Update for June 20 – 26, 2005

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News and Views

Four-year-old boy dies after riding Mission: Space; investigation continues

Last Monday afternoon, a 4-year-old Pennsylvania boy died after riding Mission: Space at Epcot. Following the tragedy, Disney shut down the attraction for the remainder of the day. After a complete inspection in which Disney engineers determined that the $100 million ride was operating correctly and there was no malfunction, Mission: Space was open to guests on Tuesday morning. Cast members report few, if any, questions from other guests regarding the incident.

At approximately 3:14 p.m. on Monday, Daudi Bamuwamye (DOH'-dee bahm-yoo-WAHM'-yay), his mother and his sister boarded a capsule in Bay 3 of Mission: Space. During the ride, his mother, Agnes Bamuwamye, noticed that his body was rigid with his legs sticking straight out in front of him. She grabbed his hand, thinking that he was frightened. At the end of the ride, she found that he was limp and unresponsive in his seat. She picked him up and headed toward Alejandro Barroso, the nearest Disney employee, who was entering the ride to point guests to the exit. Barroso and the mother then took the boy to the lobby area and laid him on his back on a bench. Barroso picked up the phone, called 911, and began speaking to the operator. At that time, Barroso's supervisor Scott Clark arrived and continued talking to the 911 operator while Barroso went back to the boy.

At this point, according to the Sheriff's report, Barroso "checked for a pulse and breathing. Finding neither, Barroso began CPR. Clark finished with the 911 operator and then began assisting Barroso with CPR." However, according to the tape of the 911 call, it was not until one minute and 17 seconds into the call (over a minute after Clark took the phone) that the 911 operator asked if the child was breathing. (The initial description of the situation to the operator was that the boy had "passed out.") When advised that he was not breathing, she asked if anyone was doing CPR or was CPR-trained. The response from Clark was that nobody was doing CPR. It was not until two minutes and 40 seconds into the call that it was stated that CPR was underway. Clark did not get off the phone until the arrival of the Reedy Creek Emergency Services team four minutes and 30 seconds into the call. It is also uncertain as to why Clark identified himself to the 911 operator as "John."

After the paramedics arrived, they continued to perform CPR on the boy and transported him to Celebration Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. An autopsy on Tuesday found no evidence of trauma and could find no reason for his death. Further tests are being conducted, but no results are expected for a couple of weeks.

According to the Sheriff's department, Bamuwamye was 46 inches tall, two inches taller than the minimum height requirement for the attraction. Signs on the ride warn guests with any of several health conditions not to ride. Bamuwamye was said not to have any medical conditions.

In 2003, Disney began placing motion sickness bags on the ride due to the nausea that the attraction induced in many riders. The number of reported incidents on the ride has decreased substantially since the warning signs were upgraded last year. The most recent reported incident was late last year, when a 40-year-old woman fainted on the ride and was transported to a hospital.

While Mission: Space riders experience a force of only about 2 forces of gravity, as compared to 4 Gs or more on other major theme park attractions, those other rides only exert the G-force for a few seconds, while Mission: Space exerts a sustained force for approximately 45 seconds. This, combined with the possible dizziness and nausea that can be caused by clogged ears, turning of the rider's head or closing of the rider's eyes, has caused many riders to need either medical assistance or at least a lengthy rest to recover their equilibrium.

Walt Disney World is one of several large theme parks and resorts in Florida that is not subject to state regulations on ride inspections. Disney does voluntarily report basic details about incidents that require hospitalization, or cases that require transportation to hospitals. However, attractions at Walt Disney World are only inspected by Disney engineers. Despite that, it is doubtful that Disney would reopen the attraction if it was not safe, in light of the public relations nightmare and loss of trust that would result from further injuries on the attraction.

Last week, the California Supreme Court ruled that theme park attraction operators should be considered "common carriers," which requires a higher duty of care, but the ruling only affects parks in California. U.S. Rep. Edward Markey (D-Mass.) is again pushing a bill to require the Consumer Product Safety Commission to provide federal safety oversight for the theme park industry, but it is unknown if this accident will allow this bill to successfully make it out of committee, where it has died each time it was introduced previously.

In 2003, Entertainment Technology Corp., which designed the ride system for Disney, filed suit against the company alleging, among other things, that there was a risk to the public because Disney refused to allow it to be involved in the safety testing before the attraction's opening (link). Last week, however, a federal judge in Pennsylvania threw out the part of the lawsuit related to the question of safety and inspections by ETC.

The Bamuwamyes have reportedly hired Robert Samaritan, a personal-injury lawyer in Tampa. However, until the additional test results are released, it will not be known whether the ride is at fault or if the boy had an undiagnosed pre-existing medical condition.

A funeral service for Bamuwamye was held on Saturday.

Annual Passholder room discounts experience major change

Some major changes are being imposed on room reservations utilizing the Annual Passholder discount. Effective for stays beginning on or after October 8, passholder discounts must be booked at least 120 days in advance. The discounted rooms can only be booked online at the passholder Web site or via travel agent. Reservations will require a non-refundable deposit of one night's room rate plus tax. In addition, passholders will only be able to book one room instead of three.

This is going to put a crimp in many passholders' vacations, as those who make spontaneous trips will no longer be able to get those short-dated reservations. In addition, since access to passholder Web site is limited to those with a currently active passport, guests cannot buy an annual passport voucher and reserve a room using the passholder rate because they have not yet been to the park to activate the pass. This will be bad news for many who plan their vacations in this fashion.

We hope to have more on this story later this week.

Disney officially announces IT outsourcing

Disney made the official announcement last Monday that about one-third of all Information Technology positions would be outsourced to International Business Machines (IBM) and Affiliated Computer Services (ACS) for more than $1.3 billion over seven years. Over the next two months, the positions will be transferred to the two companies, with the affected employees given the chance to transfer with their jobs.

IBM will receive approximately $730 million over 7 years to manage Disney's mainframe and approximately 3,700 midrange computers, data storage systems holding 1.4 petabytes (1.4 quadrillion bytes) of information, major applications such as SAP AG business planning system and legacy software that runs operations at the domestic theme parks. While IBM will keep some employees on site, other work will be handled from a support site in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

ACS will receive $610 million over seven years to manage Disney's network, desktop PCs, help desk support, procurement and security.

Disney Marathon to introduce Team Challenge competition

Disney has announced another new feature for the 13th annual marathon weekend. In addition to splitting the dates of the two races—with the Half-Marathon being run on Saturday while the Marathon remains on Sunday—and introducing the Goofy's Race-and-a-Half Challenge for those who run both races, Disney will also introduce the Team Challenge for 2006. Teams will consist of three to five runners. The top three individual scores for each team will be added together to determine the team score. The top three teams in each of seven categories will receive awards.

Teams can register in the following categories: Male, Female, Mixed (at least one female participant), Masters (men or women 40 years or older), Running Clubs, Corporate and Military (active, retired, or reserve members of the U.S. Military). Team registration fees are $35 per team in addition to the individual fees of $95 for the marathon and $85 for the half-marathon.

For training tips and other information about the Walt Disney World Marathon, see our WDW Marathon Information Guide.

One millionth athlete participates at Wide World of Sports Complex

Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex honored the one-millionth athlete to participate at the site. Desirre Wilkerson of Louisville, Kentucky, was at The Milk House arena to participate in the AAU Junior Volleyball National Championships when she was honored. The 13-year-old received a special globe-shaped trophy, special T-shirts and picture frames for her and her teammates, helped unveil a special "One Million Athletes" banner at The Milk House and served as honorary grand marshals for the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom. The complex reached the milestone in approximately eight and a half years.

DVC member block parties at Pleasure Island

The Tuesday night parties at Pleasure Island for Disney Vacation Club members have been scheduled. From 5-7 p.m. every Tuesday night from July 5 through August 23, DVC members can attend the complementary Member Block Parties outside or inside the Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club (depending on weather). Those attending the party receive complementary admission to Pleasure Island for the evening. Member ID cards are required for entry to the party. Regular Pleasure Island age restrictions are in effect after 7 p.m.

Junior Golf Camps return

Walt Disney World Golf is again offering a series of junior golf camps this summer for kids age 8 to 15. The Monday-to-Friday classes feature instruction from members of Disney's PGA Teaching Staff. Lessons will focus on rules, safety and etiquette and will include swing drills, skills competitions and general play on Disney's Oak Trail course. The four scheduled camps begin today (June 20), next Monday (Just 27), July 11 and July 18, and run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Cost for the one-week program is $275. Reservations may be made either by phone at 407-938-3435 or at the Disney World Golf web site (link).

Jesse James and Huffy team up at Disney Adventures event

Just added to the Disney Adventures "Future of Cool" event at the Downtown Disney Marketplace this weekend is the "Hell on Wheels" showcase of kids' chopper bikes designed by Jesse James of West Coast Choppers for Huffy Bikes. The area will feature displays of the bikes, a free staged photo op with a bike and a backdrap and free giveaways. The event runs from 4-10 p.m. on June 24-26. It is believed that this is the first time that "Hell" has come to Walt Disney World since the closure of Mr. Toad's Wild Ride.

Say goodbye to Lucky

If you want to see Lucky the Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom, time is running out. The nine-foot-tall, 450-pound standalone Audio-Animatronic character's last day in Florida will be July 28. After that, he heads off to Hong Kong for the grand opening of Hong Kong Disneyland.

Correction: Extra Magic Hour changes

Last week, we noted that the Magic Kingdom would be adding Extra Magic Hours for the summer, starting July 1. The changes actually began last Wednedsday. We apologize for any confusion that may have caused.

Ears to the ground

…On July 4, both Fantasy in the Sky (at the Magic Kingdom) and Sorcery in the Sky (at the Disney-MGM Studios) fireworks will be presented at 9:00 p.m. Illuminations (at Epcot) will be presented at 10:00 p.m. Park closing times for that day will be Disney's Animal Kingdom at 6 p.m., Epcot and the Disney-MGM Studios at 10:00 p.m. and the Magic Kingdom at 12:30 a.m.

…Chicken Little and Abby Mallard (Ugly Duckling) are now making appearances at the Disney-MGM Studios, including acting as grand marshals for the Stars and Motor Cars Parade.

…We have had a report that the soundtrack on the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster now features a medley of different songs.

…Handstamps are a thing of the past as of today, as guests re-entering theme parks now will only use their ticket and their biometric reading.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Toon Park playground in Mickey's Toontown Fair – closed for refurbishment from June 6–30.
• 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 of seats and carpeting occurring on a rolling basis; the attraction remains open.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally. The attraction is rumored to be opening this week for the summer season.
• 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.
• Tomorrowland Terrace Noodle Station – will be closed from May 22 – June 30.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

• Ice Station Cool – closed through late this year for refurbishment.
• 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

• No current refurbishments.

Animal Kingdom

• Lucky the Dinosaur – is scheduled to appear in May – July, 2005.
• 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 – Work is now beginning on the complete refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in all buildings, which is expected to be completed by June, 2006.
• 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. After the South Garden Wing is complete, renovations will continue through the rest of the resort, which is expected to run through November, 2007.
• 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 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.

Park Events

Ongoing

• Star Wars Weekends. Fridays – Sundays, May 20 – June 26. A celebration of all things Jedi and Sith (link).

July 2005

• ESPN Great Outdoor Games. July 7-10. The sixth annual event moves to Walt Disney World this year (link).
• A Morning With Harmony Kingdom. July 9. Collectible box release at Disney's Animal Kingdom (link).
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp. July 29 – August 17. The National Football League team heads down I-4 to get in shape for the season (link).

September 2005

• Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Sept. 2–4. The annual gathering hopes not to be cancelled by hurricane again this year (link).
• A Precious Weekend - Happiness Shared Together. Sept. 3–4. Release of first-ever Precious Moments and Disney Character integrated figurines (link).
• One Little Spark... A Morning with a Purple Dragon. Sept. 8. Release of Figment sculpture and limited-edition pin (link).
• Night of Joy. Sept. 9–10. Disney's annual Christian music festival (link).
• Happiest Pin Celebration on Earth. Sept. 9–11. The big fall pin event, held at Epcot's World Showplace (link).
• Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 23–25. Competitors race around the resort on water, bike and foot (link).
• Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 30 – Nov. 13. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series (link).
• Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Sept. 30, Oct. 2, 6, 7, 11, 13, 16, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31. The big celebration of the boo-tiful season (link).

October 2005

• Komen Central Florida Race for the Cure 5K. Oct. 8. The annual fund-raising run for breast cancer research (link).
• Disney's Race for the Taste 10K. Oct. 9. The annual Disney 10K race gets a new name and a theme (link).
• Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. Oct. 20–23. The 35th annual fall golf classic is played on the Palm and Magnolia courses (link).

November 2005

• Festival of the Masters. Nov. 11–13. Artists display their works at Downtown Disney (link).
• Super Soap Weekend. Nov. 12–13. Daytime stars descend upon the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
• Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights. Nov. 23 – Jan. 8, 2006. Millions of lights bombard the eyes at the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
• Holidays Around the World. Nov. 25 – Dec. 30. Epcot celebrates the season, including the popular Candlelight Processional (link).
• Festival of the Seasons. Dates TBA. Downtown Disney celebrates the season (link).
• Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Nov. 27, 29, Dec. 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 20. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What's not to like? (link).
• MouseFest 2005. November 30 – December 3. Meet your favorite Disney Internet and guidebook authors (including some of us!) at a gathering of the Disney Internet community around the World (link).

December 2005

• Pop Warner Super Bowl. Dec. 4–10. Football players and cheerleaders descend on the resort for the annual championships (link).
• Pleasure Island New Year's Eve. Dec. 31. Pleasure Island celebrates the actual New Year (link).
• New Year's Eve at Cirque du Soleil. Dec. 31. Cirque puts on special New Year's performances (link).
• Atlantic Dance Hall New Year's Eve. Dec. 31. Ring in the New Year at the BoardWalk's own dance club (link).

January 2006

• Disney's Health and Fitness Expo. Jan. 5–7. Check in for the weekend's races and check out the vendors (link).
• FamilyFun Magazine Family Fun Run. Jan. 7. The shortest run of the weekend (link).
• Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 7. Registration now open (link). [Note: The full- and half-marathons are now held on separate days. Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
• Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 8. Registration now open (link).

May 2006

• Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 19–21. Collectible bears and dolls at Epcot (link).

Current Discounts & Promotions

Fall Passholder rates are out

Annual Passholder and Florida Resident discounts have been released for August 28 through October 4, with rates starting at $59 per night for value resorts and $89 per night for moderate resorts. The discount code to use is EXI. 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.

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 ticket price structure 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.

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 August 2005.

Entertainment Schedule

Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through August 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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