Air pressure problem disrupts 14 attractions at Magic Kingdom
Fourteen attractions at the Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom were temporarily
shut down last Wednesday, on April 20, due to technical difficulties.
An air pressure system used to handle everything from lifting Dumbo ride
vehicles to operating block zone gates on Splash Mountain experienced
problems when a water pipe associated with the system began leaking. The
rides involved went through a normal safe shutdown sequence and were evacuated
while the problem was resolved and the ride systems reset.
The attractions were down from 25 minutes to an hour, based on conflicting
reports, and those waiting in line were given return passes.
This type of widespread problem is unusual, but neither a major safety
problem nor one requiring lengthy repairs.
The Land is now open
The Land pavilion at Epcot has now reopened to the general public, with
all three major attractions running. Soarin' and Living with the Land
both feature Fastpass, while the Circle of Life film continues without.
The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses resumes running every
45 minutes from 9:30 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. beginning on Friday, April 29.
The Sunshine Seasons food court also reopens on Friday, April 29, but
The Garden Grill Restaurant is not expected to return until at least July
7.
The pavilion also has a new Kidcot Fun Stop, which joins Test Track and
the Living Seas pavilions in Future World.
Complete Star Wars Weekends celebrity guest list announced
The list of attendees at this year's Star Wars Weekends has finally
been announced. Each weekend sees one character actor and one technical
specialist in attendance.
For the opening weekend (May 20–22), the attendees ware Daniel Logan
(Young Boba Fett) and John Goodson (concept model maker). The second weekend
(May 27–29) sees Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca) and Rob Coleman (animation
supervisor). Warwick Davis (Wicket the Ewok) and Don Bies (R2–D2 operator)
attend the weekend of June 3–5, and Jerome Blake (Rune Haako) and
Brian Gernand (model supervisor) are the guests the final weekend (June
10–12).
Party news
Dates for Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry
Christmas Party have now been officially set. See below (link)
for dates. Tickets should be going on sale within the next week or so.
Usually, Halloween night and Friday nights are the first to sell out,
but you should have a few weeks from the day that they go on sale before
that happens. For tickets, phone 407–W–DISNEY (407–934–7639)
or by visiting the Walt Disney World web site (link).
“Simply Segway Experience” debuts May 1st
A new opportunity to those cool two–wheeled vehicles, the “Simply
Segway Experience at Epcot” is offering a one–hour indoor Segway
handling class for beginners everydayat 12:30 p.m. except Tuesdays and
Thursdays. Like its lengthier cousin, the two–hour “Around the
World at Epcot” tour, riders need to be 16 years of age and weigh
less than 250 pounds.
Due to the instructional nature of this experience, more advanced riders
are probably better off taking the longer tour.
The new experience costs $45 per person, while the longer ride $80 per
person. Discounts of 15 percent are available on both tours for AAA members,
Disney Visa Cardholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Annual Passholders.
You can book both tours by calling 407–WDW–TOUR (407–939–8687).
Disney's Magical Express bus routes revealed
When Disney's Magical Express begins on May 5, it will operate on a zone
basis, with resorts grouped into four zones. Buses will be dispatched
on an as–needed basis based on resorts and flight times, with a maximum
of four stops per bus. Additional buses will be dispatched if five resorts
in one zone have guests needing to be picked up for similar flight times,
or if more guests need to be picked up than can be accommodated on a single
bus.
Zones are as follows:
Magic Kingdom Area (“Red Zone”): Grand Floridian Resort
& Spa, Polynesian Resort, Contemporary Resort, Wilderness Lodge,
Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Fort Wilderness Campground and Resort
Epcot Area (“Blue Zone”): Beach Club Resort, Beach Club
Villas, Yacht Club Resort, Boardwalk Inn, Boardwalk Villas, Caribbean
Beach Resort, Pop Century Resort
Animal Kingdom Area (“Green Zone”): Animal Kingdom Lodge,
All–Star Sports Resort, All–Star Music Resort, All–Star
Movies Resort, Coronado Springs Resort
Downtown Disney Area (“Black Zone”): Port Orleans French
Quarter Resort, Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Old Key West Resort,
Saratoga Springs Resort
Disney joins convention marketing consortium
Walt Disney World has signed on as a “Gold Key Member” of the
Orange County Convention Center, promising cash and other contributions
totalling $125,000 per year in exchange for access to those planning events
at the center. This also allows Disney to open a sales office inside the
convention center for better access to individual eventgoers.
It is unknown how much will be paid in cash, as opposed to food, drinks,
park tickets and merchandise, which will be used to entertain trade–show,
convention and other planners who might be considering the Orlando area
as an event site.
Planners will be offered the opportunity to schedule events at the parks
as part of their event at the Convention Center, from private parties
at Downtown Disney or after–hours at one of the theme parks, to special
group–rate tickets and transportation to the parks.
Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando have also signed similar agreements.
Correction on one–night Night of Joy tickets
We previously misreported the advance–purchase price of a one–night
ticket for the Night of Joy event. One–night tickets cost $36.95 plus
tax in advance, as opposed to the $37.95 we previously reported. The price
to purchase a one–night ticket at the gate (if available) is correct at
$42.95 plus tax, and two–night tickets were correctly reported at $61.95
plus tax. Advance tickets are available by calling 407–W–DISNEY (407–934–7639)
or by visiting the Night of Joy web site (link).
Ears to the ground
…The six–CD musical history of Disneyland Park we listed last
week is reported to be going on sale at Disney Direct today. It will be
interesting to see how long those 5,000 limited edition copies remain
available. Updated 1 p.m. 4/25/05: We now have word
that this set will become available via Disney Direct on May 2 at midnight
EDT, which equates to May 1 at 9:00 PDT. Good luck with those dialing
fingers or mouse clicks! Updated 12:50 a.m. EDT,
4/26/05: It now appears that the sets are available for pre-order from
Disney Direct via phone, item number is 61499. Get 'em while they're hot!
Updated 6:30 p.m. EDT, 4/26/05: Despite earlier showing the item sold
out online, Disney Direct has now sold approximately half of their 1,000-set
allotment. The sets can be ordered by phone (407-237-5751) or via Disney
Direct online (link).
Updated 9:00 p.m. EDT, 4/27/05: Disney Direct phone agents have confirmed
that the item is now sold out. The last of the 1,000 copies were reportedly
sold late last night. If you didn't get one and you're looking to find
the limited edition, you can try Walt Disney World Mail Order (407-363-6200,
1,000 sets) or Disneyland DelivEARS (800-760-3566, 3,000 sets) starting
on May 3.
…The jet skis for the Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
at the Disney–MGM Studios are now in active rehearsal in preparation
for the show's official debut at a May 4 press event.
…The San Francisco Street facade in front of the old Hunchback theater
at the Disney–MGM Studios has been replaced by a more realistic–looking
San Francisco backdrop.
…It appears that Andy Mation (the balloon artist at the Disney–MGM
Studios) and Imaginum (the “living statues” at Epcot) have joined
the ranks of in–park entertainers whose contracts were not renewed.
…Epcot's Kidcot Funstops are now starting to get more permanent
installations, as opposed to the temporary tables that they have been
using since the beginning of the program.
…Goofy's Candy Company at Downtown Disney Marketplace officially
opens on May 2.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips,
rumors, and comments. Email us here.
Peter Pan's Flight – closed for refurbishment from May
22–26.
20,000 League Under the Sea lagoon – most of the area
has reopened, featuring corral–type planters and more walkway space.
The remainder is transforming into a Hundred Acre Wood–themed children's
play area featuring slides, climbing structures, and interactive pop–jet
fountains. The area, to be called “Pooh's Playful Spot,” is
expected to open around September.
Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress – refurbishment planned,
date uncertain.
Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is currently
closed.
Jungle Cruise, the Enchanted Tiki Room – Under New
Management, the Hall of Presidents and the Country Bear
Jamboree – open at 10 a.m. everyday.
Stitch's Great Escape – is running at half–capacity while
the show is upgraded. Work on the first theater has been completed.
We do not have an expected completion date on the second theater yet.
Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns
after the 18–month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities
end.
Cinderellabration – preview performances are underway.
Official opening is May 5. Expected to run until the end of the 18–month
“Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities.
Epcot closes at 3 p.m. on May 5 for the
“Happiest Celebration on Earth” media and VIP event.
Soarin' – officially scheduled to open on May 5, but soft
openings are already underway.
The Behind the Seeds Walking Tour of the greenhouses at The
Land – resumes on Friday, April 29, every 45 minutes from 9:30
a.m. to 4:45 p.m.
The Land pavilion – has reopened. All three attractions
are now open, as well as the new Kidcot Fun Stop in the pavilion. The
Sunshine Seasons food court will reopen on Friday, April 29. The Garden
Grill Restaurant is not expected to return until at least July 7.
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 is currently closed.
Disney–MGM Studios closes at 4 p.m. on May 4 for the
“Happiest Celebration on Earth” media and VIP event.
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. Preview performances for the public for test–and–adjust
purposes have been returned to limited runs once or twice a week. Show
times are subject to change, and there is no guarantee that the show
will run on a given day. Fastpass tickets are available beginning at
9 a.m. each day that the show will run.
Animal Kingdom
Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May –
July,2005. Official debut is May 6. There are reports that he is already
making unannounced visits in the park in the Chester & Hester's
Dino–Rama area.
Expedition Everest – is scheduled to open in Spring 2006.
The likely official opening date is April 22, which is both Earth Day
and the park's birthday, but previews may start as early as February
2006.
Resorts
Polynesian Resort – nearing completion of the refurbishment
of longhouses: suites in Tonga through May 12; 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.
Contemporary Resort – The South Garden wing will be closed
for refurbishment from May 30 – October 31. Rumors indicate that
the buildings may be completely gutted and rebuilt as Disney Vacation
Club villas. No confirmation of the conversion yet.
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 are opening one each
month, through October 2005; Phase III's the six units due in 2007,
involves razing the old Fairway Villas.
Yacht Club Resort – Siding renovation project to continue
through mid–2005.
Disney's Vero Beach Resort (DVC Resort) – Roof repairs
due to hurricane rehabilitation are ongoing and scheduled to run through
late November.
Walt Disney World Swan Hotel – Repainting of the building's
exterior is underway. Regular hotel operations are not affected.
Water Parks
No current refurbishments.
Elsewhere
Magnolia Golf Course – Closed for major renovation from
May 9 – September 10.
Cirque du Soleil – La Nouba – performs Tuesdays –
Saturdays. There will be no performances Jun 5–20.
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.
Summer passholder and Florida resident rates are out
Annual Passholder and Florida resident 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.
Radisson Resort Parkway announces rates through 2005
Radisson Resort Parkway, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their rates
through the end of 2005.
Courtyard
View
Deluxe Pool View
Bed & Breakfast Pkg – Courtyard View
2005
Through June 29
$89.95
$99.95
$107.95
June 30 – July
4
$99.95
$109.95
$117.95
July 5 – Aug
13
$89.95
$99.95
$107.95
Aug 14 – Sept
29
$79.95
$89.95
$97.95
Sept 30 – Oct
22
$89.95
$99.95
$107.95
Oct 23 – Dec
22
$79.95
$89.95
$97.95
Dec 23 – 31
$109.95
$119.95
$127.95
Click here
for more information, or here
to make reservations now.
Disney's Summer Price Slice discount returns to golf courses
Summer Price Slice is back with reduced–price greens fees on tee times
after 10 a.m. daily from May 2 through Sept. 29 on Disney's five 18–hole
golf courses.
Golfers can play the premier Osprey Ridge course after 10 a.m. for $60
(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 $89–$94). Prices include golf cart rental.
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 and Palm start
at $30 after 3 p.m. ($25 after 5 p.m.). Rounds at Lake Buena Vista start
at $25 after 3 p.m. ($20 after 5 p.m.).
For tee times, call 407–WDW–GOLF (407–939–4653) or go to the Walt Disney
World Golf web site (link).
Plan ahead and save a few bucks
The entire price structure has changed as of January 2, 2005, to the
new “Magic Your Way” passes. Advance purchase discounts are
only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 5 days.
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
$59.75 / $48
$119 / $96
$171 / $137
$185 / $148
$193 / $155
$196 / $157
$199 / $160
$202 / $162
$205 / $164
$209 / $167
W/ Park Hopper
$94.75 / $83
$154 / $131
$206 / $172
$220 / $183
$228 / $190
$231 / $192
$234 / $195
$237 / $197
$240 / $199
$244 / $202
W/ Plus Pack
$104.75 / $93
$164 / $141
$216 / $182
$230 / $193
$238 / $200
$241 / $202
$244 / $205
$247 / $207
$250 / $209
$254 / $212
(plus 2)
(plus 2)
(plus 2)
(plus 3)
(plus 3)
(plus 4)
(plus 5)
(plus 5)
(plus 5)
(plus 5)
Premium Ticket
$139.75 / $128
$199 / $176
$251 / $217
$265 / $228
$273 / $235
$276 / $237
$279 / $240
$282 / $242
$285 / $245
$289 / $247
Premium, No Expiration
N/A
$209 / $186
$261 / $227
$280 / $243
$308 / $270
$321 / $282
$334 / $295
$382 / $342
$392 / $395
$399 / $347
Advance Purchase Discount
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
$7/$6
$9/$7
$11/$9
$11/$9
$11/$9
$12/$9
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.
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently
available through June 2005.
Theme Park Events
Magic Kingdom
Epcot World Showcase
Disney–MGM Studios
Animal Kingdom
Monday 4/25
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
SpectroMagic Parade 9p, 11p
Wishes Fireworks 10p
Disney Gardening @ Home: “Fluttering Fun”
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: Paul Revere &
the Raiders 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Tuesday 4/26
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
SpectroMagic Parade 9p
Wishes Fireworks 10p
Disney Gardening @ Home: “Fluttering Fun”
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Buckinghams
5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Wednesday 4/27
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
SpectroMagic Parade 9p
Wishes Fireworks 10p
Disney Gardening @ Home: “Fluttering Fun”
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Buckinghams
5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Thursday 4/28
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
SpectroMagic Parade 9p
Wishes Fireworks 10p
Disney Gardening @ Home: “Fluttering Fun”
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Buckinghams
5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Friday 4/29
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
Great American Gardeners Series: Linda Blondheim
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Grass Roots starring
Rob Grill 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Saturday 4/30
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
Great American Gardeners Series: Linda Blondheim
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Grass Roots starring
Rob Grill 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Sunday 5/1
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
Wishes Fireworks 9p
Great American Gardeners Series: Linda Blondheim
11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Grass Roots starring
Rob Grill 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Monday 5/2
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p
SpectroMagic Parade 9p
Wishes Fireworks 10p
Disney Gardening @ Home: “Bringing Color
to New Heights” 11a, 2p
Flower Power Concert Series: The Turtles featuring
Flo & Eddie 5:45p, 7p, 8:15p
Illuminations 9p
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 5:30p
Fantasmic 8:30p
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p
Downtown Disney Entertainment
(Separate admission required)
Rock & Roll Beach Club
West End Stage
House of Blues
Monday 4/25
Kabang
Tuesday 4/26
Kabang
Billy Idol (main room), $38.50 advance/$41.50
day of show; 8:30 p.m.
Wednesday 4/27
Kabang
Lisa Marie Presley (main room), $19.50 advance/$21.50
day of show; 8 p.m.
Thursday 4/28
Stormbringer
Jay Owens (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m.
Friday 4/29
Stormbringer
Silver Studio Tour: A Live Performance by Fischerspooner,
DJ sets by Max Graham and Q–Burns Abstract Message (main room),
$15 advance/$17 day of show; 9 p.m.
Jason Ricci (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m.
Saturday 4/30
Stormbringer
Victor Manuelle & Bobby Valentin (main room),
$45 advance/$55 day of show; 9 p.m.
ORock 105.9 Presents Sum 41 with Unwritten Law
and Hawthorne Heights (main room), $21 advance/$24 day of show;
7 p.m.
Monday 5/2
TBA
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips,
rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
PSST!
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!
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