However, there is a flip side: listener Steve reports, “I just heard you talking about the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique and I remembered that I was in the [Harmony] Barber Shop this past Sunday getting my hair cut for there for the first time, when I overheard one of the Barbers, Michael, telling a woman and her daughter that they can no longer do those fancy hairdo’s for the girls because the B-B Boutique was now the place to get them done. The barbershop can add color and a little pixie dust but that’s about all they can do. He wasn’t even allowed to put the young lady’s hair in a pony tail. Mom had to do it then he applied a little color and some dust and sent them on their way….Just thought you might like to know.”
Walt Disney World raised parking rates at its four theme parks over the weekend. Cars, taxis, shuttles, limos and motorcycles are now $11, up from $10. Campers and trailers are $12, and buses and tractor trailers are $14. The rate increase brings parking lot rates for the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Animal Kingdom and Disney-MGM Studios in line with those at Universal Orlando. SeaWorld Orlando’s base parking rate currently remains at $10. Parking remains free at Downtown Disney, Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Parking at the theme parks also remains free for guests at Disney resorts.
Listener Heather wanted us to know that the 50’s Prime Time Cafe will be closed for refurbishment during the month of January 2008. Looks like my pre-marathon meal of meatloaf will have to wait.
Speaking of notable restaurant closures: as part of what appears to be rolling upgrades to the entire World Showcase area of Epcot, the Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China pavilion will be closing for refurbishment from January through July 31, 2008.The restaurant will be changed in a number of ways, including the exterior façade, interior décor, menu, and possibly even the name.
If you are a Disney pin collector or trader, here’s some news for you:
The new Hidden Mickey Series 2 Cast Member set is now available with an all new collection. You can see them at http://www.dizpins.com/
Also, Disney has just announced a new way to ‘play’ for pins called Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine. The machine made its debut on Thursday, September 6th, at MouseGear in Epcot. Play is $5.00 per game and every Guest gets three tries at the game of skill, but wins one random pin no matter how well (or poorly) they play. There will be three tries per game, but a maximum of one pin distributed per game.
These new pin machines will feature three, open edition pin collections – Puzzle, Pirate and Disney-Pixar. Each mini-collection will contain five pins each. Pins from Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine may not be exchanged or returned – you’re encouraged to trade. Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine will require exact cash (no change will be given), or you can use a credit card or your Disney Key To The World card (I would expect it has to have been set up with charging privileges at check-in though).
“Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machine is something we have never done before,” said Steven Miller, Project Manager for Disney Pin Trading. “We’ve learned that Guests enjoy having fun with pins and enjoy the thrill of a good mystery. This machine combines the best of both worlds ultimately giving Guests an excellent, valued priced Disney pin to collect or trade.”
Additional machines will be added around the Walt Disney World resort in the coming weeks. Disney’s Pin Traders at Downtown Disney Marketplace; Tomorrowland Arcade in Magic Kingdom Park; Sorcerer’s Hat Shop at the Disney-MGM Studios and Everything Pop! at Disney’s Pop Century Resort are all scheduled to receive machines.
“I’m excited about this new and innovative concept for Disney Pin Trading,” said Julie Young, product developer for Mickey’s Mystery Pin Machines. “We partnered with many departments in The Walt Disney Company to introduce this new technology to the Disney Theme Park Merchandise division.” When asked about future mystery pins, Julie responded, “We always have a few surprises up our sleeves. You never know what may happen in the place where dreams come true.”
OK, moms… this one is for you – Chances are if you’re a listener of The WDW Radio Show, going to the Walt Disney World Resort is your idea of the perfect family vacation. And more than likely, you know how to make the most out of your Disney vacation, where all the baby care centers are located, and are the trip planning guru of your family. Well, get ready, because Disney wants YOU! As part of “The Year of a Million Dreams,” Disney announced last week the launch of a nationwide search for moms who have mastered the art of planning a Walt Disney World vacation. You have until Oct. 5, 2007, or until they receive 5000 applications, to answer three questions at www.disneyworldmoms.com. Twelve finalists will be selected to serve on the first-ever online Walt Disney World Moms Panel. Those 12 parents will have the opportunity to share their vast knowledge of the resort and personal secrets of success with other families who are considering this magical vacation experience through a new online forum to be found at www.disneyworldmoms.com. The site, expected to go live in January of 2008, will allow guests to pose questions and have them answered by the panel, as well as feature valuable park insights and vacation planning tools for parents. In exchange, the 12 panelists will receive a 6-day/5-night vacation to the Florida resort for themselves and three other guests.
Meg Crofton, president of Walt Disney World Resort said “We could not think of a better way to provide vacation planning advice than to create an online forum. This will assist guests who are looking for real and reliable vacation recommendations that fit their family’s travel needs.”
I’m looking forward to seeing this, as this appears as though, based on the description, that Disney may be taking its first steps into creating an online community for adults.
Over at the Studios, the new lighting effects are online at the Sorcerer’s Hat, and include strobes, twinkling lights, and more.This verifies the rumor I discussed a few weeks ago, and that like it or not the hat isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.
Speaking of rumors that may just be turning into fact, I spoke a long time ago about possible changes coming to the FASTPASS system, and recent patent applications by Disney may just be lending some truth to that rumor. Disney is seeking to patent a new technology that will allow you to do a number of different things. For example, you may be able to one day order, view and change FastPass tickets from your cell phone, home computer, and even your resort TV.And speaking of resorts, the long standing rumor about a hierarchical system of FastPasses based on your resort category may just be coming true. As described in the patent application, this technology could allow a system where Guests staying in more expensive resorts could receive preferential treatment.
Disney is also looking at how current and emerging technologies may be used beyond the FastPass system. Disney spokeswoman Kim Prunty reportedly said the technology is envisioned for use in connection with all sorts of guest services, such as shopping and dining-room management, but there are no current plans to change FastPass, as the technologies listed in the patents are still in the very early stages of development.
Other details in the patent application include how Guests or Cast Members could revise FastPass times via text messages in case there needs to be a change due to Guest plans, broken attractions, etc. It is unclear at this time how people who may be able to use the text message system may or may not have an advantage over people who don’t and use a existing kiosks in the park.
One notable piece of the application was the mention of Disney’s ability to track Guests who use the cell phone system around the park. Now while people may like or dislike this, or think about privacy concerns, remember that such a system is likely in place now, as you are tied to your ticket and Key To the World Card, and each time you use it, Disney can see what attractions you visit and revisit, when and where you shop, and so forth. There are no diabolical or menacing motives behind it, but I believe Disney can use that information to enhance the Guest experience.
Back over to the Studios, the Playhouse Disney in Concert series began last week and if you have little ones (or just can’t get enough of Johnny and the Sprites), here’s a list of the upcoming concerts.
Sep. 6-9: The Doodlebops
Sep. 13-16: Playhouse Disney Live!
Sep. 20-23: Imagination Movers
Sep. 27-30 & Oct. 4-7: Choo-Choo Soul
Oct. 11-14: Ralph’s World
Oct. 18-21: Johnny and the Sprites
Oct. 25-28: Dan Zanes and Friends
Remember that tickets for the shows are first-come, first-serve: as soon as you enter the Studios, go to the Coaster Courtyard Concert Stage by Rock ‘N’ Roller Coaster to receive tickets. Guests do not need their entire party present to get show tickets, nor do they need to present their park ticket.
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).
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