A federal judge has ruled that a Pennsylvania woman can proceed with her lawsuit against Disney, which claims that she was groped by Donald Duck at Epcot in May 2008. U.S. District Judge John R. Padova further ruled that April Magolon's suit could be tried in Pennsylvania rather than Florida. Disney had petitioned the court to dismiss the suit because it was filed against the wrong Disney entity, or at least to move the venue to Florida, which was the location of the alleged assault.
Padova ruled that, since Magolon, her fiance (a witness to the alleged assault), and her doctors are all located in Pennsylvania, and that Disney can better afford to try the case in Pennsylvania than Magolon does to try it in Florida, that the venue would remain in Philadelphia's federal court.
As we reported back in August, Magolon, 27, alleges that when she was holding one of her children to get his autograph, Donald "proceeded to grab [her] breast and molest her and then made gestures making a joke indicating he had done something wrong."
Magolon's suit claims that she has suffered "severe physical injury, emotional anguish and distress including, but not limited to post-traumatic stress disorder, muscle contraction headaches, physical harm resulting from distress, including, but not limited to acute anxiety, headaches, nausea, cold sweats, insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, digestive problems and exacerbation of the physical injuries and other severe emotional injuries." It also claims that she "suffered injuries of an unknown nature; she suffered severe pains, mental anxiety and anguish, and a severe shock to her entire nervous system, and other injuries the full extent of which are not yet known."
The suit also alleges that Magolon has had to spend large sums of money for medicine and medical attention, and "has been prevented from attending to her usual and daily activities and duties, and may be so prevented for an indefinite time in the future."
No less than seven points of her suit are built on the 2004 "groping Tigger" case against Michael Chartrand and the 24 suits filed in the wake of that case, stating that Disney allowed improper behavior to go on without correction. However, it does not reflect the fact that Chartrand was acquitted, that the court found that it was difficult to see anything while wearing the character head, that it was nearly impossible to really feel much of anything through the costume gloves, or that none of the other 24 cases was prosecuted.
Whether the incident did or did not happen is undetermined; however, if the character did indeed make gestures indicating that he had done something wrong, it's possible that the character realized that he had accidentally had his hand where it wasn't supposed to be due to limited vision and was trying to apologize.
This case could play out somewhat differently, though, as the Chartrand case was a criminal complaint against the cast member personally while this is a lawsuit against the company, claiming that the company condoned and failed to discipline cast members portraying characters that groped guests. Magolon will have to prove that this type of assault was common, that Disney knew about the alleged ongoing assaults, that they did nothing about it, and that it caused her litany of symptoms. We'll updated you on this story as more information come available.
The Disney Dream, the newest edition to the Disney Cruise Line's fleet, arrived at Port Canaveral last Tuesday, January 4, following its trans-Atlantic voyage from the shipyards where it was built and the North Sea where it had its sea trials. With the Dream's arrival on January 4, the Disney Wonder departed Port Canaveral January 6 for a trans-Panama Canal voyage that will reposition it to the West Coast, where it will sail on cruises to Mexico from the Port of Los Angeles, and—in the summer—cruises to Alaska from Vancouver.
The Disney Dream launches fireworks as it enters the channel to Port Canaveral. Photo © Disney. Phelan Ebenhack, photographer.
The ship had an official ceremony of a maritime plaque exchange with new Florida Governor Rick Scott on Thursday, then headed off on the first of its shakedown cruises with Disney cast members and family on Friday. It will have two more of these shakedown cruises before its Christening Voyage next Wednesday, January 19. We are very excited to have been invited to cover that event, and we will be bringing you reports from the ship next week from Wednesday through Friday. All of this is in preparation for its first official voyage with guests, its Maiden Voyage, which departs on January 26.
The Disney Dream arrives at Port Canaveral by early morning's light. Photo © Disney. David Roark, photographer.
The 4,000-passenger ship includes many enhancements over the line's first two ships, the Wonder and the Disney Magic, including "magical" portholes in inside staterooms that provide a real-time view outside the ship, "enchanted" artwork that can interact with guests, and the Aquaduck – the world's first shipboard water coaster.
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse welcome the Disney Dream as it arrives at Port Canaveral. Photo © Disney. Gene Duncan, photographer.
Last week, we reported that we expected new discounts to be released the day that the Update was published. That proved to be the case, though there were two different discounts released, not just the one that we expected.
We reported the expected discounts that are being offered for April 28 to June 14 and August 14 to October 1, for which you must make your reservations by March 27. Fall discounts are for five percentage points more than the late spring discounts, and discounts vary by type of resort. Here are the discounts applicable for each resort type:
| Resorts | April 28 - June 14 | August 14 - October 1 |
| All-Star Movies | 15 percent | 20 percent |
| Remaining Values, Port Orleans French Quarter | 20 percent | 25 percent |
| Remaining Moderates, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian | 25 percent | 30 percent |
| Remaining Deluxes | 30 percent | 35 percent |
| Deluxe Villas | 35 percent | 40 percent |
However, in addition to those discounts, there is also a Kids Stay and Play Free offer that has availability February 17 to April 16 (book by February 13), as well as April 28 to June 14 and August 14 to October 1 (book by March 27). When booking a non-discounted room and ticket package, kids ages 3 to 9 staying in the same room as an adult get a free base Magic Your Way pass. Additional restrictions may apply.
Note that the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7722 (room-only discount) or 407-939-7684 (kids stay and play free), or your travel agent and using booking code TSU (room-only discount) or GW8 (kids stay and play free). MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Sunday's Walt Disney World Marathon was won by a Brazilian man for the seventh year in a row, but this year it was not Adriano Bastos. Fredison Costa, a native of Brazil who now lives in El Paso, Texas, broke his countryman's string of six consecutive victories to win the event in 2 hours, 21 minutes, and 15 seconds, more than six minutes ahead of his closest competitor. Bastos, suffering from a stomach ailment, finished 15th in 2:45:09. Second place went to Michael Wardian of Arlington, Va., who finished in 2:27:37, and Paul Nielsen of Orlando, Fla. was third in 2:31:45.
Leah Thorvilson of Little Rock, Arkansas celebrated her 32nd birthday by winning the women's division of the marathon in 2:42:11, stopping Lisa Mizutani from winning her third straight. Just over nine minutes back, Karen Simmonds-Brady of Auburn. New York finished second in 2:51:14, and Jessica Crate of Melbourne, Florida was third in 2:51:53. Japan's Mizutani finished 12th in 3:02:34.
A day earlier, the Hansen-Brooks distance running team from Rochester Hills, Michigan once again provided the winner of the men's Half Marathon. Tim Young won the 13.1-mile race with a time of 1:05.35, just ahead of teammate Sage Canaday, last year's runner-up, who finished in 1:05:51. The women's division was won by Jenny Scherer of Delavan, Wisconsin, who finished in 1:17.35, a minute and a half ahead of Mandy Yates of Medina, Ohio, who finished in 1:19:07. Previous Hansen-Brooks runners to win the Walt Disney World Half Marathon are Chad Johnson (2008 and 2010) and David Jankowski (2009).
Those running the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge came away with three medals for the two races. Photo by @brettman79.
Approximately 54,000 runners took part in at least one of the weekend's races, with 17,000 running the marathon and 27,000 running the half marathon, and of those, 5,000 ran both as participants of the the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge. Runners came from all 50 United States, as well as 60 other countries.
In addition to those running at Walt Disney World, the Disney Heroes Race in Baghdad on Saturday featured more than 300 U.S. military personnel in a Disney-sponsored half-marathon event that featured a simultaneous start with the half-marathon in Florida, and video links between the two races.
MousePlanet's Stephanie Wien and Jeffry Moxley finished the Half Marathon in 2:48:22 and 3:43:35, respectively. Congratulations to all who ran this weekend!
If you're looking to participate next year, there's no need to hurry this year. While registration for the next year's Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events has traditionally opened the day after the current year's events conclude, this year registration for the 2012 Disney Marathon Weekend opens in March 2011.
If you've got lots of money to burn, you can participate in an "Adventure of a Lifetime" and explore Disney's Animal Kingdom with Dr. Jane Goodall. The "2011 Walt Disney World Safari VIP Weekend" will take place February 18-21, and will include all scheduled events, three nights in a savannah view room at the Animal Kingdom Lodge, select meals, a three-day Park Hopper pass, a Disney Dining Card, and transportation to and from Orlando International Airport and the Disney theme parks.
Events include:
All of this could be yours for $8,500 per adult or $7,500 per child. Space is extremely limited, so make your reservation now. For more information, go to the Goodall Institute Web site (link) or contact Alicia Zarillo, manager of donor relations and special events for the institute, via email (link) or (703) 682-9288.
Disney announced the 15 new members of the Walt Disney World Moms Panel last Thursday, bringing the number of active panelists to 45 (some previous panelists are no longer participating at this time). The panelists provide answers to guest questions on a moderated forum on the Disney World Moms Panel Web site (link). This year's additions to the panel come from the U.S, Canada and the United Kingdom:
The new 2011 Disney World Moms pose with Cinderella's coach. Photo © Disney. Diana Zalucky, photographer.
The panel includes "Specialty Moms" who focus on specific topics, such as Disney Cruise Line, Adventures by Disney and Disney Vacation Club.
Here is the listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County in the last week:
The end of an era: demolition has started at Pleasure Island. Photo by Jeffry Moxley.
…The first permits have been filed by Disney for work on Phase II of the Fantasyland Forest makeover.
…Walt Disney World and the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) met again with a federal mediator last Friday, but still have not reached agreement. The STCU stated on their website that Disney had requested more time to review some of the union's latest proposal. The sides have agreed to extend the current contract through February 17. The sides are expected to meet again on February 10.
…Disney has started selling its annual Florida resident winter promotional pass, this year called the "4 Day Wild 4 Disney Pass." Last year, the pass was called the "4 Day Dream Pass," and in 2008 and earlier years it was called a discounted "Play 4 Days Pass." The price continues to vary with the economy. The 2008 pass was $125, then after the economy sank the price dropped to $99 in 2009. This year, it's back up to $119. All of those prices are before tax. The passes are good for four one-day, one-park admissions between January 2 and May 26 (so it can only be purchased through May 22), though the Easter peak week (April 17-24) is blacked out. The pass is basically a discounted version of the Florida Resident Play 4 Days Pass ($168 plus tax ages 10-up, $151 plus tax ages 3-9) that is also limited in the dates that it can be used. A standard Play 4 Days Pass is valid for six months from first use.
…The "Love is Magical" one-day pin trading event takes place February 5 at Epcot's Wonders of Life pavilion, most commonly used as the Festival Center for the Flower & Garden and Food & Wine Festivals. There will be all sorts of love-themed pins, plus a dessert buffet with such treats as cherry chocolate cupcakes, chocolate laced éclairs, warm dark chocolate tortes, and baklava with honey and walnuts. Event admission is $50 per guest and does not include Epcot admission. For more information, go to the Disney Pins website (link).
…Adventures by Disney is offering a $300 Visa Gift Card to those who book select domestic and Gateway itineraries, and a $500 Visa Gift Card on selectd international itineraries, as long as you book by January 31. Travel must take place between February 15 and October 1. For more information, check out the Adventures by Disney website (link).
…Disney’s PhotoPass is now providing a new feature where you can "unlock" the availability of stock photographs of characters for your online and delivered PhotoPass projects by having your photo taken at character meet-and-greet locations. At select locations, taking your photo with the characters may give you access to a selection of stock photos for your online, electronic and printed projects.
…The Velcro-sponsored exhibit at Innoventions West, featuring the "What's Your Problem?" interactive game show, will be discountinued effective February 5.
…Registration is now open for the Expedition Everest Challenge (link). The Champion 5K during ESPN The Weekend (link) is also open. Sign up now!
…The 2011 Disney’ Princess Half Marathon is 88 percent full for individual and team registrations. Disney's Royal Family 5K and Kids' Races are each 50 percent full. You can register at the official event web site (link).
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Discounts of 15-30 percent are available for room-only reservations for stays at Walt Disney World for most nights February 17 – April 16, 2011.
Deals are also available for January 2 – February 16, 2011. Discount percentages appear to match those for the other dates.
You can book the deal from now through February 13, 2011. Note that the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7678, or your travel agent and using booking code XV9. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Room-only discounts are being offered for April 28 to June 14 and August 14 to October 1, for which you must make your reservations by March 27. Fall discounts are for five percentage points more than the late spring discounts, and discounts vary by type of resort. Here are the discounts applicable for each resort type:
| Resorts | April 28 - June 14 | August 14 - October 1 |
| All-Star Movies | 15 percent | 20 percent |
| Remaining Values, Port Orleans French Quarter | 20 percent | 25 percent |
| Remaining Moderates, Animal Kingdom Lodge, Polynesian | 25 percent | 30 percent |
| Remaining Deluxes | 30 percent | 35 percent |
| Deluxe Villas | 35 percent | 40 percent |
Note that the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7722, or your travel agent and using booking code TSU. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Walt Disney World has released a Kids Stay and Play Free offer that has availability February 17 to April 16 (book by February 13), as well as April 28 to June 14 and August 14 to October 1 (book by March 27). When booking a non-discounted room and ticket package, kids ages 3 to 9 staying in the same room as an adult get a free base Magic Your Way pass. Additional restrictions may apply.
Note that the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7684, or your travel agent and using booking code GW8. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
Passholders can save 32 to 42 percent off their room rates for stays at Walt Disney World for most nights February 6 – April 16, 2011.
Deals are also available for January 2 – February 5, 2011. Discount percentages appear to match those for the other dates.
You can book the deal from now through your day of arrival, through the rooms may go fast. The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas are not included. An adult passholder must show their pass at check-in. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.
Reservations may be booked through the Walt Disney World Web site (link), by calling Walt Disney World at 407-939-7939, or your travel agent and using booking code AU6. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link) and Small World Vacations (link).
From now through September 28, 2011, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $138 per ticket, plus tax, or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $165 per ticket, plus tax. No Base ticket is available with this offer.
The tickets expire and may not be used after October 1, 2011. The tickets may not be used at all Walt Disney World theme parks and other gated attractions on the following blockout dates: December 27-31, 2010 and April 17-23, 2011. Additionally, the tickets may not be used at the Magic Kingdom on July 4, 2011.
Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. No more than six tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or their spouse, but not both) for themselves, family members, and friends, and all tickets must be purchased at the same time. If the immediate family has more than five dependants, additional tickets may be purchased for the dependants, however, additional tickets for guests may not be purchased. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold.
The tickets may be upgraded to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available.
For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.
(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.
