Kingdom Keepers Quest brings novels to life at Magic Kingdom – A Mom and The Mouse – Orlando Sentinel

UPDATE: Registration begins in early June for the start of the program in the fall.
The Disney Youth Programs division has brought to life the popular Kingdom Keepers novels by Ridley Pearson with an educational challenge in the Magic Kingdom. Kingdom Keepers Quest is a self-guided tour through the Disney World theme park in search of clues to save the magic.
The quest is designed for kids 10 to 12 years old, but is not limited to those ages. Typically, groups of five students and a leader tackle the challenge together, solving puzzles and testing math and language arts skills as they move from attraction to attraction. Each student receives a unique map, and the group has a workbook and a leader guide.
The length of time for Kingdom Keepers Quest varies because it is a self-guided tour, but it could be completed in 3 to 4 hours if started in the morning, said Sarah Domenech, a Disney public relations manager.
“One of the most potent added values of Kingdom Keepers Quest is that it puts the action of literacy back on the ground. Students are able to take a book and live it.,” Pearson said. “Creativity doesn’t come from reading a book or taking a class, it comes from going out and living every day and looking around you. By taking this program, kids will learn to observe, work as a team, take new ideas and process them in new ways, and bring them back into the classroom.”
Quest tickets for Florida residents are $53 plus tax, which includes that day’s admission to Magic Kingdom with a non-park hopper ticket. (There is not a separate price for passholders.) Rates for those living outside Florida depend on the type of ticket purchased and begin at $124 for a three-day base ticket. A minimum of 10 students is required to book the program.
Because this is a self-guided tour, groups may choose the time and day to start, within Magic Kingdom daily operating hours, of course. To register, call 877-939-6884.
Pearson debuted “Kingdom Keepers IV: Power Play” at Downtown Disney last month with a book-signing event. Read what that experience was like here.

kingdom-keepers-quest-THUMB.jpg (JPEG Image, 400x225 pixels)

Changes to the Haunted Mansion Queue

"March 2011, the Haunted Mansion soft opened a brand new interactive queue area. As you enter the courtyard, you can see, touch, hear and play with several new, interactive elements added into the queue experience. Right now the Imagineers are still tweeking things, so the new queue may or may not be open during your visit.

"When it officially opens, your experience will begin with a new story line with characters previously seen only inside the Mansion. And what really grabbed my attention was the new Decomposing Composer’s Crypt. The new tomb has interactive instruments that sound as weird as they look."

- AllEars.net

Enchanted Tiki Room will no longer be under new management and will instead be returned to its original glory

"Lastly, and music to your ears, we are certain, we have been sitting on reports that when it re-opens, the Enchanted Tiki Room will no longer be under new management and will instead be returned to its original glory. Perhaps even more gratifying to many, sources have told us that Iago will find himself relocated to an Audio Animatronics graveyard located at Disney’s Animal Kingdom where he will become fodder for Imagineers looking to hone their skills. The attraction currently has no known re-opening date, although it’s assumed to be July 1, 2011 at this time as the official site has it listed as closed through June 30."

- StitchKingdom.com

Disney World launches online meal reservations

One of the most annoying parts of planning a Disney World vacation has been making Advanced Dining Reservations (ADRs). Because the most popular restaurants are in such demand you almost have to make ADRs 90 days in advance if you want to assure the dates and times you want to dine. The thing that made this so difficult was that you could lay out a plan for the entire week, then call to make your reservations and find out one of your reservations wouldn't work and then have to rework your whole plan.

For years I've wondered why Disney didn't make their reservations system available online so that I could figure out what was available similar to the way I can find airline or hotel reservations. Well, they finally have. The Walt Disney World Online Advanced Dining Reservation system is available via the US website only, and can be accessed at disneyworld.disney.go.com/restaurants/

I have no doubt that this system will be abused by some people who will grab up reservations at the most popular restaurants, but overall, I expect that it will improve customer service by allowing customers to find what they are looking for. I like the features that allow you to enter a range of dates for a particular restaurant so you can find an open reservation any given day. I also like the feature that suggests other restaurants that have openings.

I will definitely be using this system for my next trip!

What recession? Magic Kingdom hits capacity this week

On Tuesday, for instance, the park at one point had to stop letting any guests in at all because it was so full. Disney’s other three theme parks remained open, though he parking lot at Disney’s Hollywood Studios also filled up that day, forcing visitors there to park in the Epcot lot and ride a bus over to the Studios.

There have been several reports from parkgoers that the Magic Kingdom hit capacity again yesterday. Big crowds have also been reported at Universal Orlando and SeaWorld Orlando.

Expect them to continue the rest of this week. The week of Easter is historically one of the busiest single weeks of the year for the parks.

Analysts project 10 pct attendance decline at Disney's U.S. parks on Tourism Central Florida

"Analysts at Goldman Sachs are forecasting attendance at Disney’s U.S. parks will fall as much as 10 percent this year.

The firm, which downgraded shares in the Walt Disney Co. from “buy” to “neutral” last week, expects attendance declines at Walt Disney World and Disneyland to accelerate later this year. Goldman estimates that year-over-year attendance fell 4 percent during Disney’s second fiscal quarter, which ended Saturday, and that it will fall 5 percent in the third quarter and then 10 percent in the fourth, which runs from July through September.

Attendance at Disney World and Disneyland fell about 5 percent during the company’s first quarter, which ended Dec. 27.

Goldman says the attendance declines would be stepper were it not for Disney’s buy four nights, get three free hotel promotion. But that comes with its own costs – the firm projects that Disney’s hotel-room revenue will sink as much as 30 percent from a year ago."

Full Article:

Disney Interactive Studios Announces Toy Story Mania!, Inspired by the Disney/Pixar Feature Film "Toy Story," Exclusively for Wii - Yahoo! Finance

BURBANK, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Disney Interactive Studios today announced Toy Story Mania!, inspired by the Disney/Pixar animated feature “Toy Story,” will be released exclusively for the Wii™ home video game console this fall. Toy Story Mania! showcases an array of entertaining games based on the new Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort attractions, while featuring the iconic characters and humor from the popular Disney/Pixar “Toy Story” franchise.

“The ‘Toy Story’ franchise is a fun, dynamic and heart-warming series containing characters and themes that connect with every age group,” said Craig Relyea, senior vice president of global marketing, Disney Interactive Studios. “Toy Story Mania! combines those popular elements with the unique antics of the new theme park attraction for the ultimate in family entertainment.”

In Toy Story Mania!, players experience the fast-paced, zany fun of the Toy Story Mania! theme park attraction, which is an interactive experience requiring 3D glasses and involving rapid or quick-firing shooting galleries. In addition to galleries adapted from the attraction, the game includes new and original galleries and a series of mini games, all hosted by beloved characters from the movies. The thematically-connected levels are designed for up to four players of all ages with competitive and co-operative multiplayer options. Toy Story Mania! also includes bonus 3D features, transforming the game experience with eye-popping visuals.

The Pixar-created “Toy Story” and ”Toy Story 2” have both had successful box office and DVD sales. The Disney Digital 3D™ theatrical re-release of “Toy Story” is in the works and will open in theatres on October 2, 2009, followed by the 3D re-release of “Toy Story 2” opening on February 12, 2010, leading up to the premiere of “Toy Story 3” in 3D summer 2010. Toy Story Mania! is the first video game to place characters from these films into a carnival game setting and is expected to resonate with fans of the films and the attraction, as well as gamers who like pick-up-and-play party games.

Developed by Papaya Studio, Toy Story Mania! will be available this fall exclusively for Wii.

Orlando Sentinel - Video of the shuttle Discovery lifting off, as seen from the Beach Club resort by

The following link has a video of the launch of Discovery as seen from Disney. I thought it was pretty cool. My parents called me Sunday night from Sebring, FL to tell me they had witnessed the shuttle launch. Sebring is about 100 miles away or so. I would dearly love to see a night launch!

Orlando Sentinel - Video of the shuttle Discovery lifting off, as seen from the Beach Club resort by

Orlando Sentinel - More parents feed their kids apples instead of fries at Disney parks on Tourism Central Florida

Whether by default or by choice, it appears Disney’s theme-park guests are opting to feed their kids healthier foods while eating in the parks.

Since Disney’s theme-park restaurants in 2006 overhauled their kids-meal menus to make healthier dishes the default selection for both side orders (ie: apple slices instead of French fries) and drinks (milk instead of soft drinks), Disney says the majority of its guests are picking the nutritious options.

According to company data, 65 percent of guests at Walt Disney World and Disneyland ordered the healthier side dish and 68 percent ordered the healthier drink last year during Disney’s fiscal fourth quarter, which runs July through September.

Guests at Disney’s international parks were even more nutritious. In Hong Kong, 98 percent chose the healthier side and 96 percent chose the healthier drink. And in Paris, 85 percent chose the healthier drink – though just 15 percent picked the healthier side.

The data were culled from 485 Disney-operated restaurants.

Orlando Sentinel - More parents feed their kids apples instead of fries at Disney parks on Tourism Central Florida

So, what do you order for your kids when you are at Disney? I'd say it's about 50/50 for us. I think it's partly the hot weather, the lack of variety for kids, and a need for fiber in their diet (our kids seem to have trouble with regularity when traveling) rather than "healthy" per se. I can't say we worry about being healthy all that much when we are on vacation.

Orlando Sentinel - Orlando makes rich travelers' wish lists on Tourism Central Florida

According to the survey results, three in ten affluent leisure travelers are interested in visiting New York City and Las Vegas during the next two years. One in four is interested in visiting Maui, San Francisco and Honolulu, and approximately two in ten are interested in traveling to Orlando or San Diego. Four new destinations made the top ten domestic list in the most recent iteration of the survey, which is conducted every two years: Honolulu, Orlando, Napa/Sonoma and Hilton Head Island.

Orlando Sentinel - Orlando makes rich travelers' wish lists on Tourism Central Florida

This is pretty fascinating stuff. You are talking about people here who can basically afford to vacation where they want (within reason). I realize we're not talking about the rich and famous, but $150K/year is probably enough to afford to go to Europe if you want. So 2 out 10 of these people surveyed are interested in going to Orlando! Wow! That helps explain how Disney is able to keep all those deluxe resorts filled all the time. I'm always amazed when I go to the Animal Kingdom Lodge, Wilderness Lodge, Polynesian, Grand Floridian, etc. and realize they have those huge resorts filled to capacity almost all the time for hundreds of dollars per night per room. More power to them!

Orlando Sentinel - Disney theme-park bookings have slowed despite discounts on Tourism Central Florida

Walt Disney Co. CEO Bob Iger said this evening that theme-park bookings have slowed, despite the company's heavy discounting efforts.

"We're on par with where we were a year ago. But we're discounting in the marketplace," Iger told analysts at the Deutsche Bank Securities media and telecom conference. "So the bottom line will be affected somewhat by that."

Disney had said in early February that bookings between January and June were running slightly ahead of last year's pace, thanks largely to its seven nights for the price of four hotel-and-ticket promotion.

Still, the Disney chief pointed to the recent opening of the new American Idol Experience at Disney's Hollywood Studios as evidence that the company will keep making long-term investments in its parks despite the deep recession.

"We'll continue to look at opportunities like that," Iger said. "We'll continue to invest carefully and selectively and strategically."

Orlando Sentinel - Disney theme-park bookings have slowed despite discounts on Tourism Central Florida

It's interesting to see how Disney is weathering the economic downturn. If I read this correctly, sounds like their discounts are mostly working when it comes to actually getting vistors to the parks, but those guests are spending less while they are there.

One has to be encouraged that Iger still sees the need for investing in the parks even during tough times. They will need to be positioned to take advantage of the recovery, when it happens, since Harry Potter's Wizarding World will, in my opinion, draw a lot of folks away from Disney, for the first time.

I'm still hoping that Disney will come out with some even better deals before all is said and done. It's a buyer's market for the vacationer!

GM's last lap on Epcot's Test Track? -- OrlandoSentinel.com

One of Walt Disney World's marquee sponsorship deals is in jeopardy.

Struggling U.S. auto giant General Motors Corp. is considering pulling out as sponsor of Test Track, the high-speed Epcot attraction among the most popular rides in all of Disney World.

A 10-year contract between Disney and GM expires this year. And GM, which lost $31billion last year and is relying on loans from the federal government to stay in business, may not be able to afford to renew the pact.

Disney and GM are negotiating new terms but have so far been unable to strike a deal. GM has indicated it wants a resolution by the end of this month.

"We're still in discussions with them and haven't made a decision," GM spokeswoman Kelly Cusinato said. "It's definitely one that I think people are doing everything they can to preserve."

It is a lucrative partnership for Disney: Though neither company would discuss the terms, Automotive News reported last month that GM pays Disney close to $5million a year.

GM and other original corporate sponsors in Epcot, which opened in 1982, paid as much as $35million over 10years for their initial contracts, according to a former Epcot executive. The German engineering giant Siemens AG is currently paying Disney a reported $100million over 12years to sponsor Epcot's Spaceship Earth attraction.

Disney would not discuss details of its talks with GM.

"We continue to have a relationship with General Motors and are having ongoing discussions about continuing our relationship," spokeswoman Kim Prunty said Tuesday.

For GM, the marketing advantages of its Test Track sponsorship are obvious. The attraction is a top draw in Epcot, which lures an estimated 11million visitors each year, making it the second-busiest theme park at Disney World and the third-busiest in the United States.

The ride features vehicles, controlled by onboard computers, that carry guests through a series of simulated car-safety tests. During the 5 1/2-minute ride, guests are exposed to 100-degree temperature changes; bounced around hairpin turns; and hurtled through a final, outdoor sprint that reaches 60mph — the fastest top speed of any ride at Disney World.

Logo everywhere
GM's presence is everywhere. The carmaker's corporate logo is splashed throughout the pavilion that houses the ride. The queue includes a room featuring aerial photos of GM "proving grounds" around the world, from a desert track in Mesa, Ariz., to a cold-weather course in northern Ontario. Guests exit through a swanky showroom displaying more than a dozen GM vehicles and a gift shop hawking pink Cadillac ball caps, die-cast Corvettes and electronic-toy Hummers.

There are even computer terminals and a customer-service desk for guests to order GM sales brochures.

When the ride debuted in March 1999, GM's then-vice president for marketing and advertising in North America said it would "help build brand awareness, corporate image and ultimately introduce new customers to GM dealers and our products."

The benefits extend beyond advertising. Disney also purchases GM vehicles — including Chevy Trailblazers and Silverados and Saturn Vue hybrids — for its corporate fleet as part of the sponsorship deal, according to people familiar with the arrangement.

But as valuable as the pact is to GM, the company may no longer be able to afford it. The automaker has warned that it could go bankrupt without as much as $16.6billion in loans from the U.S. government — on top of $13.4billion in taxpayer loans it has already received.

GM would not be the first major corporate sponsor to drop out at Epcot. General Electric, ExxonMobil and AT&T are all former sponsors, while newcomers include Siemens and Hewlett-Packard. Theme-park analysts also say they are certain Test Track would continue operating even if GM pulled out, as the ride's capacity is vital to managing park crowds.

But losing GM would further pressure profits at Disney World, which is relying on deep hotel and ticket discounts to keep visitors coming despite the struggling economy.

Replacements?
Finding a replacement sponsor also could be tricky. A rival company is unlikely to want to take over a GM ride without making substantial changes, said Steve Baker, a former Epcot executive in charge of corporate sponsorships.

"Anybody coming in paying that kind of money would want their own fingerprints," said Baker, who is now president of Baker Leisure Group, an Orlando themed-entertainment consulting firm.

The most likely targets for a replacement sponsor at Test Track would be other car manufacturers. But the entire industry is struggling as the global recession depresses auto sales.

Marketing executives at Toyota Motor Corp. have discussed internally the prospect of sponsoring Test Track. But Joe Tetherow, a spokesman for Toyota Motor Sales USA, said "it would be premature to speculate on what's going to happen."

"We're cutting a lot of costs right now," Tetherow said. "But, obviously, there's going to be opportunities from time to time that come along that we might want to take a look at."

GM's last lap on Epcot's Test Track? -- OrlandoSentinel.com

I understand Disney's need/desire for sponsorship of the pavilions at Epcot, but I have to wonder how effective this really is for the sponsor. Perhaps the time is ripe to look to new ways for Disney to fund their pavilions. Instead of one mega sponsor, perhaps they should look for numerous smaller innovative car companies that could have "booths" at FastTrack. Maybe it would allow the public to actually get educated about automotive innovation instead of having one company try to push their line of cars.

I would love to see some of the X-Prize cars, for instance, at FastTrack. Or how about something that actually demonstrates hydrogen power, electric vehicles, bio-fuels, etc. It just seems like there are lots of options for "sponsors" that could actually provide interesting information/demonstrations rather than a car showroom.

I'd hate to see TestTrack go the way of the Wonders of Life pavilion, but I frankly wouldn't even notice if GM wasn't there anymore. If GM is going to take my money in the form of taxes, then I sure want to know they are using it wisely. I'm not convinced TestTrack is all that great a use.

Disney offers kids-sail-free cruises

Disney Cruise Line, a leader in the family cruise segment, is making it easier than ever for families who have dreamt of taking a Disney cruise vacation to sail the most magical ship afloat with a "Kids Free" special offer on three-night cruises this winter and spring.

Guests 12 and under can sail free on three-night voyages aboard the Disney Wonder when accompanied by two full-fare paying guests within the same stateroom. This offer is valid for most sailings from Jan. 22 to May 28, 2009, and covers a variety of stateroom categories, ranging from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms. However, there are a limited number of staterooms available for this special offer. While the cruise fare with this special offer is free for guests 12 and under, guests who book will be responsible for Government Taxes and Fees for all stateroom occupants, including those 12 and under.

"At Disney Cruise Line, we pride ourselves on offering a vacation that caters to the individual needs of every member of the family," said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. "This special offer is a great value perfect for families that have never experienced the magic of Disney at sea, or those who want to come back to create new memories."

Guests who sail during this time period will enjoy a whole host of new offerings on the Disney Wonder. The ship recently launched a 3-D cinematic experience in both the Walt Disney and Buena Vista Theatres where guests can enjoy first-run, full-length 3-D films such as Walt Disney Pictures' "Bolt" and the upcoming "Jonas Brothers: The 3-D Concert Experience." This past spring the Disney Wonder premiered a lavish theatrical production, "Toy Story-The Musical." Additionally, young cruisers will delight in new activities at the Oceaneer Club and Lab featuring characters and storylines from popular Disney Channel movies, such as "High School Musical," and Disney Pixar films.

Departing from Port Canaveral, Fla., guests sailing on the Disney Wonder will experience a cruise vacation that every member of the family feels was created for their own individual vacation wants and needs.

To book a vacation or to get complete details on the "Kids Free" special offer, guests can contact their travel agent, visit disneycruise.com/kidsfree or call Disney Cruise Line at 888/DCL-2500. Guests should mention or input booking code "FREE" when making the reservation.

Waiting in line is part of the fun, if you are a psychologist

I minored in psychology in grad school and the question "why do people do what they do" has always fascinated me. When I was a kid I would do psychological experiments on my siblings to see how far I could push them before they either beat me up or told on me. OK, maybe calling those psychological experiments is taking it a bit far, but you get the idea.

I came across this interesting article about Queuing Psychology. It shouldn't surprise anybody that there are people who study the psychology behind waiting in lines given that we wait in lines virtually every day. It makes three main points about what helps people accept waiting in lines.

Eliminating empty time is the first concept. You see this done very well, especially on the newer attractions, all over Disney. It's basically giving people something to do while they are in line. One of the examples used is the interactive group games in the Soarin' queue. Our kids actually wanted to stay in line longer so they could play the game! Another example is Expedition Everest. I actually wanted the line to go a little slower so I could spend more time reading.

The second tenant is fair play. This includes "first come, first served" but also includes the balance of greater service demands greater wait. Basically that's the idea behind "express checkout lines" for people purchasing 20 or less items or paying cash. One of the interesting points made about "first come, first served" is the move away from multiple lines when checking out to a single serpentine line where the next person always get served next. This removes the guessing game of which line will move faster. Of course, that removes the quasi-secret of always choosing the left most line at Disney.

Finally is information. Basically, people are less anxious in line if they have some idea of how long their wait will be. This is the logic behind Disney posting wait times. If the wait is less than the posted wait time you feel happy about your wait time, even if it was long. Of course the opposite is true, too. We once waited 1:20 for Big Thunder Mountain Railroad when the sign said 40 minutes. We were really ticked off by that, so this is a 2 edged sword.

Overall, Disney does a great job and is getting better all the time with their preshows. According to the article, they employ 75 industrial engineers who study queuing as part of their jobs. With new technology being deployed to provide more information I think it will get even better.

Disney real-time infomation on your cell phone

A while back I posted about the fact that Universal Studios gave their guests the ability to check wait times on their cell phones via web browsing. Well, Disney has come through with something similar. I haven't been able to find out a lot of details about the service, but it looks like it's mainly for Verizon customers. Also, parts of the service may only be available with certain packages. From what I've read, anybody with any cell service will be able to access some features.

Here's the full news story:

Marking a first in both the travel and mobile industries, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts and Verizon are teaming up for a multi-year relationship designed to enhance the guest experience – before, during and after guests arrive at Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. This alignment allows guests to have a personal tour guide right in their wireless phones along with reliable new services at the parks. Early next year guests will also use Verizon Wireless’ technology when experiencing Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an ultra-interactive attraction coming to Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort.

Source: Walt Disney Parks and Resorts
· View Multimedia Gallery

“With more than 90 percent of families bringing a mobile phone into our Parks, our objective was to enhance the magical Disney experience through innovative wireless technology,” said Jay Rasulo, Chairman, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. “Imagine receiving up to the minute tips on special Park activities with just the touch of a button or receiving a call from Buzz Lightyear welcoming you to the Magic Kingdom.”

Beginning next year, guests will be able to access an array of features on their Verizon Wireless phones while at the Walt Disney World or Disneyland Resort to help them make the most of their Disney experiences. Planned services include an exclusive mobile application that will give guests with Verizon Wireless service the ability to easily locate shows, restaurants and the Disney characters anywhere inside the Parks; get real-time attraction availability information; access mobile games; receive messages from characters and more. Verizon Wireless is also continuing to invest in its wireless network from coast to coast, and the relationship with Disney means the wireless users will benefit from further enhancements to the Verizon Wireless network in the Parks.

John Harrobin, senior vice president of digital media and marketing for Verizon, said, “All of our efforts focus on one goal: making the Disney experience even better for our customers. There are few life experiences that are more memorable than visiting a Disney Park, and now guests with Verizon Wireless service will unlock even more magic from their visit – by navigating the Parks easier and faster with instant access to key information such as ‘Where’s Mickey now?’ and other special features – even when they travel home and share their experiences with family and friends.”

In addition, guests visiting Epcot in Walt Disney World Resort in early 2009 will be among the first to experience Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure. An ultra-interactive attraction, Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to team up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions. Armed with an official Verizon Wireless “Kimmunicator,” guests will use these handheld devices to help maneuver through the mission. The interactive wireless theme park game was inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy^® Award-winning animated series, “Kim Possible.”

While Verizon Wireless customers will have exclusive access to an array of enhanced features, Disney and Verizon are also working to ensure that some mobile information such as dining locations, show times and locations will be available to all Parks visitors, regardless of their wireless company.

Additional details will be available next year as the companies expect to add a suite of services and functionalities to help guests at Disney Parks have the most magical experience. For more information about Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, visit www.disney.com. For more information about Verizon, visit www.verizon.com.

Disney Parks and Resorts – Taking Guests to New Frontiers

The agreement between Disney and Verizon is another step in a series of new initiatives that highlight the latest technologies from Disney Parks and Resorts with a continued focus on improving guest experience and providing immersive entertainment. Disney Parks and Resorts continue to exemplify how technologies can be used to build new connections and redefine how guests plan and enjoy their vacations. From the time guests begin planning their vacation using Walt Disney World Resort in 3D on Google Earth or tuning into Disney Travel on Demand, the experience is designed to make their lives easier. Guests can take their vacation experience to a new level with Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure, an interactive wireless theme park game for families, and by personalizing and sharing their Disney experiences when they return home, using DisneyLink, a desktop application.

http://biz.yahoo.com

Disney parks doing well despite hard times

It seems that hard economic times are not affecting the Disney parks, yet. According to this article Disney park vacation bookings are better than last year.

"In late July, company officials said September bookings at Disney's U.S. resorts were on par with last year, and that bookings for the holiday season were slightly ahead."

Apparently, they do not attribute this to any additional promotions, either.

"... Mr. Iger said the company hadn't increased discounting, compared with the year earlier, and other officials said at the time that the average nightly rate at the company's hotels was 'at or above' what it was in 2007."

While I certainly don't want them to do poorly, I was kind of hoping that the slower economy might generate some good deals from Disney. At this point it looks like their business is doing well enough that they won't have to do that.

I guess we can always hope things get worse (just kidding).

Free Disney Tickets on your birthday in 2009

Disney announced today that you can get a free 1 day ticket on your birthday in 2009 as part of their "What will you celebrate?" campaign. Everybody has been wondering for a while what the theme would be after "Years of a million dreams".

For more information go to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/orl-disney-free-tickets-birthday-091808,0,1881178.story

DVC experiencing record growth

Disney Vacation Club (DVC) is Disney's version of a "timeshare". There are some nice aspects of it, but I've never been able to buy into the concept because of the annual maintenance cost is more than I typically pay for similar accommodations off-site. However, if you normally stay on-site at moderate or deluxe accommodations and you go at least every other year, it can be a good deal. Evidently a lot of people have been convinced that it's a good deal. According to the press releases for the new Bay Towers and Tree House Villas, DVC membership has doubled since 2004 and there are now over 350,000 members!

One person I came across at MouseOwners.com is actually trying to accumulate enough points to be able to rent a studio for a full year for their retirement. They have 4000 points that they are renting out in 2009 as a result. Quite an interesting goal, I thought.

If you are not convinced you want to buy in, you can always rent mouse points as a way to give it a try or just to get deluxe accommodations for less. The person with 4000 points, for example, has extra points that they are selling.

VIP FastPass at Disney World

WDW Central is reporting that the free FastPass system at Disney World may be undergoing drastic changes soon.  They don't report their sources, so I don't know how much to believe what they are reporting, but it certainly sounds like something they would be considering.

From the WDW Central article:

"The Operations folks at Walt Disney World are putting together plans to do one of two things (or both) regarding their free FastPass service. One planned option is to turn the current FastPass service with a “VIP” FastPass service where only Resort guests (and possibly at only ‘deluxe’ or ’suite’ resort guests) will be able to get the option at no charge. The other option would be to offer the current FastPass service as a paid ‘perk’ and include it as part of the ticket prices/packages. Or, the Disney executives could approve both options to be put in place."

As someone who prefers to stay off-site, I really hope they don't go with the "on-site guest privilege" option.  It wouldn't surprise me though, since the current perks don't really do much to lure me onto Disney property.

Disney is adding a new interactive experience at Epcot (see press release below). There seems to be some controversy over the introduction of Kim Possible into the World Showcase. As long as it doesn't dominate the pavilions, I think this is something that my kids would really enjoy. The idea of a high-tech scavenger hunt that includes the ability to visibly make things happen is very appealing. I'm wondering, though, why they didn't do it in the Innoventions area instead or in addition to the World Showcase. What's your opinion? Is the addition of these types of activities a good thing or not?

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- Epcot guests at Walt Disney World Resort will be treated to a brand new, highly interactive attraction inspired by Disney Channel’s Emmy Award-winning animated series, Disney’s Kim Possible. The new experience is slated to premiere in late 2008.

Using the latest technology, Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure invites guests of all ages to become secret agents, teaming up with members of Team Possible to save the world from various comical villains and their mad inventions.

As guests embark on this international adventure, they will receive an official “Kimmunicator,” at kiosks throughout Epcot. The interactive, handheld device is designed to help them maneuver through the mission. Using state-of-the-art technology, the interactive device connects guests with a variety of Kim Possible characters who provide clues to stop villains from taking over the world. The highly interactive devices also allow guests to control top-secret equipment hidden inside the World Showcase pavilions, creating an ultra-interactive adventure jam-packed with mystery and excitement.

Guests can play Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure in seven of the World Showcase pavilions: Mexico, Norway, China, Germany, Japan, France and United Kingdom. Each pavilion features a unique mission including distinctive visual events and a different super villain from the animated series.

"Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure is an exciting new experience that offers fun and excitement for the entire family," said Jim MacPhee, Epcot vice president. "We are constantly exploring new ways to provide immersive experiences to Epcot guests, and this new offering will add to our dynamic portfolio."

“Today’s emerging generation expects more immersive, personal and interactive experiences in every facet of their lives, including their entertainment choices,” added Bruce Vaughn, chief creative executive of Walt Disney Imagineering. “As leaders in family entertainment, Disney theme parks push the envelope by combining state-of-the-art technology with creative storytelling to enhance the overall Disney vacation experience.”

Epcot is a place of innovation, imagination, human achievement and endless possibilities. The park encompasses two “lands” of discovery: Future World, a showcase of new ideas and technology, and World Showcase, a kaleidoscope of nations celebrating cultural heritage, arts and entertainment. For more information, guests may call 407/824-4321 or visit disneyworld.com.

Disney’s Kim Possible World Showcase Adventure will open at Walt Disney World Resort during “The Year of a Million Dreams” celebration.

A worldwide hit for kids and families, Disney's "Kim Possible" is an Emmy Award-winning animated series from creators/executive producers Bob Schooley and Mark McCorkle and Walt Disney Television Animation. It tells the story of an average high school cheerleader, Kim Possible, who, in her spare time, happens to save the world from super villains. With the aid of her enthusiastic pals, this contemporary heroine is capable in ways few high school students ever imagine. On the flipside, she realizes that defeating the bad guys comes easier than coping with the typical teen pressures of schooling and socializing. Viewers' connection to "Kim Possible" led to a successful off-TV franchise for The Walt Disney Company including Kim Possible and Ron Stoppable characters at Disney Parks & Resorts, DVDs, books, video games and Disney Consumer Product's line of "Kim Possible" branded products available at mass retailers nationwide.