From August 26 to September 29, 2007, thousands of Guests will be visiting WDW who have received the Disney Dining plan through a special promotion, and as a result Disney will see more Guests dining in their table-service restaurants. They are therefore asking for Cast Member assistance in NOT dining in Guest locations at dinner during this time. In addition, the 20% percent Cast Dining discount and the 50% Cast Holiday discount tickets are blocked out during this time.
Disney´s Caribbean Beach and Pop Century resorts are being used to test a new program for children at Typhoon Lagoon. From August 4 through September 8, 2007 (tentatively), Guests can register through the Guest Services desks at those resorts for the Children´s Activity Program, which includes lunch and activities such as volleyball, water balloon games, limbo, a pirate treasure hunt, a dance party and more for guests ages 3 – 9. Registration is on a first-come, first-serve basis, for up to 40 children a day. The children will be split into two age groups, 3 – 5 (must be potty trained) and 6 – 9 years old, and will be supervised by Ellis-trained life guards at a ratio of ~1 Guard per 5 children. The test program runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and as of now is FREE with regular Typhoon Lagoon admission.
Disney´s Virtual Magic Kingdom has confirmed the rumor that VMK Central, located inside the Main Street Cinema at the Magic Kingdom, will be closing on September 30, 2007. VMK said in a release that “The game, very much like our theme parks, is always changing. We’ve always tried to experiment with unique ways of doing things, like in-Park Questing, and we’ll continue to do that (for example, we’ll still be doing cool stuff in the Parks, like the merchandise cards and the Finding Nemo Submarine Voyage Quest) – but those things won’t revolve just around VMK Central.” It is unknown if or when another location may open.
Disney´s SpectroMagic parade has had a minor change to the trumpeters, with their glowing face masks replaced by a new makeup-and-prothesis face and glowing hats/wigs. The look is along the lines of Cirque du Soleil or Mardi Gras. Unsure if this is a permanent change or just a test at this time. Photos and discussion may be found at http://www.disneyworldtrivia.com/forums/walt-disney-world-wdw-news/13492-new-face-characters-spectromagic.html
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