Update for July 25 – 31, 2005

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News and Views

Additional information on new "90+10" dining reservation window

We have gathered some additional information on the new perk of allowing Walt Disney World hotel guests to book up to 10 days of reservations with one call when the 90-day window opens for their resort stay.

First, we have confirmed that if you cancel your room reservation, all of your dining reservations are automatically cancelled as well. If you plan to alter your vacation itinerary, try to change your reservation instead of cancelling and rebooking within that 90-day window to avoid losing all of your dining reservations. However, this function is apparently not yet working perfectly within the reservations system, so if you have a credit card-guaranteed dining reservation (such as the Hoop-Dee-Doo Revue or breakfast at Cinderella's Royal Table), you may want to make sure to have the agent verify that the reservation has been cancelled.

In addition, travel agency and wholesaler reservations are entered into the Disney travel system differently than those made directly by individuals. This means that if you booked your reservation through a travel agent, your agent must make the call to take advantage of the extra 10 days of reservations. If you booked through a travel wholesaler such as Travelocity or Expedia, they should be able to provide you with a special number to call.

Make sure to have your room reservation number handy when you call for your dining reservation, as you will need to enter it in before you get transferred to a Dining agent.

Remember, this is a 10-day courtesy extended from the 90-day mark from the beginning of your reservation. Do not try to call 95 days before your room reservation and try to make arrangement for the first five days of your trip. It's 90+10.

Free dining plan is back; seasonal blackout lifted

The free dining plan with Magic Your Way vacations has returned. For most nights August 21 through October 4, you can get the dining plan for free with your Magic Your Way vacation package. You can either book this online (make sure to select "Special Offers" and then click "Book Now" on the free dining plan offer page) or by calling 407-939-7783 and requesting booking code YNW.

Disney has informed Florida resident Seasonal Passholders via postcard that blackout dates (originally to be through August 18) have been lifted for the rest of the summer. There are no other blackouts until Christmas.

Put together, these two changes would seem to indicate that attendance and/or occupancy rates are well below projections, or at least enough that they're trying to pump up visitor numbers for the rest of the summer and the early fall. We'll have to wait to see if Disney announces any other plans to boost those numbers.

Living Seas, Crush going on hiatus

The Living Seas is closing from August 21 through late November for refurbishment. Turtle Talk with Crush will be closed with the pavilion, but reportedly the Coral Reef Restaurant and the in-tank Epcot DiveQuest, Seas Aqua Tour and Dolphins in Depth programs will continue to operate unless the construction interferes with the residents of the tank. Rumors on possible changes include the addition of another Finding Nemo-based attraction (possibly using technology developed for the Finding Nemo sub ride planned for Disneyland), a redesign of the pre-show area, the possible elimination of the hydrolators and relocation of the gift shop. However, these are just rumors and we won't know for sure until the pavilion reopens its doors in late November.

More Extra Magic Hour experiments

Disney is again adjusting Extra Magic Hours to test crowd patterns. For two weeks starting next Sunday, EMH mornings at Epcot are moving from Monday to Sunday. Epcot will then add an extra Monday night EMH evening to the existing Thursday night. Magic Kingdom retains its summer Wednesday morning, Monday and Friday evening schedule. This means that on Monday nights, guests can choose Extra Magic Hour evenings at both Magic Kingdom and Epcot. It would be interesting to find what information Disney gathers from this experiment.

Disney looks to hire thousands of low-skilled employees

Walt Disney World is aiming to fill about 4,000 entry-level positions with Polk County residents. Only 10 percent of the county's adult population has a bachelor's degree and only about 56 percent have a high school degree. The county's economy had historically been built on the declining area industries of citrus farming and mining, both of which do not require a highly educated workforce. Disney is recruiting to fill positions with starting pay of $6.80-$9.15 as ticket sales agents, park greeters, security officers, bus drivers, lifeguards, character performers, custodial and many other roles. Disney has found it harder to find applicants to fill roles as the job market picks up.

Crossroads shopping center sells for $57 million

The Crossroads at Lake Buena Vista, a popular shopping plaza for Walt Disney World guests, was sold by ITW Mortgage Investments IV to TIAA-CREF, Inc. for $57 million. The center, probably best-known for its Goodings supermarket, also includes restaurants such as T.G.I. Friday's, Red Lobster, McDonald's, Jungle Jim's and Chevys, as well as Pirate's Cove miniature golf course, Foot Locker and other retail establishments.

The center, originally developed by Disney and located across State Route 535 from Hotel Plaza Boulevard, opened in the late 1980s. ITW had owned the center for five years. Disney was consulted on the sale, as it retained control over upkeep and other aspects of the property when they sold it.

Three deaths so far this year at Walt Disney World parks

The status of Leanne Deacon is unknown following her heart attack after riding the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at the Disney-MGM Studios. However, recently released information indicates that there have been three deaths at Disney's Florida theme parks. However, two of them could not be deemed as surprising. In February, a 77-year-old Minnesota woman died after riding Pirates of the Caribbean at the Magic Kingdom. According to a medical examiner's report, the woman was suffering from diabetes, had had several ministrokes, and her death "was not unexpected." Records were released by the state on Friday that a 30-year-old man who wore a pacemaker lost consciousness and later died at a hospital after riding Dinosaur at Disney's Animal Kingdom on April 30. The man had a history of heart problems, and it would seem that he would did not meet the ride's safety recommendations, as they include "free from high blood pressure, heart, back or neck problems." The third ride death was Daudi Bamuwamye, the 4-year-old who died after riding Mission: Space on June 13.

Sports agent gets to be good guy, for a change

NFL player agent Drew Rosenhaus is usually known for his hardball negotiating tactics. This year, a number of his clients who are already under contract are talking about holding out for more money, including Terrell Owens, Javon Walker and Edgerrin James. But last week, Rosenhaus was a hero.

Rosenhaus was staying at the Grand Floridian Resort while in town for an event at the ESPN Grill with some clients, and was at the pool with his girlfriend when he heard screaming coming from the kiddie pool. He rushed over to find a 3-year-old boy was unconscious and not breathing. The boy had been at the pool with his 10-year-old brother, who had walked away for a short while and returned to find his brother unconscious in the water. He pulled his brother out and yelled for help. Rosenhaus arrived before the lifeguard on duty, and began CPR. He managed to revive the boy before Reedy Creek Emergency Services personnel arrived.

Rosenhaus, a lifeguard while in college, later visited the boy in the hospital at the invitation of the boy's family. Rosenhaus told the Orlando Sentinel, "It's nice to be the good guy, for once."

Airport launches dedicated Registered Traveler security line

Last Tuesday, Orlando International Airport launched the registered traveler program with a dedicated line for CLEAR cardholders, who have applied for and received pre-clearance from the Federal Transportation Safety Administration. So far, about 4,000 travelers have enrolled in the program since they started accepting applications on June 21 (link).

In other registered traveler program news, a temporary kiosk will be set up at SunTrust Bank in downtown Orlando for applicants to submit their fingerprint and iris identification data instead of having to go to the airport. The kiosk will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and may be duplicated at other locations if successful.

Limo owners still angry after meeting

After a second meeting with Orlando International Airport officials on Thursday, members of the Greater Orlando Livery Association are still frustrated with the bias that they say the airport is showing toward the Disney's Magical Express service. The service, which gives Disney resort guests free transportation to their resort and separate handling and delivery of their luggage, has been pulling many passengers from the limousines. However, the association's representatives claim that Disney is getting preferential treatment from the airport as well.

Specifically, they complain that Disney is getting extra room outside the terminal, forcing some drivers to circle until a spot comes open, or park in the garage and then pick up the car after meeting their fares. In addition, and more importantly, they claim that Magical Express employees solicit additional riders inside the terminal, while limo drivers are not allowed to solicit business and are required to wait for passengers by baggage claim.

The primary issue is that "Disney's position is that when yhou book a hotel you automatically have admission to Disney's Magical Express," Airport Executive Director Bill Jennings told the Orlando Sentinel. Jennings plans to meet with Disney officials before making a final decision on whether or not the solicitation of additional riders by Disney employees before they reach baggage claim violates the airport's solicitation policy.

Jennings, who had originally come out strongly that Disney employees should not be soliciting, took a softer stance at last week's meeting. It shouldn't be surprising, though, since the Magical Express service probably makes things easier for the airport, as well. Travelers' luggage is picked up in bulk by BAGS, Inc., the baggage contractor for the service, and guests can check in and check their luggage at the hotel for their return flights, lessening the crowds at the airline desks at the airport. This would certainly lower labor costs for the airport, as well as reduce crowding.

The airport will meet again with the livery association and with Disney early next month.

Wishes whoops

Magic Kingdom park guests on July 17 saw an unusually quiet show. Apparently, a hard drive on the computer running the music for the show crashed, causing the music to first repeat, then stop completely. The rest of the show ran without a soundtrack. Reportedly, while there was redundancy built into the system, for some unknown reason it did not work. Needless to say, Disney is likely working on finding a way to ensure that it will not happen again.

Ears to the ground

…Don't forget, reservations for special events during this year's International Food & Wine Festival opened at 7 a.m. today. If you're interested, call 407-WDW-FEST (407-939-3378) to see if there's anything left.

…Jet Blue has been added to the Airline Check-In Service at Disney-owned and -operated resorts. The complete list now consists of: American Airlines, Continental Airlines, Delta Air Lines (including Song), Jet Blue and United Airlines (including Ted). Northwest is expected to be next to come online.

…This week is your last chance to check out Lucky the Dinosaur in Dinoland, U.S.A. The animatronic reptile's last day at Disney's Animal Kingdom is Thursday. After that, he's off to Hong Kong Disneyland to become an opening day "cast member." Later, he will also reportedly visit Disney parks in Tokyo and outside Paris as part of his "world tour."

…The Tampa Bay Buccaneers open training camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex on Friday, with two-a-day workouts all week. The Celebration Hotel closes to the public today as the team starts arriving to take over the hotel through the end of camp on August 19.

…Work continues on Expedition: Everest. Last week, a test train was on the track with plywood cutouts to ensure adequate clearance beyond any outstretched arms and fingertips. The "mountain temple" structure through which the lift proceeds before entering the main mountain is looking good and beginning to emerge from its scaffolding. Meanwhile, the Yeti is reportedly planned to arrive at the construction site by Labor Day.

…Resort pools are heading for refurbishment right after Labor Day, with the Keister Coaster at the BoardWalk Resort, the Piano pool at the All-Star Music Resort and the Ol' Man Island spa at the Port Orleans Riverside Resort going down September 6. Those pools will reopen on September 26, 14 and 23, respectively. The Magnolia Bend quiet pool at Port Orleans Riverside will also be refurbished, from September 15-24.

…The demolition of the "frozen" entrance to the former Ice Station Cool seems almost complete.

…Construction on the large tree in the Pooh's Playful Spot playground (which opens in September on a portion of the former site of the 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea lagoon) appears to be moving quickly, as branches and leaves are appearing high above the construction wall. A beehive has also been hung on a branch.

…Construction walls are going up at the Main Street Railroad Station. The west side stairs are now completely walled off.

…Due to construction work, the walkway between the yet-to-open Raglan Road pub and the Fulton's Crab House and Portobello Yacht Club restaurants will be closed for the summer. This will make it a bit harder to get to Pleasure Island from the Marketplace.

…Stage sets from The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe are expected to be on display at the Disney-MGM Studios from September through December.

…The House of Innoventions exhibit at Epcot's innoventions East pavilion will be getting another new exhibit. Vonage's videophone will soon appear on the tour of the high-tech "home."

…Disney is reportedly giving away a free 5x7 photo via their PhotoPass service to guests booking a Magic Your Way vacation online.

…The video presentation on board Disney's Magical Express buses is undergoing changes. Already removed is the segment indicating that gratuities are included in the free service, and other segments are expected to be modified, as well.

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

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• 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.
• Main Street Railroad Station – under refurbishment through December 20. Guests will still be able to board the train at the station, though the entrance and exit may be relocated during the work. The area surrounding the locker rental stand will be inaccessible due to renovations that are rumored to be moving stroller rentals into that location. The station is also slated to receive new glass, canopies, paint and so forth.
• Timekeeper – opens seasonally.
• 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.
• Cinderella's Surprise Celebration – reportedly returns after the 18-month “Happiest Celebration on Earth” festivities end.

Epcot

• The Living Seas pavilion, including the popular Turtle Talk with Crush attraction, will be closed for refurbishment from August 21 through late November. Rumors indicate that another new Finding Nemo-based attraction may be added.
• 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 through July 28, 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. Meanwhile, the Keister Coaster pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–26.
• 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.
• Port Orleans Riverside Resort – The Ol' Man Island spa is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–23, while the Magnolia Bend quiet pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 15–24.
• All-Star Music Resort – The Piano pool is scheduled to close for refurbishment September 6–14.
• 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

July 2005

• 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. 2–5. 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

• MousePlanet presents a mini-MouseAdventure at MouseFest. Dec. 1. Meet at the outdoor seating area by Casey's Corner in the Magic Kingdom at 10:00 a.m. for this event. This is a shortened version of MousePlanet's signature event (link), and marks the first time that the event has been held in Florida.
• MousePlanet presents the second annual Mike Scopa Dole Whip Meet at MouseFest. Dec. 1. Meet at the Aloha Isle take-out window in Adventureland at noon.
• MousePlanet presents the first annual Shocolate Mousssse Meet at MouseFest. Dec 3. Meet at Boulangerie Patisserie at Epcot's France pavilion at 5:00 p.m. following the Mega Mouse Meet for this event. For more on the origin of the Shocolate Mousssse phenomenon among MousePlanet readers, please see this thread on our MousePad discussion forums.
• 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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MousePlanet® is not associated in any official way with the Walt Disney Company, its subsidiaries, or its affiliates. The official Disney site is available at www.disney.com. This MousePlanet Web site provides independent news articles, commentary, editorials, reviews, and guides primarily about the theme park resorts of the Walt Disney Co. All information on this site is subject to change. Please call destinations in advance to confirm the most up-to-date information.