Space Mountain will close April 19th for a much-needed and long anticipated refurbishment. Disney announced that they will close the ride to make some changes that include replacing the track, adding a new enclosure to the waiting area of the ride and replacing the ceiling inside the dome. Unlike most refurbishments in Disney, they didn't set a date for the completion but they did say it could re-open in late 2009. Space Mountain has been a must-ride attraction in the Magic Kingdom for many years and rumors of a long refurbishment have been going on for several years. I look forward to a refurbished Space Mountain. I love this ride but with it's outdated roller coaster track it does jerk you around a lot. My guess is the new track will allow for a much smoother ride. The only downside that I see is that the ride-which is now so popular that you either need to ride it as soon as the park opens or get a fast pass will be even more popular when the refurbishment is complete!
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Space Mountain closes for Refurb
Space Mountain will close April 19th for a much-needed and long anticipated refurbishment. Disney announced that they will close the ride to make some changes that include replacing the track, adding a new enclosure to the waiting area of the ride and replacing the ceiling inside the dome. Unlike most refurbishments in Disney, they didn't set a date for the completion but they did say it could re-open in late 2009. Space Mountain has been a must-ride attraction in the Magic Kingdom for many years and rumors of a long refurbishment have been going on for several years. I look forward to a refurbished Space Mountain. I love this ride but with it's outdated roller coaster track it does jerk you around a lot. My guess is the new track will allow for a much smoother ride. The only downside that I see is that the ride-which is now so popular that you either need to ride it as soon as the park opens or get a fast pass will be even more popular when the refurbishment is complete!
Thursday, February 26, 2009
American Idol opens at Hollywood Studios
American Idol is going to Disney World
If you've ever imagined yourself as the next superstar of American Idol, you'll now have your chance. Disney World opened it’s "American Idol" attraction earlier this month. The attraction is located at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) theme park and will follow the format of the high-energy Fox television show.
Just like the popular television show, auditions will be open to all who register. Those not auditioning will be invited to act as judges or become part of the audience. Starry-eyed park guests will perform their audition "live" in front of a Disney's Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. Then, after backstage preparation — working with a vocal coach and getting help with hair and makeup — it's lights, camera, action in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-the-day Grand Finale show and the winner of that show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition... no waiting in long lines. That's the only break you'll get... when it comes down to the real audition for the television show, everyone will be treated equal. That means a face off with the seemingly grumpy, tell-it-like-it-is Simon Cowell.
If you've ever imagined yourself as the next superstar of American Idol, you'll now have your chance. Disney World opened it’s "American Idol" attraction earlier this month. The attraction is located at Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly Disney-MGM Studios) theme park and will follow the format of the high-energy Fox television show.
Just like the popular television show, auditions will be open to all who register. Those not auditioning will be invited to act as judges or become part of the audience. Starry-eyed park guests will perform their audition "live" in front of a Disney's Hollywood Studios producer to be cast in a theme park show. Then, after backstage preparation — working with a vocal coach and getting help with hair and makeup — it's lights, camera, action in front of a live audience and a panel of judges. Performers with the highest votes will compete in an end-of-the-day Grand Finale show and the winner of that show will receive a guaranteed reservation for a future regional stadium audition... no waiting in long lines. That's the only break you'll get... when it comes down to the real audition for the television show, everyone will be treated equal. That means a face off with the seemingly grumpy, tell-it-like-it-is Simon Cowell.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Disney Hotel Properties
Why Stay on Disney property?
For many guests, the benefit of staying at a Walt Disney World owned-and-operated resort begins before arrival at Disney World. And for all guests, the benefits and perks combine to make vacation magic 24 hours a day – whether at a Disney Value Resort designed for budget-minded vacationers … or at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa offering lavish amenities.
Disney resort hotels are designed to provide a lot more than a pillow beneath guests’ heads. They are created to immerse guests in a continuation of the worry-free vacation magic and adventures of the Disney parks. Thus the hotels have themes celebrating the long ago or the far-away or even the world of imagination where toys can be bigger than people.Walt Disney World Resort offers a broad range of accommodations – 23 resorts that vary in price, allowing guests to pay for only the amenities that are important to them. Disney Value resort guests are treated to larger-than-life theming, swimming pools and playgrounds, arcade rooms and standard amenities – and with more than 8,000 rooms at four resorts, about one-third of Disney’s hotel accommodations fall into the Value category. Families who prefer the great outdoors can rent a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (with nearly 800 available) and either pitch a tent or bring along an RV. Moderate resorts, Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villa resorts are available for guests who prefer additional amenities during their stay.
Consistent among all 23 Disney owned-and-operated hotels is staff trained in the Disney way of friendly helpfulness. Also consistent: perks and benefits that add value to the vacation experience. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why Disney hotels are so popular with vacationers:
TOP FOUR BENEFITS
Disney’s Magical Express – When guests bound for Disney owned-and-operated hotels are traveling via commercial airline to Orlando International Airport (OIA), they can arrange for special luggage tags that allow them to check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at OIA and board state-of-the-art motor coaches for complimentary transportation to the Vacation Kingdom, where their bags “magically” appear in their guestroom. When it’s time to say good-bye, guests board motor coaches for complimentary transportation back to OIA. An extra convenience: Guests traveling on participating airlines can check their baggage for the return flight at their Disney resort, saving time and luggage-toting at the airport.
Walt Disney World Transportation System – A Walt Disney World resort ID is the ticket for buses, monorails and boat launches that combine to connect virtually all areas of the Vacation Kingdom. With the convenience of “door-to-door” service throughout the resort, many guests enjoy their Walt Disney World vacation without a car.
Extra Magic Hours – Each day, Disney hotel guests are offered exclusive time in a Walt Disney World theme park one hour prior to scheduled park opening or for up to three hours after park closing. The park varies from day to day. In addition, Disney water parks sometimes open one hour early for guests of Disney hotels. To take advantage of the additional time in the parks, guests must have their hotel ID plus a Magic Your Way ticket valid for the park(s) offering Extra Magic Hours.
Disney Dining Plan – Guests who combine their hotel accommodations and attractions tickets into a Magic Your Way Package are eligible to add dining for the convenience of a more-inclusive “cruise-style” vacation package. In 2009, there are three plan choices to satisfy different budgets and appetites. All include at least two meals and a snack for each night of a Disney resort stay. In my oppinion, this is the best way to get the most for your money and everything is pre-paid. So once you arrive on vacation, all you will need is spending money.
Location, location, location– With their on-property location convenient to the theme parks, the Disney hotels are a haven for guests who seek a midday swimming break -- or a siesta. For some guests, the convenience is even more specific…
Many families with young children select accommodations in one of the “monorail resorts” – Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Reason: location near Magic Kingdom and convenient monorail transportation between the resorts and Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
Many adult couples visiting without children enjoy the proximity to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk – as well as the nightlife of Disney’s BoardWalk. Walkways and water taxis connect the three resorts with the theme parks.
Theming– It's not just a room. In the same way that Disney's theme parks offer an escape to a timeless land of enchantment, a walk down small-town Main Street or a peek at the future, Disney hotels offer a mix of adventures. Disney Imagineers have created detailed, themed environments that include the romance and beauty of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to Victorian opulence at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Youth policy – Guests 17 and under stay at no additional charge in parents’ rooms (up to the designated capacity of the room) at Disney resort hotels.
Youth services and facilities – All Disney resort hotels offer in-room child care for ages 6 months to 12 years in partnership with independent childcare provider Kids Nite Out; all Disney hotels feature kiddie pools (in addition to full-size pools), many have playgrounds, and some have Child Activity Centers for ages 4 to 12.
Lobby Concierge – One call can do it all. Each Disney resort hotel offers a lobby concierge to arrange park tickets, dining reservations and tee times, and to provide helpful hints on setting up other activities.
Key to the World card – It’s a hotel room key and much more. Magic Your Way theme park tickets and Disney Dining Plan entitlements can be built into the card. For easy tracking and convenience, the card also can be used to charge meals, goods and services directly to the room, giving the guest a consolidated statement of vacation purchases.
Merchandise delivery – Purchases at select shops throughout Walt Disney World Resort can be delivered to the guest’s Disney hotel at no charge, allowing the guest to play without lugging packages around the parks.
Exemption from parking fees at the theme parks – By presenting a resort ID, guests enter parking lots for free no matter how many parks they visit during their stay.
“Bottomless” drinking mug – Quenching a vacation-long thirst is easy at Disney’s resorts. Guests can purchase a mug themed to their resort that will become a keepsake when the holiday ends. During their length of stay, they can continually refill the mug at designated locations at their resort.
For many guests, the benefit of staying at a Walt Disney World owned-and-operated resort begins before arrival at Disney World. And for all guests, the benefits and perks combine to make vacation magic 24 hours a day – whether at a Disney Value Resort designed for budget-minded vacationers … or at a Disney Deluxe Resort or Deluxe Villa offering lavish amenities.
Disney resort hotels are designed to provide a lot more than a pillow beneath guests’ heads. They are created to immerse guests in a continuation of the worry-free vacation magic and adventures of the Disney parks. Thus the hotels have themes celebrating the long ago or the far-away or even the world of imagination where toys can be bigger than people.Walt Disney World Resort offers a broad range of accommodations – 23 resorts that vary in price, allowing guests to pay for only the amenities that are important to them. Disney Value resort guests are treated to larger-than-life theming, swimming pools and playgrounds, arcade rooms and standard amenities – and with more than 8,000 rooms at four resorts, about one-third of Disney’s hotel accommodations fall into the Value category. Families who prefer the great outdoors can rent a campsite at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground (with nearly 800 available) and either pitch a tent or bring along an RV. Moderate resorts, Deluxe resorts and Deluxe Villa resorts are available for guests who prefer additional amenities during their stay.
Consistent among all 23 Disney owned-and-operated hotels is staff trained in the Disney way of friendly helpfulness. Also consistent: perks and benefits that add value to the vacation experience. Here’s a look at some of the reasons why Disney hotels are so popular with vacationers:
TOP FOUR BENEFITS
Disney’s Magical Express – When guests bound for Disney owned-and-operated hotels are traveling via commercial airline to Orlando International Airport (OIA), they can arrange for special luggage tags that allow them to check their bags at their hometown airport, bypass baggage claim at OIA and board state-of-the-art motor coaches for complimentary transportation to the Vacation Kingdom, where their bags “magically” appear in their guestroom. When it’s time to say good-bye, guests board motor coaches for complimentary transportation back to OIA. An extra convenience: Guests traveling on participating airlines can check their baggage for the return flight at their Disney resort, saving time and luggage-toting at the airport.
Walt Disney World Transportation System – A Walt Disney World resort ID is the ticket for buses, monorails and boat launches that combine to connect virtually all areas of the Vacation Kingdom. With the convenience of “door-to-door” service throughout the resort, many guests enjoy their Walt Disney World vacation without a car.
Extra Magic Hours – Each day, Disney hotel guests are offered exclusive time in a Walt Disney World theme park one hour prior to scheduled park opening or for up to three hours after park closing. The park varies from day to day. In addition, Disney water parks sometimes open one hour early for guests of Disney hotels. To take advantage of the additional time in the parks, guests must have their hotel ID plus a Magic Your Way ticket valid for the park(s) offering Extra Magic Hours.
Disney Dining Plan – Guests who combine their hotel accommodations and attractions tickets into a Magic Your Way Package are eligible to add dining for the convenience of a more-inclusive “cruise-style” vacation package. In 2009, there are three plan choices to satisfy different budgets and appetites. All include at least two meals and a snack for each night of a Disney resort stay. In my oppinion, this is the best way to get the most for your money and everything is pre-paid. So once you arrive on vacation, all you will need is spending money.
Location, location, location– With their on-property location convenient to the theme parks, the Disney hotels are a haven for guests who seek a midday swimming break -- or a siesta. For some guests, the convenience is even more specific…
Many families with young children select accommodations in one of the “monorail resorts” – Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Polynesian Resort or Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. Reason: location near Magic Kingdom and convenient monorail transportation between the resorts and Magic Kingdom or Epcot.
Many adult couples visiting without children enjoy the proximity to Epcot and Disney’s Hollywood Studios of Disney’s Yacht Club Resort, Disney’s Beach Club Resort and Disney’s BoardWalk – as well as the nightlife of Disney’s BoardWalk. Walkways and water taxis connect the three resorts with the theme parks.
Theming– It's not just a room. In the same way that Disney's theme parks offer an escape to a timeless land of enchantment, a walk down small-town Main Street or a peek at the future, Disney hotels offer a mix of adventures. Disney Imagineers have created detailed, themed environments that include the romance and beauty of Africa at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge to Victorian opulence at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa.
Youth policy – Guests 17 and under stay at no additional charge in parents’ rooms (up to the designated capacity of the room) at Disney resort hotels.
Youth services and facilities – All Disney resort hotels offer in-room child care for ages 6 months to 12 years in partnership with independent childcare provider Kids Nite Out; all Disney hotels feature kiddie pools (in addition to full-size pools), many have playgrounds, and some have Child Activity Centers for ages 4 to 12.
Lobby Concierge – One call can do it all. Each Disney resort hotel offers a lobby concierge to arrange park tickets, dining reservations and tee times, and to provide helpful hints on setting up other activities.
Key to the World card – It’s a hotel room key and much more. Magic Your Way theme park tickets and Disney Dining Plan entitlements can be built into the card. For easy tracking and convenience, the card also can be used to charge meals, goods and services directly to the room, giving the guest a consolidated statement of vacation purchases.
Merchandise delivery – Purchases at select shops throughout Walt Disney World Resort can be delivered to the guest’s Disney hotel at no charge, allowing the guest to play without lugging packages around the parks.
Exemption from parking fees at the theme parks – By presenting a resort ID, guests enter parking lots for free no matter how many parks they visit during their stay.
“Bottomless” drinking mug – Quenching a vacation-long thirst is easy at Disney’s resorts. Guests can purchase a mug themed to their resort that will become a keepsake when the holiday ends. During their length of stay, they can continually refill the mug at designated locations at their resort.
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