The Report - May 26, 2004

The Report
Page 2 of 2

Walt Disney World

News and Rumors
E-Ride Nights will return to the Magic Kingdom beginning May 31st and continuing every Monday, Wednesday and Friday through August 13th. The current line up of attractions are: Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Big Thunder Mountain, Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin, Haunted Mansion, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Peter Pan and PhilharMagic. Click here for more info on E-Ride Nights.

Disney completed its test of Extra Magic Hours on May 22nd. The test program allowed Walt Disney World Resort guests one hour before and three hours after regular hours inside a selected theme park. The test was tried at all four parks. Disney will now evaluate and the program may return in the future. In the mean time, the pre-opening extra hour that existed pior to the test has returned.

Speaking of tests ... Pleasure Island is trying out a new un-gated policy. Instead of having to purchase a ticket to enter the entire area, the area is open for free and admission is only required to enter the clubs. Turnstiles have been set up at each club entrance and a purchased write band needs to be shown to enter. The test runs from May 23rd through August 14th.

And speaking of new policies ... there's one for Resort fitness centers. Effective June 1st, guests 14 years and older can use the fitness centers at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boardwalk, Coronado Springs, The Contemporary, The Grand Floridian, Old Key West, The Polynesian, Saratoga Springs, Wilderness Lodge and the Yacht and Beach Club at no cost as long as you're staying at that Resort. Previously a daily fee was required. Guests of other Resorts or guests who want to use another Resorts' fitness center pay $12. Also, Disney Vacation Club members can use the fitness center at any DVC Resort as long as they're staying on property.

Epcot's newest gallery is scheduled to open in August in the American Adventure. The Epcot American Heritage Gallery's inaugural exhibit will explore the influence of historical African art objects on contemporary African-American artists.

Tired of waiting for tee times? Fantasia Gardens miniature golf now allows guests to get a tee time and return to play their round. However, the tee time must be reserved at the location, not on the phone. Expect Winter Summerland to be added in the future.

There's a new treat coming for all you princesses. The Grand Floridian Princess Tea Party debuted on June 10th. Every Monday through Thursday from 10:30 to Noon in the Garden View Lounge "Rose Petal" will host a tea with storytelling, sing-alongs and a princess parade. Princess Aurora will also be there. Girls 3-11 receive a My Disney Girl Aurora, a tiara, a link bracelet and a scrapbooknig page with a "Best Friend" certificate. Boys will receive a "princely" crown and a plush DiSney Bear. The cost for 1 adult and 1 child is $200 (tip included) plus tax. Each additional child is $135. Each additional adult is $65. For more information or to make reservations, call (407) WDW-DINE.

Events
The Wilderness Lodge's 10th anniversary will be celebrated on Friday May 28th. At 11a in the lobby will be presentations, music and dancing by Native Americans. Then at 2:30p will be the "Blessing of the Four Directions", guest speakers and a finale.

For Pin Trading fans there's no shortage of events at Walt Disney World and the Disney Cruise Lines. All events require prior registration. (click the link for more info at ODPT.com)

And don't forget, Pin Trading Nights every Thursday 7p - 10p at All-Star Sports and every Friday 7p - 10p at the Contemporary Resort.

Walt Disney World's 999 Happy Haunts Special Event will take place October 25-27. There are three packages available:

  • Phineas: $2299.99 per person and includes 2 nights at a Disney Resort, incredible dinners, special auction, seminar, breakfast, lunch, artist signings, theme park experience and exclusive event gifts.
  • Gus Package: $529.99 per person and includes a ghoulish theme park experience, photo opportunities, artist signings, food and beverage and exclusive event gift.
  • Ezra Package: $149.99 per person and includes a ghoulish theme park experience, photo opportunities, artist signings, food and beverage and exclusive event gift.

Tickets go on sale June 14th at 9a Pacific Time. Click here for more information or for the link to purchase tickets on June 14th.

Please remember - this column contains information on future events, some of which is rumors and speculation. Please treat the information as such and also remember - everything is subject to change.

And this being the first column, please use the Talkback section below to let us know what you think and give us any suggestions.

Discuss It

-- Doobie Moseley
-- Posted May 26, 2004

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