| Page Number |
PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2008 Update Description |
10 | Disney Dining Experience Update: Effective January 1, 2008, guests using the Disney Dining Experience discount program when dining at Walt Disney World table service restaurants and lounges will be assessed an 18 percent gratuity on top of their original bill total, regardless of the number in their party. Gratuity will not be added to any counter service, food cart, or quick service locations. Previously only parties of eight or more guests had the gratuity automatically added to their bill. Also, guests can now pick up their permanent membership cards at Guest Relations desks located in the theme parks and Downtown Disney.
- 2007-11-13 00:48:31 [update] | 19 | US Airways is now a participating airline with Disney's Magical Express. The participating airlines are AirTran, Alaska, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue. Northwest, United, and US Airways.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:32:54 [update] | 28 | The toll-free Walt Disney Travel Company phone number listed in the Walt Disney World guidebook stopped working in late 2007. Please use 877-939-3732, 407-828-8101, or 407-939-7806 to reach the Walt Disney Travel Company.
Jennifer Marx - 2008-01-18 15:41:20 [update] | 30 | [Reader Report] The 2008 Deluxe Dining package brochure, as available on Feb 10 2008, lists Tokyo Dining and Big River Grille as Deluxe Dining Plan locations. The Deluxe plan also includes an appetizer for each meal.
Donald - 2008-02-14 07:13:34 [update] | 34 | Refillable mugs at Walt Disney World Resorts now cost $12.49 plus tax.
- 2007-11-10 20:33:25 [update] | 48 | The main, themed pool at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort will be closed for an extended refurbishment from January 7, 2008 through mid-September 2008. Small water slides (appropriate for children) will be added to the "quiet" pools in the Jamaica and Barbados sections of the resort to help keep the fun going during construction.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:34:06 [update] | 51 | [Reader Report] The Contemporary Resort is looking GREAT! The whole place has fresh paint and carpet. According to cast members at the Contemporary, Chef Mickey's will expand to the side and the existing lounge and Concourse Steakhouse will move to the basement. The "grab and go" food area will occupy the space currently used by Concourse Steakhouse. It is funny that the concourse area currently smells like burning pizza, due to the temprorary grab & go which is out in the open! Probably the most exciting thing is the HUGE building that is "not yet DVC." While of course the DVC rep is forbidden to acknowledge WHAT that building is, it clearly is a crescent-shaped building facing the lake and the pylons for the walkway into the concourse of the main building are CLEARLY visible. Seeing this building grow ever taller is quite thrilling, in spite of the fact that Disney refuses to tell onlookers what the building IS. But in general, the whole area is teeming with activity and looking so good after the start of much-needed TLC.
Colleen - 2007-12-30 13:57:10 [update] | 56 | Rix Lounge, at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, is open for business. A 300-seat lounge that will feature music, appetizers, and specialty drinks, Rix is the first lounge of it's kind to be located outside of Downtown Disney / Pleasure Island. Rix was created to give the conventioneers that Coronado Springs attracts a nightlife option within the resort.
- 2008-01-01 13:07:07 [update] | 61 | [Reader Report] The petting zoo is no longer located at Fort Wilderness Resort. When I visited in December 2007, a cast member at the stables told me that the petting zoo animals have all been permanently moved to Disney's Animal Kingdom's Affection Section in Rafiki's Planet Watch.
Diahan K - 2008-01-08 14:19:52 [update] | 85 | The Treehouses are back! The Treehouse Villas near Downtown Disney are going to become part of Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort according to MousePlanet.com. Plans filed by Disney indicate that the existing Treehouses will be torn down and replaced with new units. The Villas have been used as housing for College Program cast members but were vacated at the end of 2007.
- 2008-02-22 19:26:48 [update] | 102 | Disney Vacation Club members staying at DVC resorts on points will get free Internet access in 2008. Members will also have access to Member Services on Saturday and Sundays, World Passport Collection will allow exchanges of less than seven days with fewer points, and members can purchase Magic Your Way passes via Member Services. Note: Exact start date of the free Internet access has not been announced, but some members have been told spring 2008.
Jennifer Marx - 2008-01-01 13:01:42 [update] | 151 | Disney's Hollywood Studios new logo has been revealed. Mickey holding the clapboard is still featured inside of black lettering with gold trim. To see the logo, check out the Behind the Scenes forum on the PassPorter message boards.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-10 19:26:47 [update] | 151 | Plans to open a new attraction based on the ultra-popular TV show American Idol by "late 2008" were revealed on February 7, 2008. The show, held six to eight times daily, will allow superstar wannabes to audition for a Disney producer, and if they make the cut they'll get vocal coaching, hair styling and makeup before performing in front of a live theme park audience. The winners of each day's shows will compete at the end of the day for a "guaranteed reservation" for a spot in the regional stadium auditions for the real TV show. While the press release was silent on the location of the show, illustrations reveal it'll be in the ABC Theatre, the long-unused space next to the park's hub, formerly home to Doug Live. For more information, check out the official press release at http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewPressRelease.aspx?PressReleaseID=109130
- 2008-02-12 18:28:10 [update] | 153 | The week of November 18, 2007 marks the start of Playhouse Disney character Handy Manny's appearance at Disney-MGM Studios (now Disney's Hollywood Studios). Handy Manny is now available for character greetings with guests on a regular basis in the Animation Courtyard next to "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage!" Handy Manny also appears in the updated "Playhouse Disney-Live on Stage" show which opened in early February 2008. The official Disney announcement is located at http://www.wdwnews.com/ViewImage.aspx?ImageID=108171
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-18 11:31:11 [update] | 165 | Straws are now available for drinks at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The new straws are actually made of wax-lined paper which will break down in an animal's digestive tract if swallowed. Previously straws were not available at the park because of the danger posed to the animals if they swallowed a plastic straw.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:27:09 [update] | 181 | Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney is now offering a "Secret Star" makeover for girls age 8-14. Guests can now look like Hannah Montana with a package that includes wig, t-shirt, headset, make-up kit, guitar purse, and photo shoot with commemorative photo keepsake. The package will cost $109.95 plus tax.
- 2008-02-22 17:11:15 [update] | 182 | Effective October 2, 2007, ticket prices for Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba at Downtown Disney's West Side have increased. The new prices are:
Front and Center: Adult (Ages 10+) $121.41; Child (Ages 3-9) $96.92
Category 1: Adult (Ages 10+) $105.44; Child (Ages 3-9) $84.14
Category 2: Adult (Ages 10+) $86.27; Child (Ages 3-9) $69.23
Category 3: Adult (Ages 10+) $69.23; Child (Ages 3-9) $55.38
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:37:53 [update] | 191 | The new "Year of a Million Dreams" prizes for 2008 have been announced. The new prizes include:
- A chance for guests to spend the night inside Disneyland in Walt's Dream Suite. Using architectural renderings that Walt Disney himself commissioned for an in-park, family retreat that was never completed, Disneyland Resort is creating a lavish new guest suite in the park's New Orleans Square. Beginning Jan. 31, 2008 -- and continuing most nights throughout the year - a different winner will be chosen through a random process to bring up to five guests to live Walt's dream and spend that night in the Disneyland Dream Suite inside Disneyland Park.
- A private day at Disney's tropical island paradise, Castaway Cay.
- A New Year's Eve night stay inside Cinderella Castle Suite at Walt Disney World Resort.
- A trip to the "High School Musical 3" film premiere for two winners and up to three guests each. One prize includes a VIP vacation to Disneyland Resort in California and the other features a VIP vacation to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida where the music and excitement of "High School Musical" comes to life in high-energy shows.
- Become Disney's Grand Marshal Around the Globe. One winner and up to three guests will be sent on a 15-day whirlwind tour of four Disney destinations: Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World Resort, Hong Kong Disneyland and Disneyland Resort Paris. At each stop on the magical journey, the winner will serve as Honorary Grand Marshal of Disney's daily parade.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:46:50 [update] | 194 | The stadium at Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex will now be known as Champion Stadium (Champion is a division of Hanesbrands Inc.), thanks to a 10-year deal between The Walt Disney Company and Hanesbrands Inc.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-10 17:43:16 [update] | 194 | Sea Raycer rental has increased to $25 per half hour.
- 2007-11-13 01:13:19 [update] | 201 | [Reader Report] Many of the buffets in Walt Disney World have higher prices around the holidays. Prices are usually a few dollars higher than usual. Restaurants included are Boma, Chef Mickey's, 1900 Park Fare, Tusker House, and others.
Chloe - 2007-12-22 08:50:36 [update] | 221 | Yak & Yeti, the new Asian-themed restaurant at Disney's Animal Kingdom opened on November 14, 2007 on a walk-up basis only. Advanced Dining Reservations can be made starting on December 3, 2007 for meals January 4, 2008 and later.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:25:21 [update] | 223 | T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, the new restaurant opening in 2008 in Downtown Disney, began construction in October 2007. The construction site straddles the area between Pleasure Island and McDonalds and extends into the parking lot in front of Pleasure Island.
- 2007-11-10 20:32:05 [update] | 230 | The AAA five-diamond Victoria & Albert's restaurant at the Grand Floridian Resort no longer allows diners under the age of 10. While this is a new policy, Victoria & Albert's has never had a kids menu or other accommodations for children. At this time, this is the only restaurant on Disney property with an age restriction.
Jennifer Marx - 2008-01-05 11:16:55 [update] | 233 | As of January 1, 2008, the Yacht Club Galley eatery at the Yacht Club Resort has a new name: Captain's Grille.
Jennifer Marx - 2008-01-01 19:48:33 [update] | 245 | The Wilderness Back Trail Adventure Segway Tour is now a permanent offering at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground. The cost has increased to $85 per person. 15% discounts are available to annual passholders, Disney Vacation Club members, and Disney Visa cardholders.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:41:29 [update] | 258 | The 2008 Night of Joy concerts is moving from Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom to Disney's Hollywood Studios (formerly the Disney-MGM Studios). Scheduled for September 5 and 6, 2008, acts already scheduled to perform include Mercy Me, tobyMac, Chris Tomlin, and Rush of Fools.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:35:51 [update] | 258 | More dates for Walt Disney World's Pirate & Princess Party are available if you phone Disney reservations! The latest dates are: April 1, 4, 6, 11, 16, and 23; May 2, 9, 16, 21, 26, and 31; June 4 (all 2008, of course). Same-day purchase rates for this after-hours event at Magic Kingdom are $51.07 adult/$44.68 children 3-9. Advance purchases are $46.81/$40.42. Annual Passholder and DVC members are $40.42/$34.03. Tax included in all rates mentioned. These rates have increased -- whether it's a seasonal difference or a permanent increase is unknown.
- 2008-02-12 18:30:21 [update] | 258 | On September 27, 2008, Disney's Animal Kingdom will be host to the Expedition Everest Challenge. But this race, a 5k foot race, is not your average 5k! Each team (one or two person teams) will receive an Expedition Passport that they need to have stamped at various sites throughout the park. Registration will begin on February 15, 2008. The registration fee of $100 per individual or $195 per couple includes a Champion Tech-Shirt, a 3-month trial subscription to Men's or Women's Health magazine, a commemorative inaugural finishers medal, admission to an exclusive after-hours party at Disney's Animal Kingdom and a 1-day, 1-park ticket.
- 2008-02-12 18:32:52 [update] | 258 | The dates for the 2008 Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios have been announced. The Star Wars-themed events will take place June 6-8, June 13-15, June 20-22, and June 27-29. No celebrity attendees have been announced yet.
- 2008-02-22 19:27:48 [update] | 261 | Disney in Hawaii: A New Disney Resort in Hawaii has been announced by Disney Parks and Resorts. To be located at the Ko Olina Resort and Marina west of Honolulu on the island of Oahu. The new, 21-acre facility will offer a total of 800 hotel rooms and Disney Vacation Club villas, and is set to open in 2011. Ko Olina is a beachfront resort development currently offering vacation homes, hotel acommodations, golf, and other recreation. Marriott operates a conventional hotel and a timeshare resort on the property.
Jennifer Marx - 2007-11-13 23:43:14 [update] |
