| Page Number |
PassPorter's Walt Disney World 2010 Update Description |
21 | Passengers flying Southwest can now take advantage of Resort Airline and Baggage Check In at all but two Walt Disney World Resorts. (Old Key West and Caribbean Beach need to have their luggage rooms expanded before they can participate.)
- 2010-04-09 00:38:04 [update] | 27 | Disney's Beach Club, Disney's Yacht Club, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Polynesian, Disney's Grand Floridian and for the first time, Disney's Boardwalk Inn were all awarded AAA's coveted Four Diamond rating this week. AAA annually reviews over more than 60,000 lodging establishments and rates them on a scale of one to five diamonds.
- 2010-03-04 12:41:12 [update] | 32 | As of February 3, 2010, Walt Disney World and Disneyland guests who opt to purchase their airfare as a part of their package will now have the option to fly JetBlue.
- 2010-02-04 19:56:25 [update] | 86 | The 2010 sample room rates for Port Orleans listed in the guidebook are incorrect. Correct rates are as follows: Standard room is $149-$159 (value season), $170-$185 (regular season), $185-$200 (summer season), $195-$210 (peak), $214-$234 (holiday season) and Preferred, water, or king rooms are $174-$184 (value), $195-$210 (regular), $210-$225 (summer), $220-$235 (peak), and $244-$264 (holiday).
- 2010-01-20 13:08:25 [update] | 88 | Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will be getting a new main pool in the Paddock section of the resort. The current 1,100 sq ft pool will be replaced with a 3,200 sq ft, zero-entry pool with water slide, play area and a quick service dining location. The new pool is scheduled to open in 2011.
- 2010-03-11 20:48:27 [update] | 100 | Shades of Green now offers free WiFi thorughout the hotel. Also, guest may wish to bring bar soap for the shower if they prefer not touse the provided dispensers of shower gel and shampoo.
Debbie Booher Kolb - 2010-01-08 19:29:30 [update] | 118 | Disney announced the creation of the "Disney Premier Passport" - a premium annual pass that includes admission to BOTH Disneyland and Walt Disney World. The Passport costs $700 plus tax. For more details, check out DisneyParks.com and Dave's cost/benefit analysis on our message boards.
- 2010-03-11 20:42:01 [update] | 119 | Beginning January 1, 2010, Guests ages 6 and older who sign up and volunteer a day through one of the Hands On organizations, get a free one-day, one-park ticket to any Disney theme park in the U.S. There is a set number of tickets available for this promotion. The promotion lasts until the tickets are gone or December 15, 2010 - whichever comes first!
- 2010-01-01 16:38:48 [update] | 121 | One of Walt Disney World's monorail trains has been temporarily made over to promote the upcoming theatrical release of Tron:Legacy. The train can be seen on the Epcot monorail line.
- 2010-03-25 18:43:35 [update] | 129 | Disney announced changes to the entertainment schedule at Walt Disney World for Summer 2010. Wishes is being replaced with a new, as-yet-unnamed, fireworks show, the Main Street Electrical Parade is returning to the Magic Kingdom and will feature a few new floats, and over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror is getting an upgrade with a new drop sequence and rumored new special effects.
- 2010-02-17 19:38:45 [update] | 129 | A new pre-parade show featuring the Muppets and honorary VoluntEARS will precede the Celebrate a Dream Come True Parade every afternoon in both the Magic Kingdom and Disneyland.
- 2010-01-01 16:38:11 [update] | 130 | The Pirate's League in the Magic Kingdom has dropped the price of the First Mate & Empress packages from $44.95 to $29.95 each. The package includes your choice of facial effect (scar, etc.), a pirate coin necklace, a sword, the Pirate Oath and Naming ceremony and either a set of removable teeth for the First Mate package or make-up, nail polish and a facial gem for the Empress package. The Captains package has been discontinued. Costumes and other items may be available a la carte. There will also be a daily Pirate Parade through Adventureland that the newly annointed Pirates can participate in.
- 2010-03-18 22:56:40 [update] | 138 | Walt Disney World has announced the official groundbreaking for the (previously announced) expansion of Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland. Scheduled for completion in 2013, this will be the largest expansion of Magic Kingdom since its opening.
- 2010-03-04 12:30:55 [update] | 138 | Ariel's Grotto, Scuttle's Landing and Pooh's Playful Spot have all closed. The areas are being removed to make way for the new areas of Fantasyland that will include Sleeping Beauty's cottage, Cinderella's chateau and the Beast's castle.
- 2010-04-15 12:42:52 [update] | 144 | A cast member was struck by a car driven by a guest on Sunday, March 14. The cars have a top speed of 7 miles per hour. The cast member suffered a broken leg but is in stable condition.
- 2010-03-18 22:55:54 [update] | 144 | Walt Disney World has announced that the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland Transit Authority (often known as TTA) has been re-named the Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover. Everything old is new again, as the attraction was originally known as the WEDway PeopleMover (WED Enterprises was then the name for Walt Disney Imagineering).
- 2010-08-05 20:08:08 [update] | 153 | The Smarter Planet exhibit in Innoventions West has been unveiled. The exhibit features a variety of data centers at which guests can play a game designed to show how IBM technology is used to solve problems, and others where guests can create an avatar of themselves and then use the avatar in a video game. IBM is one of Innoventions' original sponsors, having been a sponsor continually since Innoventions opened in 1994.
- 2010-02-04 19:54:55 [update] | 178 | In addition to the previously announced upgrades to Tower of Terror, Rock 'N' Roller Coaster will also be getting a new interactive queue during it's planned rehab May 15 - 20, 2010, and Toy Story Midway Mania will be replacing one of the Midway Games. (This change to Toy Story Midway Mania is strictly a software change and should not require the ride to be closed.)
- 2010-04-09 00:38:24 [update] | 179 | A male, white cheeked gibbon was born on February 2, 2010 to mother, Melaka. Mom and baby can be viewed in their habitat near Kali River Rapids.
- 2010-02-17 19:39:14 [update] | 179 | First-time mother Kashata gave birth on February 19, 2010 to a baby gorilla. Mom and baby are so attached that the sex of the baby has yet to be determined! The baby's name will also be announced at a later date. (Presumably once they discover if it's a boy or a girl!)
- 2010-03-04 12:31:24 [update] | 179 | A new baby White Rhino has arrived at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The baby's mother, 11 year-old Kendi, was herself the first white rhino ever born at the park. The baby has not been named but will be joining the herd in the coming months.
- 2010-01-28 14:58:16 [update] | 201 | Ridemakerz, which will feature customizable radio-controlled cars, will open on March 25, 2010 and D Street, which will feature urban-inspired apparel, novelties, etc., will open in April 2010 in Downtown Disney's West Side.
- 2010-03-11 20:47:52 [update] | 203 | The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in World of Disney will be closed January 18 - March 5, 2010 for upgrades to the air conditioning system.
- 2010-01-21 19:56:19 [update] | 204 | Cirque do Soleil's resident show at Walt Disney World, La Nouba, is getting a new act. World famous juggler Anthony Gatto (holder of 11 juggling world records) will be replacing the current chair balancing act.
- 2010-02-04 19:55:31 [update] | 217 | From March 28 through April 10, 2010, Epcot's Le Cellier, Garden Grill, and Coral Reef restaurants will stay open an extra hour for late evening dining (or just desserts). Who says you can't get holiday ADRs less than 180 days out?!
- 2010-03-25 18:44:19 [update] | 220 | DVC Member Services reports that members can now use any of the Disney Dining Plans, including Quick Service
pandao - 2010-01-20 13:20:58 [update] | 227 | Beginning February 7, 2010, all meals - breakfast, lunch and dinner - at Cinderella's Royal table will be known as Fairytale Dining.
- 2009-12-04 00:00:11 [update] | 230 | A 300-seat table-service pizzeria will open in Fall 2010 in the Italy Pavilion at Epcot. Operated by the Patina Group which also operates Tutto Italia, the restaurant will feature outdoor dining and a water feature. No name has been announced.
- 2010-01-28 14:55:32 [update] | 231 | Recent visitors have noticed that the Cantina outside the Mexico pavilion has disappeared and more details have been released about what is to come. The Cantina is being replaced by a two-story open-air restaurant with a counter service location downstairs and table service upstairs. The upstairs location will offer an IllumiNations viewing area as well. The restaurant, with name to be announced, is scheduled to open Fall 2010.
- 2010-02-04 19:54:03 [update] | 245 | Ronald's Fun House, the McDonald's located in Orlando's Downtown Disney, will close on April 30, 2010. Pollo Campero, a quick-service chicken chain, will be moving in to the space in late 2010.
- 2010-02-11 19:39:40 [update] | 250 | The Flying Fish Cafe at Disney's Boardwalk now counter are now reserved for guests enjoying the new "Chef's Tasting Wine Dinner." This meal features five courses with wine pairings. There are two seatings nightly at 5:45 pm and 8:15 pm. The cost is $135 per person with the wine pairing, $85 per person without the wine.
- 2010-04-22 17:08:53 [update] | 253 | Victoria & Albert's restaurant at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort now offers an exclusive dining room with just four tables and "gueridon" service -- a rolling covered cart that goes from table to table. This addition to the already exclusive restaurant promises another level of personalized service.
- 2010-01-28 14:56:15 [update] | 284 | The D23 Expo will be held at the Anaheim Convention Center (same location as the first D23 Expo) on August 19-21, 2011. Tickets go on sale August 19, 2010. Destination D, a smaller event celebrating Disneyland's 55th birthday will take place on September 24-25, 2010. http://www.d23.com
- 2010-03-11 20:45:08 [update] | 284 | Star Wars Weekends will be held at Disney's Hollywood Studios from May 21 - June 13, 2010. Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett, "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi") and Ashely Eckstein (Ahsoka, "The Clone Wars") will be appearing as co-Hosts every weekend.
May 21 - 23:
-Temeura Morrison (Jango Fett, Clone Troopers, "Attack of the Clones," and "Revenge of the Sith")
-Daniel Logan (Boba Fett, Clone Cadets, "Attack of the Clones")
-Dee Bradley Baker (Voice of the Clone Troopers, "The Clone Wars")
May 28 - 30:
-Matthew Wood (voice - General Grievous & Battle Droids, "Revenge of the Sith, " and "The Clone Wars")
-Lorne Peterson (model maker for all six movies)
-Tom Kane (voice of Yoda and narrator, "The Clone Wars")
June 4 - 6:
-Billy Dee Williams (Lando Calrissian, "The Empire Strikes Back," and "Return of the Jedi")
-Ray Park (Darth Maul, "The Phantom Menace")
-Dave Filoni (Supervising Director, "The Clone Wars")
June 11 - 13:
-Ray Park (Darth Maul, "The Phantom Menace")
-Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca, "A New Hope," "The Empire Strikes Back," "Return of the Jedi," and "Revenge of the Sith")
-James Arnold Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi and Plo Koon, "The Clone Wars")
- 2010-03-25 18:42:54 [update] | 284 | The new summer evening entertainment line-up, Summer Nightastic, will take place at Walt Disney World beginning June 6 through August 14, 2010. This line-up includes a new fireworks show, the return of the Main Street Electrical Parade and the introduction of a new drop sequence for Tower of Terror. (The drop sequence will remain after Summer Nightastic ends of course.)
- 2010-03-25 18:44:45 [update] | 284 | The 10th Annual Disney Pin Celebration will be held at Epcot August 27-29, 2010. The event, themed Trade City, USA, will take place in the World ShowPlace. Registration is now open, event admission is $115 per guest and does NOT include admission to the park, which is required to attend.
- 2010-04-15 12:41:59 [update] | 284 | The Night of Joy, an annual Christian music event, will be held at the Magic Kingdom, September 10 & 11, 2010. Tickets go on sale May 1, 2010. The line-up for each night differs:
September 10: Chris Tomlin, David Crowder Band, Casting Crowns, BarlowGirl, Francesca Battistelli, Group 1 Crew, Tenth Avenue North, and Sidewalk Prophets
September 11: mercyme, Third Day, Family Force 5,Smokie Norful, Red, Lecrae, and Day of Fire
- 2010-04-15 12:42:21 [update] | 284 | Star Wars Weekends will be held May 21 - 23, May 28 - 30, June 4 - 6, and June 11 - 13, 2010.
- 2010-01-01 16:37:54 [update] | 284 | Grad Nites will be held this year at the Magic Kingdom April 23-24 and April 30-May 1, 2010.
- 2010-01-07 18:17:52 [update] | 284 | The 2010 Disney Pin Celebration - Trade City, U.S.A. will be held at Epcot's World Showcase August 27 - 29, 2010. Check DisneyPins.com for more details.
- 2010-01-21 19:57:06 [update] | 285 | Disney announced this that they have reached their goal of one million volunteers that registered and completed their service in the "Give a Day, Get a Disney Day" celebration. Registration for this program has closed. Anyone who has already registered but has yet to do their volunteer service is OK - they count as part of the one million and can still earn their passes.
- 2010-03-11 20:46:36 [update] | 285 | The 2010 Halloween parties at Walt Disney World will be held September 3, 8, 14, 17, 21, 24,28, and 30 and October 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 22, 24, 26, 28, 29, and 31, and November 1. Tickets are expected to go on sale May 1, 2010.
- 2010-04-09 00:38:37 [update] | 286 | Florida gets its own LEGOLAND in Fall 2011, located in the former Cypress Gardens park about 45 minutes south of Walt Disney World. Construction begins in May 2010. This will be the second LEGOLAND in the U.S. -- the first is in Southern California and is extensively covered in PassPorter's Disneyland Resort guidebook. LEGOLAND parks are aimed at kids ages 2-12 and feature about 50 rides, shows, and attractions. Get more details at LegolandFloridaResort.com
- 2010-03-04 12:40:34 [update] | 286 | Universal Orlando has announced that its new Harry Potter-themed attractions will have their grand opening on June 18, 2010.
- 2010-03-25 18:42:14 [update] | 286 | The price of Universal Studios Orlando multi-day, one-park, and park-hopper passes has increased. For example, a two-day, one park pass is now $109.99 and a two-day park hopper pass is now $134.99. The price of a one-day, one-park pass remains unchanged as of this writing. Check out the new prices on Universal's web site.
- 2010-01-14 19:12:13 [update] | 287 | "Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa, Ko Olina, Hawai'i" is the offical name for the new Disney resort being built outside of Honolulu. Set to open in fall 2011, the 21-acre, oceanfront facility will include 390 regular hotel rooms, 481 two-bedroom equivalent Disney Vacation Club villas, an 18,000 sq. ft. family-friendly spa, 14,545 sq. ft. conference center, and almost 50,000 sq. ft. of outdoor function space (Disney's Fairytale Weddings will be on site). A new, extensive consumer web site, DisneyAulani.com, has also gone online.
- 2010-01-21 19:55:41 [update] | 300 | DVC announced last week that Saratoga Springs will be receiving a new feature pool in The Paddock section of the resort. Old Key West will be getting refurbished completely beginning in Spring 2010.
- 2009-12-16 19:14:13 [update] | 314 | On the e-books page, the first one mentioned is PassPorter Disney 500, but the picture beside it is of the PassPorter Cruise Clues. The second book mentioned is Passporter Cruise Clues but the picture beside it is of PassPorter Disney 500.
MayraLR - 2010-01-19 08:38:58 [update] | 350 | The 2011 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend will be held January 6-9, 2011. The weekend will include a Health & Fitness Expo, Kids Fest, Family Fun Run 5k, Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, the half marathon and full marathon. Registration is now open for all events.
- 2010-01-14 19:12:38 [update] | 370 | Ian Ray, of Dooney & Bourke, will be at Tren-D on Friday, February 26, 2010, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. for a special event debuting the latest Disney-themed Dooney & Bourke hand bags. The new designs feature Mickey Mouse on one design and Minnie Mouse on another. Guests who purchase $150 or more of qualifying Dooney & Bourke merchandise during this event will also receive a special gift.
- 2010-02-25 23:28:13 [update] | 370 | According to MousePlanet.com, the annual pass monthly payment plan currently available to Disneyland Annual Passholders, may be making its way to Walt Disney World. Stay tuned!
- 2010-02-25 23:28:50 [update] | 370 | The sports complex previously known as Disney's Wide World of Sports will be officially re-named the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex on February 25, 2010. ESPN The Weekend is being held this weekend at the sports complex as well as Disney's Hollywood Studios from Thursday, February 25 through Sunday, February 28, 2010. Bus Service to the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex has changed as well. The service between Disney's Hollywood Studios and the complex has been discontinued. Service between the complex and All Star, Pop Century, and Caribbean Beach Resorts has been added.
- 2010-02-25 23:29:49 [update] | 375 | A 10-year-old Florida boy riding a bicycle died today when he and a Disney bus collided on Big Pine Trail, apparently in the vicinity of the Meadow recreation complex. Reports at press time indicate the boy was on a bike path, veered off into the road, and struck the side of a bus. Our hearts go out to the child's family, the bus driver and passengers, and anyone else touched by this incident.
- 2010-04-01 19:54:57 [update] | 375 | The Wishes Dessert Party at the Tomorrowland Terrace in the Magic Kingdom returns Sunday, March 28, 2010. The party will be held nightly through the Spring with the exception of April 23, 24, 30 and May 1, 2010 which are Grad Nites. The cost of $25.99 per adult, $13.99 per child (ages 3 - 9) includes all-you-care-to-eat desserts, coffee, tea and other soft drinks.
- 2010-04-01 19:56:10 [update] | 375 | The Easter Bunny and Mrs. Bunny will be appearing at the Magic Kingdom daily between now and Sunday, April 4, 2010 from 8:00 am - 5:00 pm in the Tour Guide Garden. Also, on Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010, the 3:00 pm parade will feature an Easter theme. Over at Epcot on Easter Sunday (April 4, 2010) there will be Easter Egg Hunts for children (ages 3 - 9) every 20 minutes from 10:00 am - 5:20 pm in the Heritage Garden at the American Adventure Pavilion. There will also be Egg Relay races for children (ages 6 - 12) from 10:40 am - 4:40 pm in the Future World West Garden.
- 2010-04-01 19:56:58 [update] | 400 | Drew Brees, Quarterback of the Super Bowl Champion New Orleans Saints celebrated their win at Walt Disney World on Monday with a ticker tape parade through the Magic Kingdom.
- 2010-02-11 19:40:01 [update] | 400 | D23, the official Disney Fan Community, turns one year old on March 10, 2010. But the L.A. Times is reporting that Disney is not planning an Expo this year like the one held in September 2009 at the Anaheim Convention Center. Instead, Disney anticipates the D23 Expo will be held every other year.
- 2010-03-04 12:29:56 [update] | 400 | The Festival will be held October 1 - November 14, 2010.
- 2010-01-07 18:16:19 [update] | 400 | The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is currently closed for refurbishment but is expected to return some time in Spring 2010.
- 2010-01-07 18:16:44 [update] | 400 | Disney has announced that a new Disney Store will be opening in Fall 2010 on Broadway in the heart of Times Square. The new Disney Store will feature interactive play areas, information on the Disney Resorts around the world, host special events and of course, Disney merchandise.
- 2010-01-07 18:17:00 [update] | 999 | Walt Disney World offered one-day park hopper passes to stranded travelers as well as free parking. Travelers were required to show a canceled plane ticket or expired boarding pass and photo ID. Disney is also offering Florida Resident discounted room rates to stranded travelers. Universal Orlando and SeaWorld are offering similar admission.
- 2010-04-22 17:08:14 [update] |
