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Travel
Guide Updates for PassPorter Walt Disney World For Your Special Needs - First
Edition
(first
edition, released August 2005)
These updates were current as of
Reminder: These updates
do not include every new thing at Walt Disney World as that would require an
entirely new book to explain (and, yes, we plan to publish a new edition in
September 2007)! Instead, this chart only lists the pages in PassPorter Walt Disney
World For Your Special Needs that would be out-of-date or incorrect without
this information.
|
Date |
Page |
Update Description |
|
11/05 |
57 |
On the Disney Cruise Line, advance reservations are now available for the spa, shore excursions, dining at Palo, and registering your children for babysitting and youth activities. You must first register online at the DisneyCruise.com web site and then you can make reservations online. Your cruise must be paid in full in order to take advantage of this new service. The timelines for reservations are as follows: Concierge Cruisers - reservations can be made up to 105 days before embarkation; Castaway Club Members - 90 days prior to embarkation; All other sailors - 75 days prior to embarkation |
|
11/05 |
64 |
Wheelchairs are now $10/day rental (no deposit); ECVs are $35/day with $5 refundable deposit |
|
8/06 |
68 |
Expedition Everest in Animal Kingdom may also cause motion sickness. Also, note that there is now a tamer version of Epcot's Mission: SPACE that does not use the spinning motion. |
|
8/06 |
72 |
The name of the new spa at the Walt Disney World Dolphin is Mandara Spa. |
|
11/05 |
98 |
Resort
Check-in airlines now include Jetblue. |
|
4/06 |
98 |
Resort
Check-in airlines now include Northwest Airlines. |
|
8/06 |
98 |
Resort Check-in airlines now include Alaska Airlines. |
|
8/06 |
109 |
All Disney resorts now offer high-speed Internet access for $9.95 for a continuous 24-hour period, some resorts offer wireless (wi-fi) in select areas of the resorts available at the same rate. The Disney Cruise Line's Wonder and Magic also offer wi-fi access for $.75/minute or $55 for 100 minutes. |
|
11/05 |
110 |
As of October 9, 2005, parking for cars, shuttles, limos, and taxis increased from $8 to $9; the price for campers/trailers increased from $9 to $10. |
|
4/06 |
110 |
Parking at Shades of Green has increased from $3 to $5 per day. |
|
8/06 |
110 |
In May 2006, Disney began offering the Disney Gift Card, which can be used at the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort, Disney Store locations in the U.S., Disneyshopping.com, and the Disney Cruise Line for shipboard account settlement. Last year, Disney introduced the Walt Disney World Shopping & Dining Gift Card, which was only good at select merchandise and food and beverage locations within the Walt Disney World Resort. This new Gift Card is accepted at more than 1,000 locations as a form of payment toward merchandise, dining, recreation and for admission tickets when purchased at Walt Disney World Theme Parks. You can purchase a Disney Gift Card for any amount in increments from $5 to $1500. Most merchandise, dining and recreation locations throughout Walt Disney World will accept the Disney Gift Card. Notable exceptions are: McDonald's, Jellyrolls, Rainforest Cafe and the Richard Petty Driving Experience. In addition, some carts and other outdoor merchandise vendors may not be able to accept the gift card. Further enhancements to the Disney Gift Card are expected. As of July 30, 2006, the Walt Disney World Resort began to phase out the acceptance of personal checks at all merchandise locations. You can continue to use travelers checks, credit cards, resort ID cards, Disney gift cards and cash. |
|
|
113 |
Reservations for the new Family Suites at All-Star Music Resort are being accepted for stays beginning in June 2006. Pricing will be as follows: value season: $169; regular season: $209; peak season: $239; and holiday season: $259. The Family Suites are located in the Jazz Inn and Calypso buildings. |
|
|
113 |
The new Family Suites at All-Star Music Resort are now open. |
|
|
126 |
The Caribbean Beach Resort now offers "Islands of the Caribbean Pirate Adventure," for children ages 4-10 (must be potty-trained). The cruise takes young adventurers on a boat to sail the ports of the Caribbean, just like Captain Jack! Once they recover the treasure, they will sail to Fort Cay to trade for some grub (lunch consisting of peanut butter and jelly Uncrustables, gummy bears, goldfish treats, and apple juice box). When they return to Old Port Royale, they will unlock the treasure chest and the bounty will be shared by all. This water cruise runs Tuesdays, 9:30 - 11:30 a.m. and costs $28.17 per child pus tax. Call marina directly to book. |
|
|
142 |
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be testing Poolside Cabanas at their themed beachside pool. Each cabana will offer two padded loungers, two padded straight-back chairs, a 22-inch LCD TV with cable and headphones, Sirius Satellite Radio, a phone for calls within the resort, a mini-fridge stocked with soft drinks, and a complimentary fruit basket. The cabanas are available in two four-hour time blocks (10:00 am - 2:00 pm and 3:00 pm - 7:00 pm) for $60. The cabanas are solely for the use of guests of the Grand Floridian Resort. |
|
|
159 |
The address for the Port Orleans Riverside Resort is: 1251 Riverside Dr., Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830. |
|
|
160 |
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa has now opened The Springs section and The Paddock section, in addition to Congress Park. The final phase of construction is still under way and due to be completed in 2007. |
|
|
161 |
The Turf Club game room/lounge at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa will become The Turf Club Bar and Grill in summer 2006. It will be expanded to include indoor and outdoor seating areas and offer table service for lunch and dinner. |
|
|
161 |
The Turf Club game room/lounge at Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa opened as The Turf Club Bar and Grill in July 2006. It now has indoor and outdoor seating areas and offers table service for lunch and dinner. |
|
|
174 |
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin no longer charge a "resort fee." In-room coffee and daily paper are still provided, but there is now a charge for other extras. Extra add ons include: use of the Health Club is $8.00 per person per day; High Speed Internet Access (HSIA) is $10.95 for a 24-hour period (tax is included in price); Telephone charges are $1.00 for local, toll free & operator assisted calls. $.10 a minute for local calls over 60 minutes. |
|
|
174 |
On January 27, 2006, the Walt Disney World Swan resort became completely nonsmoking, even in guest rooms. This is in keeping with other Westin-owned hotel properties. |
|
|
174 |
Tubbi's at the Walt Disney World Dolphin has closed for renovations. It is due to open in late April with a new look and name. Also, the name of the sushi spot in the Swan is Kimono's (not Kiku). |
|
|
174 |
Tubbi's at the Walt Disney World Dolphin has been renovated and reopened with the name Picabu. It still a 24-hour buffeteria location. |
|
|
177 |
The
Holiday Inn Family Suites are now known as the Nickelodeon Family
Suites; website is http://www.nickhotel.com/ |
|
|
200 |
As of September 3, 2006, Walt Disney World increased their parking prices. It is now $10/day for automobiles taxis, limos, shuttles, and motorcycles. Campers/trailers pay $11/day; buses/tractor trailers pay $14/day. |
|
11/05 |
202 |
Wheelchairs are now $10/day rental (no deposit); ECVs are $35/day with $5 refundable deposit. Length of Stay Rental not available during peak seasons. |
|
|
204-205 |
On January 1, 2006, Walt Disney World increased their admission prices. The one- and two-day passes went up about 6%, but the longer duration passes went up approximately 12%. Water park and DisneyQuest ticket prices have also increased. Refer to http://allearsnet.com/pl/ticketchart.htm for all the current ticket prices. |
|
|
204-205 |
On August 6, 2006, Walt Disney World increased their admission prices. The one-day passes went up about 6.3%. Water park and DisneyQuest ticket prices have also increased by $1.00. Refer to http://allearsnet.com/pl/ticketchart.htm for all the current ticket prices. |
|
|
215 |
The afternoon parade has been revamped slightly and renamed to Disney Dreams Come True parade. |
|
|
220 |
The Pirates of the Caribbean closed in March for renovations and updates. Captain Jack Sparrow and his arch-nemesis Captain Barbossa will become the newest Audio-Animatronic additions to these attractions. It will reopen in time for the movie premiere of "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" on July 7, 2006. |
|
|
220 |
The Pirates of the Caribbean reopened 7/1/06 after renovations and updates. Captain Jack Sparrow and his arch-nemesis Captain Barbossa are the newest Audio-Animatronic additions to these attractions. Along with the rehab, the old-style turnstiles have been removed and have been replaced with the wider, photo-cell type of turnstiles. |
|
11/05 |
223 |
The Haunted Mansion no longer has FASTPASS. |
|
4/06 |
223 |
The Liberty Square Riverboat is closed at least until July 1, 2006 for an extensive rehab. |
|
8/06 |
223 |
The Liberty Square Riverboat due to reopen September 8, 2006 after an extensive rehab. |
|
11/05 |
224 |
Cinderellabration's wheelchair viewing area is seasonal, check at Guest Services. |
|
8/06 |
224 |
Cinderellabration's last shows on September 16, 2006. A new show will debut in time for the October 1 kick-off of the "Year of a Million Dreams." |
|
8/06 |
226 |
Pooh's Playful Spot is a new (opened 9/1/05) playground for little ones in Fantasyland, located across from the Many Adventures of Winnie-the-Pooh. |
|
8/06 |
226 |
On the Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, you can request to have the bouncing motion of the car turned off. |
|
|
231 |
The Timekeeper attraction has permanently closed. |
|
|
231 |
The Timekeeper attraction will be replaced by a new show called "Laugh Floor Comedy Club," featuring characters from Monsters, Inc. Scheduled to open in early 2007 as part of "The Year of a Million Dreams." |
|
|
242 |
Mission: SPACE now offers a tamer alternative to those sensitive to motion. By selecting the "green" lane you can experience a lower intensity ride without the spinning. |
|
|
244 |
Club Cool is now open and it is essentially the same concept, but easier to access and more open. The free drinks stands are still available, and they still offer Beverly. |
|
|
244 |
The Living Seas is open again after being closed for renovations. The hydrolators were removed, and the gift shop moved. The entrance is now on the lower level, where the hydrolator exits were previously located. A new attraction, The Seas with Nemo & Friends, will open in Fall 2006; it will include a ride in "clamobiles" through the aquarium. |
|
8/06 |
247 |
The Viking Ship in Norway is no longer a children's play area. |
|
8/06 |
262 |
Lights Motors Action! Extreme Stunt Show queue is now covered with awnings -- no more standing and waiting in the hot sun. |
|
11/05 |
264 |
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Play It!" FASTPASS is no longer offered at this attraction |
|
8/06 |
264 |
"Who Wants to be a Millionaire - Play It!" gave its final shows August 19, 2006. Construction on the soundstage will begin soon. Rumor has it that the new attraction will be a dark-ride based on Pixar characters, set to open in 2008. |
|
4/06 |
264 |
Journey Into Narnia: Creating The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, located on Mickey Avenue in one of the Soundstages, opened December 9, 2005, to coincide with the opening of the movie, Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe. It is a walkthrough exhibit of scenes from the movie, with a short film clip that requires about 10 minutes worth of standing -- there is no place to sit. [F] [V] Very dimly lit. [M] Wheelchair accessible. [A] [C] [Heart] [T] [U] [I] [M] [P] [E] [S] Requires standing in one spot to view film trailer; there is no place to sit. |
|
|
273 |
There is now a companion restroom in the group of restrooms located near Serka Zong (Expedition Everest) in Asia. |
|
|
273 |
Seating for Expedition Everest is two across with a divider between riders and a pull-down lap bar. |
|
|
279 |
Expedition Everest rating: 10 from both Deb Wills and Deb Koma. |
|
|
280 |
Tarzan Rocks at Theater in the Wild (Disney's Animal Kingdom) held its final performance January 21, 2006, and is now closed. The theater is getting a makeover (including air conditioning) and is expected to reopen in late 2006 with a new show, "Finding Nemo -- The Musical." |
|
|
293 |
Cirque du Soleil adjusted prices to $61-$95 for ages 10+ and $49-$76 for ages 3-9. |
|
|
294 |
Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique opened in World of Disney April 5, 2006 -- a salon for little princesses. Also new Princess Room and Adventure Room opened -- interactive fun for boys and girls along with merchandise. |
|
4/06 |
301-302 |
Pleasure Island is undergoing extensive changes. The nightly New Year's Eve show has been discontinued. West End Stage and Hub Stage are closed. Most of the shops have closed, including Zen Zone, Reel Finds, DTV, and Super Star Studios. Harley-Davidson shop is currently closed but will relocate to Reel Finds' former location. |
|
11/05 |
308 |
The prices of Disney's Wide World of Sports general admission tickets have gone up to $11.00 for guests ages 10 and up and to $8.25 for guests ages 3-9. |
|
11/05 |
308 |
Effective Sunday, October 30, 2005, the prices for miniature golf at Fantasia Gardens and Winter Summerland increased slightly: Ages 10 and up: $10.75 plus tax. Ages 3-9: $8.50 plus tax. |
|
11/05 |
313 |
As of October 28, 2005, you are able to make all your Walt Disney World table service dining reservations as far as 180 days in advance. If you are staying at a Disney resort, you can still book reservations for your entire stay, starting at 180 days from your arrival date. |
|
8/06 |
321 |
Add Disney Gift Card as an acceptable form of payment. As of July 30, 2006, the Walt Disney World Resort began to phase out the acceptance of personal checks at all merchandise locations. You can continue to use travelers checks, credit cards, resort ID cards, Disney gift cards and cash. |
|
|
324 |
Cinderella's Royal Table increased its breakfast price to $31.99/ages 10+ and $21.99/ages 3-9. Lunch is now $33.99/ages 10+ and $22.99/ages 3-9. Dinner is now a fixed-price meal ($39.99/ages 10+ and $24.99/ages 3-9), includes an appearance by the Fairy Godmother, the opportunity to have your photo taken before the meal, and an exclusive lithograph. |
|
8/06 |
327 |
A new McDonald's-sponsored fry shop, The Village Fry Shoppe, opened in Fantasyland in May 2006. |
|
4/06 |
331 |
Garden Grill has reverted to its former menu of flank steak, catfish and pork loin. See http://allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm for all current Walt Disney World menus. |
|
8/06 |
337 |
As of 6/25/06, Hollywood & Vine in the Disney-MGM Studios offers Play 'n' Dine at Hollywood & Vine, character meals at breakfast and lunch, featuring JoJo and Goliath and characters from The Little Einsteins. |
|
8/06 |
340 |
Chakranadi Chicken Shop and Sunaulo Toran Fries in Animal Kingdom closed in June 2006, to make way for construction of new restaurant. An Asian restaurant will debut in the Village of Anandapur in Animal Kingdom's Asia in Summer 2007. It will offer both table and counter service dining options, as well as house retail space with Asian-inspired merchandise, such as sushi plates and fine teapots. |
|
4/06 |
341 |
Meal Plus Certificates at Animal Kingdom were discontinued 7/05. |
|
4/06 |
343 |
Missing Link Sausage Co. at Pleasure Island closed 3/06. |
|
4/06 |
343 |
Raglan Road also has a counter service fish and chips spot called Cooke's of Dublin. |
|
8/06 |
343 |
In early 2008, Downtown Disney will sport a new themed dining experience -- T-Rex: A Prehistoric Family Adventure, A Place to Eat, Shop, Explore and Discover®. The restaurant will be home to life-sized animatronic dinosaurs, a dig site and much more. The table service restaurant will feature waterfalls and geysers, and, as the name indicates, there will also be a retail shop. |
|
8/06 |
347 |
Grab 'n Go sandwiches and salads will no longer be available in the Merchandise locations at Disney's All Star Resorts. |
|
8/06 |
349 |
Grab 'n Go sandwiches and salads will no longer be available in the Merchandise locations at Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. |
|
11/05 |
350 |
California Grill has a new credit card guarantee policy. As of October 21, all confirmed reservations require a credit card number at the time of booking as a guarantee. A $20 per person cancellation fee will apply for cancellations within 24 hours or for any no-shows. You will need to provide a billing address, card type, credit card number and expiration date on each booking. |
|
11/05 |
354 |
Victoria and Albert's in the Grand Floridian now has two specific seating times: 5:45 p.m. and 9 p.m. |
|
|
354 |
'Ohana has changed its dinner menu: the shrimp skewers have been replaced with Hawaiian pork-sausage with pineapple teriyaki glaze, Maui scalloped potatoes were added, and 'Ohana bread pudding a la mode with Banana Fosters sauce is dessert. Price remains the same. |
|
8/06 |
355 |
Grab 'n Go sandwiches and salads will no longer be available in the Merchandise locations at Disney's Port Orleans Resort. |
|
8/06 |
355 |
The Turf Club Bar and Grill at Saratoga Springs now has indoor and outdoor seating areas and offers table service for lunch and dinner. |
|
|
356 |
The Dolphin Fountain was recently renovated and is known as simply The Fountain. Servers no longer sing and dance. There is now a separate take-out window for ice cream treats. |
|
|
357 |
Tubbi's is closed and being renovated. It will reopen with a new look and name in late April 2006. |
|
8/06 |
357 |
Tubbi's has reopened and is now known as Picabu, but it is still a 24-hour buffeteria with many grab and go items, and a convenience store. |
|
8/06 |
357 |
Palio at the Walt Disney World Swan closed 9/3/06. It will reopen with a new look in the future. |
|
|
362 |
Mickey's Backyard BBQ will be offered on Thursdays and Saturdays in 2006. |
|
|
363 |
'Ohana at the Polynesian now features Lilo & Stitch and Mickey at its character breakfast. Chip, Dale and Goofy no longer appear. |
|
|
364-365 |
The Hoop Dee Doo Revue and Spirit of Aloha dinner shows can only be booked 180 days in advance beginning January 1, 2007. |
|
|
364-365 |
The Hoop Dee Doo Revue and Spirit of Aloha dinner shows will have new pricing and seating tiers, effective 2007. |
