Robb's News from WDW

A Time Traveler Comes Full Circle

2007-11-01T14:15:00.000-04:00

Spaceship Earth is re-imagined by one of its original Imagineers

Bob Zalk was a wide-eyed, newly hired audio engineer when he took on one of his first projects with Walt Disney Imagineering: working on the mighty Epcot® icon, Spaceship Earth, now presented by Siemens. 25 years later, as Senior Show Producer, he found himself leading the team to take this all-time great attraction, and make it even greater for the 21st century and beyond. And you'll be able to experience the newly enhanced attraction this winter.

Bob and his team enhanced all of the scenes on this time-travel attraction with new lighting effects, costumes and set decoration, but even more than that, they also created an entirely new story "overlay" to blend the classic scenes with new ones and to add a special interactive aspect to its finale.

A new story for the enhancement

"We're telling a different story this time," he explained. "Our new story is essentially about how all the innovations of one generation influence and inspire another. There's definitely a relationship between the caveman in the early scenes, who is writing on walls, to our era in which we write on computers. It's a series of building blocks that add upon each other as we travel up through Spaceship Earth."

Once you reach the top of the 165-foot diameter Spaceship Earth geodesic dome, the new, interactive touch screens on your "time machine" vehicle will invite you to create your own visions of the future and see yourself in that future.

On top of all that, a new narration will be accompanied by an exciting new musical score composed and conducted by nine-time Emmy® Award winner Bruce Broughton, who has created music for many other major Disney attractions and films. "It's a challenge to create music for an attraction like this because you have to know how to blend the music seamlessly from scene to scene," Bob explained. "You want to treat an attraction with the kind of majesty it deserves and Bruce rises to the occasion."

"Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow"

After you leave your time machine, you can explore a new interactive area with lots of fun and fascinating exhibits. "There's Body Builder, in which you wear 3-D glasses to assemble a digital human body (who talks back to you!), and simulates Siemens' remote surgery technology," Bob explained. "Then we have Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases Siemens' auto accident avoidance systems.

"Innervision shows you the future of medical diagnostics in your home—something like your bathroom mirror giving you diagnostics on your body. And Power City is a game what shows how to manage power in a growing city, from routing power to neighborhoods where it's needed to replacing fossil fuels with wind and solar power."

All time favorites will live on through time

But the essence of Spaceship Earth will remain a constant. "Everything that everyone loved about the attraction—the smell of Rome burning, the monk snoring—will still be there, but it will be a new experience in a good many ways," Bob explained. "I think we're all mindful of the tradition that these kinds of attractions hold. So when we approach it as a team, we do it very carefully. You want to keep the ingredients that made it special."

And it's personally very special to Bob Zalk. "Coming in as a young Imagineer 25 years ago and getting to work on something like Spaceship Earth-I was just in awe, not only of the attraction, but also of the people I was privileged to work with and their years with the company. I learned a lot from them. Now at this point, we have young people on our team and we're now mentoring these Imagineers. I'm getting an interesting flashback feeling. How often do you get a chance to work on something like this two times around?"

New Disney's Hollywood Studios logo unveiled

2007-10-27T17:38:00.001-04:00

by ScottPowers on Oct 25, 2007 11:07:41 AM

Moving toward the big name change coming up in January, Walt Disney World has unveiled the new logo for Disney's Hollywood Studios -- featuring Mickey Mouse holding a clapboard.

The logo replaces the MGM lion logo that has graced Disney-MGM Studios since it opened in 1989.

"Mickey still plays a prominent role for us," said Studios vice president Michael O'Grattan, "and Hollywood now truly is our middle name."

Even as it announced the name change back in August, Disney revealed several entertainment changes that will debut at about the same time.

Next year the new "Toy Story Mania"! ride (under construction at left)-- the only major attraction currently under construction or announced at Walt Disney World -- will open.

The current Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade will be replaced with "Block Party Bash," a higher-energy play, party and dance show that has been a hit at Walt Disney Co.'s California Adventure theme park in California. In addition, new characters from Playhouse Disney, notably those from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny, will perform in the "Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage!" show. And this fall's release of the new Disney Channel movie Disney High School Musical 2: School's Out is reflected with a new theme-park street show replacing "High School Musical Pep Rally."

The name change not only gives the park a broader, updated image, as Disney officials maintain, but also drops a name that caused some legal problems in the 1990s.

Disney officials insist that dispute, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., is behind them and had no bearing on the decision to rename the park. In the 1990s, Disney and MGM were locked in lawsuits for many years over the name, until courts ruled that Disney could continue using the name at Walt Disney World.

The name MGM was originally adopted for the park through a 1985 licensing agreement with the MGM and some related corporations. In addition to giving Disney rights to the name, the contract offered rights to some of the more famous images and characters from famous MGM movies such as The Wizard of Oz.

However, in the 1990s the two corporations sparred off and on over Disney's use of the name. In 1992, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that Disney retained rights to the name for Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World. Another ruling in 1997 concluded that MGM had rights to the name in most other uses.

Even after the name change, Disney will continue to use some MGM properties.

Disney segues into Segway trips

2007-10-08T16:39:00.000-04:00

Scott Powers and Christopher Boyd

Sentinel Staff Writers

October 8, 2007

Walt Disney World now is offering "Segway" hiking through its Fort Wilderness camping area.

Disney, which has been testing Segway trips along its Fort Wilderness trails for about a year, announced the formal start of its "Wilderness Back Trail Adventures." For $85 per person, a visitor can take a two-hour tour of the Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground in tours offered twice a day on Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

Segways are self-balancing, two-wheeled electric vehicles.

Riders must be at least 16 years old. Disney also offers Segway training at tours at Epcot. More information is available through Disney's reservations line, 407-939-8687.

Homes for rent

Central Florida could well be the vacation-home rental capital of North America. Next spring, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and an events management company, MSE Management, plan to hold an exhibition in Atlanta that focuses on the fast-growing business.

The vacation-home rental concept was born in Europe and British tourists introduced the lodging alternative to Central Florida. There are now 20,000 to 25,000 vacation homes in the region, enough to give the conventional lodging industry some stiff competition.

The Vacation Home Expo, scheduled for April 11-13 next year at Cobb Galleria, will provide information on the vacation-home industry, focusing on condos, villas and houses that are rented for short durations.

Crofton is keynote speaker

Walt Disney World President Meg Crofton will be the keynote speaker at the International Association of Parks and Attractions annual convention at the Orange County Convention Center next month.

Crofton will speak about the future of the Disney theme park experience at the association's general managers and owners breakfast on Nov. 14 at 8:30 a.m.

The IAAPA Attractions Expo 2007 begins Nov. 12 and ends Nov. 16.

Closed for repairs

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad has closed at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom for refurbishment through Oct. 24.

The closure joins those at Epcot for Spaceship Earth, which has been closed since summer for a long-term update, and the Wonders of Life Pavilion, which closed indefinitely in January.

Disney's Typhoon Lagoon water park is scheduled to close Oct. 28 for its annual winter refurbishment.

Hotel to open

Maitland hotel-development business Liberty Lodging LLC will open another Value Place extended-stay hotel in Lakeland next week.

The 121-room hotel will open near Interstate 4 on Oct. 15. It is the fourth of 40 Value Places that Liberty Lodging plans to open in Central Florida.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441. Christopher Boyd can be reached at cboyd@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5723.

Welcome to 'Year of a Million Dreams -- The Sequel'

2007-10-01T12:48:00.000-04:00

Will Disney manage to surpass the glory of its '07 promotion? Stay tuned.

Scott Powers |Sentinel Staff Writer

October 1, 2007

Dream on.

Faced with an uncertain, possibly stagnating economy and a one-year-marketing campaign that provided more buzz than expected, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts are bringing the "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion back for at least one sequel year.

"We've had a really good year," said Ken Potrock senior vice president of global-alliance marketing for Disney Destinations Marketing. "The Year of a Million Dreams concept, which really takes us through calendar year 2007 for the most part, had a lot of success associated with it. The guests were happy. Our cast was happy. It drove attendance, which was a great thing."

But in adding another year, could Disney continue the momentum? Could enough fresh prizes be developed to keep people talking? Was there anything new that could be done to rival the luxury suite that Disney built inside Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom for one lucky family to use as a hotel room each night? High expectations could lead to disappointment.

Among the new prizes to be awarded as "dreams" to Walt Disney World visitors in 2008: a private tropical-island visit; a hot-air balloon ride over Epcot; a VIP invitation to the world premiere of the High School Musical 3 theatrical movie; a chance to throw the first pitch in a Major League Baseball spring-training game; a behind-the-scenes tour of the Walt Disney Imagineering design studios; and breakfast with dozens of costumed Walt Disney characters.

Dozens of smaller prizes -- such as free meals and special "FastPass" tickets -- will be awarded to hundreds or thousands of people during the coming year. Disney says it is spending more money overall on prizes in 2008, and there will be 70 to 80 unique prizes given away , significantly more than in 2007, said Faron Kelley, Disney's Global/Walt Disney World Project development director.

Peter Yesawich, chairman of Ypartnerhip, a Central Florida travel research-and-marketing company, called Disney's ability to create and offer such exclusive experiences "masterful."

"We do a lot of this. . . . When we do things that are not easily accessible to the majority of people, we find it clearly spikes interest," Yesawich said. "I think that's what's smart about what they have done."

Disney parks have done well during the past year, reporting rising attendance, revenue and operating profit in each of the first three quarters of the 2007 fiscal year, though the company has not revealed many details.

"2007 is looking like a very good year -- not completely over, but it is possible that we'll end up with record attendance at our domestic parks, which is no easy task given the strength of our 2006," Walt Disney Co. President and Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger told an investors conference at Goldman Sachs two weeks ago.

While Iger and others have praised the effect of the "Year" campaign, they also have attributed the strong year to Disney's multiple-day ticket discounts; the "Magical Express" transportation program at Orlando International Airport; and new attractions such as Finding Nemo: The Musical show, which opened last winter.

Yesawich is confident Disney's "Year of a Million Dreams" promotion helped fuel the attendance increases. But even if it didn't, the campaign has strengthened the brand's image, drawing lots of positive publicity, he said.

Not all analysts are certain the promotion was all that important to Disney's' bottom line. The company always seems to have one big, celebratory marketing promotion or another, they note, and such campaigns often last more than a year. In this decade alone, there's been the millennial 2000 Celebration, Walt Disney's 100 Years of Magic birthday celebration, Mickey Mouse's 75th anniversary, and Disneyland's Happiest Celebration on Earth 50th anniversary.

Harold Vogel, a veteran Wall Street analyst and CEO of Vogel Capital Management, said outside factors such as gasoline prices and consumer confidence also played major roles in the successes at Disney World and Southern California's Disneyland.

"I think the campaign may be a relatively small part of it," Vogel said.

As Disney extends "Years," the big question, as for any sequel, Vogel suggested, is the one Iger alluded to when he compared 2007 with 2006 at the Goldman Sachs conference. "How do you top this year?" Vogel asked.

Potrock and Kelley think it can be done.

They said they actually underestimated the potential of "Year of a Million Dreams" when it was announced last year. The program actually was rolled out as a sub-campaign; the main campaign, "Place Where Dreams Come True," featured celebrities such as Beyonce being photographed as famous characters from Disney movies, like Alice from Alice in Wonderland.

But that main campaign was nearly swamped by the "Year of a Million Dreams." The "Year" portion of it wasn't even put out in 2006 in time for the many annual guide books and other publications, which are locked up each year in the fall. This year it was.

"Understand, when we really were launching the brand advertising, the "Place Where Dreams Come True" campaign and we put the emphasis on the ad campaign. And we didn't get out loud enough, or big enough, through the sales channels as we could have done," Potrock said. "So we said, number one, could we do it again? And knowing what we know now, could we build on it?"

Kelley said that, to build on the first year, Disney has to recapture the imaginations of its patrons.

No "dream" prize captured people's imagination more than the nightly overnight stays in Cinderella Castle, inside Disney World's Magic Kingdom theme park. In fact, the version offered at Disneyland has not drawn nearly as much interest because the suite there is outside the park and in a hotel. No matter how fancy the room, it is still just a hotel room.

"There's something special about being able to stay inside the park," Kelley said.

So Disney is building a room inside Disneyland to compare with the bed chambers inside Disney World's Cinderella Castle. The "Disneyland Dream Suite" will become available in late January.

Not just any "exclusive" Disney experience will be turned into a dream, though.

The new "Dream Suite" is being built in the same building as the legendary "Club 33" -- the posh, ultra-exclusive, almost-secret, private dinner club that has been the hospitality spot for decades for movie stars, high-powered politicans, industrialists and other dignitaries visiting Disneyland.

Club 33 is also the only place within Disneyland that serves alcoholic beverages. The club's food might be made available to Dream Suite guests -- but not actual admittance to the club, nor the drinks.

Haunted Mansion “Re-Haunting“- Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion Gets a Spooktacular Update

2007-09-26T13:30:00.000-04:00

Emma Martin
The American Chronicle

September 25, 2007

Every Disney Parks fan always greets news of a major Walt Disney World attraction refurbishment with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. Will a faded ride get a much needed upgrade into the 21st century or will a crowd favorite become an unrecognizable imitation of itself with garish updates that ruin the Disney magic? Thankfully, there was no need to fear over the fate of the Disney Park classic, The Haunted Mansion.

Walt Disney World closed the Haunted Mansion at the height of its 2007 summer season in order to undertake its long overdue refurbishment and have the attraction re-opened before the first Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on September 14th. As scheduled, the "Re-Haunting" of the Haunted Mansion debuted on September 13th, 2007 with many eager Magic Kingdom attendees waiting in line for the early morning park rope-drop to experience the updated attraction. They weren't disappointed. The updates made to the Haunted Mansion constitute far more than just surface improvements. The attraction has been enhanced at every level with embellishments that maintain the original theme while introducing new spooky delights.

The Haunted Mansion has been masterfully updated to showcase all of the elements that have long made it such a favorite ride among Disney park-goers. Significant enhancements have been made to the special effects, as well as the audio and lighting. All of the audio narration by the Ghost Host has been re-mastered and a new sound system has been installed in the attraction so now you can hear the Ghost Host in true stereo with multi-positional sound effects. Lighting effects have also been deftly handled so the parts of the Haunted Mansion ride that had grown dim over the years now provide the frightful visual delights they were always meant to, but without over-brightening the dark ride aspects of the attraction that make riding it so entertaining.. In addition, many mechanical and cosmetic refurbishments have been made both inside and outside the attraction. The Stretching Portrait Gallery provides a more seamless experience of its visual effect and the Doom Buggies now move silently and no longer overwhelm the audio effects.

The best enhancements of the “Re-Haunting”, however, are the new features added to the Haunted Mansion. The demented Haunted Bride and her axe, as well as the fortune-teller Madame Leota’s head floating in mid-air, have both been imported from the Disneyland Haunted Mansion, but not before adding some additional improvements to them to amplify their fright potential. Even better though is the newest feature of the Walt Disney World Haunted Mansion. Replacing the long-boring spider scene is the brand new Staircase Room. Like an Escher print brought to life, the room is full of staircases built in random directions and ghostly footprints going nowhere. The Staircase Room is a stand-out presentation and exclusive to the Orlando park.

As with everything Disney does, they’ve also created a series of souvenirs to celebrate the “Re-Haunting” of the Haunted Mansion. Among the most popular are the limited edition Disney pins that they released exclusively in the Walt Disney World Parks. They created two individual pins, one featuring Madame Leota and one featuring Mickey Mouse, and both of these have been limited to 2000 pins each. The third release is a lenticular set of four pins which features the changing portraits in the Haunted Mansion gallery. Limited to only 750 sets, the Disney Haunted Mansion Re-Haunting pins are likely to be scarce, even on Ebay.

New attractions pay off for parks, Disney's Iger says

2007-09-19T09:03:00.000-04:00

By Andy Fixmer Bloomberg News

September 19, 2007

Walt Disney Co., the world's biggest theme-park operator, may post record attendance at its U.S. resorts this fiscal year as new attractions have lured more visitors, Chief Executive Officer Robert Iger said Tuesday.

Attendance in fiscal 2007, which ends in two weeks, may exceed the record number of tickets sold in 2006, when all Disney's parks celebrated the 50th anniversary of Disneyland, the company's first theme park, Iger told a Goldman, Sachs & Co. conference in New York.

Disney will continue to add attractions at its domestic and international resorts, Iger said. A Finding Nemo ride at Disneyland in Anaheim, Calif., and the Expedition Everest roller coaster at Walt Disney World in Orlando have helped boost sales at the theme-park unit. In the nine months ended June 30, theme-park revenue was up 6.2 percent to $7.84 billion.

Expedition Everest opened in April 2006 in Disney World's Animal Kingdom theme park. Mixing a roller coaster with a story about a Yeti creature and a mountain, the ride has drawn praise for pleasing teenagers and young adults without scaring away their parents or younger siblings.

"We think the trends are good in terms of bookings," Iger said of Disney's resorts. "Some people will keep the family vacation and not replace the faulty refrigerator, and that's an interesting phenomenon."

Disney, owner of about 26,000 hotel rooms nationwide, also announced Tuesday that it will expand its Grand Californian Hotel & Spa in Anaheim to increase the accommodations there by more than 30 percent.

The expansion, expected to be completed in late 2009, will add more than 200 hotel rooms and 50 vacation villas with kitchens, Disney said.

Disney is building more accommodations and shopping areas at both Disneyland and Disney World to help boost sales and profit margins at its theme-park and resort unit. The division accounted for 29 percent of Walt Disney Co.'s $34.3 billion in revenue last fiscal year.

On Wall Street, Disney shares rose $1.20, or 3.6 percent, Tuesday to close at $34.58 on the New York Stock Exchange. The Burbank, Calif.-based company's shares are up 2.3 percent so far this year.

Epcot expands 25th - Disney reconsiders its plans on how to celebrate the milestone anniversary.

2007-09-18T10:50:00.000-04:00

Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer

Backstage at Epcot, employees walk past a mural of Spaceship Earth. Disney plans a public rededication ceremony for the park Oct. 1. (JOE BURBANK, ORLANDO SENTINEL / September 14, 2007)

Pressed by fans, Walt Disney World is expanding its observance of Epcot's 25th anniversary by providing company-sponsored public events to go along with private celebrations already set for Oct.1.

Disney is now planning a public "rededication ceremony" inside Epcot that day that will echo much of the original 1982 dedication. It also will have an exhibit hall dedicated to the park's first 25 years; a special "IlluminNations" light show at the close of the day; and retro guide maps, restaurant menus and other souvenirs.

Still, the observances are far less involved than those Disney has already organized for Epcot employees -- less even than some of the private events organized by Disney fans.

Disney officials had indicated earlier this year that there would be no company-sponsored public observances of Epcot's silver anniversary. Instead, they said commemorations would focus on the theme park's employees.

Many Epcot fans used various Internet forums to criticize Disney for not planning a public marking of the Epcot milestone. The fans also used the Internet to organize private celebrations. As their private arrangements picked up steam this summer, Disney apparently reconsidered its plans.

Epcot's new vice president, Jim MacPhee, announced in June that some sort of public celebration would take place. He also disclosed that Disney would take down the wand-and-arm structure that had towered over Epcot's signature attraction, Spaceship Earth, since 1999.

Now Disney is providing details of the public observances that will be available to paying visitors to the park on Oct. 1.

MacPhee, one of Epcot's original employees from 1982, said the anniversary is still focused on employees, particularly the 300 who both opened the park and still work there. That effort began earlier this month, with various commemorative decorations, giveaways and employee recognitions.

"We've always planned to celebrate the 25th anniversary for our cast. It began to evolve very quickly as we focused on what a great milestone it is," MacPhee said. "It's great. I love the fact that people have such huge passion about what we're doing."

The resort's change of heart may be partly attributed to the emerging success of various private Epcot parties -- including "Celebration 25," which is being spearheaded by Adam Roth, a 16-year-old Dr. Phillips High School junior.

Celebration 25, which will feature Epcot history tours, get-togethers and parties Sept. 30 and Oct. 1, started as an Internet-networked get-together of Epcot fans. Initially, it was expected to draw 100 or so participants, but the latest count tops 1,100 registrants.

Another private celebration, "The Epcot Thing," sponsored by the unofficial Disney-fan Web site MagicalMountain.net, also involves various parties and get-togethers Sept. 30 and Oct. 1. And the annual Florida convention of the National Fantasy Fan Club will take place at Disney World that weekend.

Disney officials have noticed the private preparations, and have called organizers to help coordinate the official and unofficial events.

Roth does not think the private celebrations goaded Disney into creating a public Epcot celebration. But he thinks they may have inspired Disney to do more than was originally intended.

"All our efforts combined -- I think it does show we do have a presence out there of fans," he said. "I think it was a polite reminder that it does mean something to us."

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Biotech thrives in Epcot's secret garden

2007-09-16T11:08:00.000-04:00

By Scott Powers
Orlando Sentinel
Deep inside the laboratories of Epcot's The Land pavilion -- beyond theworld-record tomato tree or the Mickey Mouse-shaped pumpkins -- a tiny part ofone of Walt Disney's dreams is being kept alive in petri dishes.

Visitors' only brush with science there might involve Epcot's programs togrow lettuce in water or to shape vegetables like Mickey Mouse. Yet morecomplex, far-less-known, potentially more practical and possibly controversialwork has been going on side by side with those show projects for years.

In some of those tiny dishes, within microbiology laboratories walled offfrom the public, one of Epcot's primary missions is being cultivated specimenby specimen, cell by cell, gene by gene.

Real, high-tech science.

Scientists working in The Land labs for Disney and the U.S. Department ofAgriculture's Agriculture Research Service are trying to alter nature'sdesign for the pear tree on a molecular level.

Funded by and operating as a branch laboratory for a research project underway at a federal agriculture laboratory in Kearneysville, W.Va., the Epcotscientists want to create a new rootstock for pear trees that would stunt thegrowth of the trees, making them shorter and easier to grow and harvest, andtherefore more productive and more commercially attractive.

And they are doing so by genetically altering the cells of pear-treerootstock specimens.

"It's more than just a show," said Frederick L. Petitt, Walt Disney World'sdirector of Epcot science. "This is pretty long-term research."

Low-profile, but controversial

But unlike most Epcot research -- such as projects involving pestmanagement or dolphin communication -- it risks powerful controversy. Geneticengineering of crops draws a high level of public suspicion and has harshcritics who deride the products as "Frankenfoods."

While the pear-tree work should not affect the genetic makeup of the pears,earlier projects at Epcot have had the goal of designing better food.

"I wouldn't think Disney would touch this project with a 10-foot Cinderellawand, but Disney isn't your grandfather's cartoon company anymore," said NancyAllen, an activist with the Green Party.

Her group is part of an environmental coalition campaigning against thecreation of genetically engineered trees -- though not specifically the Epcotwork -- arguing that genetic engineering must be slowed so the consequencescan be studied more carefully. "There just is no way to know what is going tohappen in the long term, even for the growers," said Anne Petermann,co-director of the Global Justice Ecology Project.

Research-project director Ralph Scorza of the U.S. Agriculture ResearchService said he thinks such critics overlook the extreme care taken in theresearch -- and its potential benefits. That's one reason Epcot's labs wererecruited.

"It does give us a chance to talk to people about the whole process, andabout the safety of it, and the oversight," Scorza said.

Disney's dream

One of Walt Disney's original plans for Epcot -- which didn't open until16 years after his death -- was that it would be a center of cutting-edgescience and technology. Walt Disney's vision was to build a full-fledged city,called the Experimental Prototype Community of Tomorrow, or EPCOT for short.

Throughout today's version of Epcot, visitors are treated to "shows" ofinteresting but often old and relatively simple technology, such as The Land'shydroponic gardens, which allow Disney to grow the world's most prolifictomato "tree" or to create Mickey Mouse-shaped vegetables.

There is nothing simple about the pear-tree project.

"That laboratory in Epcot could just as well be a laboratory down thehall," Scorza said, talking recently by phone from his Kearneysville office."People are doing the work that we need them to do for our program. It's notmade for show. It's real research that we're doing. It's very important forthe program. But also, we think, it has a story to tell."

Petitt said the public has raised almost no concerns about the research atEpcot. And the pear-tree project is not the first there to involve geneticengineering.

In the early 1990s, Epcot and the Agriculture Research Service teamed ongenetically altered peanuts, to create more nutritious peanut oil. Later, theyworked together on genetically altered peach trees, seeking to create peachesthat stay firm longer. Epcot's Innovations pavilion also housed a multimediaexhibit espousing genetic engineering for several years and got little publicbacklash, he said.

Cutting-edge, behind the scenes

Sometimes visitors floating past the laboratories on tour boats in the"Living with the Land" ride or wandering backstage in the "Behind the Seeds"walking tour might see people in white coats doing some sort of laboratorybench-top work. But tour guides often don't mention the work'sgenetic-engineering aspects, unless a tourist asks.

The scientists are using molecular-transfer techniques to extract from asmall, specific weed, genes that are associated with dwarf growth so they cantransplant them into the root cells for a pear tree. If the new genes cancontrol the growth of the new culture, they could produce pear-tree rootstocksthat would produce only shorter-than-normal pear trees.

Contrary to some Internet rumors, nothing from the genetics lab ever isserved to people in Epcot restaurants. The work is expected to take many yearsbefore any viable rootstock specimens might proceed far enough to outgrowpetri dishes or small glass jars.

The development of actual trees capable of bearing fruit likely won'thappen at Epcot, Scorza said. And long before anything edible could beproduced, the research would have to receive scrutiny and approval from avariety of federal agencies, he said.

"I don't understand what scares people," he said. "I think it's [becauseit's] something new. It's something different."

Haunted Mansion Reopens

2007-09-13T10:43:00.000-04:00

Right on schedule, Disney this morning reopened the Haunted Mansion at park opening. Walt Disney Imagineering did a fantastic job on this refurbishment, in a very short amount of time, ensuring the attraction is back open ready for the Halloween season.

SPOILERS BELOW

Highlights of the refurbishment

The whole of the exterior has been repainted and looks wonderful.
A new canopy has been installed over the queue line.
The parlour room with the fireplace and changing portrait appears to be the same as before.
The stretch room is a MAJOR improvement. It is almost entirely new. The audio sounds terrific, it has deep bass, multi-positional sound. There are also new sound effects, including creaking as the room stretches, and sounds of bats flying around. There is also a piece of new dialog from Phantom Manor - "I didn't mean to frighten you, so prematurely". Besides the great additions, the actual mechanism is now silent, which really helps with the illusion.
The load area has received a considerable amount of extra theming. The moving eye portraits are now in the load area. The carpeting is new, lots of great cobwebs hanging from the great looking light fixtures. There is also a new load console for the cast.
A note on the Doombuggy, they now run silently, and no signs of any dropped audio. All the of the dialog is crisp and clear.
There is a new window with lightning flashes on the left hand side, which are opposite the portrait gallery. As the lightning flashes, the portraits change. Its a great new scene.
The new staircase scene is a very welcome new scene. There is a lot of detail here, and it is the kind of thing you need to see lots of times to take it all in.
Exiting the staircase room, there is a corridor of eyes.
The séance room has the much talked about floating Leota head. It really is an amazing special effect, and has to be seen to be appreciated. Videos are not going to do this justice.
In the ballroom, there are signs of cleanup and enhancements, but nothing significant.
The attic has had the most attention. It's awesome. All the popup heads have gone from this scene, and been replaced with detailed sets, with portraits, and a sinister background sound track. The ghostly bride is excellent.
The graveyard scene now has only 2 or 3 popup ghosts in total. They are used much more effectively, and they no longer scream. The rest of the scene seems unchanged, but has all been cleaned and restored.
Little Leota looks new and refreshed, and she has curly hair, holding more than just lillies.

source: wdwmagic.com

Night of Joy - 2008

2007-09-12T13:21:00.000-04:00

Get out your calendars and circle these two rockin' days to celebrate Faith in 2008:

Friday, September 5
Saturday, September 6

The music moves to Disney-MGM Studios for the first time, where some of today's most powerful voices in Contemporary Christian music will take to the stage with favorite songs. MercyMe, TobyMac and Chris Tomlin have already confirmed to be a part of this inspirational event. Watch this space as more stars commit to bring joy to your night next year!

Resort News

2007-09-11T15:56:00.000-04:00

Walt Disney World is apparently mailing a notice to all guests who currently have reservations at Disney’s Caribbean Beach resort that the main feature pool at Old Port Royale will be closed for refurbishment from Janurary 7th, 2008 until sometime in mid-September 2008. The pools in Jamaica Village and Barbados Village will add temporary “child-sized” slides during this time period. I don’t know any details of the refurbishment itself though Disney has been doing this on and off for the past few years as needed at several of their hotels, adding new themeing and zero-depth entry features.

source - www.screamscape.com

Walt Disney World Resort is Looking for a Few Good Moms

2007-09-07T13:27:00.000-04:00

PR NEWSWIRE US
Thu 06 Sep 2007
Dateline: LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla., Sept. 6

Calling all moms: Is a trip to Walt Disney World Resort your idea of the perfect family vacation? Do you know where to find the one and only campfire marshmallow roast at Walt Disney World Resort? Have you ever been to one of the resort's baby care centers to change and feed your little one? Or maybe you and your family have visited so often that others have said you could write a book filled with travel tips? If so, Disney wants to hear from you.

As part of "The Year of a Million Dreams," Disney announced today the launch of a nationwide search for moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. Twelve finalists will be selected to serve on the first- ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Those 12 parents who have a passion for the Walt Disney World vacation experience will have the opportunity to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering this magical vacation experience. In exchange, the 12 panelists will receive a 6-day/5-night vacation to the Florida resort for themselves and three other guests.

"Through our consumer research we know that there are aspects of a Walt Disney World vacation that can be challenging to the primary vacation planner, most often that means mom," said Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort. "We could not think of a better way to provide vacation planning advice than to create an online forum. This will assist guests who are looking for real and reliable vacation recommendations that fit their family's travel needs."

The Walt Disney World Moms Panel will be found online at www.disneyworldmoms. com and feature content provided by the panel. It will also offer guests the opportunity to pose specific questions and have them answered by the panelists. The site, which goes live in January 2008, will host valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for those parents planning a Walt Disney World vacation.

Are you right for the panel?

Disney realizes that the person who serves the "mom" role differs from family to family. Whether you pride yourself on knowing insider tips and insights for vacationing at Walt Disney World Resort, or are popular among friends and family for planning fabulous vacations on a budget, you may be right for the panel.

From Sept. 6 through Oct. 5, 2007, interested applicants can visit www. disneyworldmoms.com and in 300 words or less in answering three questions, explain why they should be considered for the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Disney will select 12 panelists with children of various ages.

"For families interested in taking a Walt Disney World vacation, the interactive site will feature a wealth of helpful planning information, expert tips and advice about various topics related to visiting the Walt Disney World Resort," said Crofton.

For more information on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel search, please visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

About the Walt Disney World Moms Panel

Disney is conducting a nationwide search for parents who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. From Sept. 6, 2007, through Oct. 5, 2007, interested guests can apply to be one of 12 people who will be selected to serve on the Walt Disney World Moms Panel. The Walt Disney World Moms Panel is an online forum where guests can get insider tips and insights from parents who have a passion for the Walt Disney World vacation experience. Set to launch in January 2008, the Walt Disney World Moms Panel will allow guests to pose questions and have them answered by the panelists, as well as gain access to other valuable park insights and vacation planning tools. For more information, visit www.disneyworldmoms.com.

Previewing The New Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique at Cinderella's Castle

2007-09-07T08:58:00.000-04:00

(Courtesy of www.allearsnet.com)

The Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique that is set to officially open in Magic Kingdom on September 10th, has started doing previews for invited guests. It is my understanding that the invited guests are all cast members. Here's a few pictures that I took today, Thursday, September 6, 2007. The original Bibbiddi Bobbiddi Boutique opened last spring in the World of Disney Store at the MarketPlace at Downtown Disney.

The new boutique is located in Cinderella's Castle directly across from the entrance to Cinderella's Royal Table.

Check-in Podium

Gift bags were ready at the check-out counter for todays Princesses

Fairy Godmothers In Training

Check-out counter

Princesses can choose from three makeover packages -- the Coach makeover (hairstyle and shimmering makeup), the Crown makeover (hairstyle, nails and shimmering makeup) and the Castle makeover (hairstyle, nails, shimmering makeup, an imaging package and princess costume complete with crown, wand and shoes).

Fairy Godmothers In Training waiting for the their Princess or Prince

Within each makeover package, young princesses can choose from three different hairstyles -- the Disney Diva, the Pop Princess or the Fairytale Princess. Young princes can choose the Cool Dude service offering hairstyling with colored gels and sparkles.

This display is located in the lobby area and contains everything a Princess could want

The Magic Kingdom salon will be open every day from 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Children must be three years or older and theme park admission is required. Reservations are recommended, and can be made by calling 407/WDW-STYLE (407/939-7895) up to 180 days in advance.

97% of AllEars® Readers recommend the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney with a 9.4 average rating.

Disney adds 3 more hotels to Green Lodging Program

2007-09-06T16:30:00.000-04:00

Orlando Business Journal - 10:45 AM EDT Wednesday, September 5, 2007

Walt Disney World's Contemporary, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs Resorts were designated Tuesday by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection as the 34th, 35th and 36th Florida hotels in its Florida Green Lodging Program.

The program is a voluntary state initiative that provides the hotel industry with technical assistance and encourages it to adopt cost-saving "green" practices that reduce waste and conserve natural resources.

Among the measures taken by the three Disney hotels are a formal communication program between staff and guests, promoting environmental education and public feedback. In addition, the hotels conserve water through towel and linen reuse programs and low-flow toilets, faucets and other fixtures, and conserve energy with programmable thermostats, indoor and outdoor lighting sensors, a computerized energy management system and high energy-efficient lighting.

Waste is reduced by recycling office paper, newspaper, aluminum and steel cans and corrugated cardboard, purchasing products with 30 percent post consumer content and instituting policies such as bulk purchasing and reduced packaging. Indoor air quality is improved by utilizing high quality air-conditioning filters, using environmentally preferable cleaners and following a preventative maintenance schedule for all air-conditioning systems.

The state program was launched in March 2004. It establishes environmental guidelines for hotels and motels to conserve natural resources and prevent pollution. As a reward for designation, the state recommends facilities within the Green Lodging Program to companies and trade organizations seeking environmentally conscious lodging and convention facilities.

The state says more than 80 Florida hotels in are currently in the review and inspection process.

Disney's FastPass entering digital era

2007-09-06T16:28:00.000-04:00

Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writer

September 6, 2007

The technology, which the Walt Disney Co. is seeking to patent, would use central computers to manage distribution of FastPass tickets throughout Disney World's four Central Florida theme parks and at Disneyland in Southern California. Such passes, which shorten the wait for theme-park rides, could be ordered and downloaded through all sorts of wired or wireless digital devices, according to the patent application filed Aug. 30.

FastPass tickets are available from kiosks placed outside popular rides such as Space Mountain in the Magic Kingdom and Soarin' in Epcot.

A Disney World official downplayed on Wednesday the FastPass ideas spelled out in the application, which is on file with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said the technology is envisioned for use in connection with all sorts of guest services, such as shopping and dining-room management.

There are no plans to change FastPass, she said.

"They are still in the very early stages of development. There's no telling where the dreams might lead," Prunty said. "We're looking at lots of ways to use interactive technology."

Ride management evolves

Still, most of the 30-page patent application deals with FastPass, spelling out an interactive, digital system in detail.

Among the ideas: How theme-park officials or customers could revise FastPass times via text messages in case something such as poor weather complicates plans.

The wait in line for the more popular Disney rides is typically more than an hour. But people who swing by early can pick up FastPass reservation tickets at a designated kiosk, which lets them return at set times and enter the ride through a shorter line.

The ideas in the patent application are an evolution of Disney's ride-line management, said Dennis Speigel, a private consultant and president of International Theme Park Services.

"It's kind of the digital-age queue line," Speigel said.

Some people -- notably single-day visitors to the giant resort's theme parks -- could be frustrated by some of the ideas in the patent paperwork, however.

'Hierarchies of access'

Disney's application openly suggests that the technology could be used to give preferential treatment to people who spend more money at the resort.

That could mean priority for the best FastPass times would go to people staying in Disney's luxury hotels, followed by those in its moderate hotels, then by those in its budget hotels, then by day visitors.

"Spending per guest at hotels can determine different hierarchies of access to Fastpass," the application states. "Thus, the more that is spent by a patron, the higher the priority can be."

Also, day visitors who send a text message request for a FastPass could have an advantage over people who don't and use a kiosk.

A means test for rides?

"That's really a bad idea," said Arlen Miller of Kissimmee, a Disney enthusiast and past president of the World Chapter of the National Fantasy Fan Club. Apparently, text-message visitors could present a coded Disney ticket or a "Key to the World" pass once they enter the park and go to a ride.

"I don't have a problem with people staying at a resort [hotel] being able to get the reservation. But I resent the fact that someone who's off-property with a cell phone or a PDA can do it and they're not even in the park," Miller said. "That's discrimination against people who aren't as financially fortunate."

There also could be privacy concerns, suggested Jim Hill, founder of JimHillMedia.com, the Disney-watching Internet site that first reported the patent application Wednesday.

The patent application notes that, once someone uses a cell phone or PDA to contact the system, the system could recognize the device and track the person around the park.

Hill wrote in his blog that the intentions behind such a use are likely fairly innocent but would inevitably raise privacy-rights questions.

The application credits three people as co-inventors behind the patent: Disney World's Gregory B. Hale, chief safety officer for all Disney parks and resorts worldwide; Kenneth W. Schweizer, of Disney World's design-and-engineering team; and Jonathan Ackley, of Walt Disney Imagineering in Glendale, Calif.

Prunty said safety and security issues are among those that must be explored before any system could be set up.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Train Ride or Time Travel? Disney's narrow-gauge steam trains still chug around park.

2007-09-06T16:25:00.000-04:00

By DAVE SOUZA
Reporter Correspondent

LAKE BUENA VISTA | Fred Stewart was looking down the tracks for his train to come into the station. An eight-year veteran of the Walt Disney World railroad, he was waiting to begin his shift.

Enlarge

DAVE SOUZA | The Reporter

Fred Stewart, an engineer on the Walt Disney World Railroad, waves to passengers leaving the paltform.

Enlarge

DAVE SOUZA | The Reporter

Disney's Engine No. 4 pulls out of Toontown with whistle blasting.

Stewart was dressed in a matching striped hat and overalls, plus a denim shirt and a red handkerchief tied around his neck completed his work clothes.

He looked just like an engineer would have looked like - 75 years ago.

"We work 40 minutes as a fireman, 40 minutes as an engineer and 40 minutes off," he said. "It's about 120 degrees in the cab, so we like to keep moving."

Stewart stood on the platform waving to passengers as the train arrived, being pulled by Engine No. 4 - the Roy Disney. As passengers disembarked, he answered their questions with a big smile. It seemed clear to everyone at the train that Stewart loves his job working on one of the few steam engines still running a regular schedule in the United States.

After Stewart climbed on board and a new group of passengers filled the coaches, the train headed off to Frontierland. It circles the entire Magic Kingdom theme park once again during the 20-minute ride.

The engines are big, noisy and powerful - and as low tech as they come. They are the best contrast to the ultra-sleek monorails that circle the Seven Seas Lagoon. Hissing and steaming, they are Walt Disney World's fleet of narrow-gauge steam locomotives.

Before Disney World opened for the first time in October 1971, months had been spent looking for the perfect steam locomotives to complement the park as an attraction and practical means to get people from one area of the Magic Kingdom to another.

Walt Disney himself loved trains and gave orders to find engines that fit the feel of his new park.

Imagineer Roger Broggie was put in charge of setting up the Disney railway. The search lead Roger to the jungles of Mexico, where he found the company American had built 3-foot, narrow-gauge Baldwin steam engines. They were in disrepair and rusting away in a railroad junkyard in Merida, Mexico.

Arrangements were made to get the locomotives back to the States, where they went through different amounts of repair and custom work to help build the fleet of four engines.

The engines are a mix of types and styles. Engine No. 1, Walter Disney, is what is referred to as a Ten Wheeler. It has four small wheels up front to support the front end and six wheels that drive the engine. The engine was completely rebuilt and painted red.

Disney's No. 2 Engine is the Lilly Belle, named for Walt Disney's wife of 41 years. They met when she applied for a job as an inker at the original Disney Brothers Studio. This engine is called a Mogul because it has only two wheels up front and six driving wheels.

Disney's No. 2 was rebuilt and painted green with red trim. This engine is used for the first run of the morning and for special trains.

No. 3 Roger E. Broggie is just like No. 1, a Ten Wheeler. It was built in 1925. Walt Disney originally wanted the railroad built from scratch, but it was Broggie who suggested using a rebuilt narrow-gauge engine instead of building new locomotives. That's what brought him down to the Yucatan to finds the engines.

Walt's brother Roy, who handled the business side of the Disney empire but always stayed out of the limelight, has his name on Engine No. 4. The Roy Disney is an American with four front wheels and four driving wheels, and is the oldest of the engines, built in 1916. This was the only one of the fleet that was not ready for the October 1971 opening date, but was added just a few months after the park welcomed the public.

Today these four engines pull a compliment of open coaches that carry thousands of passengers around the perimeter of the park, starting at the Main Station at the entrance to Disney World. The trains also stop at Frontierland and Toontown. As low tech as this railroad system is, it's still a popular ride.

Walt Disney imagined what the future of mass transportation would be in his fleet of shining monorail trains. With its fleet of steam locomotives and open-coach cars, Walt Disney World also pays tribute to the mass transportation of the past.

[ Dave Souza is a photographer and journalist in Barrington, R.I. He can be reached at davesouzaphoto@yahoo.com. ]

(courtesy of 'The Ledger')

New Disney patent application reveals that FASTPASS-for-pay is not so far away

2007-09-05T13:15:00.000-04:00

Jim Hill shares some info about changes that appear to be in the works for the Mouse's virtual queuing system. Some that are pretty good, and some that are sure to upset right-to-privacy fans

Do you want to be sure that you can score some FASTPASSES for your favorite Disney theme park attractions the next time you visit Anaheim or Orlando? Well, if that's really the case, then you'd best make reservations now for one of Disney's high end hotels.

Why For? Well, according to information that's buried down deep in a patent application that the Walt Disney Company filed on August 30th :

"Spending per guest at hotels can (be used to determine) different hierarchies (for) access to Fastpass. Thus, the more that is spent by a patron, the higher the priority (they will receive) for Fastpass."

Copyright 1999 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Different levels and hierarchies can (then) be applicable at different hotels. Thus, (guests who stay at Disney's) more luxurious hotels can have higher priorities (to the resort's virtual queuing system)."

This is just one of the FASTPASS-related bombshells that you'll discover as you read through United States Patent Application 20070203763. Which goes into great detail about an application to manage the " ... flow of persons and advertisement distribution via wireless media" that Mickey is looking to patent.

Among the ideas that the Imagineers are allegedly looking to field-test in a theme park near you very soon is a paperless, booked-24-hours-in-advance FASTPASS.

As described in Patent Application 2007020376, Disney resort guests -- after they've checked in to their respective hotels -- would be directed to turn on the digital televisions (DTVs) that they'll find in their rooms. For these interactive units will soon be directly tied into the resort's own master computer system. Which will then give these guests advance access to the FASTPASS system.

This DTV-based reservation system will allow Disney resort guests to book their FASTPASSES the night before and/or the day of their visit to the theme park. What's more, all of this virtual queuing-based information can then be downloaded directly onto that guests' cell phone.

And then ... Well, Mickey plans on use all this hi-tech stuff to take all of the drudgery (Or should I say independent thought?) out of your next visit to a Disney theme park?

How so? Well, how would you like it if your cell phone rang 15 minutes prior to the time that you were due to get in line for that FASTPASS attraction that you'd booked in advance? Just as a reminder that it was now time to start making your way over to the entrance of that ride or show.

Or -- better yet -- what if your cell phone were to suddenly start ringing as you were walking through the park? And -- as you answered that call -- you got a message that told you that the attraction that you'd booked FASTPASSES for later in the day had just broken down. And -- because of that -- Disney's main computer was now offering you the opportunity to put yourself in the virtual queue for another attraction in that theme park. Wouldn't that be a cool new feature of Disney's FASTPASS system?

Best of all, when it finally comes time to actually get in that FASTPASS line, you won't need a really-for-real ticket any longer. You just show the cast member who'll be watching over the entrance of this attraction the virtual FASTPASS that you'll have on display on the screen of your cell phone and -- BAM ! -- you're in.

Mind you, not all of the changes that are proposed to Disney's FASTPASS system are going to be embraced with enthusiasm by the public. Particularly those day visitors to the parks, who are sure to be upset when they learn that ...

" ... those visitors staying in a (Disney) resort hotel planning a visit for the next day may be granted a higher priority than those patrons (who are just) visiting the park for the day."

Translation: Disney really is planning on cutting back on the number of FASTPASSES that they'll be distributing daily inside the parks. In the future, look for the Mouse to increasingly reserve this perk for those guests who are willing pay big bucks to stay in Disney's on-property and/or partner resorts.

Another possible aspect of this new application that's sure to be controversial will be Disney's ability (once a guest has used their cell phone to tap into the FASTPASS system) to then track this individual's movements around the resort through their handheld device. Quoting now from the patent application:

Other examples include the ability to have a patron's or user's cellular telephone or wireless device be tracked as that person moves around the facility, or defined area. For instance, this provides for locating guests or patrons and for the central facility computer to track the location of guests and patrons, and make recommendations as necessary to those persons. In an entertainment environment, when a particular attraction is non-functional for instance as a priority system or at all, the recommendations can suggest alternative attractions or activities to the patrons.

Which -- admittedly -- sounds like a fairly innocent application of this technology. Though I'd imagine that rabid right-to-privacy types will have a very different reaction once they learn that the Mouse may soon have technology that will then allow them to track tourists' movements around the Magic Kingdom through their cell phones.

So what do you folks think? Do these proposed changes to Disney's FASTPASS system upset you? Or are you downright eager to use your cell phone to gain admission to your favorite theme park attraction?

(Courtesy of Jim Hill Media)

Quick EPCOT update

2007-09-04T14:56:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, in addition to taking in the new O'Canada! film, we completed a circuit of the park to see what was new. Signs of preparation for the upcoming Food & Wine Festival were everywhere. But, so far no booths were set up, other than the Japan booths that are being used while the main restaurants are rehabilitated.

The geodesic sphere housing Spaceship Earth was back to its resplendent, unaugmented glory. However, the pathway on the east side is still closed to guests. For most of the day they had a cast member posted there to answer questions and direct guests. That was nice. I've heard some some of the other clutter around the area will be going soon. So hopefully that pole will vanish as well.

The signs for "Spaceship Earth" have been removed. The old signs already had the Siemens sponsorship on them, so I wonder if this signals a small name change to better reflect the new Siemens sponsored storyline.

Before we go any farther in the park, here is the progress on a new 'bag check' station for the east side of the entrance plaza, just next to the monorail station up-ramp. A few months ago they were talking about a complete redo of the park's entrance. So, I don't know if these are temporary while the major construction goes on, or if the project has just been reduced to provide some shade structures.

The exterior of the Rose & Crown Pub is getting some much needed TLC.

Walls are up in Italy for the change over from Alfredo's to the new Patina Group restaurant. I think Disney is missing an opportunity here to have a food booth set up like they have in Japan. Offer some Italian sweet treats, a pasta dish, and sparkling sodas. This was midday and no one was occupying any of the chairs that had been set out.

The tarps have begun to come down at Japan's Castle (sorry didn't get a photo of that, but it looks great!) and in China. I can't wait to have the whole thing back without walls again.

A final note. The Electric Umbrella, which has switched to self-service soda fountains (meaning free refills), has ditched the idea of offering smaller cups to guests for the same price. The regular price cup is now the same size as every other location in the park. Guests expect consistency, just because this one location is self-service isn't an excuse to short change guests. I'm happy that someone is still interested in exceeding guest expectations.

(courtesy of www.thedisneyblog.com)

Spaceship Earth Rumors

2007-09-04T14:56:00.001-04:00

With the wicked wand finally gone from Spaceship Earth it's time to turn our attention to what's going on inside. DisneyGossip has a roundup of the current rumors surrounding the big ball.

A few permits have been filed to modify some of the special effects in the attraction. There has also been some work on the lighting system throughout the attraction. This doesn't surprise me since the new sponsor manufactures light bulbs and would want them used in the attraction where ever possible.

Patrick Stewart (X-files, Star Trek: TNG) is rumored to be the new narrator. Bruce Broughton has been asked to compose the score. Broughton's work for Disney includes Ellen's Energy Adventure and Honey, I Shrunk the Audience. I'm also hearing a new recording of "Tomorrow's Child" will be featured in the attraction.

Sounds like Imagineering may have a few more tricks up their sleeves. I don't know about you, but I'm getting excited.

Walt Disney World parking rates go up

2007-09-04T14:54:00.000-04:00

Walt Disney World raised parking rates to $11 per car at its four theme parks over the weekend.

The rate increase brings parking lot rates for the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney's Animal Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios in line with those at Universal Orlando. Cars, taxis, shuttles, limos and motorcycles now are $11, up from $10. Campers and trailers are $12, and buses and tractor trailers are $14 at Disney World's theme parks. SeaWorld Orlando's base parking rate remains at $10.

Parking remains free at Disney's shopping, dining and entertainment complex, Downtown Disney, and two water parks, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon.

Disney prepares to ramp up its popular airport-shuttle service

2007-09-01T09:27:00.000-04:00

RICARDO RAMIREZ BUXEDA, ORLANDO SENTINEL FILE, September 22, 2006
Motor coach driver David Bowers loads suitcases unto a Disney’s Magical Express bus at Orlando International Airport.

Jason Garcia | Sentinel Staff Writer
September 1, 2007

A little more than two years after its launch, Walt Disney World's first-of-its-kind, free airport shuttle has proved wildly popular with customers, ferrying 150,000 tourists a month between Orlando International Airport and hotels within the sprawling resort.

But fewer than half of those riders check their bags with Disney before leaving the resort for their flight home, a practice Disney executives want to boost in hopes of freeing up customers to spend more time -- and money -- on company property.

"That's something we're focused on growing," said Michelle Bentubo, director of Disney's Magical Express.

Disney expects to carry about 1.8 million riders on its Magical Express buses during the company's current fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30. But only about 800,000 of those passengers will also have made use of the airline-check-in option, which allows them to obtain boarding passes and drop off their bags while still at their hotel. The next time those customers see their bags is when they pick them up at their home airport.

The check-in service should get a boost next week, when US Airways, the fifth-busiest carrier at OIA, joins the ranks of airlines that allow their passengers to use it. The Arizona-based airline says it plans to do so beginning Wednesday.

With US Airways on board, the number of airlines participating in Disney's remote baggage check in will have doubled since the company launched Magical Express in May 2005. It will also include eight of the top nine carriers at OIA.

But no airline is as important as the one that still isn't among them: Southwest Airlines carried nearly one-fifth of all the travelers who passed through OIA in 2006, making it Orlando's leading carrier.

Representatives for Disney and the company it contracts with to run its check-in service, Orlando-based Bags Inc., say they are still working on an agreement with Texas-based Southwest. An airline spokeswoman said it hopes to join by early 2008.

Southwest spokesman Chris Mainz said much of the holdup stems from difficulties in ensuring that the two companies' reservation systems are compatible. "We just haven't had the technology in place . . . for our system to talk to Disney's," Mainz said.

Signing up airlines isn't the only hurdle Disney's baggage option faces. For one, the check-in service isn't available yet to international travelers, who account for 6 percent to 9 percent of Magical Express riders, Disney's Bentubo said.

Craig Mateer, president of Bags Inc., said his company has been granted approval from the U.S. Transportation Security Administration to begin processing travelers on international flights. Now it's a matter of working through security details and other logistics with the airlines.

The goal, Mateer said, is to begin offering the service to at least some international travelers before the end of the year. "It should be coming out shortly," Mateer said.

Disney's contract with the airport also requires it to drop Magical Express passengers off at least two hours, on average, before their departures. So the resort only offers the remote check-in option to passengers whose flights take off at 8 a.m. or later.

That cuts out almost 15 percent of travelers, Bentubo said. The company is studying whether it can open its registration desks earlier or check in early-morning passengers the night before their flights.

Disney hotel guests arriving in Orlando can have their luggage shipped directly to the resort, regardless of airline, because the check-in procedures at their home airports aren't affected.

And guests who can't, or don't want to, use Disney's remote check in when heading home are still permitted to ride Magical Express -- each bus has space to stow baggage.

But getting more customers to take advantage of the baggage-check-in option is good business for Disney.

Travelers on a late-afternoon flight, for instance, are more likely to spend their final morning in a Disney theme park if they don't have to worry about storing their luggage for the day or getting to the airport early enough to trudge through check-in lines in the terminal.

The baggage option also allows Disney to control more of their customers' vacations.

"That's so big with them, to have [guests] . . . under Disney's care the whole way," said Jerry Aldrich, president of Orlando-based Amusement Industry Consulting. "Because they feel their care is better. And if you get a better experience, your chances are better of coming back."

Disney officials acknowledge the baggage service's boost to their bottom line. But they point out that the airport also benefits when more people use the service, because it means fewer people standing in line at ticket counters and less luggage clogging conveyor belts in OIA's main terminal.

Even now, Disney is handling about 5,000 bags a day. That's luggage that gets processed inside a hangar that Disney subleases from Delta Air Lines, instead of inside the main terminal.

As Disney handles more of its own luggage, it will free up more terminal capacity for non-Disney travelers, said Chris Schmidt, a deputy executive director at OIA.

"We're as anxious as Disney is to increase that," he said.

Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.

Safe Driving Program Coming Walt Disney World Speedway

2007-09-01T09:26:00.000-04:00

The Richard Petty Driving Experience will be hosting the Save Driving Program at the Walt Disney World Speedway from September 29th to 30th. The program attempts to prevent or reduce highway crashes in high-risk young drivers. The program takes students into six compromising driving situations in a controlled environment with professional driving instructors coaching the students in what to do. Some of the exercises include skid control, braking skills, crash avoidance, two-wheels-off, tailgating, distracted driving, vehicle maintenance and impaired driving. The event costs between $329 to $399 per person.

Kim Possible returning to Epcot?

2007-08-28T12:46:00.001-04:00

A year ago Walt Disney Imagineering captured the imagination of fans of the Kim Possible Disney Channel TV show with a role-playing game involving a mystery, pre-programmed cell phones and high-tech clues planted all around Epcot. But the game was a test, and when the test ended, it went away.

Now, however, Walt Disney World has just filed paperwork with Orange County indicating that the resort might be ready to build out a "Kim Possible World Showcase SFX Package." Is the game coming back in some form?

Maybe, said Andrea Finger, a spokeswoman for Walt Disney Imagineering. No decisions have been made yet, but Disney is seeking the building permit anyway, just to be ready, she said today.

There's no indication what form such a game might take. When Walt Disney Imagineering officials ran the playtest last year, they said the point was to test the technology, not the game, and that the technology could be reapplied to any number of attractions.

In the playtest, up to 100 selected visitors at Epcot each day were handed specially programmed cell phones with global-positioning-system chips. Kim Possible-themed video, audio and text messages directed the participants to a variety of places on a quest, then activated special effects when they arrived, as they tried to solve the mystery.

Disney to show file of Rosa Parks arrest

2007-08-28T12:45:00.000-04:00

August 28, 2007

BY DAVID ASHENFELTER

FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER

Detroit entertainment lawyer Gregory Reed had just finished turning a shovel of dirt at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Rosa Parks Museum in Montgomery, Ala., in April 1998 when he noticed a man staring at him from the crowd.

A few moments later, Reed recalled, the man walked up to him and said, "I believe you should have these."

Reed, a longtime lawyer for Parks, whose refusal to give up her seat on a Montgomery bus in 1955 resulted in her arrest and sparked the modern civil rights movement, said he glanced at the documents, but didn't realize what he was holding until a few minutes after the man had disappeared into the crowd.

Reed said the man had given him the Dec. 1, 1955, fingerprints and booking cards that the Montgomery police filled out the day they arrested Parks. The documents contain Parks' signature, the names of the arresting officers, her husband's name and their address.

The man told Reed he had found the documents in the trash behind the police station, apparently in the 1970s or 1980s. Parks died in 2005 at age 92.

On Sept. 28, the documents will go on display in a National Treasures exhibit at Epcot Center at Disney World in Florida. The exhibit will include memorabilia of famous Americans including Mark Twain, Jackie Robinson, George Washington Carver, Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison.

Reed, through the Keeper of the Word Foundation that he founded in 1996, loaned the documents to Disney World for the exhibit.

Disney approached museums and foundations across the country to find artifacts, said Rick Sylvain, a spokesman for Disney World.

Reed said the Parks' fingerprint card and arrest sheet have been displayed publicly only once -- for about 1,000 people who attended a speech Reed gave in January at Michigan State University.

Reed said he counts himself fortunate to have received the artifacts and share them with others: "There's an obligation to take note of this moment and time in American history."

Contact DAVID ASHENFELTER at 313-223-4490 or dashenfelter@freepress.com.

'Muppet Mobile Lab' show wows Epcot crowds

2007-08-21T14:50:00.000-04:00

Gary W Green, Orlando Sentinel, August 21, 2007

Beaker and Dr. Bunsen Honeydew take a ride in their "Muppet Mobile Lab" at Epcot Center on Tuesday.

Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
2:28 PM EDT, August 21, 2007

As crowds gathered around the little puppet-show-on-wheels roaming Epcot today, realization dawned on some: No strings. No hands in the puppets. No one hidden inside. No one in sight with microphones or remote controls.

All the crowd saw were robotic Muppets Dr. Bunsen Honeydew and his able assistant Beaker riding their two-wheeled rocket-ship lab around the theme park's sidewalks, teasing or talking with visitors, gesturing and moving, and putting on their best Muppet schtick.

Emily Evans, 23, a human resources recruiter from Chicago, and her brother Nathan Evans, 29, a graduate student at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, admitted big fans of both Disney and the Muppets, approached with delight, then found themselves swept into a show, arguing with Bunsen about Emily's parasol.

The "Muppet Mobile Lab" show is part of a play test that Walt Disney Imagineering is running at Epcot for the next few weeks, giving the research and development staff a chance to try out more advanced robotic, interactive and transportation technologies, mixed with human comedy talent. With remote control and two-way communication technology, Disney operators are running the lab out and around Epcot's Future World periodically, seeing how they and crowds can interact.

For Emily and Nathan Evans and several dozen other people who watched this morning, the reaction appeared entirely positive.

"I wish they would do more of it with various characters," said Emily Evans. "I would say keep going with the technology. It's amazing, and obviously it's a crowd pleaser as well."

There is no certainty right now whether the Muppet Mobile Lab will become a permanent feature. Disney Imagineering officials are as interested in testing the various components as the entire package. The ideas could be transferred to a variety of other characters and locations, said Christopher Holm, director of the principal technical staff.

"It's really interaction in a whole new way for Disney characters, and our guests, because it's up close, it's personal. And it's in real time," Holm said. "That's a very, very different show presence than any of our previous living characters."

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

At Disney, 'Million Dreams' Is Not The Price Tag, But Close

2007-08-21T09:09:00.001-04:00

August 20, 2007

By Vanessa L. Facenda

NEW YORK -- Wine inspired by characters from the Walt Disney Co. may not make it to your next wine-tasting gathering after the company decided last month not to produce Ratatouille, a white burgundy inspired by the 2007 animated film.

But Disney Consumer Products, Burbank, Calif., continues to expand its presence in the luxury market, the latest effort being triple-milled soap sets inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The line, from Gianna Rose Atelier, Santa Ana, Calif., will be available for the holiday season (MSRP $37.50). Other sets will follow.

"We went into Disney's vaults and drew upon the inspiration of Walt Disney's iconography to transform the characters, images and themes into couture soaps," said Blair Buckley, vp-product development at Gianna Rose Atelier.

The line continues a strategy for the company that this year saw the unveiling of The Kirstie Kelly for Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings, a collection of wedding gowns inspired by the style of such Disney princesses as Cinderella and Jasmine that retail between $1,100-3,500. In 2005, DCP introduced a couture home décor and jewelry line inspired by Alice in Wonderland, designed by Kidada Jones. In May DCP introduced the Kidada for Disney Couture collection of loungewear, costume jewelry and home accessories inspired by Disney's princesses.

"Brands need to find new ways to attract new audiences. Disney has a treasure trove of icons and assets that they can adapt to appeal to upscale consumers," said Eli Portnoy, chief brand strategist at The Portnoy Group, Orlando, Fla., which did not work on the campaign "As long as they do it in a subtle way and bring the best [icons, assets and quality products] to market, they will find an audience."

Other high-end Disney collections include furniture from Drexel Heritage, infant apparel and accessories, and adult cosmetics such as the Alice in Wonderland by Goldie items for Bath & Body Works.

Disney has been careful not to be too heavy-handed with its upscale products. The new Gianna Rose Atelier soap sets, for example, won't even receive marketing support from Disney. "They are letting the designs sell themselves," said Portnoy.

vfacenda@brandweek.com

At Walt Disney World Resort - Spectacular Scenes Surround Epcot Audiences In Canadian Film

2007-08-20T11:53:00.001-04:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL, Aug. 20 /CNW/ - Walt Disney World guests get a glimpse of today's Canada in a newly enhanced 14-minute motion picture
presented in Circle-Vision 360 as a major feature of the Canada pavillion in Epcot World Showcase.

Titled "O Canada!," the film includes spectacular scenes that highlight Canada's natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse people who call
Canada home. In addition to new, updated scenes, the film is hosted by Canadian actor Martin Short, who lends his own personal charm, warmth and wit
to give this Epcot film a distinctive and authentic flair. Short grew up in Hamilton, Ontario and in his narration, he speaks as a true Canadian "who
loves Canada."

Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with the Canadian Tourism Commission to update the film, including new orchestration and images. The 2006 Canadian
Idol winner Eva Avila sings 'Canada, You're a Lifetime Journey', the music of O Canada!. "Our goal was to strike the right balance between the vibrant
cosmopolitan cities and the natural beauty that characterize Canada," according to Imagineer David Katzman, who led the film's production. "We look
forward to showcasing all its beauty and splendour to guests visiting the Canada pavillion at Epcot". Circle-Vision 360 is a film technique that uses
nine cameras for projection onto nine large screens arranged in a circle usually above head level. By using an odd number of screens, and a small space
between them, a projector may be placed in each gap, projecting across the space to a screen.

The motion picture takes guests from the far eastern shores of New Brunswick's Bay of Fundy by railroad, to the western beauty and tranquility of
Butchart Gardens in British Columbia. Canada's natural beauty is majestically displayed throughout the film, including new and classic scenes from the
800-year-old redwood trees of Cathedral Grove to astounding splendour of Horseshoe Falls to the snowy Mountains of Kananaskis Valley.

Coordinating and collecting new aerial footage required Disney Imagineers to study the weather patterns to pinpoint the best windows of opportunity for
shooting. "We filmed at Calgary, Vancouver, Toronto, Montreal and Niagara Falls with one day to plan and one day to shoot at each location," said
Imagineering line producer, Linda Folsom. "We got lucky - we only had one day of rain and plenty of sunshine."

Show details for the new O Canada!

2007-08-17T15:04:00.001-04:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- In September, Walt Disney World guests can glimpse today's Canada in a 14-minute motion picture presented in CircleVision 360 as a major feature of the Canada pavilion in Epcot World Showcase. Titled "O Canada!" the updated film includes new scenes highlighting Canada's natural beauty, cosmopolitan cities and diverse populace.

In addition, the film is now hosted by Canadian actor Martin Short, whose charm, warmth and wit add a distinct and authentic flair. Walt Disney Imagineers collaborated with the Canadian Tourism Commission to update the film, including new orchestration and images, and Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila singing the music of "O Canada!"

The motion picture takes guests from the far northeastern shores of Newfoundland's Bay of Fundy by railroad to the southwestern beauty and tranquility of Buchart Gardens in British Columbia. Canada's natural beauty is majestically displayed -- from the 800-year-old redwood trees of Cathedral Grove to the astounding splendor of Horseshoe Falls to the snowy mountains of Kananaskis Valley.

The film includes the nation's capital, Ottawa, with its Parliament buildings and Rideau Canal; the sophistication of Toronto, with its nightlife and film festivals; and Quebec City, the cradle of French civilization in Canada. Also mentioned: the not-so-famous but artfully named small towns of Moose Jaw and Medicine Hat. The people of Canada are featured in outdoor activities including skiing, whitewater rafting and hockey

New Grand Floridian Portrait Sessions

2007-08-17T15:02:00.001-04:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- There's a new occasion to "say cheese" at Walt Disney World Resort: during individual portrait sessions now available at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.

Guests who desire a more one-on-one photo experience during their Walt Disney World vacation can book a shoot at the majestic Victorian-style resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer escorts the group through some of its most picturesque backdrops. Consultations are available prior to the shoot to discuss wardrobe, session location and theme options.

Guests can create a portrait package that suits their individual needs with two current offers: a single sitting ($49.95), and a package that includes a sitting and a PhotoPass CD with all of the digital images taken by theme park photographers during a guest's vacation ($124.95). For more information or to book a portrait session, visit Disney's PhotoPass desk on the second floor of Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa or call 407/824-1700.

Disney plans to open George Lucas Land Theme Park?

2007-08-17T10:44:00.000-04:00

Posted on Friday, August 17th, 2007 at 12:49 am by: Peter Sciretta

Okay, so the headline might be just a little bit deceiving. Disney is renaming the Disney-MGM Theme Park in Orlando to Disney’s Hollywood Studio. But the park will not just be renamed, but restructured into different lands (almost like how Universal handles Islands of Adventure). According to Jim Hill, there are plans to increase George Lucas’ presence in Disney’s Hollywood Studios into an entire George Lucas Land that will stretch from the Indiana Jones Outpost to the Tatooine Traders.

At the heart of the revisited area will be Star Tours 2.0, complete with a brand-new 3D ride film as well as elements from Disney’s Living Character Initiative. Rumor has it that a scene or two from Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular might be replaced with new stunt sequences from the upcoming Indiana Jones 4.

One of my favorite rides at the California park is the Indiana Jones Adventure. But injury lawsuit settlements unfortunately may prevent this ride from being rebuilt on the east coast.

OrlandoSentinel reported last month that the park will be adding a permanent new stage for the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy, which has been a popular seasonal feature of the Star Wars Weekends. The new Jedi Stage will cover a large patio area outside the Star Tours attraction, and will contain a tech booth and a permanent backdrop. The show features costumed Jedi characters who select children out of the audience to train with lightsabers. Later in the show, Darth Vader shows up with a bunch of stormtroopers. The show will start this fall with up to 8 shows per day.

The movie props in the Backlot Express eatery will be replaced with replicas of well-known costumes & vehicles from various Lucasfilm productions. There are plans for an Indiana Jones themed room, in addition to a Star Wars themed room.

The new Jedi Academy will be taking up a huge plot of land, so I doubt there will be any room to add additional attractions. But you never know. According to Hill, this will be officially announced in 2008, with plans to go live in 2009 - the 20th anniversary of the theme park.

Disney World: Quintessential theme park

2007-08-13T08:41:00.001-04:00

Disney World has plenty of gentler attractions for the less-daring
03:54 PM CDT on Sunday, August 12, 2007
By LAURA DAILY / Special Contributor to The Dallas Morning News

ORLANDO, Fla. – I leave Expedition Everest to the Abominable Snowman, Mission Space to astro-nuts and Tower of Terror to those with tough tummies. Even the idea of riding Alice's spinning teacups makes me dizzy. But I can still enjoy Florida's Walt Disney World with more than It's A Small World on my to-do list.

After all, this quintessential theme park is not just roller coasters and thrill rides. In fact, as Rae, my backstage tour guide (more about that later) points out, Walt Disney World has no rides, per se. Everything, down to the roving ice cream carts, is an attraction complete with storyline from beginning to end.

RICK SEALOCK/Special Contributor

That's good news for those who prefer to keep their feet on the ground and lunch in their stomachs. (Yes, there are plenty of us who would rather eat dirt than rocket upside-down through an ink-black tunnel.) So, fellow fraidy-cats, keep this list handy. My personal picks are guaranteed to make your next Disney World visit as much fun as the screaming hordes are having.

Tried and true

When does a popular ride spawn a movie whose insane popularity spawns an updated ride? When it's Pirates of the Caribbean, of course.

The quintessential Disney "Yo-ho, yo-ho, a pirate's life for me" attraction in Adventureland in the Magic Kingdom boasts new technology and some new characters – such as filmdom's Capt. Jack Sparrow and his nemesis, Barbossa – for a new generation. Go for no other reason than to view the Johnny Depp animatronics, some so scary-real that it looks as if someone simply dipped Mr. Depp in wax.

Guests ride among the wild animals of Kilimanjaro Safari in Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World.

Some other Disney World standards that still deliver:

•Spaceship Earth, a time-travel adventure inside the iconic silvery ball at the entrance to Epcot. About half of the 14-minute trip is backward through darkened spaces, but there are no plunges or dips. We promise.

•Living With the Land (Epcot) glides serenely through a rain forest, fish farms, hydroponic gardens and agricultural greenhouses to show how food is grown.

•Jungle Cruise (Magic Kingdom, Adventureland). Yes, it's slow-moving and the audio-animatronic animals (zebras, lions, hippos) couldn't scare a mouse, but it's laid-back fun. Even the boat skipper's goofy spiel will make you laugh (or groan).

•Haunted Mansion (Magic Kingdom, Liberty Square). It's spooky and kooky, but definitely not scary as you explore a poltergeist-ridden house and greet a ghost host.

Talk to me

Real-time animation (one of those you-have-to-see-it-to- believe-it things) is the latest trick whipped up by Disney Imagineers. To see for yourself, visit Turtle Talk With Crush inside The Seas with Nemo & Friends at Epcot. Crush, that 152-year-old sea turtle surfer dude from Finding Nemo, has an unscripted, live conversation with the kids about ocean life. Definitely aimed at the mini Mouse set, watch for Crush's reactions when some of the pint-size dudes and dudettes pop some zinger questions. Then check out Laugh Floor Comedy Club (Magic Kingdom, Tomorrowland).

At the club, Imagineers ratchet up the real-time animation experience as multiple characters from Monsters, Inc., including your host, the one-eyed Mike Wazowski, interact simultaneously with crowds.

The premise: Monstropolis denizens have built a comedy club to harness laughter instead of screams to power the city. So the locals are constantly trying to elicit that all-powerful chuckle or guffaw. Two years in the making, the new attraction is so well-tuned that audience members can even text-message in a joke while waiting in line and might hear it in the show.

Don't miss this

Mickey's PhilharMagic, which mixes music, special effects and animated antics of Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorites, may come closest to Walt Disney's vision of experiencing the park with all five senses. You'll smell apple pie and feel your hair blow, and the 150-foot-wide screen will pop into action through your 3-D glasses. This attraction (Magic Kingdom, Fantasyland) tops my list.

Walt Disney World photos

Figures of children from many nations move to a catchy song in It's A Small World in the Magic Kingdom.

Soarin' (Epcot) also has everyone talking, at least those unafraid of heights. It isn't scary or jarring, but you're lifted as much as 40 feet while watching an 80-foot screen to re-create the sense of hang gliding across California. Soarin' groupies counsel anyone with vertigo to sit in the third (rear) row because seeing people's feet dangling from the row above seems to keep things in perspective.

Kilimanjaro Safari transports you without vertigo to the Africa-style savannah in Animal Kingdom. This all-terrain truck drives across rivers and grasslands to put you up close with okapi, cheetah, hippos, giraffes, wildebeest and more. You may even spot a vulture as it pulls on the tail of a sleeping rhino to see whether its prey is alive – or lunch.

If you get to only one live theatrical performance (which Disney does so well), make it Festival of the Lion King (Animal Kingdom). There's singing, dancing, pageantry, colorful costumes and stilt walkers, and the entire audience gets to test its dancing skills on "The Lion Sleeps Tonight." Other notables, all boasting air-conditioned splendor: Beauty and the Beast, Voyage of the Little Mermaid and Finding Nemo: The Musical.

Or wait until dark when pyrotechnic shows such as Wishes at the Magic Kingdom and Illuminations in Epcot's World Showcase light up the night sky.

Backstage pass

Curious scaredy-cats must try an insider's tour such as Keys to the Kingdom ($60, including lunch). Meet at City Hall on Main Street, U.S.A. and make your way through the Magic Kingdom as a guide explains everything from how only one-fourth of the 27,000 acres at Disney World has been developed (it could hold three more theme parks!), how the trash is sorted by hand for recycling, how parade floats keep from crashing into crowds and how costumed characters survive the Florida heat. I could tell you more, but tour guests take the Mickey Mouse oath of secrecy.

Maybe not

In the interest of full disclosure, here are the attractions I'd avoid:

•Anything with the word "mountain" in it, i.e. Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain and Expedition Everest (you know there's a mountain in there somewhere).

•Anything advertised as "spinning wildly," such as the Mad Tea Party or Primeval Whirl.

•Tower of Terror. Enough said.

•"Honey I Shrunk the Audience." The 3-D effects are cool until snakes and mice pour off the screen "into" the audience. Same goes for "It's Tough to Be a Bug!" You can feel the ick factor.

•Mission Space (Epcot). Now, Disney offers a less-intense version of the original dizzying voyage to Mars, but with dozens of warning signs marking every footstep toward the entrance.

•Test Track (Epcot). It looks harmless enough: "Wow! This is fun testing anti-lock braking in my zippy automobile." Then you come to the part where you careen around the edge at 65 mph.

After all, it's small

It's A Small World gets an undeserved bad rap as outdated. Trust me, it's a charming respite from the crowds.

An oldie but goodie created for the 1964 New York World's Fair, the Magic Kingdom attraction sails past 289 dolls attired in costumes from around the world. It embraces the concept of multicultural friendship, though that ubiquitous ditty (sung in five languages) sticks in your head for days after. That may make it the scariest ride of all.

Laura Daily is a Colorado freelance writer.

Disney, MGM to part ways

2007-08-10T15:08:00.000-04:00

In January, theme park gets new name, entertainment

Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writer

August 10, 2007

So long, Disney-MGM Studios. In a long-anticipated move, Walt Disney World is renaming its movies-oriented theme park, dropping the "MGM" name from the brand.

But contrary to much of the speculation, the new name will contain neither Pixar nor ABC.

Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut in January, company officials announced Thursday. The name change not only gives the park a broader, updated image, as Disney officials maintain, but also drops a name that caused some legal problems in the 1990s.

Disney officials insist that dispute, with Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., is behind them and had no bearing on the decision to rename the park. In the 1990s, Disney and MGM were locked in lawsuits for many years over the name, until courts ruled that Disney could continue using the name at Walt Disney World.

"The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in music, television, movies and theater," Disney World President Meg Crofton stated in a news release.

When Disney-MGM studios opened on May 1, 1989, the original lineup of attractions was tilted heavily toward images and themes drawn from Hollywood's "golden age" of the 1920s, '30s and '40s. Since then, however, shows, rides and other attractions have drawn much more on Disney's television shows and more contemporary movies and other popular entertainment.

Even as it announced the name change, Disney revealed several entertainment changes that will debut at about the same time.

"I don't think it's a change in direction, I think it's a natural evolution," said Michael O'Grattan, Disney World vice president for Disney-MGM Studios. "We have so many new products, like Lights Motors Action! and some of the things we have coming in, like Toy Story Mania."

The current Disney Stars and Motor Cars parade will be replaced with "Block Party Bash," a higher-energy play, party and dance show that has been a hit at Walt Disney Co.'s California Adventure theme park in California. In addition, new characters from Playhouse Disney, notably those from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny, will perform in the "Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage!" show. And this fall's release of the new Disney Channel movie Disney High School Musical 2: School's Out will coincide with a new theme-park street show to replace the existing "High School Musical Pep Rally."

The name MGM was originally adopted for the park through a 1985 licensing agreement with the MGM and some related corporations. In addition to giving Disney rights to the name, the contract offered rights to some of the more famous images and characters from famous MGM movies such as The Wizard of Oz.

However, in the 1990s the two corporations sparred off and on over Disney's use of the name. In 1992, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge ruled that Disney retained rights to the name for Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World. Another ruling in 1997 concluded that MGM had rights to the name in most other uses.

Even after the name change, Disney will continue to use some MGM properties.

Jeff Pryor, MGM executive vice president for corporate communications, would not comment Thursday on Disney's announcement.

There has been widespread speculation for several years that the theme park would be renamed as either Disney-ABC Studios, in honor of the broadcast network owned by the Walt Disney Co., or as Disney-Pixar Studios, in honor of the computer-animation movie company that Disney bought last year.

Disney officials always disputed that those name changes were being considered, and O'Grattan said those names were not in any recent discussions.

"It's all been about repositioning the studio to be really inclusive to all the new products we've had," he said.

Still, the new name defies geographic logic. Since Disney closed its Central Florida animation unit in 2004, it has virtually no active studios anywhere near Walt Disney World. And its movie studios are in Burbank, Calif., not Hollywood.

"Hollywood -- it's not so much the place, it's the essence of the name that Hollywood conjures up for people," O'Grattan said. "I think it's a perfect match for us."

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Walt Disney World renaming Disney-MGM Studios

2007-08-09T22:52:00.000-04:00

Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writer

5:10 PM EDT, August 9, 2007

So long, Disney-MGM Studios. In a widely anticipated move, Walt Disney World is renaming its movies-oriented theme park, dropping the "MGM" name from the brand. But unlike much of what has been anticipated in Disney-gossip circles, the new name will contain neither Pixar nor ABC.

Disney's Hollywood Studios will debut in January, Disney World officials announced today.

"The new name reflects how the park has grown from representing the golden age of movies to a celebration of the new entertainment that today's Hollywood has to offer -- in music, television, movies and theater," Disney World President Meg Crofton stated in a news release.

Disney-MGM studios opened on May 1, 1989, and the original lineup of attractions was weighed heavily toward images and themes drawn from Hollywood's "golden age" of the 1920s-'40s. Since then, however, shows, rides and other attractions have drawn much from Disney's television shows and more modern movies.

In fact, in announcing the name change, Disney also announced several entertainment changes keyed to contemporary shows, to be rolled out at about the same time.

The current "Disney Stars and Motor Cars" parade will be replaced with "Block Party Bash," a higher-energy play, party and dance, featuring the "Disney Pixar Films Pals," which has been a hit at the Disney's California Adventure theme park in California. In addition, a new cast of characters from Playhouse Disney, notably those from Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Little Einsteins and Handy Manny, will take over the Playhouse Disney-Live On Stage! show. And this fall's release of the new Disney Channel movie Disney High School Musical 2: School's Out will coincide with a new show to replace the High School Musical Pep Rally street show in the theme park's plaza.

The name MGM was originally adopted for the park through a 1985 licensing agreement with MGM movies company that had its origins as Metro Goldwyn Mayer. However, in the 1990s the two corporations sparred in court several times over Disney's use of the name. In 1992 Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Curtis B. Rappe ruled that Disney retained rights to the name for Disney-MGM Studios at Walt Disney World, but that MGM had rights to the name in most other uses, including a theme park MGM wanted to build in Las Vegas.

Almost ever since, speculation has centered on whether Disney would drop MGM from its name. Officials had long denied that the theme park would be renamed either as Disney-ABC Studios, in honor of the broadcast network owned by the Walt Disney Co., or as Disney-Pixar Studios, in honor of the computer animation movie company that Disney bought last year.

Crofton said the new name, "Disney's Hollywood Studios," reflects the park's present and future.

"As a park all about entertainment, Disney's Hollywood Studios will deliver like never before," she stated in the release. "Now we can say that Hollywood is literally our middle name."

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Year of a Million Dreams Extended

2007-08-07T16:38:00.001-04:00

Although no information on extra prizes, the Year of a Million Dreams has been extended to Dec. 31st, 2008. So that will be more then 2 years of a million Dreams. (Or is it 2 Years and 2 million dreams). Good for me, as with my visit in October I’ll now have a chance to get a dream too. Not that I’m counting on it, but one can dream…

Annual Passport holders have an extra chance to win a stay in the castle at the Magic Kingdom. More information on this can be found on the AP website.

Yak and Yeti set to open in November 2007

2007-08-06T12:22:00.000-04:00

Disney have just released the following information, giving an opening month of November for the Yak and Yeti Restaurant.

"New Dining Options at Disney's Animal Kingdom: Beginning in November, guests who travel to the land of Asia in Disney's Animal Kingdom will get a real taste of that exotic part of the world with the opening of Yak & Yeti Restaurant. Inspired by the western Himalayan foothills in India and Nepal, this Asian-fusion establishment will offer table-service dining and a full-service bar, as well as quick-service food and beer-garden options, plus retail offerings from Pan-Asia ranging from silk purses, incense and saris to fine teapots. It will seat 250 inside for table-service dining and 350 in a quick-service courtyard.

Changes to 2008 Magic Your Way Vacation Packages

2007-08-06T09:18:00.000-04:00

The most important change for 2008 that affects vacation packages is Disney's new method of pricing of hotel rooms. Weekend nights (Friday and Saturday) will be priced higher than weeknights (Sunday through Thursday).

The other big changes for 2008 are related to the Dining Plan options:

The Dining Plan no longer includes gratuities or an appetizer for your table service meal (tax is still included). If you want to take advantage of all Disney has to offer by having dinner with Mickey or lunch in France, then the dining plan is for you as it continues to work out much cheaper. The Disney Dining Plan will now save you 30-35% on the cost of food.

A new Deluxe Dining Plan is available for $69.99USD/adult and $19.99USD/child (ages 3-9) per night. With this new plan, each guest receives 3 meals and 2 snacks per night. You can choose from table service or counter service for each meal (so if you can eat that much food, you might as well opt for all table service meals). The table service meals include appetizer, entrée, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. "Signature Restaurants" still count as 2 table service meals with this plan. In addition, you also receive a refillable mug per person, to be used at your resort.

A "Wine & Dine" Plan can be added on to any package that includes dining for $39.99USD per night. This allows you to enjoy one bottle of wine per night from a selected list.

For 2008, you can choose from the following Magic Your Way package options:

Disney’s Magic Your Way Package – The base package helps you experience the magic of a Walt Disney World vacation at an affordable rate. The package includes accommodations at a Disney-owned-and-operated resort hotel, and Magic Your Way tickets for everyone in the group.

Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Dining Plan – This package includes everything from the Disney’s Magic Your Way Package, and adds a dining plan that includes two meals and a snack per person, per package night at more than 100 restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort.

Disney’s Magic Your Way Package Plus Deluxe Dining Plan – This package includes everything from the Disney’s Magic Your Way Package, and adds a dining plan that includes three meals and two snacks per person, per package night at more than 100 restaurants across the Walt Disney World Resort. Unlike the regular Dining Plan, lunch and dinner on this plan include an appetizer. This plan also includes a resort refillable mug per person.

Disney’s Magic Your Way Premium Package – This deluxe package includes everything from Disney’s Magic Your Way Package as well as breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks each day, along with other exciting options like recreation, theme park tours, admission to the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba and more.

Disney’s Magic Your Way Platinum Package - In addition to your hotel room and tickets, this "ultimate luxury" plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and two snacks each day, unlimited recreation, unlimited select tours, reserved seating for Fantasmic!, private golf lessons, one selected spa treatment, tickets for Cirque du Soleil La Nouba, unlimited child care in the resort Child Activity Centers, in-room child care, Fireworks Cruise, itinerary planning, Platinum Plan keepsake and turndown service.

For a free, no obligation quote on a 2008 Walt Disney World, Florida Package, please visit us at Fairytale Dreams & Destinations

This is a promotional message from: Fairytale Dreams & Destinations http://www.fairytaledestinations.com

Walt Disney World raising ticket price to $71

2007-08-04T06:32:00.001-04:00

Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writer

5:08 PM EDT, August 3, 2007

The price of magic goes up this weekend at Walt Disney World, where the basic adult ticket is climbing 6 percent to a record $71.

Disney on Friday announced a whole range of new ticket prices that take effect Sunday. The price changes also affect the discount packages that still can push the per-day cost below $23 for adults who want to commit to as much as a 10-day run at Disney's four theme parks.

But almost all the prices are going up. And for the second year in a row, Disney is raising its prices in August rather than in December or January, when theme parks historically announced price increases.

An adult, one-day, one-park pass that now costs $67 will go up to $71. Price increases of 3 percent to 6 percent were tacked onto most of Disney's "Magic Your Way" tickets and annual passes.

There was no word Friday out of either Universal Orlando or SeaWorld Orlando about whether they, too, expect to raise prices soon. But Central Florida's theme-park resorts have a history of raising ticket prices at about the same time to about the same amounts.

Disney's increase came just two days after Walt Disney Co. announced a $1.1 billion corporate profit and another good quarter at the company's theme parks, where profit margins were exceeding 20 percent.

Disney officials said the price timing had nothing to do with the corporate earnings; rather, it was tied to the annual planning cycles of travel wholesalers, tour organizers and commercial publications. They need their 2008 information soon.

And there was no indication Friday that anyone expects Disney's new price to start scaring away customers.

"We strongly believe that Walt Disney World represents a great entertainment value. Our guests agree," spokesman Rick Sylvain said. "In our guests surveys, nine out of 10 rate their theme park experience from good to excellent."

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441

Priority access to the new Haunted Mansion for Annual Passholders in September

2007-08-01T15:12:00.000-04:00

The official Disney AP holder website has released the following:

"Make yourself at "tomb sweet tomb" in the home of 999 happy haunts, where there's "always room for one more." Inside, hop on a Doom Buggy to get in the "spirit" of things. Experience the stretching room, the séance and hitchhiking ghosts in this Disney classic.

Ride along with your ghost host as you discover new spine-tingling encounters with creepy special effects and an all new scene exclusive to The Haunted Mansion at Magic Kingdom® Park. On select days in September, Passholders can enjoy priority access to this enhanced classic attraction.

Passholder Priority Access:
September 14, 9:00 AM - Noon
September 15, 9:00 AM - Noon
September 16, 9:00 AM - Noon

Additional Information
All Guests seeking priority access to The Haunted Mansion attraction must show valid Pass and photo ID.
Dates and availability subject to chance without notice.
Should the attraction experience any downtime during this event, we apologize in advance for any inconvenience and appreciate your patience.

2008 Dining Plan Changes

2007-07-31T09:51:00.001-04:00

UPDATE INFO: 7/31/07
1) The Deluxe Dining plan still does NOT include gratuity. It DOES include the appetizer.
2) No word on DVC member pricing.

*************

There has been lots of internet chatter about changes coming to the 2008 Magic Your Way Dining plans. AllEars now hears the following is scheduled to be announced in August:

1) Automatic Gratuity will be removed from all 2008 packages that include dining. Tax will still be INCLUDED, but the gratuity will not.

2) The Magic Your Way Plus Dining Plan as we know it today will change for 2008. Gone will be the appetizer from the Table Service meal. The full service option will consist of entree, dessert and non-alcoholic beverage. The price goes down just $1 per person per day to $37.99 for those 10 and older. $9.99 for those 3-9.

3) 2008 will see the introduction of the Magic Your Way Plus DELUXE Dining Plan. This plan will include: 3 meals a day - your choice of table service or counter service; 2 snacks per day per person; a Resort Refillable Mug for each person on the reservation. Signature restaurants will still count as 2 Table Service meals, but now with the additional table service meals, dinner shows and signature restaurants may be more doable. Price will be $69.99 for those 10 and older and $19.99 for those 3-9.

4) The last major change will probably be the addition of a Magic Your Way Plus Wine package. For $39.99 per night you may order a bottle of wine at your Disney restaurant or from a location on property that sells wine (like resort stores). It can not be purchased separately and may only be an add-on to a Dining Package. There are still a lot of details to work out on this including if there will be a special wine list to order from or a dollar limit. Sounds like if you are at a Signature Restaurant that takes 2 Table Service credits, you will also be charged 2 Wine credits if on the add-on plan.

Again, this is UNofficial information. Look for Walt Disney World to officially announce the 2008 packages and dining options in August.

Epcot tries new recipe for success

2007-07-31T09:50:00.003-04:00

Eateries updated for interactive dining

Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writer

July 25, 2007

With Soarin', Turtle Talk and Nemo and Friends attractions successfully lining up visitors at Epcot, Walt Disney World planners are turning attention to the park's other lineup of attractions -- involving sushi, tequila and pasta.

Numerous culinary changes are under way at Epcot, which might be the only theme park in the world where food and drink compete with shows and rides. The Walt Disney World theme park has its share of attractions, but it also features a dozen full-service restaurants where average checks run $20 to $40 a person or more.

From 1998 through last year, the dining lineup at Epcot's World Showcase went almost unchanged. Now, three new restaurants are on the way, several others are being expanded or renovated, and menus are being rewritten throughout the park to encourage more healthful cooking styles.

The more extensive renovations are bringing some of the restaurants in line with the latest concept in the theme-park business -- creating "immersive experiences." Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee said the park is seeking more "interactive dining" experiences that can provide more show-style cooking in the dining room, such as the Japanese teppanyaki style, or more interaction with Epcot's other attractions."I think this is what guests expect now, with more of the interactive experiences in our restaurants," MacPhee said.

Among the changes are new restaurants in Italy and Japan, and changes at the eatery in China. Mexico's restaurant has already been expanded with a new menu. Next, Mexico will get a tequila bar and outdoor waterfront seating so visitors can see the nighttime Illuminations show on the lagoon, MacPhee said.

The United Kingdom restaurants also could one day get more outdoor waterfront.At Epcot, for many, the restaurants are an attraction. While most theme parks have at least a couple of restaurants that serve fine food to go along with numerous casual-dining restaurants, Epcot reverses the mix. Visitors can find Angus beef steaks in the Canada pavilion, Peking duck in China, lobster bisque at the Coral Reef, le coq au vin in France or roast lamb in Morocco.

Epcot attracts 10 million visitors a year -- an average of more than 25,000 a day -- so there is a large captive audience for the park's two dozen restaurants and numerous food carts to split up.

But unlike rides and shows, visitors normally can only sample meals at one or two theme park restaurants a day. And the cover charge starts at $67 the price of a theme park ticket plus parking.

Even at that, some people are attracted to Epcot for the meals, said Christopher Muller, director of the Center for Multi-Unit Restaurant Management at the University of Central Florida. It's one reason the park attracts an older crowd.

He said for some tourists and local residents, particularly those who come without children, Epcot can have the same kind of appeal as parts of Nantucket, Mass., New Orleans or San Francisco, because there is such a variety of restaurants within easy walking distance of one another. Many people with season tickets go back just for the wining and dining, he said.

"If you have an annual pass there's no real cost, other than parking, and it's an enjoyable experience. Plus, you get the light show. If you're paying the fare to get in, then it's not an outrageous expense," Muller said.

Other, less obvious changes are taking place in other restaurants throughout Epcot, said the park's Executive Chef, Christine Weissman.

"Eating patterns change. We're changing how we're cooking," she said.

That means fewer transfats, more foods that meet special dietary needs, smaller portions with lower fat content, and, throughout the park, more fruits and vegetables. Menus have been revised both in high-end restaurants such as the Canada pavilion's Le Cellier Steakhouse and in more moderate eateries, such as the China pavilion's Lotus Blossom Cafe.

Both Weissman and MacPhee said the trends toward interactive dining and more healthful cooking are driving changes simultaneously. It might look as if Epcot is shaking up its dining line, but the large number of changes are mostly coincidental, they said.

"I don't know if it is anything but fortuitous timing," MacPhee said.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Disney to change All-Star Cafe

2007-07-31T09:50:00.001-04:00

July 28, 2007

The Official All-Star Cafe at Disney's Wide World of Sports -- a full-service, sports-bar themed restaurant specializing in half-pound hamburgers, sandwiches and salads -- will be closed this fall and replaced by a new "fast casual" restaurant to be named later, Walt Disney World confirmed Friday. The Disney-owned cafe will close Sept. 23. The new Disney-owned restaurant should reopen Nov. 20 offering counter service sandwiches, soups and salads prepared fresh daily, said Disney World spokeswoman Kim Prunty. She said customer surveys showed that many athletes and spectators preferred a restaurant where they could get fresh food fairly quickly between sports matches, rather than a place for leisurely meals.

New Haunted Mansion Scene!

2007-07-28T09:24:00.000-04:00

Finally… some confirmation on the long-rumored staircase scene that is to be added to Walt Disney World’s Haunted Mansion.

The infamous mousermerf on the WDWMAGIC.com forums posted this image:

Right now, just past the library scene, you ascend a staircase, passing nothing but blackness to the right of your Doom Buggy. It looks like this completely empty part of the Mansion is going to now be filled with a maze of MC Escher-like staircases facing every directions. You’ll also notice in the picture various doorways and candelabras that are upsidedown and sideways.

Further inspection of the photo reveals concept art of the floating Leota effect, a new portrait hallway, the new bride, and a photo of an expanding room gargoyle.

Also, it was noted that the red figure on the left side of the photo may be Rolly Crump’s candle man design for the original Museum of the Weird concept that ultimately morphed into the Haunted Mansion.

I have no idea where this photo originated from, but if it’s legitimitely from within WDI, I’m VERY excited to get back inside the Mansion in September when it reopens.

'Fantasmic!' dinner package at Disney-MGM

2007-07-26T09:53:00.001-04:00

I joined up with assorted family members Sunday night for the "Fantasmic!" dinner package at Disney-MGM Studios. It's a pretty decent program -- unless you're fanatical about where you sit to watch the show.

I mention that only because I have a friend who is insistent on sitting dead center at every staged show he sees, and that's not an option with the "Fantasmic!" dinner package. But more on that in a moment.

My family chose to eat at Mama Melrose's, which is the Italian restaurant back by the Muppetvision 3-D exit and the Studios' Christmas shop. The food was tasty -- especially the desserts we tried (a cheesecake with hazelnut filling and a tangy orange flavor; and a chocolate cake with raspberry-chocolate ganache-like filling.)

Other dining options are The Brown Derby and Hollywood & Vine. Prices vary, depending on where you eat, and they really aren't any more expensive than the normal cost of eating dinner at a Disney sit-down restaurant.

Now onto "Fantasmic!" You have to arrive at an entrance gate near Oscar's Service Station (right by the main entrance) by 8:30. You are let in the gate, which winds around backstage behind the Beauty & the Beast show theater. (This path is used to help crowds exit "Fantasmic!")

As for the seating, if you are my center-obsessed friend, you will be disappointed. Dinner-guest patrons sit in the first two sections, far right. Actually, though, the view was better than I thought. The only notable drawbacks were some of the effect of the black-lit jungle animals was missed because of the angle we saw them; and after the showboat passes you by at the finale it seems like a long time until it completes its circuit.

The biggest benefit: We waltzed in half an hour before showtime and had seats waiting. The rest of the amphitheater was already just about full. And who knows how long those poor folks had been killing time there. Within 5 minutes of us sitting down, guests were being directed to the standing-room only.

If you are on limited time and don't want to spend an hour or 90 minutes just sitting and waiting, the dinner package might be a good way to buy yourself some extra time.

Haunted Mansion details begin to emerge

2007-07-25T10:22:00.000-04:00

Some exciting information is beginning to materialize regarding the currently in-progress Haunted Mansion refurbishment. Besides upgrades to the audio, lighting and special effects systems, the floating Madame Leota head and the Haunted Bride from Disneyland will both be installed, and best of all, they have both been improved on since the Disneyland installation. Another great addition to the mansion will be a completely new scene, taking place in the former spider scene. It's an all new multiple staircase scene, unique to Florida's mansion. There will also be other additions throughout the attraction scenes, including new props.

The new improved Haunted Mansion is set to open in September 2007. Don't expect it to reopen early though, as the timescales are apparently very tight to get everything completed.

Epcot tries new recipe for success

2007-07-25T10:21:00.003-04:00

Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writer

July 25, 2007

Epcot to Host Rededication Ceremony

2007-07-25T10:21:00.001-04:00

Sources tell us that Epcot will host a rededication ceremony on October 1st, the parks 25th anniversary. No further details were available at this time

Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program

2007-07-21T08:07:00.000-04:00

Disney Magic Music Days is looking for outstanding high school, college, university, church, or community choirs to be part of a Disney holiday tradition - Walt Disney World Candlelight Processional and Massed Choir Program. For more than 25 years, this holiday extravaganza has spread the spirit of the season and feelings of goodwill to people from around the world.

Rich in holiday splendor, this beautiful and inspirational narration of the Christmas story features glimmering light displays, an enhanted "Winter Wonderland" setting in Epcot® and the joyful music of a massed choir performing with the Walt Disney World orchestra. Celebrity narrators add to the drama of the event while creating a once-in-a-lifetime performance opportunity for participants.

Your group performs thirteen original holiday arrangements. In addition to providing a challenging and educational experience for your program, these unique Disney selections provide a rich addition to your choir's repertoire.

Performers are provided with a robe and collar to wear

Pre-performance rehearsal with the guest conductor and professional Disney singers

Choir members and chaperones receive a box meal and a beverage

Optional Performance Workshops available!

Click here to learn more about Disney Performing Arts Workshops.

To enhance your group's experience even more, you can purchase specially priced theme park tickets. Click here to learn more.

Celebrity narrators for this year's event include:

David Robinson	Nov. 23-25
John O'Hurley	Nov. 26-28
Neil Patrick Harris	Nov. 29-Dec. 1
Dennis Franz	Dec. 2-Dec. 4
Phylicia Rashad	Dec. 5-Dec. 7
Steven Curtis Chapman	Dec. 8-Dec. 10
Open	Dec. 11-Dec. 13
Open	Dec. 14-Dec. 16
Kirk Cameron	Dec. 17-Dec. 19
Edward James Olmos	Dec. 20-Dec. 22
Gary Sinise	Dec. 23-Dec. 25
Open	Dec. 26-Dec. 28
Marlee Matlin	Dec. 29-Dec. 30

MGM expands Jedi show

2007-07-17T08:29:00.001-04:00

Christopher Boyd, Jason Garcia and Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writers

July 16, 2007

One of the most popular features of Disney-MGM Studios' Star Wars Weekends will become a permanent show this fall when Walt Disney World completes construction of a new stage for the Star Wars Jedi Training Academy.

The Jedi stage will cover a large patio area outside the Star Tours attraction at Disney-MGM. Disney officials would not say whether the construction would force removal of the Ewok forest or AT-AT Walker structures. However, project paperwork filed by Disney World with the Orange County Comptroller's Office earlier this month shows the facility covering a rectangular area approximately 140 feet long and 96 feet wide -- more ground than two NBA-size basketball courts.

During the Jedi Training Academy shows -- popular events during the park's Star Wars Weekends each June -- costumed Jedi masters select children for training with light sabers and in other Jedi skills drawn from the movie series. Other costumed characters portraying Darth Vader and storm troopers later join in.

Disney spokewsoman Zoraya Suarez said the academy should have as many as eight shows a day, each with a dozen or more children, starting this fall. "They loved it, so we'll build it," she said.

AirTran pitches merger to Midwest

Orlando-based AirTran Holdings Inc. finally gets the chance today to make its case for a merger directly to Midwest Air Group's board of directors.

AirTran has been after Midwest, a fellow discount carrier based in Milwaukee, for close to two years now, in an increasingly hostile takeover attempt that is now valued at $389 million in cash and stock. Midwest has refused the deal at every turn.

But AirTran got a big boost last month when it announced that shareholders had agreed to sell it 59.5 percent of Midwest's outstanding shares. Midwest shareholders also voted to oust three people from Midwest's nine-member board and replace them with a slate of candidates friendly to AirTran.

That's when Midwest's board agreed to allow AirTran to make a formal presentation of its offer, which will happen this morning in Milwaukee.

AirTran executives are hoping that the meeting ultimately leads to formal negotiations. Its offer for Midwest is good until Aug. 10.

If the deal does go through, Milwaukee would supplant Orlando as AirTran's No. 2 market behind Atlanta.

Cowabunga! Was that Bart Simpson?

The Simpsons already have arrived at Universal Studios, six months or more ahead of their new ride and a month ahead of their new movie.

Costumed characters of Homer, Marge, Bart and Lisa began making appearances in the park, usually near the entrance, a couple of weeks ago.

The Simpsons ride is under construction in the old Back to the Future: The Ride building in the park's "World Expo" area. It is scheduled to open next spring.

The Simpsons Movie opens June 27.

Hotel owner purchases Surfside

Ocean Waters LLC, Volusia County's single-largest hotel owner, has purchased the 190-room Surfside Hotel on South Atlantic Avenue in Daytona Beach Shores.

The hotel, which has oceanfront and ocean-view rooms, is geared to family travelers. The company said the hotel was in good condition and was reopened within hours of the acquisition.

Ocean Waters is a privately held hospitality company in Daytona Beach that owns and manages hotels on the Volusia County oceanfront.

Christopher Boyd can be reached at 407-420-5723 or cboyd@orlandosentinel.com. Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441. Jason Garcia can be reached at jrgarcia@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5414.

Pecos Bill's gets anachronistic enhancements

2007-07-17T08:17:00.000-04:00

Pecos Bill's Tall Tale Inn and Cafe is a popular counter-service eatery at the Magic Kingdom, with its rustic atmosphere, its Western decor and its … touch-screen self-service ordering kiosks? That's right, the latest location to get the touch-screen ordering kiosks is that Old West dining location in Frontierland. A great deal of effort has gone into making the kiosks themselves match the decor and the screens themselves have a Frontier-like look, but they still look a bit incongruous in Frontierland. (These touch-screen devices were first seen at Taste Pilots' Grill at Disney's California Adventure, and made their Walt Disney World debut at Captain Cook's Snack Shop at the Polynesian Resort.) We've heard that this is only a test, so we'll see whether they stay put or if they disappear into the mists of time. Note: For those that prefer human interaction, the regular ordering lines are still available.

Full 2007 Christmas events listing

2007-07-12T15:09:00.000-04:00

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Returns -- For a quarter century Walt Disney World guests have been entertained and mesmerized by this time-honored tradition. This season, Magic Kingdom has added an extra night to the celebrated custom -- meaning there will be 19 evenings of holiday fun: Nov. 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and Dec. 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21. Beginning at 7 p.m. (after regular park hours), guests with tickets to Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party can enjoy the holiday splendor with lively stage shows and favorite holiday traditions.

Guests can enjoy festive surprises including additions to the holiday parade and an all-new Castle Light Show. Cinderella Castle is adorned with thousands of shimmering white lights, covering the turrets and towers like a glistening blanket of ice. The twinkling lights create an elegant wintry effect perfect for the seasonal celebration.

Lighting up the castle becomes a Dream Come True moment as Cinderella joins Mickey, Minnie and the gang for the nightly ceremony. Guests can also see Disney characters in holiday garb for meet-and-greets, and enjoy the dazzling "Holiday Wishes--Celebrate the Spirit of the Season," a memorable fireworks spectacle orchestrated to classic holiday melodies.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party comes with a winter-weather forecast guests can count on -- a 100 percent chance of snow flurries on Main Street, U.S.A every night. And just in case the sight causes a chill: complimentary hot cocoa and cookies are served. Many popular Magic Kingdom attractions are open to guests.

Admission to the party requires a separate ticket. Tickets are $47.95 plus tax for ages 10/up and $40.95 plus tax for ages 3-9 (but with advance purchase, guests can save $7 per ticket for select dates). Note: Many party nights are sold out in advance. To purchase tickets, guests can call 407/W-DISNEY or visit disneyworld.com/holidays.

Epcot Presents Holidays Around the World -- With one extra event date this year, World Showcase transforms into a splendor of international holiday traditions and storytelling from Nov. 23 through Dec. 30. Holiday icons who delight children around the globe -- such as France's Père Noël and Italy's La Befana -- make special appearances in their respective countries, while Santa Claus himself pays visits to The American Adventure. Guests can see holiday traditions and legends as they are observed around the world, with Hanukah and Kwanzaa customs also showcased.

At nightfall, Mickey Mouse and his friends host a gala tree-lighting ceremony -- Mickey's Tree Lighting Treat -- complete with music and storytelling, in World Showcase Plaza. A dazzling synchronized light show -- "The Lights of Winter" -- illuminates a canopy adorning the World Showcase breezeway bridge. The laser, lights and fireworks spectacular, "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth," complete with a holiday finale, caps the celebration. Guests with a long holiday shopping list will discover one-of-a-kind gifts with international flair throughout World Showcase boutiques. The special holiday fun takes place daily, Nov. 23-Dec. 30, and is included with regular Epcot admission.

Sparkling Candlelight Processional at Epcot -- A highlight of Holidays Around the World -- Candlelight Processional at Epcot -- treats guests to a grand musical performance featuring a mass choir and a full orchestra accompanied by a celebrity narrator who retells the beloved story of Christmas. As a new highlight, actor Edward James Olmos (just one of the celebrity narrators scheduled to appear) will speak portions of the beloved story in Spanish. Presentations of Candlelight Processional are daily, Nov. 23-Dec. 30, and are included with regular Epcot admission (seating is limited). Candlelight Processional dinner packages, available for an additional charge, include preferred seating for a performance of Candlelight Processional, as well as dinner at an Epcot restaurant. To make reservations for these packages, guests can call 407/WDW-DINE.

Spectacle of Dancing Lights Brightens Disney-MGM Studios -- The Streets of America backlot again will sparkle brightly as millions of twinkling lights dancing to music illuminate the area Nov. 12 through Jan. 6, 2008, during the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights presented by SYLVANIA. Amid "Florida snow" flurries, the building facades, trees and streets of the Disney-MGM Studios backlot dazzle with three-dimensional and motion-based displays -- some originally created at the Osborne home in Arkansas by businessman Jennings Osborne as a holiday display for the delight of his daughter.

After the Arkansas home exhibit grew larger and brighter over the years, the million-light display was transported to Disney-MGM Studios in 1995, where the spectacle continues to grow larger and brighter each year. Some of Osborne's original creations still sparkling brightly at the park today include dozens of flying angels and Santa Claus light designs. Holiday cheer continues with the daily "Hollywood Holly-Day Parade" decked with favorite Disney characters in their holiday best, parading down Hollywood Boulevard.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Decked for the Holidays -- Celebrate safari style as Disney's Animal Kingdom is wilder than ever this winter season. Mickey and his pals rejoice in traditional holiday music with a world beat twist during the daily "Mickey's Jingle Jungle Parade," from Nov. 12-Jan. 6, 2008. At Camp Minnie-Mickey, guests can meet Disney characters dressed in their holiday best or enjoy carolers performing seasonal classics at Santa Goofy's Holiday Village. The village is decorated with Christmas trees and features live entertainers and holiday photo opportunities.

Festival of the Seasons Transforms Downtown Disney into Holiday Shopper's Delight -- Holiday gift buying is easier than ever at Downtown Disney with a menu of offerings throughout this retail playground. Downtown Disney features shopping adventures for every age and budget, including Once Upon a Toy, filled with exclusive playthings from Disney and Hasbro, and World of Disney, the world's largest character emporium that is also home to Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique for little princess makeovers. Other favorites include Virgin Megastore, LEGO Imagination Center and Disney's Days of Christmas holiday shop. Holiday-themed décor, colorful light displays, plus photo opportunities with old St. Nick himself offer yuletide cheer.

5 July 2007: 2007 Candlelight Processional details and narrators

Details for this years Candlelight Processional are now available.

3 May 2007: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party tickets now available

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party takes place from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights in November and December at the Magic Kingdom Park. It’s a magical night of special holiday entertainment including an enchanting parade, night-time fireworks spectacular, Disney Character greetings, tasty treats, snow on Main Street, U.S.A., plus the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party is everything you love about Christmas plus the fantasy of the Magic Kingdom Park.

Dates:
Nov 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
Dec 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21

Hours:
7 PM - 12 Midnight

Prices:
Gate Price (including taxes):

Adult (age 10+) $51.07
Child (age 3-9) $43.62

Gate Pricing subject to availability, many nights will sell out in advance.

Advance Purchase Savings Price (including taxes):

Adult (age 10+) $43.62
Child (age 3-9) $36.16

Tickets must be purchased at least 1 day prior to event.
Select nights only. Advance ticket savings of $7 per ticket are available for all nights except: Friday 11/16, Friday 11/30, Thursday 12/6, Friday 12/7, Thursday 12/13, Friday 12/14, Sunday 12/16, Thursday 12/20, Friday 12/21

DVC or Passholder Advance Purchase Savings Price (including taxes):

Adult (age 10+) $40.42
Child (age 3-9) $32.97

Passholders can purchase for themselves and up to 3 Guests
DVC Members can purchase for themselves and up to 5 Guests
Specially priced tickets must be purchased in ADVANCE and are not available on-site or on the day of the event. All Passholder tickets and DVC Tickets must be picked up at Will Call to validate discount. Select nights only. Discounted dates include: Thursday 11/15, Tuesday 11/27, Tuesday 12/11, and Tuesday 12/18.

Special Note:

Separate admission ticket is required for these events. Event tickets are valid only during specific dates and hours. Tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable and are not included with any other ticket media.

Beginning at 4:00 p.m., Guests already inside the Theme Park who have purchased admission for the "hard ticket event" for that day may return to the Main Entrance to have their hard ticket event admission swiped. The Guest will receive a wristband which will serve as proof of admission for the event later that evening. Guests with wristbands may stay in the park at closing; all other Guests will be asked to leave the park. In addition to the Main Entrance, additional areas for Guests to swipe their hard ticket admissions and receive wristbands may be set up inside the park. Guests should refer to their park guide or ask a Cast Member for these locations.

Advance Dining Reservations can be confirmed for the following locations during the Special Ticket Event:
Liberty Tree Tavern Character Dining Restaurant (All you care to eat family-style meal) 5:00pm-9:00pm
Tony's Town Square Restaurant Casual Dining Restaurant (a la carte Dinner options) 6:00pm-8:30pm

Guests wishing to use meals from their Magic Your Way with Dining Package, Magic Your Way Premium Package or Magic Your Way Platinum Package may do so, however admission to the Special Ticket Event is not included as part of the package.

Soarin' lines to see games

2007-07-10T09:06:00.000-04:00

Christopher Boyd and Scott Powers

Sentinel Staff Writers

July 9, 2007

Walt Disney World's Epcot theme park has unveiled its new, interactive video games for visitors waiting in line to ride Soarin'.

The games opened last week, offering a test of emerging entertainment technology produced by Walt Disney Imagineering. Using motion-detection equipment, heat sensors and computer-generated videos shown on huge screens, the games allow groups of strangers to play games together while waiting in line.

In a demonstration Thursday, one crowd was so caught up in trying to lead an animated bird through a computer-animated forest that many of the people did not notice for several minutes that a large gap had opened in the line in front of them.

The bird, and the characters in other games, are computer-directed based on which direction people lean, and many people were yelling, in unison, "lean left!" and "lean right!" while trying to lead the bird through the forest.

Christopher Boyd can be reached at cboyd@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5723. Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

WDW Construction update

2007-07-10T08:59:00.001-04:00

This week's listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County in the last week:

Port Orleans Resort Riverside Old Man Island Playground: Remove old playground equipment, install new perimeter fencing, sidewalks and playground equipment, including electrical work.
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lion King Building: Install new vestibule.
Spaceship Earth has more work listed, including installation of catwalks and the facility and showset packages. Of course, this is all part of the work beginning today as the attraction closes for its overlay of theming requested by new sponsor Siemens.
The Caribbean Beach Resort's Trinidad North & South Buildings (buildings 31 thru 39) will see replacement of rusted or damaged gutters and painting of architectural elements above the roofline of the buildings.
At the Disney-MGM Studios, a permanent Star Tours Jedi Stage and Tech Booth will be constructed and installed to allow better year-round performances of the Jedi Training Academy. The stage is to be reminiscent of the Imperial Bunker on Endor from Star Wars. It is uncertain from the documents filed exactly where it will be located, but it is possible that it may replace some or all of the Ewok Village
Rock 'n' Roller Coaster will indeed close during most of September, but we still haven't been able to confirm dates yet.

Epcot... the new boss is in town

2007-07-10T08:57:00.001-04:00

Just in case you were wondering, there's a picture from this morning snapped by Doobie over on LaughingPlace.com of a crane erected next to The Wand ready to begin the dismantling process. Add to that the growing rumble from new park Vice President Jim McPhee that guests can expect to see something for Epcot's 25th Anniversary and it looks like the new boss is making his presence known.

No word yet on what will be involved for the 25th Anniversary celebration. As I've said before, it doesn't have to be much, in fact there's very little chance that it will be a big production. Disney's time to 'guest ready' is typically about 3 years for merchandise and 18-24 months for entertainment/attractions. Those can be sped up, but it would be very difficult to do something on the grand scale that Epcot's 25th Anniversary deserves.

So what should we expect? I'd really like to see some basic merchandise (Pins, Mugs, T-Shirts, Postcards (perhaps a retrospective set), and antenna ball. Anything more complicated than that will likely miss the October 1st kick off. At some point, however, they should release a retrospective book looking back on the first 25 years of EPCOT, a lot of that can be recycled from the opening books, but there have been many changes, a lot of great festivals, guest performers, and new sponsors over the years. End the book with a few pages of bluesky concept art on what kinds of things we might expect in the future for Epcot. Make sure we know it's bluesky, but wow us.

Park signage is an important part of the anniversary. At a minimum, we should see entrance banners, banners in FutureWorld (since that is usually unfestooned by the Spring and Fall festivals), and some sort of creative signage for the original pavilions (FW and WS).

As for entertainment, an old fashioned song and dance show, Disney style, would be nice. It should be choreographed to work at the American Adventure stage when it's not booked and at the Future World stage whjen AAS is busy. Four singers and 8 dancers is probably enough. Keep the characters out of it for the most part (although Mickey and Minnie in their early Epcot rainbow suits would be okay). If you have to pull Steven Davison from Rivers Of Light over at DAK to accelerate this, I think Joe Rhode will understand as long as he has Steven back in time for DAKs 10th anniversary celebration.

The second entertainment option should be a special roll-in for Illuminations along with a new finale tribute to the original pavilions plus Future World.

Finally, a retrospective exhibit in one of the many convention spaces is a must. Something air conditioned, and a quick movie looking at Walt's original plan through construction (I know you have something like this already) could alternate with something more current and forward looking (perhaps interviews with countries involved right now).

If they get really ambitious it would be fun to put up a website with trivia and interviews (podcasts). Some sort of SMS trivia hunt could be done. The Year of A Million Dreams is ongoing, but I hear the 'Disney Dreams Come True" promotion has been canceled. So the now those months could work in some Epcot specific dreams (special tours, character meets, entertainment experiences, etc). Heck, bring back the 'Man of the Century' poll.

To make this really work the PR machine had better get rolling. People are booking their vacations, restaurants, and more now. Get some plans on paper and then hit the pavement to stir up some excitement.

Mickey Mouse arm, wand coming down from Epcot sphere at Disney World

2007-07-07T20:54:00.000-04:00

Scott Powers
Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted July 5 2007

The 257-foot-tall Mickey Mouse arm, glove and wand logo structure at Epcot is coming down.

Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee announced this morning that the time has come to remove the structure, which has served both as a colorful, lighted Epcot sign since 2000, and as a lightning rod for criticism from Epcot purists who contended the image was out of character for Epcot's architecture.

The structure leans on Epcot's previous and future iconic figure, the Spaceship Earth Pavilion, a180-foot geodesic sphere that can be seen for miles.

The arm and glove went up for Walt Disney World's 2000 millennium celebration.

Now, with Epcot's 25th anniversary this fall, and the temporary closing of Spaceship Earth ride, MacPhee said, "We think the timing of the removal is right."

Deconstruction of the 50-ton structure begins Monday, and will be completed shortly before the park's 25th anniversary, October 1. Also coming down are the 36-foot-high "Epcot" letters and colored stars splashing across the sphere.

Also Monday, the Spaceship Earth ride will close to complete a refurbishing sponsored by Siemans AG. The work should be done by November, MacPhee said.

At 257 feet, the arm-glove-wand addition to the Epcot dome made the structure the tallest point in all of Walt Disney World.

Once it comes down, the tallest points according to Sentinel research will be two structures both estimated at 199 feet tall -- the Tower of Terror at MGM Studios and the new Expedition Everest at Animal Kingdom.

The tallest point in the Magic Kingdom is Cinderella's Castle at 180 feet.

In terms of park centerpieces, Epcot's dome and Magic Kingdom's castle will both be the tallest, followed by Animal Kingdom's Tree of Life at 145 feet and then the sorcerer's hat at MGM standing at 100 feet tall.

Epcot updates salute to U.S.

2007-07-03T13:24:00.000-04:00

Christopher Boyd | Beth Kassab and Scott Powers, Sentinel Staff Writers

Epcot's American Adventure has entered the 21st century, adding Michelle Kwan, Tiger Woods and the firefighters who raised the flag at the World Trade Center's ground zero to Walt Disney World's show of American history and inspiration.

The update, which adds images from America's most recent 14 years of history, was completed and debuted a couple of weeks ago. This is the second time that American Adventure has been updated since the show, in the World Showcase American Adventure Pavilion, premiered when Epcot opened in 1982.

The 30-minute show runs several times a day. It combines numerous robotic figures performing skits and commentaries -- Ben Franklin and Mark Twain are the hosts -- with music and slide shows of paintings, photographs, movie clips and animation of historic scenes. The theme is the evolution of American spirit from the Pilgrims to contemporary times.

As always with sensitive material, the update was tricky, particularly dealing tactfully with the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Historians are included in the process, said Rick Rothschild, the executive show director. Rothschild, who's also a senior vice president with Walt Disney Imagineering, helped develop the original show and the first update. In dealing with 9-11, he and planners focused on how Americans came together afterward to cope and recover, he said.

"What we've placed in our new sequence has to do with paying tribute to all those who were involved," Rothschild said. "This is the sequence that has to do with the spirit of Americans helping each other."

The updates can be found in the last American Adventure segment, a slide show set to a song called "Golden Dreams," which progresses without commentary from post-World War II to the present.

The song remains the same. The durations of the old images were reduced to make time for more images during the song. Previously, the song featured 85 slides. Now there are 110, adding, among other details, Muhammad Ali carrying a torch at the 1996 Olympics, scenes from the destroyed World Trade Center, and former Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton working together on tsunami relief.

Engineering a record

The American Society of Safety Engineers 2007 exposition at the Orange County Convention Center set a record for the number of exhibitors and the amount of space sold, exceeding records set at the group's previous gatherings in Seattle, New Orleans and Las Vegas.

The event, which ran June 24-26, sold 57,950 square feet of exhibit space, surpassing the 52,780 square feet sold for the 2006 ASSE convention in Seattle. About 400 companies exhibited.

Resort is growing

Marriott Vacation Club International, the Orlando-based time-share division of Marriott International Inc., announced last week the opening of a second phase of units at its Frenchman's Cove project in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.

The new phase includes 30 two-bedroom villas. The new phase brings the development to 50 units in what is planned to be a 220-villa resort. Frenchman's Cove is also adding a full-service restaurant, a convenience store and a fitness center.

Christopher Boyd can be reached at 407-420-5723 or cboyd@orlandosentinel.com. Beth Kassab can be reached at bkassab@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5448. Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

FASTPASS downtime at Rock 'n' Roller Coaster

2007-07-03T10:42:00.001-04:00

FASTPASS will not be available at the Rock 'n' Roller Coaster from July 12th-17th and will reopen on July 18th. During this time the software will be updated and the new ticket stock introduced (as previously seen at Animal Kingdom). The same change will be happening at the Tower of Terror a few days later.

A secret way to savor Epcot's nightly fires

2007-06-30T14:49:00.000-04:00

Forget Norway and Morocco. Here's a way to see Epcot's "IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth" from a duck's-eye view.

Walt Disney World offers boating excursions that bring folks to the edge of the lagoon for this nightly fireworks-set-to-music show. The trip is a bit rock star crossed with double-secret executive privilege, but it's available to average Joe Tourist and us Floridians.

Our group gathers at the Yacht & Beach Club marina to launch. We range from a newcomer who has never set foot on Disney soil to an aficionado who sings along with "IllumiNations." He is told to stop it.

The modest pontoon is small enough that no one mentions a three-hour tour. We eye a nearby vessel with a decorations upgrade: a Happy Birthday banner and balloons. Someone smells cake.

We also eye the sky, which has been spitting rain for hours. Most of us forgot to think tourist/think poncho. The show always goes on, our captain says, even during a tropical storm last year.

Setting sail on a wet evening

The seats are toweled off, and off we go, slowly. First, it's a tour of nearby environs -- Disney's BoardWalk, the Swan and Dolphin hotels.

We encounter so-called Friendship boats. They are way larger than our boat and take up way more waterway. Their glass enclosures look smoked.

Can a boat scowl?

We also pass the Happy Birthday pontoon and wave. They are our people, after all. Maybe they'll share that cake.

Our captain/host is versed yet not scripted. She happily fields questions from our hard-boiled crew. How much training do you have? Do Disney workers park far away? What was your worst day on the job? She tells a story about rescuing a kid's toy from the drink, and it's a brilliant cast-member maneuver. That's right, her worst day on the job involves helping a child.

These outings could be considered hidden gems. They're tucked away on the company Web site (disney world.com) under "more magic" and "specialty cruises."

"They don't advertise it," says Barbara Autry, who is visiting from Boston for 10 days with family and friends. She found it via the Internet and a few guide books. "We wanted to try something different," says her husband, Bill. Their group also went on a similar cruise that watches the "Wishes" fireworks of the Magic Kingdom.

Proper proximity

We travel up a canal toward the intensely aqua gates of Disney-MGM Studios before backtracking toward Epcot, which is close to our starting point.

Spaceship Earth, that Epcot icon, pops up. We approach the World Showcase Lagoon via a tributary that runs between the pavilions of France and the United Kingdom. Soggy, slickered folks on the bridge look down with disdain.

Our boat is flanked by two pontoons, one with the Happy Birthday people. We are roped together, side by side.

Out come the snacks. Everyone receives a drink (nonalcoholic, sailors) and a bag of chips. It's all you can eat/carry home, and it's included in the price.

In my imagination, we would be docked in the lagoon, but a little more thought reveals that we wouldn't want to be that close to explosives or directly under the fire in the sky. Still, there are landlubbers nearer the action.

"Shouldn't we be closer?" asks our Orlando native. But when an IllumiNations barge blazes, we feel the heat, big-time. "OK, this is good," she decides.

Everything sounds muffled. We are settled between two banks and a bridge, so there's reverberation. Then heat, fireworks, ooohs, aahhhs. As the soundtrack shifts from spoken word to music, sound issues dissipate.

On the plus side, it's an uninterrupted view of the show. From most spots along Epcot's shores, there are trees or other obstacles blocking the line of sight. But when the pavilions' buildings light up, we cannot see the entire circle. We are out of the loop.

The giant globe glides into position -- it has a driver, and it's not on an underwater rail, our captain reports -- and the slower, moodier music begins. Images of nature appear on Earth, but our first-timers have difficulty making them out from that distance.

Weighing pluses, minuses

The world keeps spinning, and my mind wanders. Time for math in my head. Let's see, $275 (tax included) for a party of 10 would be $27.50 a head. We didn't pay Epcot admission, we didn't pay for parking, plus a stack of snacks was provided.

The pricing is flat. A group of 10 pays the same as a solitary couple, which might be romantic if you can get your pilot to be discreet. I'm thinking elaborate proposal or special anniversary.

But I'm not thinking this is the way to introduce newbies to the joys of IllumiNations. They should be in the theme park, on the ground, to buy into the "We Are the World Showcase" community. Even walking out to the music by Gavin Greenaway is a uniting experience. But when the brilliant finale of white, screaming lights arrives, we boat people have no one on the opposite shore to spy.

For old hands, the excursion is a new angle, down here among the unfazed water fowl. Plus there's bragging rights: Been there, floated that.

A rib-jarring pop ends the show but begins a mini-adventure. Turning our boat around entails an ever-so-slight glide into the lagoon proper. It's sensory overload as lights are brighter, torches are higher, tourists are teeming, and the wind is breezier in this semi-forbidden territory.

'Loved it, loved it'

A pontoon carrying Pete Campbell and four family members returns to the Yacht & Beach Club dock. The Bostonians cry "loved it, loved it" in near unison. They heard of the feature from Campbell's wife, Donna, a travel agent.

"If they'd let us go back out right now, we'd do it," Pete says.

There's only one presentation of "IllumiNations" per night, so that's impossible. Our captain says she has had passengers beg her to stay aboard and to cruise to the Seven Seas Lagoon at the Magic Kingdom.

That, too, is impossible. They aren't connected. It may be a magical place, but even Disney World has its limits.

Dbevil@Orlandosentinel.Com. Dewayne Bevil can be reached at 407-420-5477.

Walt Disney World has increased security at Downtown Disney.

2007-06-26T09:13:00.001-04:00

Walt Disney World has increased security at Downtown Disney. The goal is to keep unwanted teens, and young adults out of Downtown Disney. Extra security will be handled by off duty Orange County deputies. Disney security and deputies will be handing out trespasses notices and have all ready barred around 50 people from coming on Disney property again. Those that choose to come back on Disney property can be arrested.

Disney and Sherriff officials stated that the crack down has been in the planning process for the past couple of weeks and is not broad concern, rather than a one or two incidents. "A ganglike presence was unfortunately identified at Downtown Disney. And that is not going to be tolerated," Disney World spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said Thursday. "So additional deputies were pro actively assigned to patrol the area and that's going to go on as long as is needed."

Child Left In Stroller At Disney World

2007-06-26T09:11:00.000-04:00

A mother and father are facing child neglect charges after deputies say they left their young child in the hot sun at Disney World.

According to the Osceola County Sheriff's Office, Juan and Dannette Rodriguez left the 3-year-old sitting in a stroller in the sun while they went on the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.

The little girl was there for 45 minutes.

By the time anyone noticed, the girl was unresponsive due to heat exhaustion and had to be revived by paramedics.

The parents were arrested without incident.

The girl was placed with relatives.

Deputies and the Department of Children and Families continue their investigation.

Teens face crackdown at Downtown Disney

2007-06-22T10:28:00.000-04:00

Henry Pierson Curtis and Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writers
June 22, 2007

Walt Disney World is stepping up efforts to roust unwanted teens and young adults from its Downtown Disney complex.

The company's security guards and off-duty Orange County deputy sheriffs boosted their presence last weekend at the popular shopping and entertainment area, issuing as many trespass warnings in two days as they had the previous 51/2 months.

Fifty teens and young adults were banned from Disney property forever. If they return, they can be arrested.

Those barred included a 15-year-old boy from Osceola County who was arrested with marijuana and a loaded .380-caliber pistol, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

The operation, which adds 11 off-duty deputy sheriffs to the normal four-member team at Downtown Disney for four weekends, started a week after two Connecticut tourists reported they were abducted from the parking lot and later robbed.

Disney and sheriff's officials said the crackdown stemmed from broader concerns, not one incident.

"A ganglike presence was unfortunately identified at Downtown Disney. And that is not going to be tolerated," Disney World spokeswoman Jacquee Polak said Thursday. "So additional deputies were proactively assigned to patrol the area and that's going to go on as long as is needed."

Sheriff's Capt. Ted Brown, who supervises patrols at Disney, said the heightened enforcement had been planned weeks ago in response to increasing numbers of problem teens Disney and deputies had noticed starting late last year.

"A lot of them were described as 'wannabe gangbangers.' " he said. "And some of them were flat-out harassing and bothering other guests."

Under the current push, Disney security officers survey the crowds and question guests they suspect of being a problem. Deputies are asked to issue warnings if the guests refuse to answer, argue and refuse to leave, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Targeting minorities?

Out of the 50 warnings issued last weekend, the Sheriff's Office was able to find only 40 of the reports. Warnings were issued to 20 young Hispanic males, 19 young black males and one young black female.

None came from Orange County, the location of Downtown Disney. Eleven were from Osceola County, 11 from Lake County, 11 from Polk County, five from Georgia and one each from Arizona, Texas and an unreported location.

One of the teens told never to come back asked why no whites were among those warned about trespassing.

"A whole bunch of white boys walked by yelling and stuff, and they didn't do nothing to them," said Michael Washington, 16, of Polk City.

Washington said that he, his brother and three cousins drove to Downtown Disney on Friday night to go to the movies. They met two young black men and a woman in the parking lot who said "they were arresting all black folks."

He said Disney security officers followed them after they visited a store. One of his cousins cursed the guards after being stopped, Washington said.

Asked whether he thought race played a role in why they were ejected, the teen said, "I don't know. I don't know, sir. They came straight at the black crowd."

Polak would not comment on the racial breakdown of those teens and young men who were rousted. She also would not comment on what guidelines Disney security follows in deciding who should get a trespass warning.

"Our priority, and that of law enforcement, is to maintain a safe experience," Polak said.

A review of trespass warnings issued last year at Disney showed more diversity. Out of 296 total trespass warnings at Downtown Disney in 2006, 29 went to blacks and 42 went to Hispanics, according to sheriff's records.

The rest -- 225 -- went to whites, Asians and others.

'Like it was the mall'

Teens loitering in the Downtown Disney area first became a problem in early 2005 after Disney stopped charging an entry fee to the Pleasure Island nightclub complex, Brown said.

Once the turnstiles were removed, teens began congregating at two outdoor plazas between the nightclubs. Large screens that displayed rap, hip-hop and other music videos provided free entertainment.

"It quickly became an area for these kids to go, and for whatever reasons undesirable elements started congregating there, too," Brown said.

In January 2006, Disney removed the projection screens and outdoor music to "get rid of the street-party atmosphere," he said.

An additional concern involved even younger guests.

"And there was an even younger group of kids who were getting dropped off by their parents like it was the mall or someplace to hang out," Brown said. "You know, Disney does not want to be a baby-sitting service."

No one has been arrested in the June 10 abduction and robbery reported by Justin Stetzer and Jessica DellaCamera of North Branford, Conn. But even before the first beefed-up detail began, sheriff's detectives were raising doubts about parts of their story.

Inconsistencies included their claim to have been abducted at gunpoint in a lighted parking lot just six rows from an observation tower staffed by a Disney security guard, according to a report released this week.

"Both victims then became even more irate and began cussing and stating that they never would cooperate any more," a detective wrote about asking Stetzer and DellaCamera to take a lie-detector test.

The Sheriff's Office has stopped pursuing the case.

Man Rescued From Disney Lake Faces Charges

2007-06-21T10:56:00.000-04:00

A man thought that after a couple of drinks he would become such a good swimmer that he had to proof it trying to swim in the lake at Downtown Disney. When he could not make it back to the shore he needed to be rescued by the Reedy Creek Fire Department.

While he tried to pull a story that there is a second man in the lake, the truth came out soon enough that he was alone and tried to cover up his stupidity.

Free refills on child beverages at table service locations

2007-06-18T12:42:00.002-04:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Just in time for summer, Walt Disney World Resort has enhanced the value of kids' meals in table service restaurants by introducing free refills on child beverages -- including juices, milk, bottled water, and soda -- for guests nine years and under. The refill policy, which is offered at more than three dozen table service restaurants in the Disney parks and resorts, does not apply to specialty drinks that typically are not included with the kids' meals.

Fuego by Sosa Cigars Opens at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island

2007-06-18T12:42:00.001-04:00

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The rich enticing aroma of premium tobacco welcomes cigar aficionados to Fuego by Sosa Cigars, an upscale cigar bar now open at Downtown Disney Pleasure Island at Walt Disney World Resort.

Cigar connoisseurs can savor a smoke and enjoy other tobacco products in an intimate lounge setting where premium wine, beer, spirits, plus specialty coffees and other non-alcoholic beverages are served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 a.m.

The new lounge is a tribute to four generations of the Sosa family with pictures of family members decorating the walls. The gathering place blends contemporary furnishings and high tech with old-world charm. Pendant-style light fixtures adorn the room while a hand-crafted glass bar top resembles a floating block of ice. The back bar is illuminated with silhouettes of tobacco leaves and back-lit with images of fire. Custom-designed, hand-crafted wooden humidors hold more than 100 facings of hand-rolled premium cigars -- from the legendary Fuente Fuente Opus X to the highly rated house-branded Sosa cigars. An expanded terrace offers guests outdoor seating as well.

"The Sosa family is honored to open a second location at Downtown Disney, which will allow guests to indulge in life's simple pleasures," said Alex Sosa, director of operations.

Sosa Family Cigars and Walt Disney World Resort have enjoyed a long-standing relationship over the past ten years. Downtown Disney West Side is also home to Sosa Family Cigars, a premium cigar store showcasing a large walk-in humidor and the art of hand-rolling cigars.

Ratatouille characters make daily meet-and-greet appearances

2007-06-18T12:41:00.001-04:00

The two rodent stars of the new Disney-Pixar animated film "Ratatouille" Emile (left) and Remy (right) now make daily meet-and-greet appearances with Disney-MGM Studios guests. "Ratatouille" features Remy as a rat in Paris who dreams of becoming a gourmet chef. The fish-out-of-water comedy-adventure is directed by Brad Bird, who won an Academy Award for the Disney-Pixar film, "The Incredibles."

Disney safari tale alters a tad

2007-06-17T07:30:00.001-04:00

The buzz: We had heard that the narration had changed on Kilimanjaro Safaris at Disney's Animal Kingdom, and now we have firsthand confirmation. It's different, but not jarring.

What this means to you: Wilson, the warden reporting from a helicopter, is still in touch with your driver, but there's nary a peep from his former guest, the very British Ms. Jobson.

Sadly, that means no "Tommies . . . tommies" line to imitate for the rest of the day.

What we observed: It seemed Wilson was talking less frequently, and that the role of our driver, Alex, was enhanced. The poachers story line lives on but wasn't emphasized. Near the end, the safety of Little Red (who has wandered off) is demonstrated, and there's reference to making sure the mom is OK too.

Side note: Despite the heat, lots of animals were meandering during our Monday safari, including one aggressive giraffe whose head came very close to entering our vehicle.

"He's a little possessive of his girlfriend," explained Alex.

Disney-MGM Park Won't Change Name

2007-06-14T13:02:00.001-04:00

There has been a lot of speculation for years that the Disney-MGM Studios theme park could change its name, but Disney says that won't be happening anytime soon.

It was first reported that it would become the Walt Disney Studios park after a naming agreement with MGM expired.

Then, industry analysts thought the name would be shared by MGM and Pixar once Disney acquired the movie studio last year.

Disney confirmed that an area of the park will be named for Pixar once a new Toy Story ride opens, but the MGM name will remain for the entire park.

Project Blu-Sky: Ideas Shaping the Future of our Theme Parks

2007-06-11T14:47:00.001-04:00

As we open another new series of articles, these entitled Project Blu-Sky, we look yet again into what lies ahead for the Disney company and Walt Disney World in particular. Unlike Imagineering a New Kingdom & Disney Domains, Project Blu-Sky looks into ideas that are being tossed around. Some will eventually come to life while others will be kept safe in the hallways of Walt Disney Imagineering. Continue reading for some very interesting proposals for the next 10 or so years at the Walt Disney World Resort....

There is a big shake-up currently occuring at Walt Disney Imagineering (WDI). According to the Blue Sky Disney Blog.....

At the present moment, Disney is looking to maximize profits while minimizing their spending. Currently, most work is going on at the resort level. Third party companies will populate such areas as Westward Way, a Downtown-Disney-like project the new Four Seasons resort. Work is also going on to construct a new Contemporary tower and to add Disney Vacation Club (DVC) rooms to the Animal Kingdom Lodge. But still, this does not stop major new ideas to be proposed.........

Walt Disney World Resort

Two other properties are being looked at for DVC occupancy.
Announcement Date: no earlier than 2009

A third waterpark is getting its way through the approval process. Current plans would tie the park to Disney's films (Pirates, etc).
Announcement Date: no earlier than mid-2008

Proposals are being made for a 5th gate. Three such ideas have been seen in the halls of WDI. These could also serve as inspirations for extra gates at Disney's Asian properties.
Announcement Date: as early as the begining of next decade with the new park opening in 2014-2015 (around WDW's 45th anniversary)

Magic Kingdom

There are proposals for a new parade
Announcement Date: Likely at the end of The Year of a Million Dreams

The next E-ticket attraction is planned for no earlier than 2009. No current proposals involve Pixar characters. One involves a classic Disney character & the other is entirely different

Epcot

SSE will of course reopen later this year in a new true Epcot fashion
Announcement Date: SSE will close in July and reopen in November. Complete refurbishment will be complete in early 2008.

The Wand may be coming down, but nothing is set in stone
Announcement Date: could come down as early as next year

There are ideas and proposals for Epcot's next E-Ticket
Announcement Date: likely around 2010

There is a proposal to retheme the back of Soarin's ride building to better blend in with Canada's rocky theming. This would also give more area to build a new Canadian Rockies water attraction
Announcement Date: unknown

Disney-MGM Studios

The name change to the Disney-Pixar Studios is imminent
Announcement Date: as early as next year

One or two E-tickets and three to four C/D-tickets are expected to be approved within the next year
Announcement Date: likely mid to late 2008

An updated Star Tours and Indiana Jones attractions are being heavily proposed
Announcement Date: around 2010-ish

All the rebranding is expected to be finished around 2011 & will provide the Studios with a more family-friendly movie experience

Disney's Animal Kingdom

There is still a group in WDI that wants Beastlie Kingdomme to be built, but money is still a major issue. In addition, there are proposals for small-scale theming changes in Dinoland USA. Currently, however, no major proposals are really known for the Animal Kingdom.

More investment in Disney theme parks division

2007-06-07T13:53:00.000-04:00

More capital spending will be coming to Walt Disney Parks & Resorts in coming years, according to Walt Disney Co. Chief Financial Officer Tom Staggs.

In an address on on the Web-based Merrill Lynch U.S. Media Conference this morning, Staggs said that the theme parks division can expect more capital investment. That spending will be driven for a couple of years by the cost of the two new cruise ships Disney is buying to expand Disney Cruise Lines, but he said the theme parks also will benefit.

The division's capital spending has fluctuated from about $1 billion in 2004 to $1.4 billion in 2005 and down to $900 million last year, reflecting the cost of opening Hong Kong Disneyland in 2005. Disney's investment in domestic parks -- Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney's California Adventure -- slid about 8 percent last year to $667 million, according to the corporation's annual report.

"We think we'll see capital expenditures come up from the somewhat low levels we've seen over the past years," Staggs said.

Does that mean a new park is in the works? Skaggs refused to support or dismiss continuing industry speculation that Disney is planning to build its next theme park in mainland China, but suggested that, at best, it would be a ways off.

"The answer is, we don't know," Staggs said. "I think there certainly is a potential market there for a theme park. But for that to happen we'd have to have an agreement that makes sense for us and also for the Chinese government. I think we're not going to rush that by any stretch."

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 13th Anniversary Annual Passholder Event

2007-06-06T15:12:00.001-04:00

Disney are holding a special Annual Passholder event to mark the 13th anniversary of the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror on Friday July 13th from 10:30pm. You must register for this event on the Disney Passholder website as spaces are limited.

Mickey's secrets are exposed on Magic Kingdom tours

2007-06-03T07:22:00.000-04:00

By HARRY SHATTUCK
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — This column is rated R.

It's restricted to those unafraid of traveling behind the scenes at Walt Disney World.

I'll try not to spoil too many fantasies. But Rae L'Heureux, our guide on a backstage tour of the Magic Kingdom, shamed me into cautioning readers about the secrets she revealed.

"You wouldn't want to destroy any young child's dreams with what you write, would you?" she asked.

Well, no.

Not that I ingested any scandalous journalist-only tidbits. The tour, which meanders through back lots, a private tunnel and more otherwise off-limits spaces, is available to any visitor age 16 or older.

But just to be certain I don't shock any wide-eyed Disney devotee, let me toss out a test:

Mickey Mouse is a girl.

Sometimes.

L'Heureux, a Disney World cast member for 11 1/2 years, should know. "I was the man himself," she said.

But she continued (close your eyes, kids), "I can honestly say that I was also a hooker in the Magic Kingdom."

Come again? "Our parade floats are battery-powered, and they don't have enough oomph to get up the hill (from the float barn, which we toured) and into the parade route," L'Heureux elaborated. "You hook a towing device onto the floats to give them power. One of my responsibilities was to do the hooking."

Test of character

Back to Mickey. "You go to a character audition, and the first thing they do is measure your height," L'Heureux said. "You may be chipmunk height, mouse height or Goofy height. That determines what character you portray."

L'Heureux is chipmunk height but close enough to don a Mickey costume in a pinch.

"If you are a girl at mouse height, you can be Mickey," she said. "If you're a boy at mouse height, you can be Minnie."

Weight, she said, is no longer a major issue except for Tinker Bell. "Tinker Bell flies, so there are safety concerns," L'Heureux explained. "She has to weigh between 95 pounds and 115 pounds."

Age isn't an obstacle, either: According to L'Heureux, one Tinker Bell retired at 72.

Here's more inside perspective: "Every time you see a character at Disney World, a backup is in close proximity," L'Heureux said. "Those costumes weigh about 40 pounds, and there is no air conditioning built in. The maximum time you are allowed to be in costume during summer is 20 minutes, except for parades. So after 20 minutes, a character goes behind the scenes, then reappears. But it's a different cast member."

Note the words "cast member." At Disney World, all 60,000 employees — from Mickey and Goofy to lighting technicians — are known as cast members.

One more little-known antidote about the world's most beloved mouse: Walt Disney's original name for the character was Mortimer. "But when he took the idea to his wife, Lillian, she said no," L'Heureux told us. "She suggested Mickey. Why? Because before Lillian met Walt, she dated a man named Mickey."

Calling M.T. Lott

L'Heureux's tour, which involves considerable walking, provided other insight. Among highlights:

• The names inscribed on windows along the Magic Kingdom's Main Street represent "our rolling credits," L'Heureux said. It's hardly a surprise to see windows dedicated to Walt and Roy Disney, but who is M.T. Lott? "Some windows are historical, others are hysterical," L'Heureux responded. "Disney World started with empty lots."

• Look down as you walk and you'll see what appear to be repairs, or plugs, in the pavement. "But we know them as RFIDs, or radio frequency identification," L'Heureux said. "As parades approach, they send a message to start the music."

• Almost every building, rock or other visible element comprises fiberglass and steel. There are no bricks in Cinderella's castle. And Disney artists utilize "forced perspective" — techniques that include designing three floors of windows for two floors of actual space — to make the castle and other buildings appear larger.

Attention to detail is remarkable. Trash bins are placed no more than 27 feet apart because a Disney test showed guests lost patience and discarded chewing-gum wrappers after walking that distance. Eyeglass prescriptions for statues of U.S. presidents in Liberty Square's Hall of Presidents are identical to those each chief executive used.

A 1.3-mile corridor beneath the park's surface facilitates movement of humans and cargo. "We call it a tunnel, but that's not correct; it's at ground level," L'Heureux said. "Because it was built on swampland, the Magic Kingdom is 16 feet above the ground."

The tunnel includes an engineering control room, a costume center and a, er, hairdressing outlet with "Disney Grooming Guidelines" posted on walls. ("We have two kinds of wigs: synthetic wigs for humans, human wigs for synthetic people," L'heuruex said.).

There are no restaurants or shops in the corridor. "And, contrary to rumor, Walt Disney is not frozen here," L'heuruex assured.

I told you I wouldn't destroy any dreams.

Bringing Civilization To The Wilds of Animal Kingdom...

2007-05-31T09:03:00.000-04:00

The new Animal Kingdom Lodge expansion DVC units have been unvieled. They look lovely and will add to an already beautiful place to stay.

Here is a wide shot the new expansion.

This is a close shot of the entrance.

And here is an example of interior art.

And here is an above map of what the Lodge looks like now...

And here is an above map of what the Lodge will look like afterwards.

6 injured evacuating Disney ride

2007-05-30T10:56:00.000-04:00

Beth Kassab | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted May 30, 2007
Bay Lake -- Walt Disney World reopened the Kali River Rapids ride at Animal Kingdom about 4:15 p.m. Tuesday after six people were injured while they were being evacuated from the ride earlier in the day.

Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said the company conducted safety checks of the ride and did not find any problems.

It did determine, however, that the platform used to evacuate people from the ride vehicles "disengaged and slid."

She said, if necessary, the company will use an alternative method to evacuate people from the attraction, which features a raft ride through the turbulent waters of a jungle river.

Five Disney visitors and an employee were taken to hospitals after the incident. Prunty said all were released.

The attraction needed to be evacuated when one of the ride's sensors caused the rafts to stop as they were traveling up a steep incline, prompting an evacuation about 10:20 a.m., said Bo Jones, deputy fire chief of the Reedy Creek Improvement District, the government district that oversees Walt Disney World.

BWW TV Exclusive: Disney's Finding Nemo - The Musical

2007-05-29T09:36:00.000-04:00

Sunday, May 27, 2007; Posted: 10:40 PM - by Craig Brockman

BroadwayWorld meets Disney World in this exclusive video featuring the "Finding Nemo - The Musical" currently running at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Click now to watch highlights from the show, backstage interviews and a visit with the co-creators Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Tony Award-winner (and husband) Bobby Lopez.

The undersea world that charmed audiences around the world in the Disney-Pixar smash-hit film "Finding Nemo" has come to life in an all-new musical stage show at Disney's Animal Kingdom which immerses Walt Disney World guests in the story of Marlin and Nemo -- an overprotective clownfish father and his curious son -- through a dazzling production that combines puppets, dancers, aerialists and animated backdrops.

The visually inventive show represents the first time Disney has taken a non-musical animated feature, as well as the first Pixar film, and transformed it into an original musical production. "Finding Nemo-The Musical" is also the first major musical produced for Walt Disney World Resort by Disney Creative Entertainment.

"It's exciting to be involved in projects that introduce a new generation of future theatergoers to the work of internationally recognized creative talent through Broadway-caliber short-form shows that all audiences can appreciate," said Anne Hamburger, executive vice president of Disney Creative Entertainment. "Millions of children experience live theater for the first time during a visit to a Disney park."

"Finding Nemo-The Musical" is a 30-minute show, performed several times daily. Admission to Theater in the Wild is included with regular Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park admission. Guest information is available by calling 407-824-4321 or by visiting disneyworld.com.

Click here to play!

Blue Sky Alert-America (Orlando)...

2007-05-26T16:07:00.000-04:00

Much has happened since I posted out Anaheim report. The most important of course being the shake up at WDI. While this is a good thing, it also puts several projects into limbo. Most of these proposals are making it through the design or approval phase anyway and with a new regime it calls into question everything. The new leaders will want to look at most of these proposals before going ahead... so I don't want anyone e-mailing me about "creating from thin air" what is mentioned in this article. If what is mentioned doesn't happen... don't blame the messenger. Things change fast at WDI...

That being said, I like what is happening with the restructuring within the walls of 1401 Flower Street. As some of you may have already heard, former Research and Development Vice President Bruce Vaughn is now in the position that Chief Creative Executive Tom Fitzgerald. Vaughn is well liked within the company and a strong advocate of the creative process over the bureacratic process that has built up under Fitzgerald. Fitzgerald will still be working at WDI focusing on the oversight of show development, story integration and uh, um "blue sky" brainstorming process.

Craig Russell, former Vice President of Environmental Design and Show Engineering is now Chief Design and Delivery Executive at WDI. The former WDI President Don Goodman moves out of WDI and into his new role as executive Vice President for resort development. His position is something akin to recreating the Disney Development Company that designed the hotels for the company in the 80's before Eisner combined it with the rest of Imagineering. It appears that it will still be part of the company, but a seperate unit ran by Goodman and the very well liked, Wing Chao. The role Goodman had as President will not be refilled. Some people think that John Lasseter will partially take over this job in an unofficial capacity.

The new structure is great because it will do for WDI what Lasseter and Catmull have done for WDAS, with is to eliminate the layers of bureacracy and middle management that the creatives have to go through to get something done. From now on, Tony Baxter, Joe Rohde and Joe Lanzisero along with other Creative Executives will report directly to Vaughn. As Jim Hill reported, one of Vaughn's comments were "we are no longer going to design rides we don't build". This could be great news since WDI literally designs hundreds upon hundreds of attractions that literally never see the light of day. Unless the Oriental Land Company builds them, of course. This offers a light of hope on projects that got stuck in the approval process over the years because of political back stabbing, but the road ahead is not yet clear so we'll have to wait and let the dust settle. A whole new world may have opened up for Walt Disney Imagineering though...

A lot is going on at the Reedy Creek Improvement District, aka: Walt Disney World. The Walt Disney Company is trying to maximize it's profits without having to put a great deal more expense which is why we heard the announcement of those two projects that would be on the property, but not created by the property. With the Four Seasons at WDW and the Westward Way expansion, they intend on getting as much out of partnering with others while not having to incure the expense associated with the new hotels, shopping centers and developed co-ops.

As for what Disney themselves are doing, we have the progression of the DVC units being build near the Animal Kingdom Lodge and the new addition to the Contemporary that some have dubbed: the Watergate Tower. While I may not be estatic about the look of the tower, I don't take as much offense as other to the design. The Animal Kingdom DVC expansion is something I absolutely love, on the other hand.

There are two other properties being looked at for DVC opportunities, but it's in the early phase and will likely not see any announcements until late 2009.

A new, third themed water park is making its way through the approval process. It still has a long ways to go but the plans right now will have it tie the park in with some of Disney's cinematic properties if all is approved. Don't expect to hear anything publicly about this till sometime in mid 2008 at the earliest.

Despite everyone being depressed about the company announcing no current plans for a "Fifth Gate" in the current future, that doesn't mean ideas aren't being discussed. There is plenty of land for future use. Enough in the southern section for at least two full size parks if they are ever approved. There are "blue sky" proposals for a new park. Actually, three have been seen in the halls of WDI. These projects that are in the embryonic proposal phase and could wind up as a fifth park or serve as inspiration for Hong Kong's second gate or even Tokyo. Should the economy keep firing on all cylinders, the proposals will be narrowed down and one could look for an announcement near the beginning of the next decade. That puts the completion of a fifth park somewhere in the ball park of 2014-2015. Just in time for the preperations for the 45th anniversary of the park. How coincidental? Hmmm...

The Magic Kingdom is the park with the least going on. At least from my sources at WDI. This could all be thrown around now that the new structure is being put in place over on Flower Street, but the full effect of the reorganization won't be clear until summer is over. As for now, there are proposals for a new parade that would corrispond with some additional entertainment, but otherwise the next "E" ticket isn't planned for at least 2009. Lasseter and crew have a couple propsals that are being pitched about but nothing is concrete at the moment. As far as it being a Pixar ride, I'm sure some of you are thinking of asking... well, as of now the proposal's don't involve creations from Disney's Emeryville branch. In fact, of the two proposals my sources know of, one involves a "classic" Disney character and the other is something entirely different. Hopefully, if Disneyland's new Christmas overlay works out well it will be applied to Orlando's castle as well, but we won't know for sure till early next year.

By now, everyone knows that Epcot's Spaceship Earth will open next year with a brand new interior and from what people have seen so far it's a great redo. From one of my sources, the new attraction will really entertain guest in the best "Epcot" way. Talk continues about "THE WAND" coming down. The decision hasn't been made official, but signs are good that it could come down by next year... so cross your fingers. There are a couple prominent ideas for Epcot's next "E" ticket, but within departments, it won't see daylight till 2010 probably.

Over in World Showcase, there is a faction within WDI that wants to address some of the eyesores that disrupt the view of the lands. No, I'm not talking about the Dolphin and Swan... that requires more radical surgery. But there is momentum from a group of Imagineers to reintroduce a proposal to retheme the back of Soarin' to the Canadian Rockies which would hide the show building and give the area another "E" ticket ride simular to DCA's GRR. Other areas are supposed to be addressed if the plan goes through, again... these are "blue sky" proposal's so it'll all depend on the new management and how much they desire to fix the mistakes of the past.

Disney-MGM Studios, or as we will be calling it soon, Disney-Pixar Studios has the most promising future ahead of it. With the park meandering as to what it's identity has been over the last few years it is slated to get a good deal of attention over the next couple years. The name will not be the only rebranding of the park. A direction as to what kind of park it is will begin in the fall with the expected announcement of the name change. Once that is done there will be some major changes in theme and design in various parts of the studio. Lasseter himself has expressed an interest in refocusing the park towards a much more family friendly movie experience. Expect at least one and possibly two "E" tickets and two to four "C" or "D" tickets to be approved in the next year or so that will focus on making the experience one has when entering the former MGM park, a truly memorable one. Some of these projects will have a direct impact on WDW's sister park in Anaheim. What projects am I talking about. Well let me just give you their innitials... ST 2.0 and IJ4. How's that for a tease? These will be a huge draw for the studio when all this is said and done around... 2011. There's that year again. Sorry, my lips are sealed. There'll be nothing else for now...

The results of Epedition Everest are a great sign for Animal Kingdom. However, the high expense of the ride itself has been an inhibitor in bringing forward that most holy grail of DAK projects: Beastly Kingdom. There is still a small group within WDI that wants to do BK, but the amount of money it will cost has many managers hesitant to put that much capital into such an attraction. The wildcard in this is Lasseter. While it is not known if he will champion BK, he is much in favor of creating rides that immerse the guest and doesn't seem interested in throwing out mediocre attractions to simply have WDI keep busy. There are Imagineers who have been trying to get one of several small scale theming proposals for Dinoland approved, but under the old management the approval was moving at a snails pace. Perhaps the new leadership will allow these blue sky proposals which would take away the gharish, carnival atmosphere and give the area a more atmospheric touch to move forward? Clearly the days of Paul Pressler are over. The recent changes in WDI and the rising stock of Joe Rohde could bring BK out of the shadows and onto the fast track. At the very least, Joe's position means DAK will be receiving a disproportional amount of attention over the next few years.

Well, that's all I can relate without getting caught in Disney's dragnet or having my friends shot. Hope you enjoyed it and have a great Memorial Day weekend. Stay tuned for more updates later in June...

Disney shuffles Imagineer team's execs

2007-05-23T10:08:00.001-04:00

Scott Powers | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted May 23, 2007
A shake-up of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts creativity team puts more emphasis on technology and new vacation experiences both in and out of Disney's theme parks.

Officials on Tuesday confirmed several changes in Walt Disney Imagineering -- the Disney arm that dreams up and designs everything from Walt Disney World thrill rides and shows to themed restaurants. They include a new partnership at the top featuring research and development guru Bruce Vaughn and design master Craig Russell. Vaughn was promoted last week to chief creative executive, and Russell to chief design and delivery executive.

"The leadership team of Walt Disney Imagineering will ensure that our parks, resorts and other venues continue our tradition of imagination and innovation," Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Jay Rasulo wrote to Disney executives in a memo last week. "Bruce Vaughn and Craig Russell are the right blend of talent and experience for WDI."

Former WDI President Don Goodman becomes the new executive vice president for resort development. He and Wing Chao, executive vice president of master planning, architecture and design, will oversee development of Disney's real estate on and away from Disney World, Disneyland and other Disney resorts.

Tom Fitzgerald, who served temporarily as a top WDI administrator, will resume oversight of show development, story integration and what Disney calls its "blue sky" brainstorming process, as executive vice president and senior creative executive.

Robert Iger, chief executive of parent company Walt Disney Co., has emphasized a corporate commitment to emerging technologies. Vaughn's background in research and development labs helps address that commitment, said Leslie Goodman, Disney Parks and Resorts senior vice president for worldwide public affairs.

Rasulo has pledged expanded and new efforts to spread Disney experiences beyond theme parks, with such options as more Disney Cruise Line and Adventure by Disney vacation packages and new themed hotels or Disney entertainment districts in new markets. The new WDI organization also addresses that commitment, Goodman said.

"We are in the immersive experience business; it's no longer the parks and resorts business," she said.

Scott Powers can be reached at spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Disneyland in China?

2007-05-11T10:33:00.000-04:00

Pictures, reports and even a video have been circulating on the internet about the fake Disney park “Shijingshan” in Beijing.

A banner over the entrance said, “Disney is too far, so please come to Shijingshan.” (Biz Yahoo)

Visitors get to see a collection of Disney faces and Characters like Mickey, Minnie, Donald and some of the princesses. The managers of the park have other views on this.

Take our Cinderella as an example. The face of Disney’s Cinderella face is European, but ours is a Chinese. She looks like a young Chinese country girl”

Really? They want to get away what that?

Even the Castle center piece of the “fake” park looks very familiar to Disney fans.

Now Disney is fighting back…

Lawyers for the park and the Walt Disney Co. were in negotiations, said Yin, the deputy general manager of the park, which is owned by the government of Beijing’s Shijingshan District.

It looks as if Disney already booked success (no surprise as they are 100% in their right).

On Wednesday, two workmen with sledgehammers could be seen tearing down the Sleeping Beauty statue. Yin, the deputy general manager, refused to say why.

Disney to extend Year Of A Million Dreams promotion?

2007-05-10T14:50:00.000-04:00

There have been some recent rumors that Disney will extend it's latest theme park promotion, The Year Of A Million Dreams, from 15 to 24 months (making it more like the Two Years of Two Million Dreams). This will allow more great prizes to be awarded and will also let Disney spend a little of their promotion budget in other areas. Based on the recently announced quarterly numbers, theme park attendance in the US has increased with the current promotion, even if hardly any guests have heard of it until they actually arrive at the parks.

Contemporary Resort changes and new table service restaurant

2007-05-09T14:33:00.000-04:00

Beside the demolition of the North Wing, the Contemporary has been undergoing some other changes to merchandise and dining locations.

The Fantasia merchandise location has been temporarily moved into the concourse area of the 4th Floor while it's regular location is being refurbished. The new Fantasia shop will open in mid-August, 2007.

A temporary quick service restaurant location will open near the Outer Rim lounge on the 4th Floor on July 30, 2007, and will operate through August 14, 2008. The Food and Fun Center will be closed during this timeframe as the location is being converted into a new table service restaurant called The Wave which will open around April 2008. Concourse Steakhouse will close at that time to make way for a new, permanent quick service restaurant which will open in mid-August, 2008.

New landscaping and traffic flow will be phased in from July 2007 through to October 2007.

A new look will be phased into the lobby from June 11 through mid-November 2007.

A look at the Spaceship Earth post show

2007-05-04T09:29:00.000-04:00

We begin with a look at the new post-show exhibits for Spaceship Earth at Epcot, and then we have an update for you on the Give Kids the World fundraising campaign. - Kevin

Just A Day Away...

Project Tomorrow, the new post-show by sponsor Siemens, opened this week at Epcot's Spaceship Earth. I wasn't expecting much; maybe a corporate nod or two. Anything, I thought, would be better than the boarded up empty space which had been here since AT&T moved out. But I was pleasantly surprised. This new Siemens area is classy, futuristic, moderately fun, and done in a tasteful, Epcot-kind of way.

The most noticeable feature is the giant globe (actually, only three-quarters of a globe) in the center of the room. Across this giant project screen flits images of the future, silhouettes of children, and brief messages.

It's also the only place where Siemens has a noticeable advertisement for their company, and it's pretty discreet. I approve.

This globe is also home to a message that Spaceship Earth (the ride) will be updated soon.

Flanking the globe are two long, plushy upholstered benches, ideal for resting and awaiting party members who went on the ride (or, I suppose, for sleeping). It's nicely air-conditioned in here, just in time for the blast of hot furnace air we call Floridian summer, so it's sure to be a draw on this basis alone.

But there's more to do here. So far, there are two kinds of interactive experiences (OK, I guess you could call them games), each with multiple stations so various people can play. Off to the west side is the driving game "Super Driver." In some ways, this is a typical driving simulator, only with graphics less advanced than could have been found four years ago in arcades.

What's different is that every so often, drivers are given a chance to "let the car take over" by pushing the action button. The heads-up display, a nifty 3D effect, lets you know when it's a possibility. Examples include sending a signal to make all stoplights green, turning on x-ray vision to see through fog, enabling snow tires to grip the road, turning on auto-steering to find a route past obstacles, and triggering a super jump straight out of the 80s show Knight Rider.

These features are what's "in it" for Siemens, with the obvious implication that this futuristic company is going to be behind such changes to our cars in the future. There's not much in the way of an advertisement for the company, so subtle is it, but I liked the game. It was a good balance of entertainment and actually having a point about futurism, without feeling like work or "education." The General Motors display at Test Track could learn a thing or two from this exhibit by Siemens.

Across the way, the other functional display is equally entertaining: it's a video game where players pick up pieces of bones to form a skeleton (and, disturbingly, major organs too) and drop them like a giant claw game onto the operating table. When positioned just right, the pieces fall into place and click together. If not, they drop through the table and you have to try again. All the while, bones and organs rotate around in the background.

The point Siemens is making is that someday doctors will perform surgeries remotely, but no player is really thinking about this; they are just playing the engrossing game. What makes it even more immersive is the great vocal acting, apparently supplied by Wallace Shawn (you know, the voice of the T. Rex in the Toy Story movies and Vizzini in The Princess Bride... inconceivable!) As the voice of the skeleton, he makes puns and jokes every time you pick up an article and especially mocks you when you fail to position it correctly. Nearby, a placeholder announces that the "check up of the future" will inhabit that spot soon.

Behind the globe, another large placeholder heralds the coming of the city of the future.

I didn't mind these temporary signs at all – they are done at great expense, fit right in, and their presence allows the rest of the exhibit to open now, months before the entire thing is "completed."

I can only find one point of criticism: the skeleton game uses a 3D display, which enables the carnival claw game to work in the first place, but necessitates the use of the yellow 3D glasses. I saw more than one person simply place his used glasses back in the trays for other people to pick up – yuck! There is a deposit receptacle for the glasses on the opposite side, but it's fairly hidden, so something needs to be done about that.

Also, the temptation to just steal the glasses is too big; we saw a few people walking around outside with them. Perhaps they could solve both problems by placing the trashcan-like eyeglass return receptacles at the exit to the exhibit, just right there in the walkway like when you leave Honey I Shrunk the Audience?

On the whole, this exhibit just "feels" like Epcot, and restores some futurism to the almost mis-named Future World. Best of all, the exhibit is "on theme" about Spaceship Earth. All around the circular building are screens, almost Circle-Vision like, that show stars drifting through. It takes a moment for the message to sink in: that huge globe in the middle of the room is the earth, after all, and this is a representation of "spaceship earth" moving through the cosmos.

It's a fitting tribute to the end of Spaceship Earth, the ride, and I can only hope Epcot continues in this vein. That Epcot's chief executive, Brad Rex, just moved on from Disney is possibly a portent of good things to come.

Walt Disney World Resort to Offer Quinceanera Celebrations

2007-05-02T11:31:00.001-04:00

Quinceanera parties, the traditional Latin coming-of-age celebrations, have arrived at Walt Disney World Resort. From a fully customized celebration based on a family's ideas to pre-designed, themed Quinceanera events that take away all the worry of planning, Disney is offering these tradition-steeped extravaganzas for girls turning age 15 -- a passage from flat-soled shoes and dolls to high heels, elaborate gowns and young womanhood.

For Disney, already experienced in creating lavish occasions such as weddings, offering Quinceanera celebrations to the Hispanic community is a natural. With more than a million Latinas turning 15 in an average year, many may want to combine this tradition with the family fun of Walt Disney World Resort while celebrating their Quinceaneras at the Vacation Kingdom.

Working with Disney event planners, guests can enhance any event with memorable options such as superb elegance befitting a real princess, Cinderella's enchanted crystal coach, and much more. And with a variety of magical settings and venues -- from grand ballrooms to intimate spaces in resort hotels to one-of-a-kind locations at the Disney's MGM Studios and Epcot theme parks, Walt Disney World Resort offers nearly limitless possibilities.

Disney-designed Quinceaneras include everything from Disney-style entertainment and food-and-beverage menus to fairy tale linens and specially designed centerpieces, with three choices of theme:

* A Reflection of You -- Your Quinceanera in the midst of the world's most spectacular fireworks displays; "Illuminations: Reflections of Earth" at Epcot. Here the quince girl and her closest friends will enjoy decadent desserts while experiencing Disney's premier nighttime spectacular in a private setting overlooking majestic World Showcase Lagoon. Guests will be captivated by the magical merging of eleven different cultures from around the globe in this unique setting for the ultimate Quinceanera gathering, starting at $1,800.

* Dancing with a Star -- Your Quinceanera celebration dazzles at a designated Disney resort hotel or theme park with a hip, multilingual DJ spinning the latest tunes. With a variety of delicious menu options available, this Quinceanera party can be either reception-style or light buffet dinner with talented Disney chefs preparing an unforgettable meal for the group, at a starting price of $6,900.

* Belle of the Ball -- A Quinceanera dream-come-true, when she becomes princess of this majestic ball. Trees lavished with twinkle lights, floor-length linens pixie dusted with organza, chair covers with sash, artistic centerpieces at the tables, tiered cake, photography, and other elements will make the dining and dancing guests feel like they are in a true royal gathering. Available to groups of 100 or more celebrants, Belle of the Ball is priced starting at $20,000.

This traditional ceremony of the Quinceanera can be enhanced by a Cinderella Castle facade, storybook entrance, horse-drawn carriage and favorite Disney characters.

To celebrate the launch of this new offering, the resort treated a group of lucky debutantes to a memorable Quinceanera on Tuesday, May 1. A part of "The Year of a Million Dreams" celebration, A Dream Come True Quinceanera honored 15 girls selected from all over the United States and Puerto Rico through an essay contest with the help of Hispanic media partners.

For this very special occasion, Walt Disney World Resort created the most magical Quinceanera party ever planned in any Disney park. It was an unprecedented all-Spanish language-event at the Magic Kingdom Cinderella Castle stage, where dads ceremoniously changed flat shoes for high heels and waltzed with their daughters as they reached young womanhood. The memorable evening included a dinner reception in Fantasyland with mariachis, hip DJ music, a serenade by Grammy Award-winning pop sensation Fonseca and a nearly eleven-foot tiered cake. A fabulous fireworks finale lit up the skies as the Quinceaneras were whisked away in horse-drawn carriages down Main Street, U.S.A. with the rising sun.

The popular "Show de Cristina" on the Univision Spanish language network will air a special edition, A Dream Come True Quinceanera, on May 28 at 10 p.m. ET. Talk show host Cristina Saralegui had the honor of being the Madrina (Godmother) of the enchanted celebration.

David's Bridal, the nation's leading bridal retailer, was also involved, making sure each of the 15 girls was dressed in a manner befitting a princess. They provided a Quinceanera gown and tiara to each. Airfare for Quinceaneras and their families was provided courtesy of Southwest Airlines.

"We are really proud to bring to life an event as significant as A Dream Come True Quinceanera during the celebration of 'The Year of a Million Dreams' at the Disney parks," said Denise Godreau, senior vice president of Global Multicultural Marketing for Disney Parks. "This event, without precedent, combined the magic and the enchantment of Disney with the beautiful tradition that has so much significance for Hispanic families."

http://www.Disneylandespanol.com/quinceanera

http://www.Disneyworld.com/quinceanera

Disney's Pleasure Island: The new look

2007-05-01T15:09:00.000-04:00

Thursday night's Pleasure Island jaunt was my first time seeing the "new bridge" without the construction walls up. Wow. It's seamless.

In fact, I walked up it, saw the Comedy Warehouse, and had to stop and orient myself. "Wasn't the West End stage here?" I said aloud. And indeed, it was. But the new bridge integrates so seemlessly into the old design, you would never know there had been a change.

The old staircase that was the entrance to that side of the island is still there, blocked off when I visited.

And there seem to be sparkly new bathrooms next to the BET Club. I say "seem to be" because they may have been there all along and I never noticed them. That whole area seems cleaned up, making the BET Club look more prominent and inviting.

Further along, where a video stage used to be, you can now see out over the water. And the boat-transportation system there has been stepped up. (Though if I read the sign right, the boats stop at 11:30 -- when a lot of people are just coming to PI.)

There is still a whole block of empty building, which is odd. But the new Harley store is open and roaring.

Overall, looks great. Though I wonder what Frankie and the West End Boys are doing these days?

Walt Disney World bans smoking in resorts

2007-05-01T15:07:00.000-04:00

Orlando Business Journal - 12:04 PM EDT Tuesday, May 1, 2007

Walt Disney World said Tuesday it will ban smoking in guest rooms at more than 20 of its hotels and time share resorts beginning June 1.

Disney says it is the largest single site resort complex to institute this type of smoking policy change.In January 2000, Walt Disney World theme and water parks allowed smoking only in designated areas.

The new policy applies to all guest rooms, patios and balconies. It also designates outdoor smoking areas at all resorts affected by the change.

Smoking has been prohibited in lobbies, common areas, restaurants and convention space.

The Central Florida resort says that during the last five years, demand for smoking rooms at the Walt Disney World Resort have been steadily declining, with less than 3.5 percent of Walt Disney World's 24,000 on site rooms allowing smoking. Requests for non-smoking rooms, Disney says, have increased.

In a statement, operations Senior Vice President Erin Wallace says, "We make adjustments to our operations based on guest demand. This policy complements our efforts to provide our guests with the healthy living options they are requesting."

Walt Disney World Resort is a 40-square-mile, entertainment and recreation complex near Orlando. It includes four theme parks, two water parks, more than 20 resort hotels recreation facilities and retail and entertainment areas.

Spaceship Earth to close briefly, twice, then for extended period

2007-04-30T06:42:00.001-04:00

The phased closings of Spaceship Earth begin next week, as the attraction will have its first short closure from May 7-10. Another short closure will take place from June 22-23, before the major refurbishment begins on July 9. The attraction will then remain closed through at least the end of October, and likely longer than that. In the meantime, a new Web site, EpcotSpaceshipEarth.com, has been set up to give some hints at what's to come (and to promote the attraction's new sponsor, Siemens AG).

Tickets go on sale May 1st for this summer's Pirate & Princess Party and this fall's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Ch

2007-04-30T06:39:00.000-04:00

Tickets go on sale tomorrow for this summer's Pirate & Princess Party and this fall's Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party hard-ticketed events at the Magic Kingdom. Some on our MousePlanet discussion forums have asked if that date is early, and if tickets used to go on sale in June. All I can note is that, since I started tracking it in 2004, the on-sale date has been May 1.

The Pirate & Princess Party will be held on eight nights in August and early September (down from 13 nights this past winter), running August 11, 15, 18, 21, 24, 28, 31 and September 3. Tickets prices for the event were not available at press time, though there will be Annual Passholder and Disney Vacation Club member discounts for some dates.

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party will be held on a record 20 nights from mid-September through early November (up from 18 nights last year), running September 14, 21, 28, and 30, October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31 and November 2. The September 30 and November 2 dates had not been previously reported. Tickets for the event will be priced at $38.95 plus tax ($41.49) for adults and $32.95 plus tax ($35.10) for children ages 3-9 when purchased in advance for parties on September 14, 30, October 4, 8, 11 and 14 only. Tickets on the day of the party for those dates, and for all tickets on all other dates will be priced at $45.95 plus tax ($48.94) for adults and $39.95 ($42.55) plus tax for children ages 3-9. Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can buy advance tickets at a special discount price of $35.95 plus tax ($38.29) for adults and $29.99 plus tax ($31.94) for children ages 3-9, but for September 14 and October 4 only.

Note: Disney-MGM Studio's inaugural Tower of Terror fun run is on October 27, which is the last weekend in October. Although tickets for the party are historically very popular for Halloween night itself, expect tickets for that weekend (October 26 and 28) to be particularly popular among those who plan to go to WDW for the fun run.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party will be held on a record 19 nights from mid-November to late December (also up from 18 nights last year), running November 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30 and December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 21. The November 12 and 25 dates, as well as the December 2, 9 and 16 dates, are all one day earlier than originally reported. Tickets for the event will be priced at $41.15 plus tax ($43.82) for adults and $33.95 plus tax ($36.16) for children ages 3-9 when purchased in advance for parties on November 12, 15, 25, 27, 29, December 2, 4, 9, and 11 only. Tickets on the day of the party for those dates, and for all tickets on all other dates will be priced at $47.95 plus tax ($51.07) for adults and $40.95 ($43.62) plus tax for children ages 3-9. Annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members can buy advance tickets at a special discount price of $37.95 plus tax ($40.42) for adults and $30.95 plus tax ($32.96) for children ages 3-9, but for November 15, 27, December 11 and 18 only.

Once again, the prices are going up and the discounts are rapidly disappearing. If other trends from recent years continue, the additional perks for party guests will also continue to decrease, as the parties become a worse and worse deal for your dollar. I'll address the entire issue in a future feature column.

Rating your favorites at Disney

2007-04-25T08:33:00.001-04:00

Mickey Mouse is the favorite costumed character, Soarin' the most popular attraction and Victoria & Albert's the home of the best food at Walt Disney World, say frequent visitors.

In a first of its kind, Zagat Survey has polled customers to rate everything at Disney World -- characters, rides, shows, restaurants, taverns, stores, hotels and special experiences -- for a new guidebook.

Zagat Walt Disney World Insider's Guide, published today, is the latest among dozens of guidebooks about Walt Disney World, but may be the first to base ratings on the opinions of thousands of frequent customers.

Zagat surveyed 4,841 people by computer between Nov. 16 and Dec. 3. The average participant had been to Disney World 36 times. And 58 percent possessed annual or season passes.

"We wanted people who are really interested in going to Disney World," said Zagat Survey spokesman Michael Mahle. "They're savvy."

Zagat asked them to rate each Disney World location using a one-to-30 points scale, similar to what the research company has used on restaurants for decades. Zagat also asked each person how often they had been to each location, to determine what was most "popular." In some categories, Zagat also asked them to name their "favorites."

Started as a restaurant review outfit in New York City in 1979, Zagat has become an internationally influential consumer ratings company now rating everything from hotels to entertainment. The Disney effort is the first time Zagat ever produced an entire survey and guidebook on just one business, Mahle said.

Disney World did not participate, but officials apparently are not displeased.

"It's a recognition of how much interest there is in Walt Disney World," spokesman Dave Herbst said. "We're always delighted when people are interested in us, particularly when they say nice things."

Among the findings:

Favorite park: Magic Kingdom was picked by 48 percent of participants, followed by Epcot (36 percent) and Disney-MGM Studios (9 percent.)

Favorite costumed character: Mickey Mouse (37 percent) followed by Goofy (11 percent) and Donald Duck (6 percent.)

Most popular attraction: Soarin' at Epcot, followed by Rock 'n' Roller Coaster and Tower of Terror, both at Disney-MGM Studios.

Though not as popular as Soarin', Expedition Everest at Disney's Animal Kingdom got the highest average rating (29 points) from adults, and the Wishes Spectacular fireworks show at Magic Kingdom got the highest from children (29 points).

Most popular dinner show: Hoop-Dee-Doo, at Fort Wilderness Resort.

Most popular shopping: World of Disney at Downtown Disney.

Most popular nightlife: Adventurers Club at Downtown Disney.

Most popular restaurant: California Grill at the Contemporary Resort.

Yet Victoria & Albert's at the Grand Floridian Resort got the highest ratings for food, decor and service (27 points for each.)

The only restaurants not in hotel districts that made Disney's top 10 for food ratings were the Ghirardelli Soda Fountain & Chocolate Shop (ranked ninth) at Downtown Disney, and the Boulangerie Patisserie pastry shop (10th) in Epcot.

Scott Powers can be reachedat spowers@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5441.

Disney World to field-test after-hours party aimed at 14-year-olds next month

2007-04-25T08:24:00.000-04:00

With the May 4th debut of its 8th Grade Grad Jam program, the Mouse now targets the middle school crowd. But Jim Hill wonders: Should this new hard ticket event prove to be a huge success, can Disney's Kindergarten Graduation Celebration be all that far behind?

Should graduating from the 8th grade really be a high point of someone's life? A moment that's truly worth celebrating?

The folks who run Disney Youth Groups (I.E. The branch of Disney Destinations, LLC that's behind such hugely successful after-hours events like Grad Nite & Night of Joy) certainly hope that a lot of people think so. Which is why -- on Friday, May 4th -- they'll be field-testing a brand-new hard ticket concept for the parks: The Disney 8th Grade Grad Jam.

Aimed at the 14-and-under set, the 8th Grade Grad Jam is actually based on a very popular pre-Grad Nite Blast-Off program entitled "Party on the Wild Side." Which allows high school seniors who already have tickets to that night's main event over at the Magic Kingdom to then spend the early evening hours enjoying the DinoLand U.S.A section of Disney's Animal Kingdom. Where these soon-to-be-graduates can experience some of that theme park's most popular attractions. Including Expedition Everest, Dinosaur and Primeval Whirl.

Given that thousands of high schoolers have already enjoyed having exclusive access to DAK's rides, playing Chester & Hester's carnival games and/or dancing at a DJ party ... Disney Youth Groups wondered if they could re-invent this after-hours event as something that might then appeal to middle schoolers.

Of course, one of the very first things that they had to do was adjust this party's running time. You see, unlike Grad Nite (Which typically runs from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m.), the Disney 8th Grad Grade Jam had to be aimed at an audience that had a much earlier bedtime. Which is why this middle-schoolers-exclusive event will only run from 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

And keep in mind that this May 4th party is just a dry-run of the 8th Grade Grad Jam concept. To see if this new after-hours program actually appeals to its target audience.

So what exactly will the inaugural edition of 8th Grade Grad Jam include? Well, for a $38-per-person admission fee, each participant will then be able to enjoy (I'm quoting from the press materials here) a "delicious meal including burgers, dogs, chips, and dessert" as well as "Lemonade flowing by the gallon." They'll also be able to sample many of DAK's signature attractions including Kali River Rapids.

So far, several Florida middle schools -- including the prestigious Bolles preparatory school of Jacksonville, FL -- have agreed to take part in this first field test of the Disney 8th Grade Grad Jam. And should this new DYG program prove to be a success ... Well, I hear that Disney Destinations, LLC is already looking into scheduling additional nights of this event come 2008.

But -- of course -- that won't happen until this proof-of-concept party wraps up on May 4th after 11:30 p.m. And after Disney Youth Groups then contacts various students & chaperones who actually attended this year's festivities to see what they liked (More importantly, what they didn't like) about the inaugural edition of Disney 8th Grade Grad Jam.

Still, one has to wonder ... If this graduating-from-middle-school after-hours event proves to be extremely profitable for the Mouse, can Disney's Kindergarten Graduation Celebration be all that far behind?

Magical Moments & Take 5s

2007-04-24T10:02:00.000-04:00

Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Jeff Kober, contributing writer (Send an email)

Are you a loyal Disney guest? Disney loves loyal guests. A loyal guest can spend tens of thousands of dollars over a lifetime. They buy a Disney Vacation Club membership and make annual (or more) pilgrimages. Moreover, they can become an advocate who talks up Disney to others and gets them to come for a visit. Indeed, the best measure of long-term success for the Disney organization is the long-term loyalty of its guests.

If you are a loyal Disney guest, ask yourself, why? Essentially, it's because you have become emotionally connected at some point. It may be a Disney film you saw when you were a young child, or the joy of a resort stay with family or friends. It may be your first time riding the Matterhorn bobsleds. Perhaps it is a combination of events like that over a lifetime.

Who of all these guests will come back? That question underscores the Magical Moment and Take 5 strategy. Photo by Jeff Kober.

One important way customer loyalty occurs is through a one-on-one connection with a Disney cast member. Disney knows that over a typical resort stay, guests on average will have over 60 moments of contact with cast members. Those moments mean nothing if it's a simply a transaction. It could mean everything if any of them are interactions. Therefore, Disney has a vested interest in providing as many opportunities as possible for cast members to make each individual guest experience special. The idea of cast members doing something special for the guests they serve has been going on for years. But in the 1990s, it took on a greater structure at Walt Disney World. That structure would become known as Magical Moments and Take 5s.

Since opening, Animal Kingdom has had an array of Magical Moments such as inviting guests to participate in The Flights of Wonder show. Photo by Jeff Kober.

What are Magical Moments and Take 5s? Who else does something like this? And how do I make this happen in my own business?

Magical Moments are carefully orchestrated opportunities to individualize the customer experience. Magical Moments are planned, scheduled events that create special moments for the guest.

Special events such as Epcot's Flower and Garden Show offer their own Magical Moments. Photo by Jeff Kober.

Have you ever been chosen to be in the 3:00 parade? Have you ever been made the temporary king or queen of England by Merlin? Were you selected as a guest of honor for the evening flag retreat? Did the elevator open at the Tower of Terror only to see your child dressed as a bellhop?

What's this—children dressed as bellhops? Yep! There have been all sorts of opportunities created as Magical Moments. And from time to time they have even allowed youngsters too short to ride the tower an opportunity to dress up as a bellhop at the Disney-MGM Studios and greet their family coming off of the elevator.

Magical Moments show up in all sorts of places. And when Disney's Animal Kingdom was created, they continued this tradition in a variety of events and activities around the park. This includes:

Guest of the day programs
Honorary titles, badges, buttons, and certificates
Honorary roles in shows, demonstrations, or attractions
Hands-on activities unique to the location
Special games and activities for the children

An array of buttons, stickers, and certificates help guests remember the different Magical Moments or Take 5 experiences they had. Photo by Jeff Kober.

Wait a moment—Some of this sounds like The Year of a Million Dreams! In many ways it is a redressing of Magical Moments. In the Year of a Million Dreams campaign, Disney has identified even more opportunities for Magical Moments. This includes anything from receiving Fastpasses to major attractions in the park to a stay in Cinderella Castle.

Technology at attractions like Turtle Talk with Crush and Monster's Laugh Floor offer a number of quick Magical Moments with Disney characters that can truly come alive and interact with you. Still, it's perhaps not as great as face-to-face interaction. Photo by Jeff Kober.

The flaw I find in this campaign though is that the heart and purpose of a Magical Moment has been taken out in an effort to accommodate more guests with something of a surprise. For example, on a recent visit to Disney's Animal Kingdom, my wife was "surprised" with a magical parking pass at Disney's Animal Kingdom. This cast member handed it out as if it was their twelfth that day. In essence, he handed her a small card/certificate and told her to just go park over at in the disabled parking lot. There wasn't much to it that was magical. More importantly, it failed in terms of being interactive and engaging. Rather, it was more about meeting a transactional quota.

That's not to say I would turn down a night's stay at the castle. But this campaign is only effective if the experience is about how it is given as much as what is given. No wonder that some have not only been skeptic as they were handed prizes but have even turned them down. The experience can be so out of context, that it lacks authenticity.

Hundreds of thousands have had some experience in a structured magical moment. But hundreds of thousands isn't enough. Disney needs millions of loyal guests. That's where Take 5s come into play. Take 5s are "in the moment" opportunities cast members have to offer special guest moments. Take 5s give license to the staff to take just 5 minutes out of their day to individualize customer service. If 55,000 cast members can take 5 minutes a day to really pay attention to a customer, the results can be enormous.

Take 5s can be proactive or reactive. From a proactive perspective, it can take the form of going out and greeting guests and looking for opportunities to be helpful. From a reactive view, it can be as simple as offering to take a picture of a customer. Simply put, Take 5s are a chance to do something nice for someone else.

What's wonderful about Take 5s is that it gives license to cast members to go out of their way to create happiness for the guests. The genuineness of doing so is what makes Take 5s succeed. It may be replacing a spilled ice cream for a small child. It may be a housekeeper leaving the plush Mickey on the bed with a remote in hand watching the Disney Channel. It could be the entire boat singing happy birthday to you on board the Jungle Cruise, or Slue Foot Slue doting over your receding hairline.

Helping out with lost children is a Take 5 opportunity waiting to happen. It's an example of a reactive situation that when resolved successfully, can result in tremendous customer loyalty. Photo by Jeff Kober.

When these moments happen—whether it's Magical Moments or Take 5s, guests experience something in their hearts that makes them want to come back for more. The result is customer loyalty.

So how do we make that kind of thing happen in our own organization? After all, we don't have castles and safaris in our office. Well, it can happen. In fact it's been happening since you were a small child. Remember when you went to the dentist as a child. If you were good, you could have something from the treasure chest. Been surprisingly upgraded to a better car at the car rental location, without paying more? What about a nurse who really looked after you and went the extra mile while you were in the hospital? Is there a hairdresser you continually return to because of they he or she fusses over you? Those are all the result of Take 5s.

Organizations such as Nordstrom are legendary for their ability to provide one-on-one attention to their customers. Photo by Jeff Kober.

So ask yourself:

Are there Magical Moments (ongoing, structured events) or Take 5s (in the moment opportunities) we currently provide?
How can we make these interactive and engaging, rather than transactional and rote?
How can we remember to do this daily so that we are constantly creating wonderful experiences for our customers?
What resources could we draw on to create these Magical Moments or Take 5s?

If you have had the experience of receiving a Take 5 or Magical Moment not just at Disney, but with another company you are loyal to, please share it with us. We especially want to hear about unusual organizations you are loyal to and why. We'll take the best of both the Disney and other organization stories and share it with everyone to provide you more ideas about how to make this work in your own organization. I'll also share with you why a colleague of mine is a loyal customer to one of the most unusual companies of all—Mobil Oil.

Until then, best of luck in finding the magic in your own business.

The Mitsukoshi restaurants at Epcot's Japan pavilion will reopen a few days earlier

2007-04-23T09:49:00.000-04:00

The Mitsukoshi restaurants at Epcot's Japan pavilion will reopen a few days earlier than originally scheduled. Reservations are now being taken for as early as August 20, rather than the August 25 day originally projected.

Disney's Price Slice golf rates are back

2007-04-23T09:43:00.000-04:00

Disney's popular summer golf discount program, Disney's Price Slice, will return from May 14 through September 27. During that time, a round of golf at any of the Walt Disney World courses will be less expensive after 10 a.m. daily, due to the heat of the summer season. The Magnolia, Palm, Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge courses will carry a fee of $55, while the Lake Buena Vista course will cost $45. Rates include the use of an electric cart, and are $34-$44 cheaper than regular rates.

The rates include the use of an electric cart and are discounted from the before-10 a.m. prices of $99 for resort guests/$109 for day visitors (Magnolia and Osprey Ridge), $89 for resort guests/$99 for day visitors (Palm and Eagle Pines) and $79 for resort guests/$89 for day visitors (Lake Buena Vista). To reserve a tee time, call 407-WDW-GOLF (407-939-4653) or go to the Disney Golf Web site (link). Note that the site's front page still appears to have difficulty with browsers other than Internet Explorer. Once you get past the front page, you should be all right.

Animal Kingdom Villas information begins to emerge

2007-04-23T09:42:00.000-04:00

A screen capture from the Disney Vacation Club members-only site shows the Samawati Springs pool area at the Kidani Village annex for the Animal Kingdom Villas. Image © Disney.

While we're hearing of guests unhappy with construction sounds near their rooms, work on the conversion of the first phase of the Animal Kingdom Villas continues apace. Meanwhile, more information is becoming available about the new features to be added as part of the new Animal Kingdom Villas, the DVC conversion and expansion of the Animal Kingdom Lodge. The existing Lodge building will be called Jambo House, while the new annex will be called Kidani Village.

New dining at Kidani Village includes Sanaa (meaning "work of art"), which will serve breakfast and dinner in a large dining room. A 24-seat adjacent lounge will give you a place to sit and wait for your table. The Maji (meaning "water") pool bar will give you a place to grab a cool beverage near the Samawati Springs pool.

The Samawati Springs feature pool will feature zero-entry access, as well as a 128-foot-long water slide. Two whirlpool spas will round out the wet entertainment. Nearby, the Survival of the Fittest Fitness Center provides a chance to work out while you're on vacation.

The Uwanja (meaning "play area") Camp provides just that – a three-zone play area with elevated rope bridges, geyser jets, a waterfal lagoon and camp cabanan. The three zones include the base camp, the departure zone and the observation station, each themed to its own character and has activities for age-specific groups.

Other Kidani Village features include the Safari So Good Arcade, the Johari Treasures gift shop, DVC Community Hall, tennis, basketball and shuffleboard courts, and a barbeque pavilion. Kidani Village is currently scheduled to open in early 2009.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique Coming to the Magic Kingdom

2007-04-21T10:58:00.001-04:00

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is coming to the Magic Kingdom on September 10th inside Cinderella Castle. It will occupy the space currently known as the King's Gallery which will close on July 5th. Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is expected to open September 10th.

New Restaurant Announced for Epcot's Italy Pavilion

2007-04-20T13:31:00.000-04:00

Apr 20, 2007 - 12:23 PM: The Walt Disney Co. has just announced the replacement restaurant for the departing L' Originale Alfredo di Roma Ristorante in Epcot. Replacing Alfredos in Fall of 2007 will be a "new Italian restaurant concept" from the Patina Restaurant Group. Continue reading for complete information....While the contract with Alfredos ends on August 31, 2007, Disney says that they "have enjoyed working with the Alfredo?s Group since Epcot opened, we are finalizing plans to develop a new Italian restaurant concept."

Starting on September 1, 2007, the Patina Restaurant Group will be running operations at the restaraurant and a new restaurant concept is scheduled to open Fall of 2008.
.
The Patina Restaurant Group operated one of the original restaurants at Disneyland's Downtown Disney and also operates at the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles.

Disney states they are making this change "to create new and exciting reasons to enhance the Guest experience." Running the daily operations will be an authentic Italian Chef and the new restaurant opening in Fall 2008 "will introduce a new restaurant featuring world-class cuisine to the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. It will include signature dishes, interactive experience, and a variety of wines."

While their flagship restaurant won't open until Fall 2008, the interim restaurant will showcase "similar Italian fare from some of its premiere Italian restaurants." Both restaurants will participate in the Magic Your Way dining plan.

"We?re very excited to have a strong strategic partner like the Patina Restaurant Group bring its world-class cuisine to the Italy Pavilion."

Having fun at Disney World while staying out of debt

2007-04-15T22:06:00.000-04:00

GENE SLOAN
GANNETT NEWS SERVICE
Posted: 4/15/2007

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Dan Masters, 48, of Brampton, Ontario, smiles as he takes in the giddy scene unfolding in one of the most overlooked corners of Disney World.

It's sundown at Fort Wilderness, Disney's seldom-promoted, low-cost campground, and dozens of sugar-buzzed kids race around a large campfire. They've already roasted marshmallows for s'mores and sung along to a banjo player belting out "It's a Small World" and other Disney tunes. Now they're scrambling for their autograph books so they can corner Chip and Dale, the furry Disney characters, who have "magically" appeared out of the surrounding trees.

"You just don't see stuff like this anymore," said Masters, a small-business owner who has been bringing his 17-year-old daughter to Chip'n Dale's Campfire Sing-a-long since she was a toddler. "The marshmallows, the singing. It's a bit of nostalgia."

Here's the best part: It's free. Disney is known as an expensive place. Indeed, with a single day's park ticket up another $4 this year to $67 and the best rooms skyrocketing past $500 a night, a week-long stay easily can add up to a small fortune.

But even as the cost of the average visit soars to record levels, there still are ways -- often little-known -- to do it on a pittance. Fort Wilderness, for instance, offers outdoorsy types 784 secluded, 10-person campsites starting at about $40 a night, or just $4 a person. You can't get much cheaper than that. With the peak summer tourist season around the corner, we scout out more ways to save at the nation's most-visited resort:

Lodging

Sure, the fanciest rooms at Disney's top hotels this year "start" at about $500 a night during peak periods, and top suites go as high as $2,685. But don't panic: There are plenty of ways to stay right on Disney property for less than $100, and not just by camping.

Over the past decade, Disney has made a big push into the budget market by building more than 7,500 motel-like rooms that begin at $82 a night and top out around $141. Clean and efficient, if a bit cookie-cutter, they're spread over four sprawling properties: All-Star Movies, All-Star Music, All-Star Sports and the recently completed Pop Century.

You can save even more by staying outside Disney World, where chain motels start at about $50 a night. But before you do, consider: Staying in a Disney hotel qualifies you for "Extra Magic Hours" -- an hour or two of extra time in parks at the beginning or end of the day. Disney also waives the $10 daily parking fee for hotel guests. And, perhaps most significant, staying on the property means easier access, allowing for quick trips to the hotel for afternoon naps or pool time before dinner.

Such benefits accrue even at Fort Wilderness, which, in addition to campsites and free entertainment nightly, is home to 409 cozy cabins that sleep six and have their own money-saving kitchenettes (starting at $249).

"I can do 10 days at Fort Wilderness for the same cost of four days somewhere else. It's as simple as that," said one unabashed fan, Eric Souga, 31, of Wilkes-Barre, Pa., who is camping at the resort with his wife and three kids.

Chatting outside one of the spiffy "comfort stations," which boast hot showers and other hotel-like amenities, he said he doesn't mind roughing it a bit. "It's clean, quiet and wide open here. I wouldn't stay anywhere else."

Eats

Advance planning is the key to keeping food costs down, particularly when it comes to breakfast. Buy bags of croissants, bagels or other grab-and-go items and have them ready for the morning bus, boat or monorail rides to the parks.

Not only will you save oodles on pricey breakfasts ($5.79 for an egg-and-cheese croissant on the Magic Kingdom's Main Street), you'll avoid wasting a crucial hour dawdling over breakfast at your hotel or in the park. Think about it: With tickets for a family of four costing well more than $200 a day, that hour is worth $20 or more. (Plus, early morning is the least crowded time at rides, making it a travesty to fritter it away on eating.)

Time also is of the essence when it comes to lunch. Avoid the sit-down eateries, which Jason Cochran, author of the upcoming "Pauline Frommer's Walt Disney World & Orlando", said are "unspectacular" and run $20 a person. Instead, breeze into counter-service outlets such as Animal Kingdom's Pizzafari. Portions are large, so under-order. At Pizzafari, two kids can split one cheese pizza ($5.59).

Or do as spring-breaker Christin Lake, 18, of Columbia, S.C., does and grab one of the monstrously large turkey legs peddled in multiple locations, including a covered wagon in the Magic Kingdom's Colonial-themed Liberty Square. At $5.75, it is big enough for two.

"I look like a barbarian," Lake admits, holding aloft one of the glistening mounds of meat between bites. "But it's a good value."

Getting around

Flying to Orlando? You can drop your ground transportation costs to zero with one easy step: Sign up for Disney's Magical Express. The free shuttle between the Orlando airport and Disney World was launched in 2005 but still is unknown to many visitors who continue to rent cars at $200 a week to reach the parks or pay for taxis that run $40 each way. The catch: You have to stay at a Disney property to use the service.

Once at Disney World, ride the free buses, boats and monorails that connect hotels, parks and nightspots.

Disney has an ulterior motive for offering free transportation, of course. Without a rental car, you're trapped at its property. If you're hankering for a look at nearby Universal Orlando or SeaWorld, a rental car is a must. Best bet: Priceline.com, where we snagged an $18-a-day Alamo car last month on two days' notice.

Another reason for a rental car: Getting around Disney by bus can be slow. After a long, hot day in a park, the family may be desperate for a speedy retreat to the hotel, in which case the extra money for a rental car may be well worth it.

"I swear by having a car at Disney," said Cochran, a witness to "countless family meltdowns" at bus stops. "It can save years of therapy bills for your kids."

Tickets

There's no way around it: You'll pay a pile of money for tickets.

But you can keep the total down by thinking through what you really want to do in advance.

Disney sells everything from a one-day park pass ($67) to a 10-day pass ($216), which allows access to its four main theme parks: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney-MGM Studios and Animal Kingdom. Many people buy a pass equal to the number of days of their trip, but the reality is you probably don't need to include your first and last day. "There's no sense in forking over $60 for a half day at the parks," said Emmanuelle Alspaugh, editor of "Fodor's Walt Disney World With Kids 2007."

Still, keep in mind that each day you extend your ticket, you pay less on a per-day basis (an argument for taking one long trip to Disney instead of two short ones). A four-day park pass costs $202, or $50.50 a day. A seven-day pass is just $8 more at $210, or $30 a day.

Where Disney really gets you is on upgrades to its base ticket prices. Want to visit two or more parks a day? A "park hopper" upgrade costs $45 extra. The option of visiting Disney's two water parks, nightspot Pleasure Island and other areas is a fee of $50 more. If you don't think you'll be doing these things or only doing them occasionally, don't pay to have them added to your ticket. If you're only going to visit a water park once, for instance, it's cheaper to buy water-park tickets separately.

"Willpower is everything," said Cochran. "Too many families get whipped up by the excitement and end up overpurchasing options that they'll never use."

Disney Princess-Inspired Wedding Gowns to Be Unveiled During Bridal Week in New York City

2007-04-15T22:04:00.000-04:00

The Gown. The Slipper. The Kiss. The Prince. Under it all, every girl believes in the dream. As a tribute to fairy tale wishes and finding true love, Disney today will unveil a new collection of wedding gowns inspired by the spirit and style of each Disney Princess. Kirstie Kelly For Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings inaugural collection will be showcased on the runways this evening as part of the New York Bridal Fashion Week. Bridal gowns priced between $1,100 and $3,500 US dollars and a "Maidens" for bridesmaids collection will be available at specialty boutiques in North America, Japan and Europe beginning in June. The collection will soon expand to include "Jewels" that accessorize even the fairest of them all.

The collection combines a fashion-forward look with timeless elements inspired by the Disney Princesses themselves, including Ariel, Aurora/Sleeping Beauty, Belle, Cinderella, Jasmine and Snow White. Fabrics like organza, chantilly, chiffon, satins and tulle are accented with stunning embellishments, including lace, ribbons, crystals, pearls and gorgeous embroidered beading.

"Every look takes its inspiration from the silhouette, palette and icons of each Disney Princess story and interprets the spirit of each young woman," said Kelly. "Each of them has a unique, charming and very individual style that many brides can identify with - and now truly emulate - on their wedding day."

The Ariel dresses are sultry and alluring - ideal for the bride who feels comfortable with a more form-fitted look. Fabrics consist of gorgeous silks and chiffons, beads, leaf applique and pearls, with a mermaid-like "wave effect" at the bottom. The Aurora/Sleeping Beauty collection is lovely and romantic, with a mix of georgette, chantilly, high-shine satin, pearl and crystal embellishments, with pleated hems and beaded organza inlays. The Belle collection exudes stylish sophistication, with lace and ribbon, bands of satin, taffeta and gorgeous tulle flowers at the neckline. The Cinderella gowns radiate classic glamour and elegance, with silk tulle, duchesse satin, scattered crystals and embroidered beading. The Jasmine gowns convey a Bohemian chic look, featuring appliqued lace, embroidery and draping, with chiffon and satin mixed in with clustered beadwork. The Snow White dresses are sweet and demure, with rouched chiffon, tulle inlays with beading and pleated satins.

"When brides shop for wedding gowns and see Kirstie Kelly's Disney Princess-inspired collection, they will stop in their tracks," said Jim Calhoun, executive VP, global apparel, Disney Consumer Products. "Every bride wants to be a Princess on their wedding day, and they want the magical feeling that goes along with it. This collection captures that magic extremely well."

For consumer information on the Kirstie Kelly For Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings collection, consumers may visit www.disneybridal.com

Sable Antelopes Born at Disney's Animal Kingdom

2007-04-13T12:52:00.001-04:00

WDW Public Affairs - Walt Disney World Animal Programs recently welcomed two healthy baby sable antelopes to Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The first, a female calf, was born on Monday, March 12, weighing 39 pounds, and the second female calf was born on Wednesday, March 14, weighing 41 pounds. The second calf born is a second-generation Disney’s Animal Kingdom calf - her mother was born at the park in 1999.

Sable antelopes are typically found in the eastern part of southern Africa, inhabiting savannah woodlands and grasslands. Disney’s Animal Kingdom is home to nine of these antelopes, which can usually be found roaming the west savannah. The mothers and new calves currently are being kept out of sight to give them time to bond with each other and to get acquainted with the other members of the herd in a controlled atmosphere.

Animal Programs will monitor the calves to ensure they gain strength and start to consistently follow their mothers around. If everything progresses normally, Guests on Kilimanjaro Safaris should soon see some spring additions to the west savannah.

Although sable antelope are listed by the World Conservation Union as Lower Risk/Conservation Dependent, there are various antelope species worldwide that are threatened or endangered. The Disney Wildlife Conservation Fund (DWCF) provides support to various organizations for the study and protection of the world's wildlife and ecosystems with more than $285,000 directed to antelope conservation since 1998.

Waldorf's new era starts at Disney

2007-04-13T11:17:00.000-04:00

Owners plan to make the legendary hotel a worldwide brand.

Christopher Boyd | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted April 13, 2007

The Waldorf-Astoria, which for more than a century has symbolized wealth and power, is about to undergo a major makeover -- Florida-style.

Hilton Hotels, owner of the Waldorf since 1949, plans to turn the hotel into a brand that can be spread around the planet, starting with a project now rising amid the slash pines just outside Walt Disney World.

"We are looking at every major city in the world," said David Greydanus, senior vice president for brand management with Hilton's The Waldorf-Astoria Collection. "Our goal is for people to think not only of the Waldorf-Astoria in New York, but of the Waldorf-Astoria as a brand."

Hilton management came to Central Florida for the Waldorf-Astoria at Bonnet Creek groundbreaking on Thursday. The 498-room Waldorf will be paired with a 1,000-room Hilton Hotel, creating one of the nation's largest resorts when the two open in late 2009.

Hilton officials say the new hotel will bear little resemblance to the one on New York's Park Avenue, where the leaders of nations and industries have stayed when they visited the capital of world commerce.

Some elements of the New York Waldorf will be found in Central Florida -- including some of the hotel's restaurants and a prominent lobby clock.

But Hilton says it will capture the Waldorf's essence -- impeccable service and luxurious appointments that command top-of-the-market room rates. The decision to connect the Waldorf to a slightly less posh Hilton Hotel and to add 125,000 square feet of meeting space rounds out a strategy.

Tom Keltner, Hilton's chief executive officer for Americas and Global Brands, said the resort will appeal to a plethora of tastes and expense accounts, attracting corporate meetings, vacation travelers and group events. And he said the Waldorf name will be the magnet.

"Even if people have never been to the United States, they have heard of the Waldorf-Astoria," Keltner said.

Hilton isn't the first to seize on the idea. The Ritz-Carlton, one of Boston's venerable hotels, is a growing luxury brand. In fact, the inspiration for the pairing of a Waldorf and a Hilton hotel near Disney is remarkably similar to the marriage of Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott at the Grande Lakes resort on John Young Parkway.

For Hilton, which is beginning a push into the rarified high end of the lodging market, the decision to put the Waldorf name to broader use makes perfect sense.

"We have looked at this for quite a long time," Greydanus said. "We looked at what the hotel meant and how it could be used. As a company, we have moved from a company that operates hotels to a company that brands and franchises hotels."

The Central Florida Waldorf is a first step. It will be the second hotel to bear the Waldorf name. But other hotels are already affiliating under an umbrella brand, The Waldorf-Astoria Collection. Hilton has already gathered hotels in California, Hawaii, Arizona and Saudi Arabia into the fold.

Abe Pizam, dean of the Rosen College of Hospitality Management at the University of Central Florida, said the decision to transform the Waldorf into a brand name is long overdue.

"Why did it take them so long?" Pizam said. "Waldorf has been featured in books, in the movies and in the news. It's a great name. The only risk is that if the brand is extended too far, you risk losing the appeal of the original."

But Hilton said Waldorf will fill a very special, highly elite lodging niche.

John Fox, senior vice president with PKF Consulting in New York, said the company's decision to expand at the high end is well timed.

"We have developed a very sophisticated traveling public," Fox said. "People are traveling more, and they expect more. I think in the consumer's mind, the name Waldorf-Astoria denotes something highly luxurious, and it makes sense that Hilton is making it the name of its luxury group."

Christopher Boyd can be reached at cboyd@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5723.

Spaceship Earth to get Major Refurb

2007-04-12T09:04:00.000-04:00

Over the next few months, many changes will come to Epcot's Spaceship Earth. "A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures." Continue reading for all the refurbishment information...
Attraction changes

Enhancements ot the attraction will result in change for every scene.
New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along
New lighting effects
New costumes
New set decorations
A new narration
A new musical score.
This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future.

Postshow Changes

New name: "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow"
Interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future.
Here guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe.

Timeline

Phase I: Opening later this month, Project Tomorrow

An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.
Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.
Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens

Phase II

This summer, Spaceship Earth will go down for the aformentioned changes. The attraction will reopen in November.
During this refurbishment, the post-show experience, Project Tomorrow, will remain open

Phase III

The final two elements of Project tomorrow
Completed by Spring 2008

Epcot’s Spaceship Earth Presented by Siemens is Transformed with a “Re-Imagined” Time-Travel Adventure and a New Finale

2007-04-11T14:27:00.000-04:00

Inside the Epcot icon, remarkable changes will be taking place over the next several months. A re-imagined Spaceship Earth presented by Siemens will combine the magic of the iconic attraction's time-travel adventure into the past with a new finale which provides guests the opportunity to imagine their futures.

On a trip through time inside the Spaceship Earth attraction, guests discover how each generation of mankind has invented the future for the next generation, and how the spirit of innovation has moved people from the caves to the cosmos.

Enhancements to the time-travel attraction will encompass changes to each of the ride scenes. New show scenes will be added to the attraction's story along with new lighting effects, costumes, set decoration, narration and musical score.

This adventure through time leads ultimately to the very top of Spaceship Earth's geodesic dome, where guests arrive at the present. The time travel adventure will be enhanced through new, interactive touch screens installed aboard each "time machine" that will enable guests to create their own visions of the future and see themselves in that future.

As guests disembark the time travel experience, they are invited to visit "Project Tomorrow: Inventing the World of Tomorrow," where interactive exhibits bring to life the ideas and technologies Siemens is developing to help make the world a better place for the future.

The space is filled with fun, interactive games and displays that showcase innovative technologies. Here guests step into the world of tomorrow and glimpse the future of medicine, transportation and responsible energy management across the globe.

Opening to Epcot guests later this month, the first completed phases of Project Tomorrow will include:

An illuminated globe measuring 20 feet in diameter that will offer an ever-changing collage of inspirational images that invite guests to imagine the wonders of tomorrow.

Body Builder, a 3-D game that enables users to assemble a digital human body, simulating the Siemens technology developed to perform remote surgeries.

Super Driver, a driving simulation video game that showcases motor vehicle accident and avoidance systems developed by Siemens.

With phased renovations occurring through the year, Spaceship Earth's makeover is scheduled to be fully completed in early 2008.

Animal Kingdom Welcomes 6-foot-1 inch, 151-pound giraffe

2007-04-11T09:04:00.000-04:00

The Walt Disney World® Resort’s Animal Programs team welcomed a 6-foot-1 inch, 151-pound bundle of joy at Disney’s Animal Kingdom®. Nikki, a 10-year-old giraffe, gave birth to a healthy baby girl Monday, March 26. The calf, named Rori (ROAR-ee), was Nikki’s first and both the calf and Nikki are doing great and are expected to rejoin their herd on the savannah at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in the next few weeks.

EPCOT 1982: Fortune Magazine

2007-04-11T08:42:00.000-04:00

It was almost 25 years ago when EPCOT Center graced the cover of the October 4, 1982 edition of Fortune magazine. The issue hit the stands mere days before the theme park's October 1st opening. In an article entitled Disney Gambles on Tomorrow, it profiled a Walt Disney Company very, very different from the one that exists today.

Just how important was EPCOT Center to the future of the Disney Company in 1982? This excerpt from the article provides some perspective:

The success of Epcot is critical to Disney's future prosperity, for the fabled entertainment company has recently suffered unaccustomed reverses. It sustained a 10% decline in earnings to $121.5 million, on revenues of $1 billion, in its 1981 fiscal year, which ended last September30—a performance considerably worse than that of most of the FORTUNE 500. This was followed by an earnings drop of 14% in the nine months that followed. Disney is still profitable, of course; it provided stockholders with a 10.4% return on equity last year. But for a company that enjoyed an enormous growth rate for three decades, the recent slide is unsettling.

Disney's problems are those of a child prodigy now grown to maturity but still following the script written by its parents. Walt Disney, a genius in the entertainment arts, died of cancer in 1966 at the age of 65. Sixteen years later, the master's presence still pervades the Disney studio in Bur-bank, California, the corporate headquarters. His picture is everywhere—in the entrances to buildings, in the hallways, in executives' offices. His name and obiter dicta are invoked on all occasions; he is always referred to as Walt, for the company custom is to call everybody by first names. At Disney World, top executives walk around with little Mickey Mouse name tags labeled Dick or Marty or Jack.