, Aug. 31-Sept. 3 and Nov. 19-25, 2007; and Dec. 16, 2007-Jan. 2, 2008. DVC members may not pool-hop on these dates.

Trivia question of the week

This week's question: This week's question was submitted by MousePlanet reader Jeff Miller. What is Grandma's final score in the virtual reality game in Carousel of Progress? Stay tuned to next week's park update for the answer.

The answer to last week's question: "Who provided the voices for both the safety spiel at Big Thunder Mountain Railroad and Ben Franklin at the American Adventure, among others?" is:

Disney vocal legend Dallas (Dal) McKennon.

Do you have a trivia question that you'd like to share? If we choose to use your question, we'll give you credit in the Update. Email us here.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Haunted Mansion – closed for refurbishment from June 6 through September 12.
• Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed for refurbishment from April 30 through May 18.

Epcot

• Maelstrom – closed for refurbishment from April 30 through May 24.
• Mitsukoshi Teppanyaki – closed for refurbishment from April 15 through August 25.
• Le Cellier Restaurant – closed for refurbishment May 14–18.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – has again closed, perhaps forever and perhaps just until next Thanksgiving weekend.

Disney-MGM Studios

• No known refurbishments at this time.

Animal Kingdom

• No known refurbishments at this time.

Resorts

• All-Star Music Resort – Conversion of Calypso buildings to Family Suites continues. All work had been expected to be completed by October 13, but that date has not been met. All buildings not containing Family Suites will be renovated between January and June.
• All-Star Sports Resort – All buildings will be renovated between June and November.
• Caribbean Beach Resort – The feature pool will be closed for renovation January – June, 2008. Exact dates have yet to be announced.
• Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Building 6 (Concierge) will be closed in September for a full refurbishment.
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Phase I's four buildings and Phase II's eight units are complete, Construction on the six buildings of Phase III is underway, with all six units expected to be completed in late 2007. The new buildings will comprise two additional sections, to be called The Carousel and The Grandstand. The two buildings in The Carousel have been completed, and the four in The Grandstand are well underway.

Water Parks

• No known refurbishments at this time.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays. No performances May 20?June 4, July 29–31, September 23–October 1, November 25–27.

Park Events

April 2007

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). Apr. 5 – June 3. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays, gardening demonstrations and the ?Flower Power? concert series at the 14th annual event.
• Disney Grad Nite (link). Apr. 20, 21, 27, 28. Graduating high school seniors have a huge party in the Magic Kingdom.
• USASF Cheerleading & Dance Worlds (link). Apr. 21–22. Teams descend on the Wide World of Sports.
• Mickey's Pin Trading Night at Contemporary Resort (link). Apr. 27. The popular 3-hour event returns to Fantasia Ballroom G.

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).
• Muddy Buddy (link). May 12. Athletes get down and dirty in this competition. Registration is now open (link).
• Danskin Women's Triathlon (link). May 12-13. Athletes compete in a 400 yard swim, a 9 mile bike ride and a 2 mile run. Registration is now open (link).
• Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Devil Rays (link). May 15-17. Regular-season Major League Baseball comes to The Ballpark at Disney's Wide World of Sports for the first time.
• Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend (link). May 18-20. The annual event features over 30 artists displaying their wares.
• Walt Disney World 70.3 Ironman Triathlon (link). May 20. Athletes compete in a 1.2 mile swim, a 56 mile bike ride, and a 13.1 mile run. Registration opens soon (link).
• Pirates of the Caribbean Adventures on the Seven Seas Lagoon (link). May 21-24. Disneyland may get the movie premiere, but Walt Disney World gets a three-day, multi-tiered event on open water.
• Gay Days 2007. May 31 - June 3. The 17th annual gathering of the GLBT community at Walt Disney World (link1 | link 2).

June 2007

• Star Wars Weekends (link). June 1–24. The popular event returns to the Studios in 2007 to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the original Star Wars film.

July 2007

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp (link). Late July – Mid-Aug. The Bucs return to Disney for another year's training camp.

August 2007

• Disney's Pirate & Princess Party (link). Aug. 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and Sept. 3. A rerun of this past winter's new hard-ticketed event celebrates the pirates and princesses in all of us.
• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Aug. 31 ? Sept. 3. The radio host's annual gathering returns for another year.

September 2007

• Night of Joy (link). Sept. 7?8. Disney's annual Christian music festival.
• Disney's Pin Celebration (link). Sept. 7?9. This year, the event's theme is "Where Dreams HapPin". Registration opens May 9.
• Walt Disney World Triathlon (link). Sept. 23. Athletes compete in a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run. Registration opens soon (link).
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). Sep. 14, 21, 28, Oct. 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 (dates tentative). Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs..
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Sep.28 ?Nov. 11. The 12th annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series.

October 2007

• Race for the Taste 10K (link). Oct. 7. The annual October classic steers runners through the Disney-MGM Studios and Epcot. Registration is now open (link).

November 2007

• Disney Golf Classic (link). Nov. 1–4. Joe Durant returns to defend his 2006 title.
• Festival of the Masters (link). Nov. 9–11. Disney's annual arts festival at Downtown Disney's West Side.
• ABC Super Soap Weekend (link). Nov. 10?11. Your favorite ABC soap opera stars converge on the Disney-MGM Studios.
• Pirates of Castaway Cay pin cruise (link). Nov. 11-15. Pirates, pins and a Disney cruise, all rolled into one.
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights (link). Nov. 12 ? Jan. 6, 2008. Jennings Osborne's amazing display returns to the Studios.
• Old Spice Classic (link). Nov. 22, 23, 25. ESPN Regional presents the second annual 8-team, 12-game tournament, featuring George Mason, Kansas State, North Carolina State, Penn State, Rider, South Carolina and Villanova.
• Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade (link). Dates TBA. The Animal Kingdom Parade trades its Jammin' for Jingle in this holiday makeover.
• Holidays Around the World (link). Nov. 23 ? Dec. 30. Epcot's World Showcase gets storytellers, special entertainment and crafts for kids, the Lights of Winter and a spectacular Christmas tree.
• Festival of the Seasons (link). Dates TBA. Downtown Disney gets a holiday makeover.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Nov. 13, 15, 16, 26, 27, 29, 30, Dec. 3, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 17, 18, 20, 21 (dates tentative). Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What's not to like?.

December 2007

• Pop Warner Super Bowl (link). Dates TBA, expected to be Dec. 2?8. Football players and cheerleaders invade the resort for the pigskin championships.
• MouseFest 2007 (link). Dec. 2?10. The annual gathering of the Disney Internet community takes place at sea from Dec. 2?6 and on land from Dec. 6?10.
• Pleasure Island New Year's Eve (link). Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates the actual New Year.
• New Year's Eve at Cirque du Soleil. Dec. 31. Cirque puts on special New Year's performances.
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year's Eve (link). Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at the BoardWalk's own dance club.

January 2008

• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link). Jan. 12. Registration opens January 8, 2007.
• Walt Disney World Marathon (link). Jan. 13. Registration opens January 8, 2007. [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]

Current Discounts & Promotions

Passholder and Florida resident rates

Annual passholders and Florida residents have discount codes for room-only and package stays for mid-April through late May, available for booking through the end of the promotional period, subject to availability. Passholder and resident discount dates are for most nights from April 15-19 and April 22-May 24. Passholder rates start as low as $74 per night for value resorts, while Florida resident rates are as low as $79 per night for values. Full hook-up campsites for RVs start at $55 per night for passholders, $60 per night for Florida residents.

Hotel Royal Plaza offers discounts to MousePlanet readers

We'd like to welcome the Hotel Royal Plaza as a new MousePlanet sponsor. As part of our new relationship, the Royal Plaza has created a special offer just for MousePlanet readers! From now through the end of the year, anyone booking their stay through the MousePlanet Web site will receive discounted rates up to 20 percent off on all room types.

The completely-remodeled 394-room resort is located on Hotel Plaza Boulevard, just a few minutes' walk from Downtown Disney. Bus service to all Walt Disney World theme parks is included with your stay. Their Giraffe Café restaurant, Giraffe Tavern sports bar, Marketessen deli-style café and Sips Pool Bar are ready to serve you. And children 10 and under eat breakfast for free!

And so we'd like to thank the Hotel Royal Plaza for joining the MousePlanet family, and invite you to try their hospitality.

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 September 2007.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through September 2007.

Theme Park Events

Fort Wilderness movie schedule for April 2007

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

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

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