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Mickey
Monitor – May 2005
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You'll Believe You
Can Fly! |
 Prepare to lift off the ground, sail up into the sky and soar on a
free-flying adventure over such majestic sights as the Golden Gate Bridge,
Yosemite National Park, the Redwood forests and Napa Valley. Wind blows
through your hair and you smell the blossoms as you fl y past. The realism
is uncanny. Now open in The Land pavilion at Epcot,® Soarin’™ has amazed
Guests since its Disney’s California Adventure™ opening.
“It’s fun to watch
Guests ride it for the first time,” says Kathy Mangum, Vice President of
Creative for Walt Disney Imagineering. “It seems so real. They fl inch when
they fl y over the forest because it seems like their toes are touching the
treetops. They tuck their feet up as they skim along the water.
And when a golf ball is hit, they duck as if it’s about to fl y into their
faces.” Soarin’ was developed by Imagineers searching for a way to create
the effect of hang gliding over natural wonders. Lead Ride Engineer Mark
Sumner solved it by building, with his boyhood erector set, what would
become a blend of motion base technology and giant screen imagery, plus
scent and wind effects. “The experience is almost overwhelming,” Kathy adds.
“It moves so fast, yet feels so smooth. It’s completely thrilling, and at
the same time, something
everyone can enjoy.”
UNLEASH VIRTUAL MAGIC WITH NEW ONLINE GAME
Battle pirates. Chat with friends. Earn rewards. When the new
“Virtual Magic Kingdom” online game goes live this summer, players
are gonna be pumped about a whole new kind of Disney magic!
DISNEY-MGM STUDIOS GETS SOME NEW CHARACTER
 This
summer, an all-star lineup of Power Rangers will have a vehicle in the
Disney Stars and Motor Cars Parade! (Look for meet & greets by May.) Then
straight from the big top, JoJo, Goliath and Skeebo from JoJo’s Circus join
Playhouse Disney–Live on Stage!
SOAK UP THE BIGGEST WATER PARK PHENOMENON
It’s not only the most intense water coaster in Central Florida ... it’s
the only water coaster in Central Florida! It’s Crush ’n’ Gusher—new at
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park. Come on out for some steep drops,
hairpin turns, and all the gravity defying uphill climbs you can handle.
ORLANDO HARLEY-DAVIDSON® PARKS IT AT PLEASURE ISLAND
The new ORLANDO HARLEYDAVIDSON ® Merchandise Shop at
Downtown Disney Pleasure Island features genuine T-shirts, gifts,
collectibles and custom Harleys on display. Cruise on in and check it out
today.
THE LARGEST DISNEY VACATION CLUB RESORT
Construction of the two new buildings at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort &
Spa is progressing ahead of schedule. The new buildings will each hold 70
rooms. Plans for phase two include eight buildings, plus a pool and
whirlpool. Once the second phase is completed, Guests will be able to walk
around Saratoga Lake. To learn more, call 1-800-972-3456 for your free
Disney Vacation Club DVD, or visit an Information Center located throughout
Walt Disney World® Resort.
Created just for you––a special Passholder screensaver!
Since an exciting new celebration is here, so is an enchanting
new screensaver to go with it! Sporting a Happiest Celebration
On Earth theme, this Passholder exclusive features a bejeweled Cinderella
Castle and a moving montage of all the attraction excitement coming in from
around the globe.
It’s sure to transform your computer in a most magical way.
To get this special Passholder screensaver, all you have to do is log on to
disneyworld.com/passholder and download it today. It’s just a little
something to say, “Thank you” for being a Walt Disney World® Passholder.
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Meet a
Prehistoric Pal Who’s State-of-the-Art |
 Next time you’re walking around Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Theme Park, don’t
be surprised if you see a big, friendly dinosaur walking
around, too! He’s Lucky the Dinosaur, the first Audio-Animatronics
character to break free of the performing stages and attraction structures
that anchored his predecessors. Lucky moves about on his own, making new
friends with every step. He’ll be appearing for three months starting in
May, to kick off the Happiest Celebration
On Earth. “Lucky came to us when we were searching for new ways to bring
characters to life,” says Akhil Madhani, Project Manager of Research and
Development for Walt Disney Imagineering.
“He was the perfect choice because
he has a lot of personality and can express himself through his motions and
his behavior.” Lucky created a sensation when he made his debut at
Disneyland® Resort in 2003. Says Akhil, “I can’t tell you how many times
people took one look at Lucky, just sort of stopped and their jaws dropped.
They would form an emotional attachment with him.” Park Guests would come
back literally every day, asking, “Is Lucky coming out today?”
He made headlines when TIME Magazine hailed him as one of the “coolest
inventions of 2003.” Lucky’s a busy dinosaur. He’ll only be
at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park through July, so make plans now to
seek him out when he appears at various times throughout the day in DinoLand
U.S.A.® And be prepared to be charmed. Innovation has never been so
endearing.
 If you’re one of the many “it’s a small world”
fans who have missed enjoying the beloved
Magic Kingdom® attraction since it closed several
months ago, prepare to be delighted.
A wondrous new arrival area with a whimsical
clock ... vibrant new colors everywhere you look
... sparkling new sound giving all the music new
life ... yes, this is still the “it’s a small world” you’ve
always enjoyed, but it is clearly transformed by
so many magical enhancements, it will be like
experiencing it for the first time.
Giving the classic attraction its makeover was a
labor of love for Patrick Brennan, Director, Show
Design for Walt Disney Imagineering. “It’s great to
be part of making it better because it’s a Disney
classic,” he told us. “It has the touch of Walt Disney
and the early Imagineers, with their optimistic
view of life.”
The entire boarding area resembles the
Disneyland® facade, complete with a clock tower
that chimes its own little performance several
times an hour. On the ride itself, you’ll see that
virtually every set piece and Audio-Animatronics®
figure has been refinished to a new luster.
The famous song, well-known to generations
of Disney Park Guests, will take on a totally new
dimension. “We took the original stereophonic
music tracks and now play them through a state-of-the-art sound system,” Patrick explains. “With
today’s technology, it sounds better than ever.
You’ll hear every detail.”
Patrick believes “it’s a small world” is more relevant
today than ever. “It doesn’t shy away from
the fact that this is a world of tears as well as
laughter,” he says. “But it says we’re all in this together,
and we’ll come out of it together, singing
a happy song.”
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New interactive experience is the talk
of Epcot®! |
Turtle Talk With Crush at The Living Seas
 The animation is amazing. Before you is a large screen made to look
like a giant aquarium. Up swims Crush from the Walt Disney Pictures
presentation of a Pixar Animation Studios film, Finding Nemo.
Crush talks to kids, telling a few jokes. The animation is every bit as
spectacular and exciting as the movie. Dory swims up to lend a hand.
Crush fields questions from the kids, answering them in real time, while the
parents are left to wonder how in the world it’s happening.
“The little girl in the pink and white-striped shell,” Crush says, “What is
your question?” The answers are certain to delight kids of all ages. Don’t
miss a chance to be amazed.
Our favorite fresh tastes from the new Sunshine Season Food Fair
Recently, we dropped by The Land pavilion in Epcot® to sample this
newly re-imagined dining venue.
• Try the Rotisserie Chicken on Wood-grilled Flatbread at the Grill Shop.
The aroma—wonderful! The taste—fantastic!
• At the Sandwich Shop, get the Italian Grinder on Ciabatta with
Sun-Dried Tomato Mayo—a delicious combination.
• We loved the Chile Garlic Chicken with Buckwheat Noodles.
The Asian Shop boasts a Mongolian barbecue and wok station.
• Taste the Seared Tuna on Mixed Greens with Ginger Vinaigrette.
Everything at the Salad Shop is prepared on stage to ensure
freshness.
We’ve been building
at the LEGO Imagination Center
“Come see what we made!” |
 Every kid knows that the best thing about LEGO® bricks is taking
them apart and creating something different. Likewise, remodeling the
popular LEGO Imagination Center® at the Downtown Disney® area has
turned into a chance for the creative minds there to show off a lot of cool
new stuff.
The first thing you’ll notice are the new signature “WOW” models outside,
like a 12-foot T-Rex who lets out an occasional ferocious roar as
his head chillingly scans the horizon. He’s joined by a much-larger-than-life
Titan XP Robot who endlessly chatters electronically. Even Brickley,
the Sea Serpent, has gotten a makeover.
As you enter, you’ll discover that even the building has become interactive.
Special portholes showcase imaginative LEGO® scenes that come
to life with the push of a button.
Inside, the most vivid new improvement is a gigantic new Pick-A-Brick
wall—the world’s largest—featuring bricks of every conceivable
color and variety. It’s the perfect place for kids
who want to follow the muse of their own
limitless imaginations.
| Gawrsh! Goofy’s Candy
Co. Reopens for Sweetness |
It may be bigger and better than before, but it’s
still totally Goofy! When Goofy’s Candy Co. reopens at
Downtown Disney® Marketplace this month, Guests will
enjoy the ultimate candy experience that engages all the senses.
The wacky one himself has created the ultimate candy customization
shop centered around his giant “vat of goo.” From this vat flows fun
dipping stations, bulk-candy dispensers and the infamous frozen drink
station.
Guests may also wander around the “lab” creating custom candies,
drinks and other surprises while Goofy experiments with some tasty
new projects “behind closed doors.” This may just be the sweetest reopening
in Disney history!
| New Irish Pub
Coming to Pleasure Island - No Blarney! |
What luck! Irish food, fl air, hospitality, and fun will be coming to
Downtown Disney Pleasure Island this summer. And it comes in the
form of an authentic Irish Pub and Restaurant, serving both lunch and
dinner. At Raglan Road™ you’ll see plenty of Emerald Isle charm in the
one-of-a-kind décor, storytelling, music, dance and friendly pub staff.
In addition, one of Ireland’s best-known chefs, Kevin Dundon, will
be whipping up the Irish fare with some modern fl air. You’ll find the
pub in the space previously occupied by the Pleasure Island Jazz
Company. Pleasure Island club admission will not be required
for admittance to the pub.
| Get to Know Your Old
Pal Mickey Mouse as Never Before |
The Deal: Save 15% on the new Mickey’s Magical Milestones
tour!
It’s a new, 2-hour Magic Kingdom® guided tour that takes you
through Mickey’s remarkable career, from his groundbreaking debut
as “Steamboat Willie” to his role as conductor in the innovative Mickey’s
PhilharMagic 3-D
attraction. As a Passholder, you’ll save 15% off the regular price of $25
per Guest including tax.
The Ins & Outs: Call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687) to reserve your spot. You can
enjoy it on
Mondays, Wednesdays or Fridays at 9:00 a.m. in Magic Kingdom Park. Program
itinerary,
content and prices are subject to change without notice. This tour is
recommended for Guestsages 10 and older. Valid Passholder I.D. is required.
| Reminder: Save on
Specially Ticketed Magic Kingdom Events |
 The Deal: The music of Disney’s Night of Joy. The magic
of Magic Kingdom Park. You’ll enjoy them both even
more when you use your 25% Passholder discount
on admission to specially ticketed events. To purchase tickets,
call 407-560-PASS (7277). For more information, visit
disneyworld.com/passholder.
The discount is available on select nights and is based on
availability, so be sure to purchase your tickets today. Please
note that no additional discounts apply, so the 25% discount is based on the
“day of” admission price.
Also look for Mickey’s Not-So-Scary-Halloween Party and Mickey’s Very Merry
Christmas Party tickets
to be on sale soon.
The Ins & Outs: Tickets must be picked up at Will Call at the Magic Kingdom
Park. Proof of valid
Passholder I.D. required at time of pickup.
| Celebratory New
Disney Dollars |
More exciting Happiest Celebration On Earth news! In
honor of the festivities, look for the release of two commemorative
sets of Disney Dollars! The first set, available
on May 5, showcases three newly designed denominations
($1, $5 and $10) featuring classic characters and the
50th anniversary logo on the front.
The back of each bill features Sleeping Beauty Castle
with the years 1955 and 2005 on either side.
Also in
this first wave is a $50 bill featuring Mickey in anniversary
attire. Then on July 17, look for a one-time, limited edition
collectible $50 bill. Both must-haves for every
Disney fan! A second set will be headin’ your way in
early February 2006. So keep your eyes peeled. Log on to
disneyworld.com/passholder for more information.
| Perks in Your Pass
Sleeve |
 To get the most out of being a Walt Disney World® Passholder,
remember to pick up your Pass sleeve from any Theme Park ticket
window. For a list of all of your benefi ts, look in your sleeve or click
on “Pass Benefits” at disneyworld.com/passholder.
DIG IN TO YOUR DISNEY DINING EXPERIENCE DISCOUNT
Work up an appetite after all that celebration fun? The $25
Passholder discount off the regular price on the Disney Dining
Experience Membership is sure to satisfy! The membership
gives you a 20% discount on all food and beverage items
at more than 70 select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and
Theme Park locations for you and up to nine Guests! Resort
valet and Theme Park parking is also included for dining
purposes. And, as a member, you’ll also enjoy the following:
An insiders-only newsletter filled with benefit
information, restaurant news, exclusive dining
affairs and more.
Special invitations to events ranging from wine-tastings to elaborate meals prepared by Disney
chefs or renowned Guest chefs.
Admission for you and a Guest to Atlantic Dance
Hall at Disney’s BoardWalk Resort.
To order, call 407-566-5858 or click “Pass Benefits” at disneyworld.com/passholder.
SAVE ON A WORLD OF EXCITING NEW MERCHANDISE
Big news––brand-new Happiest Celebration On Earth merchandise
is coming to town! So be sure to use your 10% off* Passholder
discount to stock up at the Downtown Disney® area World of Disney ®
store. Some signature items you’ll find for the celebration include:
Gold Mickey ear hats, a series of 12 limited-edition Mickey
beanies, each with signature pin, a collector coin set, the California Monorail game
and more!
It’s savings in the city with two great Downtown Disney discounts:
On a Cirque du Soleil Experience
 The Deal: The performances? Awe-inspiring. The music? Amazing.
The savings? Yours. As a Passholder, you can enjoy the Walt
Disney World® Resort-exclusive Cirque du Soleil® show, La
NoubaTM at 25% off* the regular price of Category 2 admission. This
offer is good for performances from May 1 through September 30,
2005 (there are no shows on Sundays and Mondays, nor 6/5–20,
8/14–17 and 8/28–30, 2005). And you can bring up to three Guests
along to enjoy the savings as well! Tickets may be purchased up to
30 days in advance, so call 407-939-7604 today.
The Ins & Outs: *Discount is not valid on previously purchased
tickets, gift certificates or with any other offer. Passholder must
present valid Passholder I.D. at box office to purchase/pick up
tickets. Please arrive a minimum of one hour prior to show time.
Advance reservations required. Availability is limited.
On a DisneyQuest Adventure
The Deal: And while at the Downtown Disney® area, remember
to take advantage of your Passholder discount at DisneyQuest®
Indoor Interactive Theme Park! You get five floors of games and
experiences that give new meaning to the term, “state-of-the-art.”
You also get cutting-edge technology, virtual reality and 3-D fun!
The Ins & Outs: Your discount is good for $4 off the regular admission
price for Guests 10 and up, and $3 off for those 3-9. Plus,
it applies to you and three Guests per visit. Make sure to bring
your Valid Passholder I.D. when purchasing tickets.
Passholders Play Longer. Stay Longer.
The Deal: With so much to see
and so much to do around Walt
Disney World Resort this spring—you’ll want to stay at a Disney
Resort hotel to be right in the middle
of all the excitement! What’s
more, as a Disney Resort Guest,
you’ll get perks like the newly enhanced
Extra Magic Hours Benefit. This benefit means that each
day, one of the Theme Parks
opens one hour early, or stays
open up to three hours extra after
regular Park closing, so you can
enjoy select attractions and even
more magic! Valid Passholder I.D.
and Resort I.D. required.
To book your Disney Value Resort
getaway, just call 407-560-PASS
(7277) and ask for code EWY.
The Ins & Outs: *These rates available
most nights 4/17–7/4/05. The
number of rooms at these rates is
limited. Other room types may be
available at varying rates. Proof of
valid Passholder I.D. required at
check-in. Additional per-adult charges
apply if more than two adults (18
or older) per room. No group rates
or other discounts apply. Advance
reservations required. All prices and
terms subject to change without
notice.
| New PhotoPass offer
too good to pass up! |
With a Great summer rate at select
Disney Value Resorts from
$74* per night plus tax
 In our last issue, we introduced
Disney’s PhotoPass
Service. No more waiting in
line to see photos taken by
in-Park photographers. You
can now view and share your
photos from home using a
free online account (online
registration required).
For more information, just visit
DisneyPhotoPass.com.
The Deal: Now you can receive
20% off photos purchased
in the Parks. Just show your
valid Passholder I.D. at any
in-Park photo location.
The Ins & Outs: Offer valid May
15, 2005 through July 31,
2005. Offer not valid on ride capture
photos, photos taken
outside of the four
Walt Disney World® Theme
Parks, and photos or other
products available online at
DisneyPhotoPass.com.
Cannot be combined
with any other
offers.
New Astronaut Goofy pin is out of this world
This brand-new Epcot® pin featuring
Astronaut Goofy is available for
purchase beginning May 15, 2005 for
$10.95 (plus tax). Only 7,500 are being
issued, and there is a limit of two
per Passholder per day! Pick yours
up at the locations listed below. And
remember to bring your valid Passholder
I.D.
Happiest Celebration On Earth opening day pin
Celebrate the launch of the Happiest
Celebration On Earth with the new
opening day pin that features Mickey
and Minnie all dressed up in front of
Cinderella Castle. This commemorative
pin is available for purchase beginning
May 5, 2005 for $10.95 (plus
tax). But only 7,500 are being issued,
and there is a limit of two per Passholder
per day!
The Mickey Monitor is mailed 4 times a year: February, May, August and
November.
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