Update for August 9 – 15, 2004

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News and Views

Chartrand not guilty, returns to position at Disney

Michael C. Chartrand, arrested in April for allegedly molesting a 13-year-old girl back in February while portraying Tigger at Mickey's Toontown Fair in the Magic Kingdom , returned to work at Disney after he was found not guilty in his trial last week. The jury deliberated for less than one hour after a three-day trial that saw Chartrand's attorney, Jeffrey Kaufman—who formerly portrayed Tigger himself—don the costume in court to illustrate the difficulty of groping anyone or even of knowing for certain where their oven mitt-like paws were resting. The costume was offered to the jurors to examine during deliberations, but they declined.

Chartrand, who lost his fiance and was suspended without pay from his job after his arrest, declined a prosecution offer of pleading to the charge of misdemeanor battery and one year of probation, and opted to go to trial on that charge and one of lewd or lascivious molestation of a child 12 to 15 years of ago. After being acquitted, he told the Orlando Sentinel, “I was brought up to be a gentleman and a scholar the English, old-fashioned way, and so I have no animosity to anybody. I have values that most Americans would probably wish to have.”

After a meeting on Friday between Chartrand, his mother, Disney, and a representative from the union representing costumed characters, Teamsters Local 385, Chartrand was reinstated by Disney and given back pay for the time that he was suspended. He will return to the “Zoo Crew” at first as a character greeter (escort), and may return to playing costumed characters by the end of the month. At his request, however, he most likely will not portray Tigger, at least not at first. He is expected to return to work later this week.

Disney gets thrashed in union voting

After the first public reading of Disney's preliminary contract offer for about 22,000 workers at Walt Disney World was heavily booed, the voting results may not have been as much of a surprise. But still, Disney had to be dismayed by the final tally. With a turnout of about one in five of the represented workers, the proposal was soundly thrashed, with 4,122 voting against it, while only 15 voted for it. You read that correctly. Just 0.36 percent of all voters were in favor.

On Saturday, the Web site for United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UCFW) Local 1625 included the following message in their recap of the vote: “Amazing numbers which beg the question: after five months, are we bargaining yet? Disney really couldn't have been SERIOUS about that economic proposal!”

With a rallying cry of “We're worth more in 2004!” the six unions that make up the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) urged their members to reject the proposal. The represented employees include costumed characters, ticket-takers, food service workers, housekeepers, bellhops, stage technicians, bus drivers, and lifeguards.

Key issues included:

• Disney's elimination of all overtime provisions excluding overtime after 40 hours in the work week, the current Federal standard (workers currently earn overtime for working over eight hours in one day)
• A 1 percent wage increase for non-tipped workers who have not reached the top of their salary grade (which generally takes six years)
• A $500 bonus for non-tipped employees who are at the top of their pay scale
• Disney's change to medical insurance, increasing the workers' co-pay to match managers and executives and charging for a formerly no-cost plan
• Disney's elimination of eligibility for pension for new hires who would have to start their own 401(k) instead of the company plan
• Increased use of casual cast members, which would eliminate full-time positions

While first votes on preliminary contract offers have been a way to provide feedback for both labor and management in preparation for additional rounds of bargaining, the latest rejection has to be something of a wake-up call for Disney. The unionized workers will now function on yet another contract extension as negotiations continue. Putting on a brave face, Disney said that the union voters have not yet seen a finalized offer from the company, only the preliminary offer. However, STCU president Joe Condo told the Associated Press, “I can't understand why they want to upset their workforce by even putting something as terrible as this out.”

Disney and the STCU take this week off before returning to the negotiating table on August 14.

Rate reductions at Radisson Resort Parkway

Radission Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has reduced its rates even more. Rates have been dropped effective immediately to September levels. Book now through the end of September for rates starting at $75.95. In addition to these reduced rates, guests can receive a complimentary upgrade to deluxe pool view accommodations for the remainder of 2004 simply by typing in the code of “UPGR” in the promotional field of the reservation. See the complete rate schedule in our Discounts and Promotions section of the Update.

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.

Pssst! Wanna buy a monorail?

Walt Disney World's preferred liquidator, Joe's Auction House, has put the front car of Mark IV Monorail Red up for auction on eBay (link). By late Sunday night, the bidding had risen to over $95,000, but the reserve price had not yet been met. The 15-ton, over 30-foot-long monorail car will be shipped by truck, with a crane to lift it onto and off of the truck. While the monorail car does include the pilot's cabin, the pilot (and track) are not included.

A reason to stick around after Maelstrom?

According to Norway.org, the official Norwegian Web site for American audiences, Disney and Norway have agreed that the five-minute film about Norway at the country's pavilion at Epcot is dated and needs replacing. The film, which guests frequently skip by racing through the theater as soon as the doors open, is shown following the pavilion's signature Maelstrom ride. It is hoped that the new film will be ready some time in 2005, for the centennial of the country's return to independence from other countries.

Dreams for sale

When Disney first introduced its branded Visa card, MousePlanet readers wondered if the few announced benefits were worth applying for one. Now Disney has introduced special auctions that can only be bid on by Disney Visa cardholders.

The Disney Visa card will be a ticket to dream in Disney's Dream Auction to benefit three charities. Disney and Bank One (the issuer of the Disney Visa card) have announced the 27 lots up for auction. Proceeds will go to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS and Free Arts for Abused Children. Many of the items up for auction between September 27 and October 14 are special experiences at Walt Disney World.

WDW lots include:

• A trip to Walt Disney World to be a guest DJ with a Radio Disney on-air talent for a day interviewing guests about the exciting new attraction Stitch's Great Escape! Auction dates: September 27 – October 7.
• A training session and hands-on lesson with the artists of La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Walt Disney World, a behind-the-scenes tour of the Cirque du Soleil theatre and four tickets for VIP seating at a performance. Auction dates: September 27 – October 6.
• A six- to eight-hour Behind the Scenes Tour for up to four people, led by a Walt Disney Imagineer, of current and upcoming attractions and experiences at Walt Disney World. Throughout the day, you can learn how attractions are conceived and developed by this unique, incredible team of creative and engineering professionals. You can experience some attractions and rides beside some of the people who created them. Auction dates: September 28 – October 8.
• A pampering at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa for up to four people, a ride in Cinderella's Coach, private photo shoot with Cinderella and a chance to be the Grand Marshal of a Disney parade. Auction dates: October 4–14.
• A full day of private golf instruction and golf play with ESPN Golf School's top instructor at Walt Disney World's award-winning championship courses. Auction dates: October 4–14.
• A guaranteed PGA Tour Pro-Am spot in the Funai Classic at Walt Disney World, where you have the chance to tee it up next to the best professional golfers in the world. The Pro-Am event takes place October 21–22. Auction dates: September 27 – October 4.
• A day-long Grand Adventure for up to eight people at Disney's Animal Kingdom with a specially tailored safari experience on Kilamanjaro Safaris hosted by an Animal Programs Manager, plus an animal-training session with an Animal Keeper. Includes VIP viewing of Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade, a guided tour of the park, and VIP seating at Festival of the Lion King and Flights of Wonder shows, plus a full-day admission to Disney's Animal Kingdom with snacks and a meal provided. Auction dates: October 4–14.

Registration at Disneydreamauction.com requires a valid Disney Visa card number and a valid eBay account. Those who do not yet have Disney Visa cards must apply by August 23 in order to have the application processed in time to participate in the auction.

Disney, YMCA open first of child care centers

Disney and the Central Florida YMCA opened the first of two child care centers on property last Monday. The facility on Sherberth Road can accommodate 302 children at once, while the other center, to open at the corner of Vista Boulevard and Bonnet Creek Parkway in January 2005, will be able to handle 348 children at once.

The centers are partly subsidized for some of the lowest-paid workers by Disney. Part of the YMCA's deal with Disney stated that the centers had to charge $2 less per hour than other day care centers. The centers will be open from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. to accommodate members dropping off their children at whatever time is necessary due to their work hours each week.

Ears to the ground

…The last three scheduled E-Ride Nights are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday of this week. None are scheduled for September, and with the Halloween and Christmas parties taking up 25 nights from October through December, it's likely that we won't see any more E-Ride Nights until some time in 2005.

…Kianga, the baby elephant born July 6 at Disney's Animal Kingdom, made her first visit to the elephant watering hole last Thursday, just under a month since she was born. She'll be spending a few hours a day on the savannah until she has been introduced to the whole herd, at which time she'll begin spending full days out with the herd. It seems that it won't be long before Kianga will be joining Tufani (the baby elephant born last year) in playing around on the savannah.

…We hear that Test Track has switched the standby and FastPass return queues, where standby guests will now have to go all the way to the left and FastPass return will be to the right.

Have any interesting news or rumors? Let us know.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• “it's a small world” – closed through March 18, 2005 for rehab (info).
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – walled off to “clear the land as well as add landscape for future use” through November 19, with the walls tentatively coming down on November 11.
• The ExtraTERRORestrial Alien Encounter – closed for good to be replaced with new Stitch's Great Escape, scheduled to open October 1.
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – expected to remain open for the duration of the Stitch's Great Escape construction.
• Timekeeper – seasonally open from 9 a.m. – 10 p.m. through August 14.
• Adventureland – opens with the rest of the park daily with the exception of the Jungle Cruise and the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, which open at 10 a.m. However, Jungle Cruise opens with the rest of the park through mid-August.
• The Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree – open at 10 a.m. every day.
• Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – remains open during its rehab. Work on the grandstand and other support areas runs through mid-August, track work through late September.
• Fantasyland Skyway building area – under rehab through September 30. The waterfall, bridge and pond to be replaced with a meet-and-greet for Snow White and a new stroller parking area for “it's a small world.”
• Donald's Boat - closed through August 12.
• Tom Sawyer Island - closed through September 25; Rivers of America unaffected.
• Jungle Cruise – closed August 22 – September 5.
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed September 13 – October 15.
• Ariel's Grotto – closed September 22 – November 19 for theme-matching with the 20,000 Leagues Lagoon reclamation.
• The Hub area in front of the castle – undergoes more refurbishing in January 2005.
• Astro Orbiter – closed January 2 – February 16, 2005.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – closed January 10 – February 12, 2005.

Epcot

• The Universe of Energy – may close for a short rehab at any time to remove the ExxonMobil signage now that its pavilion sponsorship has ended.
• Rose & Crown Pub & Dining Room – returned from rehab.
• Food Rocks – closed permanently to make way for the entrance to the new Soarin' Over California attraction.
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The Land – discontinued during reconstruction of the Food Rocks area into the queue for Soarin'. Expected to resume upon completion of the construction.
• The Land pavilion – expected closure January – March 2005 for completion of the Soarin' attraction.
• The Wonders of Life pavilion – open seasonally. The Pure and Simple eatery and the Well and Goods Limited shop have been removed, while the Body Wars, Cranium Command, and The Making of Me attractions now open when the pavilion is open. It appears that the pavilion will not open this summer, which does not bode well for the future.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Residential Street at the Disney-MGM Studios – closed and demolished and construction well underway to turn the site into the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, an American version of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from the Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris.
• The Magic of Disney Animation – closes for rehab September 13-24.
• New York Street – undergoing construction to change some facades to represent Chicago and San Francisco. Previously believed to be renamed Big City Street, the newly confirmed name of the area is the Streets of America Backlot. The target completion date: October 2.
• The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – returns this year on the Streets of America backlot, November 24 – January 2.

Animal Kingdom

• Pocahontas and her Forest Friends – closes September 7-11.
• Festival of the Lion King – closes September 16-18.
• The Boneyard – closes for rehab September 20 – October 14.

Resorts

• Port Orleans Resort – Ongoing two-year extensive rehab of its rooms. Phase I's French Quarter has reopened. Phase II is underway, and involves Riverside going through a phased rehab. The Magnolia Bend mansions will go down one by one, followed by Alligator Bayou closing in sections.
• Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses. Each longhouse under rehab is walled off and isolated during its rehab. Room refurbishments are resuming. Scheduled: Rapa Nui January 3 – April 1, 2005, Tahiti April 24 – August 17, 2005. Tokelau, not yet refurbished, is not yet scheduled.
• Disney's Old Key West Resort – The main pool closes September 6 through the end of the year to construct new water slide.
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa (a new Disney Vacation Club resort) – now open. Construction continues on the rest of the resort; the other three buildings of Phase I are due by the end of the year, the eight units of Phase II are due in 2005, and the six units of the newly-announced Phase III are due in 2007. Phase III will involve the razing of the old Fairway Villas.

Water Parks

• Blizzard Beach – closes for its annual rehab on October 24..

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays, but closes August 22–25, October 17–20, and December 5–13.
• The All Star Cafe at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex – now closed Monday-Wednesday. Open Thursday–Sunday, from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). July 31 – August 19.

August 2004

• E-Ride Nights at the Magic Kingdom. August 9, 11, 13.

September 2004

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion Weekend (link). September 2–5.
• Disney's Soccer Showcase Qualifier (link). September 4-6.
• Nights of Joy (link). September 9 – 11.
• A Family Pin Gathering - Disney's Pin Celebration 2004 (link). September 10 – 12.
• Disney's International Distance Triathlon (link). September 26.

October 2004

• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). October 1 – November 14.
• Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party (link). October 1, 3, 8, 12, 14, 17, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29 and 31.
• 2004 Komen Central Florida Race For The Cure 5K (link). October 9.
• Disney's 10K Classic (link). October 10.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). October 21–24.
• 999 Happy Haunts event (link). October 25-27.

November 2004

• Festival of the Masters at Downtown Disney (link). November 12–14.
• Super Soap Weekend (link). November 13-14.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). November 28 & 30, December 2, 3, 5, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, & 17.
• Festival of the Seasons at Downtown Disney (link). November 26 – December 24.
• Holidays Around the World (link). November 26 – December 30.

December 2004

• Disney's Soccer Showcase (link). December 27-January 2, 2005.
• New Year's Eve celebrations at Pleasure Island (link) and Atlantic Dance (link). December 31.

January 2005

• Disney's Health and Fitness Expo (link). January 7 & 8.
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link). January 8.
• Disney Marathon (link) and Half-Marathon (link). January 9.

February 2005

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Dates in February – April TBA.

April 2005

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). Dates in February – April TBA.

May 2005

• Star Wars Weekends (link). Weekends in May – June TBA.

June 2005

• Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link). June 2–5.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Room discounts through September, now for APs, Florida and Canada residents

Discounts are available on rooms at Walt Disney World for stays from August 29 through September 29. Reservations must be made by August 28. Additional discounts were also announced for Annual Passholders, Florida residents, and Canadian residents. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

Play 4 Days is back

The Florida Resident Play 4 Days Ticket allows Florida residents four days of play in Disneyâs four theme parks between July 30 and Nov. 21, 2004 for $119 per person ($126.74 including tax). Park-hopping is permitted on the days used. The ticket is available at Disney theme parks, Florida Disney Stores, and other locations such as Florida AAA offices. Proof of Florida residency is required.

New September Dream Maker package discount

A new specially-priced Dream Maker package is available for most nights from August 29 - September 29. The discount is on the room portion of the package only. Reservations must be made by August 28. See the Walt Disney World web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

Special Night of Joy package available

A new Night of Joy Travel Package is available starting at $149 per person, per night based on double adult occupancy at Disney Resort. The Night of Joy Travel Package features: three-night accommodations at a Disney Value Resort; one Ultimate Park Hopper Ticket good for all Walt Disney World theme parks and more from check-in day through check-out day; and one three-day Night of Joy Ticket for Disney's 22nd annual Christian music celebration in Magic Kingdom. The package also includes an Official Walt Disney World Travel Company luggage tag (one per person), two souvenir Disney trading pins and two lanyards (per room) plus a Choice Feature such as miniature golf, a Leave a Legacy tile at Epcot or savings on a dining experience at Planet Hollywood at Downtown Disney West Side. Reservations must be made by August 28.

Rate reductions at Radisson Resort Parkway

Radission Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has reduced their rates even more. Rates have been dropped effective immediately to September levels. Book now through the end of September for ratest starting at $75.95. In addition to these reduced rates, guests can receive a complimentary upgrade to deluxe pool view accommodations for the remainder of 2004 simply by typing in the code of ãUPGRä in the promotional field of the reservation.

Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.

2005 rates will be available shortly.

Florida Resident Cirque du Soleil La Nouba special

Florida residents can receive 20 percent off Category Two tickets at Cirque du Soleil in Downtown Disney's West Side from June 1 – September 30, 2004. Blackout dates are June 20 – July 5 and August 22–25. Proof of residency and advance purchase are required. The discount is not available at the ticket window, and there is a limit of four tickets per transaction. To order call 407-939-1282.

Gaylord Palms to pay for gas

Guests of the Gaylord Palms Resort will receive a $75 credit to cover the higher cost of gasoline for stays of at least three nights from June 15 through Sept. 6. The Orlando-area resort will provide the room credit to guests who make a reservation using the promotion code FREEGAS. It is not a requirement that guests drive to the resort in order to get the discount.

Disney's Summer Price Slice returns

Summer Price Slice is back with special-value greens fees on tee times after 10 a.m. daily from May 17 through September 30 on Disney's five championship courses.

Golfers can test the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $65 (compared to a normal seasonal greens fee of $119) or Eagle Pines for $50 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $109). Post-10 a.m. rounds on the Magnolia, Palm or Lake Buena Vista courses are $45 (compared to a normal seasonal fee of $99). Cart is included.

Disney's Summer Price Slice also gives golfers the opportunity to play afternoon rounds late into the day. Golfers can take on Osprey Ridge after 3 p.m. for $35 ($30 after 5 p.m.). Eagle Pines, Magnolia, Palm and Lake Buena Vista start at $30 after 3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.).

For tee times, guests may call 407/WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653). For information on the Walt Disney World golf courses Web site (link).

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The Walt Disney World Resort is encouraging visitors to buy their theme park tickets before they even leave home, by offering a slight discount on advance purchases. You can save as much as $26 per adult, per ticket with the “Advance Purchase Savings” program. These prices are before the 6.5 percent Orange County sales tax.

You can also receive these Advance Purchase Savings with packages purchased through AAA.

Annual Passholders

Receive 10 percent off the price of their lunch meal at selected Walt Disney World Resort hotel restaurants, and the discount is good for up to three guests. The offer is valid Mondays through Fridays. Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) for locations and reservations.

Park Hours

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2004.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through October 2004.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

Did you recently notice something new or different in the park? Are you a CM with something intriguing to share? Heard any good rumors lately, or know of something our readers will wanna know? Send them in to Mark Goldhaber so we can follow up on them!

PREVIOUS UPDATES

2005

• January: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• February: 7, 15, 21, 28
• March: 7, 14, 21, 28
• April: 4, 11, 18, 25
• May: 2, 9, 16, 23, 31
• June: 6, 13, 20, 27
• July: 5, 11, 18, 25
• August: 1, 8, 15, 22, 30
• September: 6, 12, 19, 26
• October: 3, 10, 17, 24, 31
• November: 8

2004

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