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Update for January 23 29, 2006
Go directly to: News & Views | Refurbishment/Attraction Closures | Park Events | Discounts/Promotions | Park Hours | Events/Entertainment Schedule
News and Views
It's a slow week for news as we head into the the Disney Vacation Club/Annual Passholder previews of Expedition: Everest this week, the first paying guests to ride the new attraction.
Tarzan Rocks flies into history
Following last week's accident at Tarzan Rocks (link), the flying rig on which the actor playing Tarzan would swing was removed from the show for over a week. The rig was apparently also removed from use elsewhere at Walt Disney World, including the flying bird number at the Festival of the Lion King.
Late last week, they apparently figured out what the problem was, and the mechanism was returned to use. This allowed Tarzan Rocks to hold its final performances with the complete show. Reportedly, those members of the popular Animal Kingdom show's cast that were not in each performance were sitting in the audience watching the show. The performances received standing ovations, and the popular show went out on a high note. [Thanks to MousePad members Peter11435 and NitroStitch for their reports from the show's last day(link).]
The Theater in the Wild is now closed, and will begin its makeover into a completely enclosed venue. The stage, lighting and sound system will all be gutted and the theater will be completely enclosed, as with the Lion King theater in Camp Minnie-Mickey. The Dinoland, U.S.A. venue is expected to reopen in October with a new Finding Nemo-themed show.
A new lenticular postcard created for Everest portrays the Himalayas as a
ski resort, indicating lift hills and trails. Wording on the back states:
"There's no bigger rush than shredding down the insanely steep slopes
of Mt. Everestexcept for dropping in on the Yeti on the way down.
If you can't offer him lunch, tuck in and find the lodgeFAST!"
Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
Everest gears up for preview
Cast previews at Expedition: Everest have largely gone smoothly over the weekend, with the possible exception of the guest who jumped into the lake to try to get past the checkpoint and sneak into the preview and the cast member who slipped on the platform and fell onto the track in front of a stationary train (no injuries were sustained). Waits exceeded 80 minutes on some days, which seems to indicate that there will be some healthy lines at this week's Disney Vacation Club and Passholder previews. Merchandise has been jumping off the shelves, but they have been restocking as quickly as they can (with the exception of the "Scream Like a Girl" T-shirt, which has been discontinued over fears that some might find it offensive).
We'll have photos and more information in an upcoming park update, following the DVC/AP sneak previews.
If you'll be there for the DVC/AP preview, or even if you'll just be in the park that day, join us for lunch on Saturday at 1:00 at Flame Tree Barbecue. Let us know that you're coming either on our MousePad discussion thread about the meet (link) or via email (link).
The other image on the lenticular postcard features the Yeti snowboarding
through the other image. A watermark in the writing area on the back carries
a logo indicating: "Snowboard Competition, Expedition Everest, Himalayan
Yeti, 2006 Champion." The only major problem with the postcard is that
the tiny legend is extremely difficult to read behind the lenticular surface.
Photo by Mark Goldhaber.
Toy Story breakfast to start in April
After running a story last week about the rumored Toy Story character breakfast at the Hollywood & Vine restaurant in the Disney-MGM Studios, we heard from one of the people who auditioned for a role at the venue. Reportedly, the breakfast is definitely a go, with rehearsals starting in March for an April debut of the meal. The breakfast will be run by "Sarge," of Green Army Men fame. This role will be an Actors Equity actor, as opposed to the Teamsters-represented characters normally found in the theme parks. This would seem to indicate a much higher amount of interactivity, requiring similar skills and representation to streetmosphere characters and other improvisational roles.
World Showcase pavilion upgrades for Epcot's 25th?
We've received an interesting report that at least three World Showcase pavilions will be receiving makeovers in preparation for Epcot's 25th anniversary in October 2007. Reportedly, the movies in France and Canada will receive updates and Mexico's El Rio del Tiempo boat ride attraction will be completely re-Imagineered based upon the film The Three Caballeros. Film footage for the upgraded attraction would be shot in Mexico this spring. If this story pans out, Donald Duck, Panchito and Jose Carioca would become the latest animated characters to become the stars of a pavilion. We'll bring you more information as we receive it.
Ears to the ground
Three Downtown Disney restaurants will be under slightly different management, beginning April 17. Levy Restaurants, which owns and operates the Portobello Yacht Club and Fulton's Crab House and operates the Wolfgang Puck Cafe, was bought by British firm Compass Group, Plc. Compass has owned 49 percent of Levy since September 2000, and will buy the rest in three months. No changes are expected at the restaurants.
On Friday, C.W. "Bill" Jennings, Executive Director of the Orlando International Airport, announced plans to retire from the job in April. It is unknown what effect that will have on the conflict between local limousine, shuttle and taxi services and Disney's Magical Express.
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.
Talk about Walt Disney World on our discussion forums here.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Walt Disney's Carousel of Progress has been returned to the list of "seasonal" attractions, so its open status may change at any time.
- Liberty Square Riverboat is not operating due to refurbishment through April 1.
- Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin is closed through February 8 for refurbishment.
- Splash Mountain is closed through January 27 for refurbishment.
- Pirates of the Caribbean is expected to close from May through mid-September for the addition of characters from the movie that was inspired by the ride.
- Timekeeper open seasonally.
- Cinderella's Surprise Celebration reportedly returns after the 18-month Happiest Celebration on Earth festivities end.
Epcot
- Test Track will be closed for refurbishment through February 14.
- The Wonders of Life pavilion has closed again following its holiday 2005 season run, and is thought to be closed for good.
DisneyMGM Studios
- 50s Prime Time Cafe will be closed for refurbishment through January 28.
Animal Kingdom
- Expedition Everest is scheduled to open in Spring 2006. The official opening press event is scheduled for April 7, just before the peak season of the two weeks surrounding Easter. DVC, Annual Passholder and Cast Member previews are January 26-29. The attraction should be ready for the general public in early February, so look for soft openings to begin in that time frame.
- Tarzan Rocks closed on January 21, 2006. Its rumored replacement is a show based upon Finding Nemo, which would debut in November 2006 after the Theater in the Wild gets a complete makeover. The stage, lighting and sound system will all be gutted and the theater will be completely enclosed, as with the Lion King theater in Camp Minnie-Mickey.
Resorts
- AllStar Movies Resort The Fantasia pool will be closed through early February for refurbishment. Guests can use the Mighty Ducks pool or take a complimentary shuttle service (10 a.m. 10 p.m.) to the other AllStar resorts to use the pools there.
- Wilderness Lodge Roaring Forks Snacks will be closed through March 8 for refurbishment. Whispering Canyon Cafe and Artist Point will remain open, and grab-and-go items will be made available elsewhere during the refurbishment.
- Grand Floridian Resort and Spa - The 24-hour pool (including the children's pool and hot tub) are closed for refurbishment for an undetermined length of time. During the closure, the themed pool and slide will remain open during its normal operating hours.
- Polynesian Resort Work is now underway on the complete refurbishment and upgrading of rooms and hallways in all buildings, which is expected to be completed by June.
- Contemporary Resort The South Garden Wing is partially open during refurbishment through September, 2006. Rumors indicate that the buildings may be completely gutted and rebuilt as Disney Vacation Club villas. However, another rumor states that new DVC lodgings will be built on the current site of the Disney Tennis Center at the resort, and there is no confirmation of the either rumor yet. Renovations on the rest of the resort are also underway, with the tower building being done one floor at a time and the North Garden Wing to follow, and are expected to run through October, 2006.
- Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa Phase I's four buildings and Phase II's eight units are complete, Construction on Phase III is underway, with the six units expected to open between June and December, 2006.
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon Closed for its annual refurbishment through February 25.
Elsewhere
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba performs Tuesdays Saturdays.
Park Events
February 2006
- National Dance Team Championship. February 36.
- National High School Cheerleading Championship. February 1013.
- Atlanta Braves Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). February 17 March 29.
- Twirlmania. February 1720. Twirlers, auxiliary guard, pom, and dancers descend on the Wide World of Sports (link).
- Cheer & Dance National Championships. February 2526. School & Youth Rec Cheer February 25, All-Star Cheer & Dance February 26 (link).
March 2006
- Cheer & Dance National Championships. March 35. All Star/Studio March 3, School Dance March 35 (link).
- ESPN The Weekend. March 35. Corporate synergy brings the cable channel back to the Studios for its third go-round (link).
- World Baseball Classic. March 3-11. Baseball's best players from Australia, Domincan Republic, Italy and Venezuela square off in the first round of the international tournament (link).
- National All Star Cheerleading Championship. March 1013.
- National Kidney Foundation of Florida Gift of Life 5K Run/Walk. March 19. The seventh annual event to raise money and promote organ and tissue donation awareness (link).
April 2006
- Disney's All-Star Kids Classic. April 1. Registration is now open for the kids' inline race (link).
- Walt Disney World Inline Marathon. April 2. Registration is now open (link).
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. April 21 June 11. Epcot comes alive with topiaries, other floral displays, gardening demonstrations and the Flower Power concert series (link).
- Grad Nite. April 28-29, May 5-6. High school seniors take over the Magic Kingdom after an early closing and party all night (link).
May 2006
- Disney's Minnie Marathon Weekend 5K and 1 Mile (link). May 6. The short runs of the ladies-only running weekend take place at and near Downtown Disney.
- Women Run the World 15 K (link). May 7. The ladies-only run starts at Animal Kingdom, goes through the Studios and ends at Epcot.
- Epcot Teddy Bear and Doll Weekend. May 1821. Collectible bears and dolls at Epcot (link).
- Star Wars Weekends. May 19-21 and 26-28, and June 2-4 and 9-11. The popular event is slated to return to the Studios in 2006 (link).
July 2006
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Training Camp at Disney's Wide World of Sports complex (link). July 29 August 17. The NFC South champions prepare for the 2006 campaign, with practices open to the public.
September 2006
- Tom Joyner Family Reunion. Sept. 14. The radio host's annual gathering returns for another year (link).
- Night of Joy. Dates TBA. Disney's annual Christian music festival (link).
- Walt Disney World Triathlon. Sept. 24. Athletes compete in a 1.5K swim, a 40K bike ride, and a 10K run (link).
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Sept. 29 Nov. 12. The annual celebration of things gustatory, plus the Eat to the Beat concert series (link).
October 2006
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party. Dates TBA. Get your costumes ready. The Disney characters will certainly be wearing theirs. (link).
- Disney's Race for the Taste 10K. Oct. 8. The annual Disney 10K race continues its association with the Epcot Food & Wine Festival (link).
- ABC Super Soap Weekend. Dates TBA. Your favorite ABC soap opera starts converge on the Disney-MGM Studios (link).
- Funai Classic at Walt Disney World. Oct. 1622. Lucas Glover will try to defend his title at the 36th annual fall golf classic on the Palm and Magnolia courses (link).
November-December 2006
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. Dates TBA. Snow on Main Street, free hot cocoa and cookies. What's not to like? (link).
December 2006
- 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 2007
- Walt Disney World Half-Marathon. Jan. 6. Registration now open (link). [Read our WDW Marathon Guide.]
- Walt Disney World Marathon. Jan. 5. Registration now open (link).
Current Discounts & Promotions
Passholder Best Rate Program gone, regular passholder discounts return
The Passholder Best Rate program apparently received a cold reception from annual passholders that like to plan their trips on the spur of the moment. The program has been discontinued and been replaced by straight discounts available up until the last minute. Passholders can see discounts for multiple months in advance on the passholder web site (link). Currently, discounts are available through April 8.
Radisson announces exclusive Disney Fan Rate specials
The Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration (formerly the Radisson Resort Parkway), a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced special exclusive rates for MousePlanet readers through the end of February. These rates are lower than those that you'll receive through Hotels.com, Expedia.com, Orbitz.com, Radisson.com, or anywhere else on the Internet.
The rates are as follows:
Now through February 2 - $85.00 weekdays / $95.00 weekends
February 3-9 - $95.00
February 10-26 - $105.00 weekdays / $115.00 weekends (EXCEPTION: 2/16 - 2/21
at $135.00 due to Daytona 500 Race)
Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration releases rates through the end of 2006
The Radisson Resort Parkway is now the Radisson Resort Orlando-Celebration! The resort, a MousePlanet sponsor, has announced their standard rates through the end of 2006. Note that the nightly rates do not include a $7 per night resort fee.
Standard View
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Pool View
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Bed & Breakfast Package
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Sleep Number - Standard View
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Sleep Number - Pool View
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2006 | |||||
Through Feb 2
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
Feb 3 15
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$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F)
$144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F)
$145 (S,S) |
Feb 16 19
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$175
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$185
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$194
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$185
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$195
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Feb 20 Apr 6
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$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F)
$144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F)
$145 (S,S) |
Apr 7 12
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$145
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$155
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$164
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$155
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$165
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Apr 13 16
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$175
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$185
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$194
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$185
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$195
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Apr 17 22 |
$145
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$155
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$164
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$155
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$165
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Apr 23 29
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$115
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$125
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$134
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$125
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$135
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Apr 30 May 24
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
May 25 29
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$125
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$135
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$144
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$135
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$145
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May 30 June 8
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
June 9 29
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$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F)
$134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
June 30 July 8
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$125
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$135
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$144
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$135
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$145
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July 9 Aug 19
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$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F)
$134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
Aug 20 Oct 5
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$95 (M-F)
$105 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$114 (M-F)
$124 (S,S) |
$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
Oct 6 Nov 4 |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$134 (M-F)
$144 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
$135 (M-F)
$145 (S,S) |
Nov 5 25
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$105 (M-F)
$115 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$124 (M-F)
$134 (S,S) |
$115 (M-F)
$125 (S,S) |
$125 (M-F)
$135 (S,S) |
Nov 26 Dec 19
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$95
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$105
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$114
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$105
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$115
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Dec 20 25
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$115
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$125
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$134
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$125
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$135
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Dec 26 31
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$175
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$185
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$194
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$185
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$195
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Click here for more information, or here to make reservations now.
Magic Your Way ticket price guide
Walt Disney World's entire ticket price structure changed as of January 2, 2005, to the new Magic Your Way passes, and prices increased on January 1, 2006.. Advance purchase discounts are only available on tickets above the base ticket of at least 4 days, with higher discounts on those tickets with both options.
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 | $63 / $52 | $125 / $103 | $181 / $149 | $195 / $160 | $199 / $162 | $202 / $164 | $204 / $165 | $206 / $167 | $208 / $169 | $210 / $171 |
w/ Park Hopper option | $103 / $92 | $165 / $143 | $221 / $189 | $235 / $200 | $239 / $202 | $242 / $204 | $244 / $205 | $246 / $207 | $248 / $209 | $250 / $211 |
w/ Water Park Fun & More option | $113 / $102 | $175 / $153 | $231 / $199 | $245 / $210 | $249 / $212 | $252 / $214 | $254 / $215 | $256 / $217 | $258 / $219 | $260 / $221 |
(plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 3) | (plus 4) | (plus 4) | (plus 5) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | (plus 6) | |
w/ both options | $153 / $142 | $215 / $193 | $271 / $239 | $285 / $250 | $289 / $252 | $292 / $254 | $294 / $255 | $296 / $257 | $298 / $259 | $300 / $261 |
w/ both options, no Expiration | N/A | $225 / $203 | $281 / $249 | $305 / $270 | $329 / $292 | $342 / $304 | $359 / $320 | $406 / $367 | $428 / $389 | $435 / $396 |
Advance Purchase Discount - 1 option | N/A | N/A | N/A | $2/$2 | $5/$3 | $7/$4 | $8/$4 | $8/$4 | $8/$4 | $8/$4 |
Advance Purchase Discount - 2 options | N/A | N/A | N/A | $12/$10 | $15/$11 | $17/$12 | $18/$12 | $18/$12 | $18/$12 | $18/$12 |
Park Hours
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through July 2006.
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Entertainment Schedule
Hours and entertainment schedules are currently available through July 2006.
Theme Park Events
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Monday 1/23 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Tuesday 1/24
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Wednesday 1/25
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Thursday 1/26
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Friday 1/27
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Saturday 1/28
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 8p Wishes Fireworks 9p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Sunday 1/29
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Monday 1/30 | |||
Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Tuesday 1/31
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Wednesday 2/1
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Thursday 2/2
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 7p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Friday 2/3
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p Wishes Fireworks 8p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Saturday 2/4
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Share a Dream Come True Parade 3p SpectroMagic Parade 9p Wishes Fireworks 10p |
Illuminations 9p |
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade 3:30p Fantasmic 7p |
Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade 4p |
Downtown Disney Entertainment
(Separate admission required)
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Monday 1/23 | |
Stormbringer |
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Tuesday 1/24
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Stormbringer |
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Wednesday 1/25
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The Big Idea |
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Thursday 1/26
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The Big Idea |
Impulse (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Friday 1/27
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Harrydash |
Big League Productions Presents: Puerto Rican Latin Concert featuring Tony Tun Tun, Grupo Mania, Tito Rojas y su orquesta, El Cano Estremera y su orquesta, Residente Calle 13, Voltio & Wibel and Alex (main room), $45; 6 p.m. Eddie Kirkland (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Saturday 1/28
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Harrydash |
KISS Army: Tribute To KISS (main room), $12.50 advance/$15 day of show; 9 p.m. Eddie Kirkland (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Sunday 1/29
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Stormbringer |
The W. N. McKinney Gospel Choir (gospel brunch), $30 adult, $15 child (3-9); 10:30 a.m., 1 p.m. |
Monday 1/30 | |
Frankie & the West End Boys |
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Tuesday 1/31
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Frankie & the West End Boys |
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Wednesday 2/1
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TBA |
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Thursday 2/2
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TBA |
Eric Culbertson (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
Friday 2/3
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TBA |
Sister Hazel with TBA (main room), $17.50 advance/$19.50 day of show; 7:30 p.m. Pocket Change (Blues Kitchen), free; 11 p.m. |
 
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