Update for March 14–20, 2005

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News and Views

Cindy's adds character lunch

Beginning Monday, June 10, Cinderella's Royal Table added characters to lunch. Prices are $23.99 per adult and $12.99 per child (ages 3-11). The new meal is subject to the same $10/$5 deposit and cancellation policies as breakfast.

Expect the same set of characters at lunch as those that appear at the character breakfast, but be aware that Cinderella will not be seen in the dining room during any performances of Cinderellabration, since she cannot be in the dining room inside the castle if she is on stage out in front of the castle.

For those counting 90 days back from June 10, the first meals are available for booking now.

Union asks Disney to reopen contract

After approving a contract offer under pressure from Disney on last November 18, the Service Trades Council Union (STCU) has asked the company to revisit some health care provisions of that contract. The union, which represents about 40 percent of all workers at Walt Disney World, recommended that its members adopt the contract after Disney warned that they would not extend the previous contract past the date of the vote, and would begin unilaterally enforcing the higher health care costs in the proposal without the proposed raises.

Now, the 22,000-member STCU is asking the company to implement an on-site pharmacy dispensing free generic drugs to employees, and freeze health care co-payments that are scheduled to rise in the contract's final two years.

Hotel Employees and Restaurant Employees (HERE) Local 362, which is one of the six member unions of the STCU, is pushing the free generic pharmacy as a cost-saving measure for both Disney and its employees, stating that switching to a model that gives more incentive to buy generic drugs would save the company over a billion dollars and employees well over half a billion. The union is using numbers from an analysis provided by Sav-Rx Prescription Drug Services, which runs a similar pharmacy for the union's divisions in Atlantic City, Chicago and Las Vegas. The analysis was presented during contract negotiations and rejected by Disney, which claimed that the problem with the concept was that costs for brand-name medications would increase dramatically and offset any savings created by the generic drugs.

The STCU claims that, with tourism and Disney's profits from the resort both up, the company is in a position to help out the employees. Disney responded that they are planning to honor the terms of the contract, and would be willing to discuss changes during negotiations for the next agreement. The current contract expires on April 28, 2007.

Light, Motors, Action! soft opening/test and adjust

Two new attractions begin soft opening dress rehearsals this week, while two seasonal shows are also opening up this coming weekend for a two-week run.

The Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show at the Disney-MGM Studios held cast previews on Sunday, and soft-opens to guests on Monday. We have details from a source at the Studios:

While Lights, Motors, Action! will be opening March 14th, it will only be for ONE WEEK (March 14-19) for ONE show a day at 3 pm in order to get reactions from guests, test the queue configuration and Fastpass system.

These shows will be a test and adjust viewing. Once the week is up, the attraction will close again to finish the last bit of tweaking they need to do. (The show currently runs at 45 mins, they want it at a 35 min show.) Also, because the crew needs to get used to performing with the jet skis (which won't be ready until some time in April, due to circumstances beyond their control).

However, occasionally it will open for a day or two, only one show a day again for another test and adjust.

More openings

The new Cinderellabration show debuts at the Magic Kingdom on Thursday, March 17 at 10:40 and 11:40 a.m. and 4:35, 5:35, 6:35 and 7:35 p.m. Beginning Friday, March 18, is adds a 9:40 a.m. show and drop the 7:35 p.m. show from its regular schedule. No word yet on how many changes have been made to turn Tokyo's nighttime show into a daytime show for Walt Disney World.

Epcot's Wonders of Life pavillion begins its Easter-time run this coming Sunday, March 20, and opens through April 2. The three main attractions (Body Wars, The Making of Me, and Cranium Command) are expected to be up and running.

The Timekeeper at the Magic Kingdom opens for business this coming Saturday, March 19, and runs through April 2.

Food and beverage news

The Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station, formerly the Plaza Pavilion, holds its grand opening on Tuesday.

Aunt Polly's Dockside Inn on Tom Sawyer Island reopened on Friday, and remains open (operating from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.) for the foreseeable future.

El Pirata Y El Perico Restaurante reopened yesterday, and operates with hours of 11 a.m to 4 p.m. until March 19th, then with hours of 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from March 19 through April 2 before closing back down until the next peak season.

Last Monday, all four Magic Kingdom Park hot dog carts began offering a bundled meal featuring a hot dog, chips and a large beverage for $6.50.

From March 20 to April 2, Cosmic Rays will be serving breakfast from 7 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The food choices, which will only be available at the Chicken bay, will be very similiar to the breakfast offerings at the Electric Umbrella at Epcot.

Tom Joyner returning to Walt Disney World

Showing no concern after being washed out last year by Hurricane Frances, the Tom Joyner Family Reunion will try again this year. The event, scheduled for September 2–4, features performances by musicians, comedians and gospel acts, centered at the Coronado Springs Resort and the Disney–MGM Studios. Performers scheduled so far include Damon Wayans, Ashanti, Omarion, Hammer, Shirley Caesar, Dr. Bobby Jones, Smokie Norful and Lil iRocc, with more to be announced. For more information, check out Joyner's Web site (link) or call 1-888-TJ-FAMILY (1-888-853-2645).

Hour extensions

It's well-known that the weeks before and after Easter are two of the busiest weeks of the year at Walt Disney World, and park hours are lengthened in response. This year is no exception, as Disney is instituting what may the the longest regular hours since opening, if you include Extra Magic Hours.

From March 20 through April 1, the regular hours for the Magic Kingdom park are 8 a.m. until midnight, for a 16-hour regular day. However, the park is holding Morning Extra Magic Hours every day during that period, lengthening the day to 17 hours.

And just in case the overnight custodial staff didn't have enough problems resetting the park in less than seven hours every day, on March 23 and March 30, the evening Extra Magic Hours have the park hours for resort guests run from 7 a.m. until 3 a.m., for a whopping 20-hour day! If you are in the park first thing in the morning on March 24 or March 31 and the custodial staff is still busy making the park nice and fresh, give them a nice big thank-you for making it all happen in four hours.

In addition, during that stretch from March 20 to April 1, the Magic Kingdom's Share a Dream Come True parade makes its way through the crowded park twice a day, at 12:30 and 3:30 p.m.

Also, Disney's Animal Kingdom operates from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day from March 20 to April 1. Morning Extra Magic Hours open the park at 7 a.m. on March 26. Evening Extra Magic Hours make for very late nights at that park, running until 11 p.m. on March 22 and 29.

Expanding the nursery at Disney's Animal Kingdom

In the wake of two elephant births at Disney's Animal Kingdom over the last two years, the park is celebrating the birth of a rhinoceros calf. A Southern White Rhino named Kendi, who was herself the first rhinoceros to be born at the park in 1999, gave birth to a female calf named Kayla after 16 months of gestation. Kayla makes her public debut later this spring.

Also later this spring, another elephant birth is expected at Disney's Animal Kingdom. A 26-year-old African elephant named Ibala is expected to deliver her calf in April. The new calf would join Tufani, born in May 2003, and Kianga, born in July 2004, as the prime progeny of the park's very successful elephant breeding program.

Resorts host egg hunts

Disney Vacation Club and Walt Disney World Resort hotels host a variety of special activities to celebrate the Easter bunny on March 27. The Beach Club, BoardWalk, Saratoga Springs and Hilton Head Island resorts are among the many Disney destinations planning candy-scramble events for Easter Sunday. A whistle signals that it's time for participating children to collect as much candy as they can.

The Old Key West resort is taking a different approach, as children will collect plastic eggs that can be redeemed for candy. The youngest children will still take part in a traditional candy scramble. There will also be some surprise events, so be sure to check at the front desk for details.

Vero Beach update

Repairs at Disney's Vero Beach Resort continue in the wake of the destruction from the direct hits by hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. While the majority of the resort has been repaired, reconstruction work continues on the resort's boardwalk through April, and taking at least through the summer to complete roof repairs.

In the meantime, the rest of the resort's operations continue. DVC members can pre-book turtle-walk programs, which take place on Monday evenings in June and July, through the Caribbean Conservation Corporation. The program costs $20 for the first family member and $10 per additional family member. Participants receive membership in the CCC and an adopt-a-turtle packet containing sea turtle “adoption” certificates for each family member. Pre-booking the program allows family members to name the sea turtles that they adopt. To register to take part in the turtle walk, call 1-800-678-7853. Space is limited.

Ears to the ground

…Walt Disney World is holding “The Great Disney Job Hunt” job fair Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Walt Disney World Casting Center to fill hundreds of positions. The full-time, part-time, and seasonal roles being offered include airport and luggage representatives for the new Disney's Magical Express service, which starts on May 5.

…WDWMagic is reporting (link) that Epcot's new Soarin' attraction begins guest soft openings on Wednesday, with entrance via a side entry due to continuing construction at The Land pavilion.

…We've received word that the show swap-out refurbishment of Playhouse Disney Live on Stage is indeed seeingthe addition of JoJo's Circus to the show. However, its victim is not the Book of Pooh segment, as previously reported. Instead, the Rolie Polie Olie segment is dropping from the show to make room for the little girl clown and her pet lion.

…The next 70-room building at the Saratoga Springs resort is on track to open this month.

…With the completion of the “Happiest Celebration on Earth” overlay on Cinderella Castle, the crane for the job has been removed from its location behind the castle, once again clearing the courtyard.

…Look for a brand-new Steamboat Willie-shaped salad bar to appear at the Grand Floridian in the near future. No word yet on which restaurant is receiving the piece.

…The Central Plaza hub's remaining construction walls, as well as those around Tomorrowland's Merchant of Venus shop, come down on Saturday.

…The Magic Kingdom's resort monorail platform reopens on Friday.

…DVC members now get a 10 percent discount at Starabilias in Downtown Disney's West Side. Another new discount is 20 percent off any lunch or dinner Extra Value Meal at the McDonald's at Downtown Disney. Also available is a buy-one-get-one-free offer on breakfast sandwiches at that same McDonald's. Please note that the restaurant honors only one discount offer per purchase.

…Main Street's Harmony Barber Shop has extended its operating hours, and is open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. through March 26.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• “it's a small world” – finally opens this Saturday after a long 10-month+ refurbishment (info).
• 20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – most of the area has reopened, featuring “coral” type planters and more walkway space. The remainder is still reported to be transforming into a Hundred Acre Wood-themed meet-and-greet, with an uncertain opening date..
• Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned, date uncertain.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is open March 19 – April 2.
• Jungle Cruise, the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New Management, the Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear Jamboree – open at 10 a.m. every day.
• The Central Plaza (hub area in front of the castle) – undergoing more refurbishing in preparation for the Cinderellabration show coming later this year. The remaining walls will come down on Saturday.
• Stitch's Great Escape – is running at half-capacity while the show is upgraded. No expected completion date yet.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – last performance was Saturday, February 26. Reported to be returning after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.
• Cinderellabration – reportedly begins preview performances on Thursday. Official opening is May 5. Expected to run until the end of the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.

Epcot

• Soarin' – officially scheduled to open on May 5, but may have an earlier soft opening. Cast previews are in early April, and passholder and DVC previews are April 15–17 during park hours.
• The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The Land—discontinued construction of the queue area for Soarin'. Will resume upon completion of the construction.
• The Land pavilion – closed thru April 26 for completion of the retheming to match the new 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. The pavilion will be open from Sunday, March 20 through Saturday, April 2.

Disney-MGM Studios

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show, an American version of the popular Moteurs… Action! stunt show from the Walt Disney Studios at Disneyland Paris, is officially scheduled to debut on May 4. Cast previews were held on Saturday and Sunday, and the show will have a limited soft opening to the public today for test-and-adjust purposes.
• Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage! – closed April 4–10 for show change-out. A JoJo's Circus segment will replace the Rolie Polie Olie segment.

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May – July, 2005.
• Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.

Resorts

• Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment of longhouses: Rapa Nui and the suites in Tonga through April 1; Tahiti April 24 – August 17; Tokelau May – September. Work on the Great Ceremonial House also appears to be underway: stores moving to the main lobby area; Captain Cook's Snack Company expanding to fill the rest of the rear of the building.
• BoardWalk Resort – Conversion of the previous Disney Vacation Club sales center into 19 additional villa-style accommodations through June, and the second floor villas located directly above the project area not available for booking during the construction. Major pipe replacement project underway in corridors outside guest rooms daily 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. through summer 2005. No work scheduled inside guest rooms.
• Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa – Phase I's construction of four buildings complete; Phase II's eight units will open one each month, beginning in March 2005; Phase III's the six units due in 2007, involves razing the old Fairway Villas.
• Yacht and Beach Club Resorts – Refurbishment of Stormalong Bay pool area thru early 2005; certain sections unavailable at various times. Those parts not immediately worked on are open for use. Flying Jib slide work reportedly now complete.
• Yacht Club Resort – Siding renovation project to continue through mid-2005.
• Beach Club Resort – The Sandcastle Club child care center closed thru March 31 to refurbish Atlantic Wear & Wardrobe Emporium. Harbor Club at the BoardWalk Resort reopens for that three-month period. Sandcastle Club reopens April 1.
• Coronado Springs Resort – Exhibit hall construction continues; scheduled to open spring 2005. Construction noises may be audible throughout the Casitas section of the resort during the daytime construction.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – reopened from annual refurbishment yesterday. A new water coaster, the Crush 'N' Gusher, may not open until tomorrow.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays – Saturdays.
• 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

• Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). Thru March 31.

March 2005

• Doll & Teddy Bear Weekend (link). March 18–20.

April 2005

• Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (link). April 15 – June 5.
• Disney Grad Nights (link). April 22, 23, 29, 30.
• Pin Route 498 pin event (link). April 30.
• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon Fitness Expo (link). April 30 – May 1.
• All Star Kids Inline Classic (link). April 30.

May 2005

• Walt Disney World Inline Marathon & Half-Marathon (link). May 1.
• Danskin Women's Triathlon (link) May 15.
• Star Wars Weekends (link). Fridays – Sundays, May 20 – June 12.
• Florida Half Ironman at Walt Disney World (link) May 22.

June 2005

• Gay and Lesbian Day at Walt Disney World (link1 | link2). June 2–5.
• National Kidney Foundation 5K (link) June 12.

September 2005

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion (link). Sept. 2–4.
• Night of Joy (link). Dates TBA.
• Disney's International Distance Triathlon (link) Sept. 23–25.
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (link). Sept. 30 – Nov. 13.
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party (link). Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 4, 7, 11, 13, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31.

October 2005

• Disney's 10K Classic (link) Oct. 9.
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World (link). Oct. 20–23.

November 2005

• Festival of the Masters (link). Nov. 11–13.
• Super Soap Weekend (link). Nov. 12–13.
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights (link). Nov. 23 - Jan. 8, 2006
• Holidays Around the World (link). Nov. 25 – Dec. 30.
• Festival of the Seasons (link). Dates TBA.
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party (link). Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20.

December 2005

• Pleasure Island New Year's Eve (link). Dec. 31.
• New Year's Eve at Cirque du Soleil (link). Dec. 31.
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year's Eve (link). Dec. 31.

January 2006

• Disney's Health and Fitness Expo (link). Jan. 6 & 7.
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run (link). Jan. 7.
• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon (link). Registration now open. Jan. 7. [Note: The full- and half-marathons are now held on separate days. Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
• Walt Disney World Marathon (link). Registration now open. Jan. 8.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Summer passholder rates are out

Annual Passholder resort discounts valid most nights from April 17 through July 4 have been announced. Rates start at $74 for value resorts and $104 for moderates. See the Passholder web site (link) or MouseSavers (link) for more information.

Last few days for Southwest Airlines discount packages for Walt Disney World, Disneyland

Southwest Airlines is offering vacation packages to the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. The packages are valid for trips from through June 2, 2005, and must be booked by this Thursday, March 17. For complete details, go to the Southwest Vacations site (link).

DVC golf discount, bonus

Walt Disney World golf courses are now offering Disney Vacation Club members free club and shoe rentals through March 31, 2005. DVC members can also purchase a DVC Annual Golf Membership for $50 plus tax. The golf membership grants special prices and perks at the WDW golf courses.

Radisson Resort Parkway announces rates through 2005

Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates through the end of 2005.

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

Plan ahead and save a few bucks

The entire price structure has changed as of January 2 to the new “Magic Your Way” passes. Advance purchase discounts are only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 5 days.

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 May 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through May 2005.

Theme Park Events

Downtown Disney Entertainment

(Separate admission required)

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

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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