Walt Disney World Resort Carries on Walt Disney's Tradition of Storytelling Through Technology and Innovation
04/13/09 07:24 PM Filed in:
WDW
With each new attraction and guest
service, Walt Disney World Resort fulfills the vision that Walt
Disney himself had: to always find new ways to adapt leading-edge
technology to more creatively tell stories and delight theme park
visitors.
Known by his intimates and contemporaries as a restless thinker and tinkerer, Walt never lost the passion to innovate and take risks during the course of a lengthy and rewarding career -- even in the face of an occasionally crushing failure.
"I can never stand still," he once observed. "I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination."
During Walt Disney's lifetime, his rich imagination helped produce such pioneering achievements as synchronized sound in animation, the multiplane camera to add depth to the two-dimensional medium of cartoons, the first daily operating monorail in the United States, and the groundbreaking creation of Audio-Animatronics, the use of sophisticated mechanical engineering to animate figures in three dimensions with a breathtaking degree of realism.
Today, the expansive Florida resort that bears his name proudly carries on Walt Disney's tradition of combining sophisticated technology with the storytelling prowess and guest service standards that have become a Disney hallmark worldwide.
Achievements at Walt Disney World Resort have included:
Walt once said, "What is needed in addition to the creative ability is courage -- courage to try new things to satisfy the endless curiosity of people for information about the world around them."
And sometimes beyond.
If you have any fact or number information you would like to share please feel free to contact DBTN@me.com.
Known by his intimates and contemporaries as a restless thinker and tinkerer, Walt never lost the passion to innovate and take risks during the course of a lengthy and rewarding career -- even in the face of an occasionally crushing failure.
"I can never stand still," he once observed. "I must explore and experiment. I am never satisfied with my work. I resent the limitations of my own imagination."
During Walt Disney's lifetime, his rich imagination helped produce such pioneering achievements as synchronized sound in animation, the multiplane camera to add depth to the two-dimensional medium of cartoons, the first daily operating monorail in the United States, and the groundbreaking creation of Audio-Animatronics, the use of sophisticated mechanical engineering to animate figures in three dimensions with a breathtaking degree of realism.
Today, the expansive Florida resort that bears his name proudly carries on Walt Disney's tradition of combining sophisticated technology with the storytelling prowess and guest service standards that have become a Disney hallmark worldwide.
Achievements at Walt Disney World Resort have included:
- FASTPASS, the computer system that eliminates the need to wait in long lines at popular attractions.
- Wireless personal translator units that supply synchronized creative narration in multiple languages at shows and attractions for guests with limited English fluency.
- Wireless handheld captioning units that deliver synchronized scripted text on backlit screens at popular attractions for guests with hearing disabilities.
- "Turtle Talk With Crush," an attraction in The Seas with Nemo & Friends pavilion at Epcot that uses digital projection and sophisticated, voice-activated animation so that guests can carry on live, unscripted conversations with the laid-back sea turtle from Disney•Pixar's "Finding Nemo."
- Mission: SPACE at Epcot, which combines centrifuge technology with a sophisticated virtual imaging system to deliver a pulse-racing trip to Mars aboard a sleek spacecraft inspired by real science.
Walt once said, "What is needed in addition to the creative ability is courage -- courage to try new things to satisfy the endless curiosity of people for information about the world around them."
And sometimes beyond.
If you have any fact or number information you would like to share please feel free to contact DBTN@me.com.
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How to Get the Most out of a Disney Park Visit
03/30/09 07:11 PM Filed in:
WDW
How can a guest get the absolute most
theme park fun – and value – out of a Walt Disney World
visit?
The overarching tip is: Get to know the territory.
Do research. Ask questions.
Several means to this end are:
For instance, while the four Walt Disney World theme parks are all created for family fun, virtually any guest familiar with Disney World has a “favorite park.” That’s because the parks’ themes vary dramatically – from lands of whimsy in Magic Kingdom to worlds of scientific and cultural accomplishment at Epcot to streets, sets and backlots of show business at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to realms of animals living, extinct and imaginary at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Guests are immersed in those thematic worlds through stories “told” in attractions and experiences. But the methods of immersive storytelling are many. Sometimes a physically interactive entertainment concept is used, with guests being drawn into the action and becoming stars of the show. Sometimes ride systems carry guests on journeys that range from tame to wild – just like the stories. And sometimes the experience is physically passive, designed for the senses to “drink it in.”
With “homework” ahead of vacation, a guest can customize an itinerary to suit interests as well as considerations such as age, height restrictions and ambulatory limitations. A valuable source of information relating to “Traveling With Little Ones” and “Guests With Disabilities” is www.disneyworld.com. (On the home page, under the heading “Plan Your Vacation,” click on “In-Depth Planning Topics” for links to specialized information.)
Many considerations that impact satisfaction are common to all guests. They involve tickets, time and convenience. Here’s a closer look at some aspects of ticket-buying, time use (plus time saving and time “expanding”) and guest services that can add up to an exceptional, value-enhanced theme park experience.
Shopping ‘smart’ for tickets
The Magic Your Way ticket system lets guests decide what ticket features best fit their Disney vacation plans … and that’s what they buy. Guests decide the number of days and whether optional features – park hopping, visits to Disney attractions outside the theme parks and “non-expiration” of tickets – are important. Some price and value considerations…
Per-day ticket costs decrease for longer stays. A seven-day ticket without optional features brings down the per-day cost to less than half the price, per day, compared to seven individual one-day Base Tickets. And the per-day cost of a 10-day ticket is less than one-third the price, per day, compared to 10 individual one-day Base Tickets.
The Water Park Fun & More option can produce significant savings for recreation and entertainment outside the theme parks. Here’s what you need to know about the option:
Making the best use of time
If “a penny saved is a penny earned,” then what of time? Shouldn’t it follow that saving time is also merit-worthy? Certainly using time purposefully is important, given that a guest has invested both money and time in a vacation. What is “purposeful” varies from person to person, however. Some guests at Epcot once shared that they were so enamored with the gardens that they hadn’t done any attractions – but they weren’t complaining; rather, they were complimenting … and beaming. Here are some ways to “make time,” save time, add time and use time during a Disney park visit…
Disney’s FASTPASS system allows guests to avoid waiting at designated popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Here’s how it works:
A "rider swap" program lets both parents enjoy a ride – one parent waits with a child who is unable to ride an attraction while one parent rides. Afterwards, the other parent can board the ride with minimal wait time.
Tip Boards located at strategic “crossroads” in each theme park provide guests with a heads-up concerning attractions’ wait times. Guests can save time – and “steps” – by consulting the boards throughout the day.
Extra Magic Hours provide guests of select hotels at Walt Disney World Resort an opportunity for exclusive time in a Walt Disney World theme park. The details:
Guests arriving at park opening frequently head to a favorite attraction and enjoy it before it gets busy.
Guests who decide to forego viewing a popular parade frequently discover it’s a time to experience a popular attraction with less wait.
Festivals and special events are times when the theme parks feature extra entertainment and excitement –included with regular admission. Several long-running events are the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (spring), Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (fall), ESPN The Weekend (spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Star Wars Weekends (spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and elaborate decorations and seasonal entertainment at all four parks for the holidays.
The “best time” to visit depends. The busier times to visit Walt Disney World parks are when school’s out for major holidays, the summer and three-day weekends. The very busiest times typically are Christmas to New Year’s and around Easter. Some considerations:
Quick Service meals can cut down dining time – and sometimes cost. Addin flexibility because you can catch a gulp on the go without a reservation, and quick service can make consummate “good sense.”
Table Service restaurant experiences can enhance the theme park experience. There are restaurants that are worth the extra planning effort of a reservation, the extra time at the table, and possible extra expense. These eateries, replete with elaborate theming, extend the entertainment experience of the park to mealtime. Dining and relaxing in an ambiance reflecting a different time or place is an entertainment experience worth the time sitting. Sometimes these restaurants serve up entertainment acts along with meals. And sometimes the meal may be part of a package that provides preferred seating at no extra cost for a signature entertainment performance (such as “Finding Nemo–The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, or “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios).
A longer stay can yield a vacation at a more comfortable pace. Guest surveys show higher satisfaction ratings for longer stays – with “pace” typically cited as the reason. After a week-long visit, guests have reported that they “didn’t feel rushed” and they “discovered a pool at the hotel.”
For a short-duration visit, make a short list of “must-sees” and “must-dos” based on the vacationing group’s interests. One of the worst mistakes a guest can make is over-scheduling. Be realistic in planning. Don’t attempt to see and do everything. Vacation shouldn’t feel like a track meet! And remember to take into account any relevant factors such as height restrictions or ambulatory concerns.
Taking advantage of Guest services
Young guests. Old guests. Guests with mobility challenges. Guests with vision or hearing disabilities. Guests whose “native tongue” isn’t English. Guests with special diets. The “Guest-centric” culture of Disney strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone. …
Special guide maps pointing out kid-stuff – where you can find the characters plus attractions, entertainment and interactive activities ofspecial interest to young children – are available at Guest Relations in all the theme parks.
Baby Care Centers in all four theme parks feature private rooms with rocking chairs for nursing mothers, diaper-changing rooms, and feeding rooms with highchairs, bibs and plastic spoons. There are even diapers, formula and teethers for sale.
Stroller rentals are available. Rather than lugging a stroller (including on and off of parking lot trams), parents with young children can rent a stroller at the theme parks. Tips for renters:
The Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for guests with disabilities and is available at Guest Relations locations within all four parks as well as Lobby Concierge locations at Walt Disney World resort hotels. Types of disabilities covered include mobility disability, hearing disability, visual disability and non-apparent disability.
Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at Disney theme parks for the convenience of guests with disabilities. A tip:
Special dietary requests can typically be accommodated. The Walt Disney World Food & Beverage team is committed to offering a wide range of choices to accommodate guests who require lifestyle dining options, as well as most specific requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances. Some considerations to note:
Professional photographers take keepsake shots of family vacations – with everyone in the picture. Here are some of the details:
Merchandise purchases don’t have to be a burden. There are alternatives to carrying the packages throughout the parks:
Lockers are available for rental. They are first come, first served – and quite popular. They are located near the entrance of each park. There are a variety of sizes. If you are park-hopping, you don’t have to pay the locker fee a second time on a day (just a key deposit) provided you keep your receipt.
The overarching tip is: Get to know the territory.
Do research. Ask questions.
Several means to this end are:
- Read a guidebook.
- Visit the official Walt Disney World Resort Web site (www.disneyworld.com) and obtain a free vacation planning DVD; at the site, also check out the online planning tools which offer suggestions about experiences which may be of interest to first-time guests or to those combining a celebration with a Disney vacation.
- Consult with the Disney World Moms Panel (www.disneyworldmoms.com) comprised of Disney-savvy parents who share knowledge in an online forum.
For instance, while the four Walt Disney World theme parks are all created for family fun, virtually any guest familiar with Disney World has a “favorite park.” That’s because the parks’ themes vary dramatically – from lands of whimsy in Magic Kingdom to worlds of scientific and cultural accomplishment at Epcot to streets, sets and backlots of show business at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, to realms of animals living, extinct and imaginary at Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
Guests are immersed in those thematic worlds through stories “told” in attractions and experiences. But the methods of immersive storytelling are many. Sometimes a physically interactive entertainment concept is used, with guests being drawn into the action and becoming stars of the show. Sometimes ride systems carry guests on journeys that range from tame to wild – just like the stories. And sometimes the experience is physically passive, designed for the senses to “drink it in.”
With “homework” ahead of vacation, a guest can customize an itinerary to suit interests as well as considerations such as age, height restrictions and ambulatory limitations. A valuable source of information relating to “Traveling With Little Ones” and “Guests With Disabilities” is www.disneyworld.com. (On the home page, under the heading “Plan Your Vacation,” click on “In-Depth Planning Topics” for links to specialized information.)
Many considerations that impact satisfaction are common to all guests. They involve tickets, time and convenience. Here’s a closer look at some aspects of ticket-buying, time use (plus time saving and time “expanding”) and guest services that can add up to an exceptional, value-enhanced theme park experience.
Shopping ‘smart’ for tickets
The Magic Your Way ticket system lets guests decide what ticket features best fit their Disney vacation plans … and that’s what they buy. Guests decide the number of days and whether optional features – park hopping, visits to Disney attractions outside the theme parks and “non-expiration” of tickets – are important. Some price and value considerations…
Per-day ticket costs decrease for longer stays. A seven-day ticket without optional features brings down the per-day cost to less than half the price, per day, compared to seven individual one-day Base Tickets. And the per-day cost of a 10-day ticket is less than one-third the price, per day, compared to 10 individual one-day Base Tickets.
The Water Park Fun & More option can produce significant savings for recreation and entertainment outside the theme parks. Here’s what you need to know about the option:
- It provides admissions to the guest’s choice of Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course and Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex.
- The number of admissions it provides varies depending upon the number of days of the Base Ticket (the option added to a one- or two-day Base Ticket provides two visits to the guest’s choice from among the listed attractions; added to a seven-day Base Ticket, it provides seven visits).
- It costs $50. Considering that one-day admission to a water park or DisneyQuest is $34-$40, substantial savings are possible.
- If the vacation stay is longer, “hopping” is perfect for repeating favorite attractions at the various parks.
- If the guest is staying “on property,” park-hopping can be the ticket to extra time in the parks (more about this under “Making the best use of time”).
Making the best use of time
If “a penny saved is a penny earned,” then what of time? Shouldn’t it follow that saving time is also merit-worthy? Certainly using time purposefully is important, given that a guest has invested both money and time in a vacation. What is “purposeful” varies from person to person, however. Some guests at Epcot once shared that they were so enamored with the gardens that they hadn’t done any attractions – but they weren’t complaining; rather, they were complimenting … and beaming. Here are some ways to “make time,” save time, add time and use time during a Disney park visit…
Disney’s FASTPASS system allows guests to avoid waiting at designated popular attractions in all four Walt Disney World theme parks. Here’s how it works:
- At the entrance to attractions offering FASTPASS, two times are posted – (1) approximate wait time using the normal queue and (2) return time for FASTPASS tickets currently being issued.
- If the wait in the normal queue is long, guests can choose to obtain a FASTPASS ticket (at no charge) with an assigned return time (an hour-long window) and then use the time until then to enjoy other experiences in the park.
- Upon returning to use their FASTPASS, the guest can hop on the attraction with little or no waiting.
A "rider swap" program lets both parents enjoy a ride – one parent waits with a child who is unable to ride an attraction while one parent rides. Afterwards, the other parent can board the ride with minimal wait time.
Tip Boards located at strategic “crossroads” in each theme park provide guests with a heads-up concerning attractions’ wait times. Guests can save time – and “steps” – by consulting the boards throughout the day.
Extra Magic Hours provide guests of select hotels at Walt Disney World Resort an opportunity for exclusive time in a Walt Disney World theme park. The details:
- The exclusive time is one hour prior to scheduled park opening or up to three hours after park closing.
- The park varies from day to day.
- In all, there are up to 16 extra theme park hours available each week.
- The time is exclusively for guests of the 23 Walt Disney World owned-and-operated hotels, the Walt Disney World Dolphin, Walt Disney World Swan, Shades of Green and the Hilton at Downtown Disney.
- Disney water parks sometimes open one hour early for guests of select Disney resort hotels.
- To take advantage of the additional time in the parks, guests must have a Magic Your Way ticket valid for the park(s) offering Extra Magic Hours – and, of course, their hotel ID.
- The Park Hopper option on Magic Your Way tickets allows guests to take advantage of Extra Magic Hours in a park or parks different from where the guest spends the rest of the day.
Guests arriving at park opening frequently head to a favorite attraction and enjoy it before it gets busy.
Guests who decide to forego viewing a popular parade frequently discover it’s a time to experience a popular attraction with less wait.
Festivals and special events are times when the theme parks feature extra entertainment and excitement –included with regular admission. Several long-running events are the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival (spring), Epcot International Food & Wine Festival (fall), ESPN The Weekend (spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), Star Wars Weekends (spring at Disney’s Hollywood Studios), and elaborate decorations and seasonal entertainment at all four parks for the holidays.
The “best time” to visit depends. The busier times to visit Walt Disney World parks are when school’s out for major holidays, the summer and three-day weekends. The very busiest times typically are Christmas to New Year’s and around Easter. Some considerations:
- Avoiding the busy times likely means shorter waits for attractions and shows and better access to dining reservations.
- Busy times can mean extended operating hours and sometimes special incremental entertainment.
- Disney planners attempt to schedule periodic attraction closures for refurbishment at times other than vacation peaks.
Quick Service meals can cut down dining time – and sometimes cost. Addin flexibility because you can catch a gulp on the go without a reservation, and quick service can make consummate “good sense.”
Table Service restaurant experiences can enhance the theme park experience. There are restaurants that are worth the extra planning effort of a reservation, the extra time at the table, and possible extra expense. These eateries, replete with elaborate theming, extend the entertainment experience of the park to mealtime. Dining and relaxing in an ambiance reflecting a different time or place is an entertainment experience worth the time sitting. Sometimes these restaurants serve up entertainment acts along with meals. And sometimes the meal may be part of a package that provides preferred seating at no extra cost for a signature entertainment performance (such as “Finding Nemo–The Musical” at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Candlelight Processional at Epcot, or “Fantasmic!” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios).
A longer stay can yield a vacation at a more comfortable pace. Guest surveys show higher satisfaction ratings for longer stays – with “pace” typically cited as the reason. After a week-long visit, guests have reported that they “didn’t feel rushed” and they “discovered a pool at the hotel.”
For a short-duration visit, make a short list of “must-sees” and “must-dos” based on the vacationing group’s interests. One of the worst mistakes a guest can make is over-scheduling. Be realistic in planning. Don’t attempt to see and do everything. Vacation shouldn’t feel like a track meet! And remember to take into account any relevant factors such as height restrictions or ambulatory concerns.
Taking advantage of Guest services
Young guests. Old guests. Guests with mobility challenges. Guests with vision or hearing disabilities. Guests whose “native tongue” isn’t English. Guests with special diets. The “Guest-centric” culture of Disney strives to create a welcoming environment for everyone. …
Special guide maps pointing out kid-stuff – where you can find the characters plus attractions, entertainment and interactive activities ofspecial interest to young children – are available at Guest Relations in all the theme parks.
Baby Care Centers in all four theme parks feature private rooms with rocking chairs for nursing mothers, diaper-changing rooms, and feeding rooms with highchairs, bibs and plastic spoons. There are even diapers, formula and teethers for sale.
Stroller rentals are available. Rather than lugging a stroller (including on and off of parking lot trams), parents with young children can rent a stroller at the theme parks. Tips for renters:
- A length-of-stay rental saves some money;
- Even for a one-day rental, keep your receipt; if you park-hop, drop off the stroller when you leave a park and use your receipt to obtain a stroller when you enter another park. (The receipt also permits you to claim another stroller if yours “disappears.”)
The Guidemap for Guests with Disabilities provides a detailed overview of services and facilities available for guests with disabilities and is available at Guest Relations locations within all four parks as well as Lobby Concierge locations at Walt Disney World resort hotels. Types of disabilities covered include mobility disability, hearing disability, visual disability and non-apparent disability.
Wheelchairs and Electric Convenience Vehicles (ECVs) are available for rent at Disney theme parks for the convenience of guests with disabilities. A tip:
- A length-of-stay rental ticket is available which offers not only savings but also involves a one-time payment transaction after which the guest simply shows the receipt at the stroller rental location and is expedited through the queue with little or no wait time.
Special dietary requests can typically be accommodated. The Walt Disney World Food & Beverage team is committed to offering a wide range of choices to accommodate guests who require lifestyle dining options, as well as most specific requests from guests with food allergies or intolerances. Some considerations to note:
- Whether dining at a table service restaurant or at a quick service restaurant, desired dining requests will be addressed.
- In many cases, advance notice is required – usually at the time of your reservation.
- Please call Disney’s Dining Reservation Center at 407/WDW-DINE to discuss arrangements.
Professional photographers take keepsake shots of family vacations – with everyone in the picture. Here are some of the details:
- Disney’s PhotoPass service photographers are stationed at prime photo spots throughout the theme parks.
- The guest’s Disney’s PhotoPass ID card (issued free) is used by the photo team to keep track of images.
- The images can be viewed online; guests can order prints, customized photo albums, T-shirts, mugs and more.
- Additional information is available online by visiting www.disneyphotopass.com.
Merchandise purchases don’t have to be a burden. There are alternatives to carrying the packages throughout the parks:
- Package pickup is available at no charge. Merchandise is moved to package pickup, conveniently located near the front entrance of each park, for guests’ pickup when they are leaving the park.
- Hotel delivery is available at no charge to guests of Walt Disney World resorts. Purchases made prior to 7 p.m. will be delivered to the guest’s hotel by noon the following day. Purchases made after 7 p.m. will be at the hotel on the second day after purchase.
- Shipping is available for an additional charge at the time of purchase.
Lockers are available for rental. They are first come, first served – and quite popular. They are located near the entrance of each park. There are a variety of sizes. If you are park-hopping, you don’t have to pay the locker fee a second time on a day (just a key deposit) provided you keep your receipt.
The theme park itineraries that Disney guests create are as varied as the guests themselves – from their interests to their individual circumstances. But with planning, all of their experiences can be equally magical.
Buy 4 Get 3 Free
03/24/09 07:50 PM Filed in:
WDW
Buy 4 Get 3
Free
Offer valid for most Disney resorts at varying rates for stays most nights 4/27 - 5/18, 5/23 - 6/6, and 6/26 - 8/15/09 .
Sample 7 Night Package during Summer Season at a Value Resort as low as $1421 including 7 Day Theme Park tickets:
When traveling between 4/19 - 6/15, 6/22 - 8/15/09 AND you stay at either Disney's Old Key West Resort or Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you'll receive a $100 Disney Gift Card.
Studio rooms at Disney's Old Key West Resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa have amenities such as a kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker. Ask about One- and two-bedroom villas for even more amenities like a well equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and whirlpool tub to make you feel right at home!
Prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior, and 1 child. The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for a 7 night/7 day Magic Your Way Package. Tickets are for 1 Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. See Important Details.
Book through March 29, 2009!
Book your stay online now! or call us at (407) 939-7928† or your Travel Agent and ask for booking code IUZ.
Offer valid for most Disney resorts at varying rates for stays most nights 4/27 - 5/18, 5/23 - 6/6, and 6/26 - 8/15/09 .
Sample 7 Night Package during Summer Season at a Value Resort as low as $1421 including 7 Day Theme Park tickets:
- For a family of four in a standard room
- For stays most nights between 5/23 - 6/6, 6/26 - 8/8/09
- That's like paying $51 a night per person for this package
- Total package savings of $450
When traveling between 4/19 - 6/15, 6/22 - 8/15/09 AND you stay at either Disney's Old Key West Resort or Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, you'll receive a $100 Disney Gift Card.
Studio rooms at Disney's Old Key West Resort and Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa have amenities such as a kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker. Ask about One- and two-bedroom villas for even more amenities like a well equipped kitchen, washer/dryer and whirlpool tub to make you feel right at home!
Prices based on 2 adults, 1 junior, and 1 child. The number of packages allocated for this offer is limited. Savings based on non-discounted price for a 7 night/7 day Magic Your Way Package. Tickets are for 1 Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use. See Important Details.
Book through March 29, 2009!
Book your stay online now! or call us at (407) 939-7928† or your Travel Agent and ask for booking code IUZ.
Disney World, airport strike new deal on Magical Express
03/18/09 09:20 PM Filed in:
WDW
Walt Disney
World and
Orlando International Airport completed a deal Wednesday to
continue the resort's free passenger-and-luggage shuttle until at
least the end of 2016. Under the terms of the deal, the airport
agreed not to raise the 75-cent-a-passenger fee it charges the
resort for Disney's Magical Express. The previous contract would
have allowed the airport to raise the fee to as much as $1.50 a
passenger under certain circumstances. Disney buses ferried just
under 2.2 million travelers from OIA to either its resort hotels or
cruise ships in 2008, according to airport figures. That works out
to about $1.6 million a year in payments to the airport -- compared
with about $3.2 million were the per-passenger fee doubled. The
previous agreement had been set to expire at the end of 2011. The
new pact also gives Disney the option to extend the agreement by
another five years, until 2021.
Airport leaders have been working to cut costs and raise money -- including plans to cut an undisclosed number of jobs -- as passenger traffic and revenue tumble amid the global recession. But Jeff Fuqua, chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said the agency decided it was better served by not raising Disney's fee, in return for securing a longer commitment from the company to operate Magical Express.
Because Disney's Magical Express luggage is processed in a remote hangar at the airport, the service diverts thousands of bags every day away from OIA's main luggage-sorting systems and claim areas. That eases pressure on the airport to spend money expanding its baggage facilities, Fuqua said.
"What they were looking for was control on costs. What we were looking for was to relieve ourselves of capital costs -- big costs," Fuqua said.
The airport also agreed to raise the threshold under which it could have forced Disney to open a second customer check-in location in the airport's main terminal. Under the previous deal, OIA could have required Disney to rent more counter space once Magical Express reached 2.2 million arriving travelers in any 12-month period; now, it can do so only once the shuttle service reaches 2.5 million arriving passengers
The new agreement continues a provision preventing Disney from establishing another Magical Express at any airport within a 100 mile radius of OIA -- ensuring Disney can't bring the service to Orlando Sanford International Airport.
"We're pleased the contract extension will enable us to continue to operate Disney's Magical Express for many years to come," Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said. "We think Disney's Magical Express has proven to be incredibly successful it has benefited the airport and the Central Florida community, as well as Walt Disney World and millions of visitors to our region."
Airport leaders have been working to cut costs and raise money -- including plans to cut an undisclosed number of jobs -- as passenger traffic and revenue tumble amid the global recession. But Jeff Fuqua, chairman of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority, said the agency decided it was better served by not raising Disney's fee, in return for securing a longer commitment from the company to operate Magical Express.
Because Disney's Magical Express luggage is processed in a remote hangar at the airport, the service diverts thousands of bags every day away from OIA's main luggage-sorting systems and claim areas. That eases pressure on the airport to spend money expanding its baggage facilities, Fuqua said.
"What they were looking for was control on costs. What we were looking for was to relieve ourselves of capital costs -- big costs," Fuqua said.
The airport also agreed to raise the threshold under which it could have forced Disney to open a second customer check-in location in the airport's main terminal. Under the previous deal, OIA could have required Disney to rent more counter space once Magical Express reached 2.2 million arriving travelers in any 12-month period; now, it can do so only once the shuttle service reaches 2.5 million arriving passengers
The new agreement continues a provision preventing Disney from establishing another Magical Express at any airport within a 100 mile radius of OIA -- ensuring Disney can't bring the service to Orlando Sanford International Airport.
"We're pleased the contract extension will enable us to continue to operate Disney's Magical Express for many years to come," Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty said. "We think Disney's Magical Express has proven to be incredibly successful it has benefited the airport and the Central Florida community, as well as Walt Disney World and millions of visitors to our region."
WDW History
03/18/09 08:33 PM Filed in:
WDW
BUNDLE OF JOY: Walt Disney World Resort recently welcomed a black and white colobus monkey
03/07/09 08:16 AM Filed in:
WDW
BUNDLE OF JOY: Walt Disney World
Resort recently welcomed a black and white colobus monkey – the
first of its species born at Disney’s Animal Kingdom. The infant
arrived February 17 after a six-month gestation and may be seen
along the Pangani Forest Exploration Trail with a group of five
other colobus monkeys. While the weight, size and gender are still
unknown, animal care experts are encouraged by the amount of care
given by first-time mother, Kabibi. “The baby was born looking
healthy and vigorous,” said Rebecca Phillips, a primate manager at
Disney’s Animal Kingdom. “We’re encouraged that the mother and baby
seem to be adapting well.” At birth, colobus monkeys are covered in
white fur that is gradually replaced with black hair matching the
adults. The monkeys are distinguished by their black body and white
shoulders, backs and beard. The monkeys stand between 18- and
27-inches tall and weigh approximately 12 to 32 pounds. Unlike most
primates, the colobus do not have thumbs, although they have long
tails that help them navigate through the forest quickly. Kabibi
came to Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2008 as part the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Species Survival Plan, which manages
genetic diversity among species through detailed records of
individual animals. Disney's Animal Kingdom also participates in
AZA Species Survival Plans for several other animals, including
elephants, cotton-top tamarins and okapi. Currently, approximately
65 colobus monkeys exist in AZA-accredited facilities around the
United States.
(Gene Duncan, photographer)
WDW - New store coming to Downtown Disney
03/06/09 08:42 PM Filed in:
WDW
TrenD, a stylish boutique in the
Downtown Disney Area, is the place for the most chic, edgy and
up-to-date Disney fashions and accessories - plus exclusive
merchandise from cutting-edge designers. TrenD is scheduled to open
in March 2009.
Fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories will find a unique environment - filled with textured fabrics, silhouettes and whimsical art and design - that pushes the creative envelope while blending high fashion and classic Disney characters. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct light fixtures and mod furnishings.
Merchandise includes organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and playful accessories. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy fuse their individual style with Disney-inspired creations.
This is the place to go if you are looking for unique fashion items. Much of the merchandise is not available anywhere else at Downtown Disney Area - or even anywhere else at Walt Disney World Resort!
TrenD is a 2,500 - square-foot shop in the Downtown Disney Marketplace near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy.
Fashion-conscious shoppers seeking trendy apparel and novel accessories will find a unique environment - filled with textured fabrics, silhouettes and whimsical art and design - that pushes the creative envelope while blending high fashion and classic Disney characters. The eclectic environment offers a raw and unfinished feel with jeweled chandeliers, distinct light fixtures and mod furnishings.
Merchandise includes organic loungewear, embroidered handbags, jeweled sunglasses and playful accessories. Designers such as Kidada Jones, Tarina Tarantino and Roxy fuse their individual style with Disney-inspired creations.
This is the place to go if you are looking for unique fashion items. Much of the merchandise is not available anywhere else at Downtown Disney Area - or even anywhere else at Walt Disney World Resort!
TrenD is a 2,500 - square-foot shop in the Downtown Disney Marketplace near Pin Traders and Once Upon A Toy.
WDW - Disney Planner: Summer 2009
03/03/09 12:41 PM Filed in:
WDW
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. – From May
through August 2009, summer simmers with exciting new attractions
and events at Walt Disney World Resort. The smash TV hit “American
Idol” inspires a new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
while, at Magic Kingdom, a Liberty Square icon reopens its doors
and street parties turn up the spirit as Disney’s “What Will You
Celebrate?” hits full-stride. Treehouse lodging is back, resort
guests now can save some time by checking in online before they
arrive, Stars Wars Weekends let guests release their inner Jedi,
and Downtown Disney unwraps new fun – on the ground and in the
air…
While guests are usually the ones to enjoy the attractions and shows at Walt Disney World Resort, “The American Idol Experience” places Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.
Modeled after the famous “American Idol” television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early).
Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater is wired so guests can vote for their favorite singer.
During “What Will You Celebrate?” inviting Disney Parks guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences, ways for guests to customize and personalize a visit are endless.
With everything from fireworks cruises, street parties and behind-the-scenes tours to specialty cakes and in-room decorations to choose from, guests who have decided their answer to “What Will You Celebrate?” have more choices as they ponder, “How will I celebrate?” The fun is nonstop, too, with a party spirit stamping the new “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” street party in the Magic Kingdom. Floats, a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and more “move it” down Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by high-energy tunes and an open invitation to guests to come join the fun.
Main Street, U.S.A. also is home to the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade, a tweaked send-up of the former Dreams Come True parade with changes to some of the floats and soundtracks and the grand marshal in the lead role. Singers and dancers as before invite guests lining the parade route to come join in the celebration.
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor a celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Thanks to new Web planning tools, learning about available choices and then customizing a “celebration vacation” itinerary – or “gifting” a celebrating family member or friend with a personalized Disney experience – is easier than ever. Through www.disneyparks.com, guests (or their travel agents) choose the celebration destination – Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a click, they access an interactive online celebration “planner” to shop the many experiences that are a cornerstone of a “celebration vacation” at Disney Parks – experiences that transform guests into the stars of their own party whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Quinceanera, personal triumph or any celebration.
Now there is also a way to participate in a guest’s upcoming celebration visit when you can’t be there: by “gifting.” The giver reviews the possibilities using the online planner, then calls a Disney Dream Maker to personalize and customize the gift. At Walt Disney World Resort, Dream Makers can be reached at 407/WDW-GIFT.
Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, 2009, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.
A giant, “A to Z” gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – will roam the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event’s main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.
Also featured: the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades, rides on the famed Star Tours attraction, and autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses.
Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to www.starwars.com or www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.
A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom. An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. Disney Imagineers are also updating a broad array of show elements.
New home-like accommodations presented by Disney Vacation Club are debuting in time for summer guests. New options will combine to revive “treehouse living” at Walt Disney World Resort and immerse guests in the African experience.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse living, a cherished Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the opening (scheduled for summer) of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, providing Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa with a new room category.
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Fresh from the conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings scheduled in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and hewn timber design. Kidani means “necklace,” and the building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with villas forming the beads, garden-like walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center. With the spring opening comes Sanaa, a new family dining location, featuring savanna views and serving familiar foods from tandoor ovens and slow-cooked specialties with flavorful spices of Africa.
Disney Vacation Club accommodations can be booked by anyone for overnight stays through www.disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).
Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel.
Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney Cast Members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions.
Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations.
For more information about the new Online Check-In Service or to make a resort reservation, call 407-W-DISNEY or your local travel agent or click on disneyworld.com.
Imagine an eagle’s-eye view of the Downtown Disney area, with sweeping, 10-mile panoramas of Lake Buena Vista and environs. Downtown Disney greets summer guests with a new iconic attraction in the form of a giant tethered balloon – Aerophile -- that will take guests 300 feet into the air from the waterfront. The 72-foot-diameter balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute ‘’flight,’’ by day or night. Aerophile made a spring debut at Downtown Disney’s West Side. It joins other newcomers at Downtown Disney for summer:
TrenD, a hip new Downtown Disney Marketplace boutique with urban-inspired fashions.
Disney Design-a-Tee, presented by Hanes, inviting Marketplace guests to personalize the popular souvenir to their own tastes.
T-Rex : A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover – a fun prehistoric environment millions of years in the making.
Downtown Disney restaurant from E-Brands, featuring Mexican and South American cuisine.
He’s the Guru of Gross-Out, the Maker of Mischief. Now, everybody’s favorite galactic pal stars in ‘’Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration,’’ a high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party in Magic Kingdom. The fun features Stitch, an interactive dance troupe and a DJ celebration host who invites all Tomorrowland guests to come party, dance and celebrate.
Read more…
Summer Fun at The American Idol Experience
While guests are usually the ones to enjoy the attractions and shows at Walt Disney World Resort, “The American Idol Experience” places Disney’s Hollywood Studios guests in the spotlight, immersing them in the thrill of auditioning and performing or voting on their favorite musical performances.
Modeled after the famous “American Idol” television show, the newly opened Walt Disney World attraction makes dreams come true by showcasing the talents of park guests age 14 and older who have aced the auditions (audition slots are limited and interested guests are encouraged to arrive early).
Like the television show, fans – not the onstage judges – have the final say on who is deemed the best of the best. With seating to accommodate 1,000 audience members, the high-tech theater is wired so guests can vote for their favorite singer.
What Will You Celebrate? Adds Gifting Option, Park Fun
During “What Will You Celebrate?” inviting Disney Parks guests to turn their personal milestones into magical Disney experiences, ways for guests to customize and personalize a visit are endless.
With everything from fireworks cruises, street parties and behind-the-scenes tours to specialty cakes and in-room decorations to choose from, guests who have decided their answer to “What Will You Celebrate?” have more choices as they ponder, “How will I celebrate?” The fun is nonstop, too, with a party spirit stamping the new “Move It, Shake It, Celebrate It!” street party in the Magic Kingdom. Floats, a cast of Disney characters, stilt walkers and more “move it” down Main Street, U.S.A. accompanied by high-energy tunes and an open invitation to guests to come join the fun.
Main Street, U.S.A. also is home to the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade, a tweaked send-up of the former Dreams Come True parade with changes to some of the floats and soundtracks and the grand marshal in the lead role. Singers and dancers as before invite guests lining the parade route to come join in the celebration.
With all there is to do in Disney parks, guests can tailor a celebration with favorite attractions, favorite characters and special experiences. Thanks to new Web planning tools, learning about available choices and then customizing a “celebration vacation” itinerary – or “gifting” a celebrating family member or friend with a personalized Disney experience – is easier than ever. Through www.disneyparks.com, guests (or their travel agents) choose the celebration destination – Disneyland Resort in California or Walt Disney World Resort in Florida. With a click, they access an interactive online celebration “planner” to shop the many experiences that are a cornerstone of a “celebration vacation” at Disney Parks – experiences that transform guests into the stars of their own party whether the occasion is a birthday, anniversary, Quinceanera, personal triumph or any celebration.
Now there is also a way to participate in a guest’s upcoming celebration visit when you can’t be there: by “gifting.” The giver reviews the possibilities using the online planner, then calls a Disney Dream Maker to personalize and customize the gift. At Walt Disney World Resort, Dream Makers can be reached at 407/WDW-GIFT.
Star Wars Weekends Returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Once again, the power of the Force and the magic of Disney combine in May and June for Star Wars Weekends, a sci-fi fan-fest inspired by the popular film saga.
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 22-June 14, 2009, Disney’s Hollywood Studios becomes the temporary home for a band of out-of-this-world characters, including Wookiees, Sith, droids, Jedi, Ewoks, bounty hunters and Rodians. Dates are May 22-24, May 29-31, June 5-7 and June 12-14.
A giant, “A to Z” gathering of Star Wars characters – from Anakin Skywalker to Zam Wesell – will roam the streets of the theme park during meet-and-greet sessions. Jedi Training Academy – one of the interactive entertainment experiences featured in the theme park – takes place throughout the day on the event’s main stage and allows young guests to learn from a Jedi Master before testing newly acquired skills in a battle with Darth Vader.
Also featured: the chance to purchase one-of-a-kind Star Wars memorabilia, Star Wars trivia contests, special Star Wars parades, rides on the famed Star Tours attraction, and autograph sessions and star conversations with famous Star Wars actors and creative geniuses.
Event activities are included in theme park admission. For more information, guests may go online to www.starwars.com or www.disneyworld.com/starwarsweekends.
Hall of Presidents to Reopen in July
A July reopening is planned for the Hall of Presidents, an iconic attraction in Magic Kingdom. An Audio-Animatronics version of President Barack Obama will join representations of the previous 43 presidents of the United States as part of an attraction that has been celebrating American history since Walt Disney World Resort opened in 1971. Disney Imagineers are also updating a broad array of show elements.
Whole New World of Lodging Greets Summer Guests
New home-like accommodations presented by Disney Vacation Club are debuting in time for summer guests. New options will combine to revive “treehouse living” at Walt Disney World Resort and immerse guests in the African experience.
Treehouse Villas at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Treehouse living, a cherished Disney World tradition from 1975-2002, returns with the opening (scheduled for summer) of 60 three-bedroom villas elevated 10 feet off the ground on pedestals and beams designed to blend into the forest glens where they are nestled, providing Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa with a new room category.
Kidani Village at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Fresh from the conversion of select rooms at Jambo House (at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge) into vacation villas, Kidani Village is taking shape (for phased openings scheduled in the spring and fall) with thatched roofs and hewn timber design. Kidani means “necklace,” and the building is shaped like a piece of native African jewelry with villas forming the beads, garden-like walkways creating the knots in between and the lobby representing the ornament or jewel at its center. With the spring opening comes Sanaa, a new family dining location, featuring savanna views and serving familiar foods from tandoor ovens and slow-cooked specialties with flavorful spices of Africa.
Disney Vacation Club accommodations can be booked by anyone for overnight stays through www.disneyworld.com or by calling 407/W-DISNEY (934-7639).
Walt Disney World Resort Debuts Online Check-In Service
Walt Disney World Resort has launched Online Check-In Service, designed to simplify and streamline guest arrivals. The new service is complimentary and available to guests staying at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Disney Vacation Club resorts.Within 10 days of their arrival dates, guests are able to provide check-in information, advise the resort of their arrival times and request room preferences (although those cannot be guaranteed). Guests can also register the names of all the people in their party and provide a credit card to cover charges at the resort hotel.
Upon arrival at their resorts, guests visit a special welcome location where their room keys and other registration material are waiting. Disney Cast Members are also available to provide additional information and answer questions.
Meeting professionals can also arrange private group check-in at a Disney resort convention center or other locations.
For more information about the new Online Check-In Service or to make a resort reservation, call 407-W-DISNEY or your local travel agent or click on disneyworld.com.
New and Aloft at Downtown Disney: Aerophile!
Imagine an eagle’s-eye view of the Downtown Disney area, with sweeping, 10-mile panoramas of Lake Buena Vista and environs. Downtown Disney greets summer guests with a new iconic attraction in the form of a giant tethered balloon – Aerophile -- that will take guests 300 feet into the air from the waterfront. The 72-foot-diameter balloon can lift up to 30 guests at a time on a six-minute ‘’flight,’’ by day or night. Aerophile made a spring debut at Downtown Disney’s West Side. It joins other newcomers at Downtown Disney for summer:
TrenD, a hip new Downtown Disney Marketplace boutique with urban-inspired fashions.
Disney Design-a-Tee, presented by Hanes, inviting Marketplace guests to personalize the popular souvenir to their own tastes.
T-Rex : A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover – a fun prehistoric environment millions of years in the making.
Downtown Disney restaurant from E-Brands, featuring Mexican and South American cuisine.
‘’Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration’’ Dance Party Debuts
He’s the Guru of Gross-Out, the Maker of Mischief. Now, everybody’s favorite galactic pal stars in ‘’Stitch’s SuperSonic Celebration,’’ a high-energy, retro-futuristic music video dance party in Magic Kingdom. The fun features Stitch, an interactive dance troupe and a DJ celebration host who invites all Tomorrowland guests to come party, dance and celebrate.
Read more…
Breathless II at Disney's Yacht Club is going out of service
02/26/09 08:31 PM Filed in:
WDW
Breathless II was only commissioned to
the Disney’s Yacht Club Resort in 2007 and it is already going out
of service for two months due to a refurbishment. The boat will be
pulled out of the water beginning March 1 for routine maintenance
and rehab.
Built in the early 1990’s, Breathless II is a Hacker Craft replica of a 1920’s runabout. Measuring 26 feet in length, the boat is hand crafted and made out of solid mahogany. Everything about the boat is completely authentic, except the CD player, which was added, and the engine. Disney installed an 8.1 Mercury Marine engine with 420 horsepower.
Breathless II is used for 30-minute day cruises on Crescent Lake, as well as evening specialty cruises to see Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. However, due to this refurbishment, all day and evening cruises on Breathless II have been canceled. For guests who booked an evening specialty cruise there is an option to still be able to see the fireworks on a cruise. Instead of taking the cruise on Breathless II, guests will be offered a pontoon boat instead. You will still get the same view as you would on Breathless II, the only thing missing will be the speed of the cruise before the show begins.
While Breathless II is out of service any damages will be repaired, the faded finish sanded down and redone and the seats will be mended. When she returns to service she will feel like a brand new boat.
If you booked a day or evening cruise on Breathless II during March or April, call 407-WDW-PLAY for an update, to switch your boat or to cancel your cruise. If you have booked a cruise, you should have already received a call regarding the refurbishment of the boat, but if you have not, call ahead just in case.
Built in the early 1990’s, Breathless II is a Hacker Craft replica of a 1920’s runabout. Measuring 26 feet in length, the boat is hand crafted and made out of solid mahogany. Everything about the boat is completely authentic, except the CD player, which was added, and the engine. Disney installed an 8.1 Mercury Marine engine with 420 horsepower.
Breathless II is used for 30-minute day cruises on Crescent Lake, as well as evening specialty cruises to see Epcot’s Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. However, due to this refurbishment, all day and evening cruises on Breathless II have been canceled. For guests who booked an evening specialty cruise there is an option to still be able to see the fireworks on a cruise. Instead of taking the cruise on Breathless II, guests will be offered a pontoon boat instead. You will still get the same view as you would on Breathless II, the only thing missing will be the speed of the cruise before the show begins.
While Breathless II is out of service any damages will be repaired, the faded finish sanded down and redone and the seats will be mended. When she returns to service she will feel like a brand new boat.
If you booked a day or evening cruise on Breathless II during March or April, call 407-WDW-PLAY for an update, to switch your boat or to cancel your cruise. If you have booked a cruise, you should have already received a call regarding the refurbishment of the boat, but if you have not, call ahead just in case.
Disney Itinerary
01/22/09 07:56 PM Filed in:
WDW
Disney Itinerary Jan 25, 2009
to Feb 1, 2009
Sunday 1/25 - Arrive
Relax and have dinner at Raglan Road
Monday 1/26
Mickey's Magical Milestone Tour
Park - Magic Kingdom
Lunch- Crystal Palace
Dinner- Plaza restaurant
Tuesday 1/27
Park - None
Breakfast - Chef Mickey
Lunch - Unknown
Dinner - The Wave
DVC Tour
Wednesday 1/28
Park - Animal Kingdom
Breakfast -
Lunch - Tusker House
Dinner - Yak and Yeti
Thursday -
Park - Downtown disney Shopping
Breakfast
Lunch - Capt Jack's
Dinner- Artist Point
Friday 1/30
Park - EPCOT
Breakfast -
Lunch - Coral reef
Dinner - Mexico
Saturday 1/31
Park - Holywood Studio
Breakfast
Lunch - 50's prime time
Dinner - Brown derby
Sunday 2/1
Depart
Breakfast
Lunch - whispering Canyon
Dinner - airport
Sunday 1/25 - Arrive
Relax and have dinner at Raglan Road
Monday 1/26
Mickey's Magical Milestone Tour
Park - Magic Kingdom
Lunch- Crystal Palace
Dinner- Plaza restaurant
Tuesday 1/27
Park - None
Breakfast - Chef Mickey
Lunch - Unknown
Dinner - The Wave
DVC Tour
Wednesday 1/28
Park - Animal Kingdom
Breakfast -
Lunch - Tusker House
Dinner - Yak and Yeti
Thursday -
Park - Downtown disney Shopping
Breakfast
Lunch - Capt Jack's
Dinner- Artist Point
Friday 1/30
Park - EPCOT
Breakfast -
Lunch - Coral reef
Dinner - Mexico
Saturday 1/31
Park - Holywood Studio
Breakfast
Lunch - 50's prime time
Dinner - Brown derby
Sunday 2/1
Depart
Breakfast
Lunch - whispering Canyon
Dinner - airport