Epcot fans can finally rejoice, as your prayers – and maybe your letters and posts – have been answered, as Walt Disney World has confirmed that a formal `rededication ceremony´ is being planned for the 25th anniversary of Epcot´s opening on October 1. WDW legends such as Marty Sklar will be in attendance. Images of a number of special “Epcot 25″ pins that will be released that day have already made their way onto the internet. This official event will coincide with a number of fan gatherings set up by podcasters, bloggers and the like, including one that has received formal approval from Disney and has almost 300 registered attendees. Called “Celebration 25,” this gathering is being organized by a 16 year old fan named Adam Roth from the site Dreamfinder Forever. I am personally so happy to see Epcot getting this recognition, as you already know what a proponent I have been for something like this to happen. We´ve been celebrating in our own little way on the WDW Radio Show in our Epcot Retrospective series, and Jeff Pepper has been since way back when he started his ” Acknowledge the Legacy: Restore the Dream” series of posts.
The Golf carts at Walt Disney World´s courses now have GPS technology, which will give you real time diagrams of every hole with the yardage from the cart to the flagstick for each green. It also shows the layout of every hole and the yardage you’ll need for your next shot. This service is complimentary with your cart rental and available at Disney’s Magnolia, Palm, Eagle Pines and Osprey Ridge courses.
Walt Disney World has pledged to GO GREEN and seek “green” certification of all its hotels. I have recently received a number of email questions about this, and the answer came from Disney earlier this week. Disney officials have said they already intended to get green certification for all 18 company-owned hotels at Disney World, and while Earth Day 2008 is the target date sought by many environmental groups, Disney would not formally commit to such a date. A green hotel is one certified as such by the Florida Green Lodging Association, because the hotel’s use of non-toxic cleaners, efforts toward water and energy conservation, and other environmentally-friendly factors. Disney World already is considered the state’s leader for having won such a designation for six of its hotels.
The rumored changes to the names and menus at some of World Showcase´s restaurants was confirmed by Disney this week, as Epcot Vice President Jim MacPhee said that the park is seeking more “interactive dining” experiences, such as the Japanese teppanyaki style, as well as new interactivity with Guests in some of the other pavilions, such as Italy and China, which will be changing next year. The Mexico pavilion will be getting the rumored tequila bar inside the pavilion and additional outdoor waterfront seating so visitors have more room to dine and view the Illuminations show on the lagoon. The United Kingdom restaurants may also be expanding their outdoor seating areas on the waterfront as well.
The Children’s Miracle Network will be the title sponsor for the PGA Tour’s last stop at Walt Disney World from 2007 through 2012. The Children’s Miracle Network Classic is the seventh and final tournament on the Tour’s new fall series and will be held from October 29th to November 4th this year. The Children’s Miracle Network is a non-profit organization that fund-raises for hospitals in North America. After Funai Electronics pulled out as the title sponsor for the event a new sponsor to step in its place was in serious question. From 1971 through 1984, there was no title sponsor, and then for 12 years it was the Walt Disney World/Oldsmobile Classic, followed by the National Car Rental Golf Classic from 1998 through 2001. In 2002 the event had no sponsor, and Funai´s four year agreement ended in 2006.
Disney ABC Super Soap Weekend® returns to Disney-MGM Studios on the weekend of November 10 – 11, 2007.Between now and August 26, Disney is running a sweepstakes for fans of the ABC Soap Operas. The Grand Prize is a trip to ABC Super Soap Weekend including hotel, tickets, and transportation, a day with a private Disney VIP Tour Guide, merchandise, and the opportunity for the Grand Prize winner to ride The Twilight Zone Tower of TerrorTM with an actor at the ABC Super Soap Weekend ® event. Additionally, there are 60 first or second Prizes: ten winners will receive a 2007 ABC Super Soap Weekend® tee-shirt autographed by stars from All My Children, One Life to Live, & General Hospital Second Prize and fifty winners will receive an ABC Super Soap Weekend ® survival kit.
As we discussed in our DSI: Disney Scene Investigation of the American Adventure pavilion, an amazing collection of real-life Americana is coming to the pavilion´s gallery on September 26. The National Treasures Collection will showcase such items as one of Abraham Lincoln’s actual stovepipe hats, one of George Washington Carver´s microscopes, items from the space program, war memorabilia, Thomas Edison´s Tin Foil Cylinder Players, and more. The National Treasures Collection will also be continually changed, so there will be chances to see something new on return visits.
A Canadian news service commented on new film for the Canada pavilion, and confirms that it will include help from some high-profile Canadians such as Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila and comedian Martin Short. However, no confirmation has come from Disney itself.
This past Saturday, July 28th, Magic Kingdom tour guides dressed in their equestrian style, blue plaid costumes for the last time. The costume, which has been a symbol of the Magic Kingdom since opening day, was originally designed for all Guest Relations Cast Members in the early 1950s by Tom Pierce, and was later designated just for VIP tour guides. The new costumes, introduced Sunday, July 29, were designed by Creative Costuming and are a bit more tailored and professional looking, while still maintaining the colors, Stewart plaid, and accessories similar to the original design. If you have seen the new costumes, please send over photos.
Refurbishment News: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will be closing for refurbishment on October 1 thru October 24, 2007. On the Boardwalk, Big River Grill will be closed for refurbishment from August 18 – September 1, 2007. While it is closed, they will use the Atlantic Dance Hall for service.
The next Mickey’s Pin Trading Night will be August 24, 2007 from 5-8 p.m. at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
If you have any news to report, email Lou at Lou@wdwradio.com or leave a voicemail at the WDW Radio Show voicemail box: 206-202-4WDW (4939).
Leave a Comment