WDW News & Notes

Saturday, July 14, 2007

Mickey Avenue construction wall timeframe

According to an internal Disney publication, the construction wall scheduled to close Mickey Avenue to through traffic during the construction work in that area will remain in place through April 2008. Additionally, a construction wall will obstruct Star Tours through September. The construction wall isn't reported to result in a closing of Star Tours. See below for earlier construction photos taken in the Mickey Avenue area.

Friday, May 11, 2007

Disney releases new "Pirates" Disney Dollars series

Three new Disney Dollars themed to Pirates of the Caribbean are arriving at Walt Disney World Resort this spring to celebrate the third chapter in the "Pirates" film series. Each bill, available in $1 denominations, features a stylized skull and crossbones on the front. Distinguishing the three bills is each film's flagship vessel (The Black Pearl, The Flying Dutchman, and a new ship that will be unveiled in the third film) on the back.

The first two bills (themed to "Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl" and "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest") are currently available for purchase and use at merchandise locations on Disney property. The third bill will be released May 15, 2007, just prior to the nationwide release of "Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End."

Wednesday, May 2, 2007

WDW resort rooms to go "Smoke Free" as of June 1

On May 1, Disney announced that as of June 1, all Disney-owned resort hotel rooms will be non-smoking. According to an Orlando Sentinel report, Guest demand for smoking rooms has been steadily declining, such that at present less than 3.5 percent of Disney's 24,000 rooms are currently designated smoking allowed.

The restriction is set to include all Guest rooms, indoor public areas, balconies, and "other locations" at all Company-owned and operated hotels, and all Disney Vacation Club resorts at WDW, totaling 20 properties affected by the rule. Smoking is to be allowed in certain outdoor designated smoking areas.

Last year, the Disney Company placed a ban on smoking at its three resort hotels at Disneyland. 

Tuesday, April 17, 2007

Earth Day will be celebrated with animals and conservation programs at three Central Florida theme parks this weekend, starting with Disney's Animal Kingdom on Friday.

As part of a national string of events called "Party for the Planet" organized by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, Animal Kingdom will set up conservation-themed stations, such as an African market, with activities, costumed characters and gifts for children and other visitors. At each location participants will receive a postcard with the stations identified and several conservation steps they can take at home.

Animal Kingdom's Party for the Planet will run from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Friday. Some activities will be repeated Sunday, which is Earth Day.

SeaWorld Orlando is planning a variety of conservation education activities and animal encounters, notably around its Manatee Rescue and alligator areas on Sunday. SeaWorld also is pledging that proceeds from its popular wildlife encounter tours on Sunday will be donated to the SeaWorld-Busch Gardens Conservation Fund.

Busch Gardens Tampa Bay also is hosting an Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Party for the Planet on Saturday and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At Busch Gardens , activities will include special animal appearances, conservation education, craft making and environmentally friendly giveaways.

All the events will require ticketed admission to the parks.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

On Sunday, March 25, Aronda was informed (unofficially) of Disney's plans to open a new restaurant in Adventureland. The new restaurant is to be pirate themed, and to feature a "Pirates of the Caribbean"/Captain Jack Sparrow character meal, and is currently being referred to as "Tortuga," though this name hasn't been finalized yet. The food is likely to be served "family style." 

The design is still in the planning phase at this time, though the venue is tentatively scheduled to open in the fall of 2008. The menu hasn't been finalized, but the source speculates that it will consist of Caribbean-inspired offerings, with items such as jerk chicken and the like. 

The location in Adventureland is a large area currently used only for special events. It has a "quick service" kitchen in place, which would be expanded to handle the menu items (and business volume) that such an establishment would require. The area is located behind Aloha Isle, and was the staging area for the Captain Jack meet and greets during the recent Pirate and Princess Parties.

The area where the rumored new restaurant will go. 
This is the area to the right of Aloha Isle, currently being used as special event space. 
The tables outside of it are seating for Aloha Isle.

The semi-enclosed area to the left of Aloha Isle. The curtains allow limited views through 
the windows, and the space inside is quite large. This was recently used as the meet 
and greet for Captain Jack Sparrow during the Pirate and Princess Parties at the Magic Kingdom.

Wednesday, March 21, 2007

Lewis, Wilbur Robinson and Bowler Hat Guy, characters from the new Walt Disney Pictures digitally animated film "Meet the Robinsons," are set to appear the Animation Courtyard at the Disney-MGM Studios in Lake Buena Vista, Fla., March 20, 2007. The trio will be on-hand at the Disney-MGM Studios to meet and greet Walt Disney World Resort guests starting March 23, 2007, one week prior to the film's nationwide release. "Meet the Robinsons" follows the adventures of Lewis, a boy-genius who is whisked to the future by a mysterious stranger named Wilbur Robinson after the dastardly villain Bowler Hat Guy steals Lewis' memory-scanning invention. It's then up to Lewis and Wilbur to retrieve the invention before Bowler Hat Guy can alter the course of the future world. "Meet the Robinsons" opens in select theaters nationwide March 30, 2007.

From "Meet The Robinsons" are (Left to right) Lewis, 
Wilbur Robinson and Bowler Hat Guy

Thursday, March 1, 2007

Disney Announces Two Major Resort Expansions

Walt Disney World announced plans on Thursday for two big new developments on property.

Disney and the Four Seasons will build a luxury hotel in the northeast corner of the Resort. The hotel will serve as the anchor for a 900-acre luxury resort community that will include an 18-hole championship golf course and, for the first time, vacation homes.

"People like to have second homes, third homes to escape from their destination where they live and come to a place such as Walt Disney World that provides so much entertainment for them. So, that should be the appeal here in this location," said Walt Disney World's Matt Kelly. However, Disney hasn't disclosed how much the homes will cost.

The second development will be roughly the size of Disney's Animal Kingdom and be located just outside the western entrance. About 4,500 time shares and hotel units will surround a pedestrian-friendly retail village that includes restaurants, shops and small-scale entertainment venues. Construction is slated for later this year.

"We chose this area because it's a great opportunity to further enhance the western entrance of our resort," Crofton said. "We're currently putting the finishing touches on the design and then we will give this development a strong brand name."

In 1971, Disney World started with two hotels -- the Contemporary and the Polynesian. Now, the Resort has 22 hotels and counting.

Construction on both projects is set to start some time this year, with the Four Seasons hotel and vacation homes due to be completed in 2010. The retail village will be built in phases with completion expected in 10 years.

Thursday, February 22, 2007

Disney Announces Expansion of Successful Cruise Business
Two new ships will more than double passenger capacity

BURBANK, Calif., (February 22, 2007) -- The Walt Disney Company (NYSE: DIS) plans to expand its successful cruise business by adding two new ocean liners, President and CEO Bob Iger announced today. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand for Disney's family cruise vacations.

The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the 122,000-ton new cruise liners, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.

"Since our maiden voyage in 1998, Disney Cruise Line has been a huge success for our guests and for our shareholders alike," Iger said. "It has brought our unparalleled family vacation experience to the high seas, and has also generated high margins and double digit returns on invested capital. We're excited to announce the expansion of our fleet, which is a logical next step in what is a real growth business for us."

Disney Cruise Line established the family market within the cruise industry when the business launched in 1998. The first two ships were purpose built for families to reconnect and recharge while creating vacation memories that will last a lifetime. From a theater featuring live musical spectaculars to a luxurious spa for adults and nearly an entire deck dedicated to children's activities, the ships offer something for every member of the family. Disney Cruise Line continues to grow by attracting passengers who say they would not have cruised if it hadn't been for the Disney brand.

"Focusing on families has been smart business for us," said Jay Rasulo, Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "More than 95 percent of Disney Cruise Line guests rate their cruise experience as excellent or very good. Families know they can trust us to provide a quality, immersive Disney experience. As a result, Disney Cruise Line continually sets sail with the highest load factors in the industry of nearly 150 percent."

Similar to the original Disney Cruise Line ships, the new ships will be a modern interpretation of classic ocean liners of the 1930s. Disney Imagineers drew their inspiration from the original trans-Atlantic ships that featured a dramatic black hull with two funnels and porthole windows. The profile of the ships, with its gentle curves at the stern combined with sleek angles at the bow, are reminiscent of the art deco designs of the era. To add whimsy to the classic design, the Disney ships have the same exterior color palette as Mickey Mouse with black, white, red and yellow. The new ships will feature elegant, detailed Disney scrollwork at the bow and will evoke images of the glamour of the golden age of cruising.

Tom McAlpin, the President of Disney Cruise Line, said, "This is an exciting time for Disney Cruise Line, and we are looking forward to working with Meyer Werft to blend our innovation and creativity with their fine craftsmanship. Meyer Werft has a long tradition of building magnificent ships. We are confident that the result will be ships that take the immersive Disney family-focused cruise experience to an entirely new level."

New itineraries

Disney Cruise Line, which traditionally offers 3-, 4- and 7-night Caribbean cruises, has also enjoyed strong demand for new itineraries. Trips to the Mediterranean and to the West Coast have recently set booking records within the company and booked 30-50 percent faster than the existing itineraries at higher prices.

"With a larger fleet, we'll have greater flexibility to offer a variety of itineraries," Rasulo said. "This is a business that our guests love, and we're pleased to give them more options to explore the world with Disney with two new ships."

To learn more about Disney Cruise Line or to book a vacation, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com or call Disney Cruise Line at (888) DCL-2500. Travel agents can call Disney Cruise Line at (888) 325-2500 or visit disneytravelagents.com.

Certain statements in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are made on the basis of our views and assumptions regarding future events and business performance as of the time the statements are made and we do not undertake any obligation to update these statements. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Such differences may result from actions taken by the Company as well as from developments beyond the Company's control; including adverse weather conditions or natural disasters; health concerns; international, political or military developments; and changes in domestic and global economic conditions, competitive conditions and consumer preferences. Additional factors are set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2006 Item 1A, "Risk Factors."

The Walt Disney Company announced plans to expand its successful cruise business with the 
addition of two new ocean liners. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the new 122,000-ton ships 
will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the sustained demand 
for Disney’s family cruise vacations

Tuesday, February 20, 2007

Construction progress on Toy Story Mania at Disney-MGM Studios: 

On Sunday, February 18, 2007, Aronda stopped by the former location of Who Wants to be a Millionaire: Play It! to check out the progress on Toy Story Mania. The removal of much of the facade of the building has begun to be rebuilt with a larger framework--this looks as though it will be an impressive addition to D-MGM!

Here are a few photos of the soundstage as seen on the 18th:

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Construction progress on Mickey Avenue in Disney-MGM Studios: 

On Sunday, January 14, 2007, Aronda noticed that a section of wall had been knocked out on an upper level at the large soundstage along Mickey Avenue in the Disney-MGM Studios, former home of Who Wants to be a Millionarie: Play It!

For more than a month, construction walls have been in place in front of this area, which is rumored to be the future home of the so-called Midway Madness attraction. The demolition looks to be in the area of the soundstage where the Guest walkway was located when the Backstage Pass tour used to operate in this building.

Here are a few photos of the soundstage as seen on the 14th:

Saturday, October 28, 2006

Monorail Overlay for Year of a Million Dreams celebration: 

On Thursday, October 26, while Aronda was visiting Epcot, she noticed that one of two monorails she observed servicing the parks was decorated for the Year of a Million Dreams celebration. It was too dark to get a good photo, but on Friday, October 27, she was able to get a few daylight shots of a decorated monorail. See the images directly below.

It appears that the right side of each front car is decorated, such that on the right side, you'll see the front car decorated, while on the left side, you'll see the rear car decorated. The design is a colorful spray of streamers. As of October 27, not all trains were decorated, but it appears that the overlay is being added to the various trains. It's a nice look, sure to add a touch of festiveness to this celebration.

Monorail in motion headed out of the Ticket and Transportation Center. 
This view is from the parking lot walkway to the TTC.

The monorail in the station at the TTC. This photo taken from inside 
another monorail--which has not yet been decorated.

Thursday, October 12, 2006

Disney Vacation Club Expansion at Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort: Walt Disney World plans to add 456 new Disney Vacation Club units at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, to be built in phases through the spring of 2009.

Reports indicate that the units will include 134 remodeled hotel rooms to be added to the existing hotel property, on the fifth and sixth floors, and 324 villas in a new building at the hotel. The remodeled rooms are expected to be completed by fall 2007.

Wednesday, October 4, 2006

Food & Wine Festival:  The Food & Wine Festival begins September 29 and runs through November 12. See Aronda's detailed coverage here.

WDW entrance sign appears to be being updated as of Sunday evening, Sept. 17. Aronda observed a truck and workers on the roadside at the entranceway sign as she was leaving WDW at about 7:30 P.M. The truck had a trailer attached, which was holding what appeared to be sign segments which would fit in the over-the-road section of the sign which will boast the new "Year of a Million Dreams" slogan. Photos to be posted as soon as they become available.
UPDATE: The sign has been revised with the new slogan and scheme for the brand new celebration. See photos below, taken Sept. 30, 2006.

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