Mickey Monitor is the newsletter for Annual Passholders.
The thrills of space travel are now Epcot realities
The rocket is clear for liftoff; ignition systems start. A low rumble builds to a symphony of air pressure and surging engines. Powerful forces lift the mighty spacecraft free of earth's grasp. The sensation of speed is phenomenal. Blue Florida skies give way to star-spattered blackness. The mission is underway, and you're inside the capsule experiencing it firsthand.
The realism is out-of-this-world at the exciting new Epcot attraction Mission: SPACE, opening later this year. It will be the first time any attraction of its kind comes so close to being like the real thing.
"From the moment your capsule launches, the combined effects of motion, audio, and cutting-edge imagery will give you the most realistic feeling of launch available anywhere," Walt Disney Imagineer Senior Show Producer Bob Zalk tells the Mickey Monitor. "It's totally immersive, on a much more intimate level than anything we've ever done before."
You'll play an active role
As a Mission: SPACE astronaut-in-training, you'll arrive at the "International Space Training Center," and join a crew of three. Each member will be assigned a unique task to carry out in the capsule. "This is not a passive attraction," Bob explains. "Your response has a definite cause and effect on your experience."
In the tradition of all-time great Disney attractions, meticulous detail throughout Mission: SPACE will make repeat voyages a must. Senior Show Producer Susan Bryan has tested Mission: SPACE hundreds of times and still notices new details with every ride.
"It's almost a sensory overload," she says. "The intensity of motion -- of seeing, feeling, and hearing all the details -- it's almost impossible to describe."
More attractions within the attraction
Immediately following the rocket voyage is the Advanced Training Lab. It combines four areas: Mission: SPACE Race, a competition to return a crew to Earth; Expedition Mars, which lets you guide jet-packing astronauts around the surface of Mars; Space Base, a multi-story play area for the astro-tots; and Postcards from Space, a personalized video e-mail station.
"All this new technology makes Mission: SPACE unique," Bob says. "But what makes it special is the overall story -- the vision of a not-too-distant time when space travel might be accessible to everyone."
The heart of the experience
Behind every aspect of this thrilling new attraction, a strong sense of human achievement inspired by the numerous space programs is communicated and commemorated.
"It's exhilarating from a thrill aspect, but there's also a lot of depth to the experience," Sue adds. "You really come away from Mission: SPACE appreciating what astronauts go through, how courageous they are, and the scope of what they've accomplished for all of us."
Be a winner in the "Adventure and Magic" challenge
Are you a born explorer? Do you chortle in the face of adventure? Would you like to receive an exclusive Disney's Animal Kingdom 5th Anniversary Passholder Pin?
From June 15 to July 15, Annual and Premium Annual Passholders are invited to participate in a special scavenger hunt, as part of the Park's "5 Years of Adventure and Magic" celebration.
To play, just pick up your Adventure and Magic Guide at Island Mercantile in Discovery Island®. The Guide contains clever questions and tricky searches. They're really fun to solve, because you have to go on rides, see shows and enjoy the Park in order to complete the Guide! (Gee, if only those ninth-grade pop quizzes could have been like this!)
When you've complete your Adventure and Magic Guide, present if at Island Mercantile and receive your pin! (Don't worry about your score, we grade on a very "wild" curve.)
Congratulations in advance!
(Only one pin per Passholder, please, while supplies last).
Feel the FORCE of an extra weekend of Star Wars fun!
Every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 16 to June 15.
In honor of Star Wars: Episode II Attack of the Clones, we thought it would be appropriate to clone an extra weekend of the big event so fans and aspiring Jedi Knights will have even more opportunities to celebrate the five-film epic.
The celebration now spans not four, but five weekends at Disney-MGM Studios between May 16 and June 15, which means young Jedi Padawans will get more time on the light saber at the Jedi Training Academy.
Of course, you'll want to get in on the always-popular character meet and greet, which will include characters from the entire Star Wars saga, including some of your favorites from Episode II Attack of the Clones.
And bring your Star Wars trivia knowledge as well, because we have a fresh load of Star Wars trivia questions from the Jedi Holocron at the Who Wants to Be a Millionaire - Play It! attraction especially for the celebration. (A note to trivia Jedi Masters who seek the hot seat: C-3PO accompanied the Rebel strike force to knock out the Imperial shield generator on Endor, not Bespin... just a reminder from your friendly Mickey Monitor staffers.) More on Star Wars Weekends...
Flower & Garden Festival celebrates 10 years
April 25 - June 8
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival has been dazzling Guests since 1994. And it has blossomed each and every year since. But this year is particularly special, as it marks the 10th anniversary. And, in honor of this milestone, the celebration is going to feature the best of the best ... a combination of new fun for children, live music from classic bands and a number of topiaries brought back from the past nine years. This magical mix promises to make this Festival absolutely incredible.
Topiary favorites that will be making an encore appearance include characters from Fantasia, the giraffes from the opening of Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park, Donald and Daisy Duck in their car, and last year's showstopper -- Lady and the Tramp!
Making its Festival debut is Disney's Doggone Maze for kids. As they navigate through this amazing maze, children will encounter a number of Disney dogs (like Lady, Tramp, Pluto, Goofy, Stitch, and five of the 101 Dalmatians) in topiary form.
Of course the Flower Power Concert Series is back for another encore! You'll be able to groove to '60s and '70s music from artists like Davy Jones, Arlo Guthrie, The Lovin' Spoonful, Paul Revere & The Raiders, and The Turtles featuring Flo & Eddie. To name a few! Please note that entertainment is subject to change without notice.
As in years past, the Kids' Garden returns (this time with a new, musical theme), as well as special weekends, daily gardening seminars and more. Plus there will be a special event poster that you can purchase for 50% off the regular price! Check out disneyworld.com/flower for complete event information and details, or click here. Enjoy.
Epcot World Music Concert Series
They sing a foot-stomping blend of country bluegrass and contemporary pop. They've played at the Grand Ole Opry. They already have a feature film and a hit country CD on their resume.
And they're Russian.
Look out Epcot. Here come Ilya, Sasha, Lydia, Natasha, Alexander and "Spooky." Together they form Bering Strait, and they'll be performing this summer at the Epcot World Music Concert Series.
The remarkable story of this phenomenal young group began in the one-closed Soviet nuclear city of Obninsk. Offspring of scientists and engineers, their extraordinary musical talents enabled them to tour the world since childhood. As American pop culture caught in Russia, Bering Strait fanned the flames, landed digs in the United States, and negotiations with record labels.
Along the way, bouts with homesickness and career frustration plagued the group. Record label deals fell through just as fast as they rose. Success seemed always just out of reach.
But talent and determination prevailed. Bering Strait released its first CD last January and won a Grammy nomination. They were the first Russian performers at Nashville's legendary Grand Ole Opry. Their story was made into the acclaimed film documentary, The Ballad of Bering Strait.
The Epcot world Music Concert Series will be presented June 13 through September 1 at the America Gardens Theatre. Enjoy new headline performers every week this summer including Brother, an Australian band that adds the rhythm of the outback to their pop sound, and Richard Wood, a one-man fiddling extravaganza from Prince Edward Island who plays everything from Celtic jigs to reels.
More performers are on their way, sp please check out the special events section of disneyworld.com for the latest details.
Entertainment subject to change without notice.
Perks in your 2003 pass sleeve
To get the most out of being a Walt Disney World Passholder, remember to check your 2003 Pass Sleeve for Passholder benefits. You'll find a world of special offers.
Water Sports Savings
It's time to get your feet wet! Head to Sammy Duval's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort and get 10% off the regular rate on parasailing, waterskiing and wakeboarding! Reservations are required and certain restrictions apply. For more information, call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).
Epcot Lunch Meal Deal
Here's an offer you can sink your teeth into. Literally. You, and up to three guests, can enjoy lunch for 10% off the regular price (excluding tax and gratuity) at participating Epcot Table Service Locations. Call (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463) for locations and reservations.
Offer good Monday-Friday and applies to lunch and non-alcoholic beverages. Lunch hours vary by location. Inquire at time of booking. Benefits may only be used by a Passholder with a valid Pass unless noted otherwise, and cannot be combined with any other coupon or discount. Benefits exclude tax and gratuity where applicable and are subject to change without notice.
Exclusive Flower & Garden Pin series
Plant these on your lanyard.
The topiaries. The music. The merriment. And now ... the pins! Yes, this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is going collectible. In honor of the Festival's 10th anniversary, we've designed THREE exclusive pins just for our valued Passholders!
These limited-edition pins will be issues in quantities of 3,000 each, and here's how it's going to work: one pin will be released every other week of the Festival (4/25, 5/9 and 5/23) for $10.50 (plus tax) each until they're sold out. Please note that there is a limit of two per Passholder, per day.
You can only get your exclusive Flower & Garden pins at The Land Pavilion at Epcot. All you have to do is present your valid Passholder ID.
Enjoy the great outdoors for less
Disney's
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Ah, the majesty of the great outdoors. The comforts of a Disney resort. The savings only a Passholder can enjoy. How does getting all three in one sound? Well, that's just what you can do at Disney's
Fort Wilderness cabins. Because most nights, now through 7/3/03, you can stay right in the middle of the Disney magic for just $144* per night. That's a savings of $125** per night!
This exciting Resort features spacious, multi-room accommodations, a great view of the Electrical Water Pageant on Bay Lake and tons of family fun and recreation. You'll even have access to the
Fort Wilderness Beach. And don't forget to check out The Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue dining experience, pony rides, hayrides and more!
But you have to hurry and book soon. The number of rooms available with this offer is limited. Just call (407) 560-PASS (7277) and ask for code CPZ.
**Savings based on non-discounted rate for same room. *Tax is not included. Additional per-adult charges apply if more than two adults (18 or older) per room. Prices and other terms subject to change without notice. No group rates or other discounts apply. Valid Passholder ID required at check-in. Advance reservations required. Other Resorts and room types available at varying rates.
It's a Downtown Disney Christmas, and savings are your gift!
July 26 - 7:30am-9:30am
Here's a special present just for out Annual, Premium Annual and Seasonal Passholders! Just when you thought it was safe to put the wrapping paper away -- Santa Goofy goes and makes a mistake! But it's a good one. Because during the Downtown Disney "Christmas in July" event, you'll get to enjoy your 10% World of Disney discount at Disney's Days of Christmas, Disney's Wonderful World of Memories and the new Once Upon a Toy store as well!
Want more good news? You may bring two Guests along to share in the savings. You and your Guests will have special access to exclusive items like a limited-edition Passholder poster, a triple princess snow globe for 50% off the regular price and scrapbook items for 30-50% off. Plus more!
And there will plenty of other surprises along the way -- like scrapbook demonstrations at Disney's Wonderful World of Memories, artist signings at Disney's Days of Christmas, holiday-themed character meet and greets (Santa included) and hot cocoa!
So make your list. Check it twice. Because Christmas in July is gonna be quite nice.
Tee up to Passholder savings on Disney golf!
If you're a Passholder who loves golf, here's your shot! From 5/5/03 through 9/25/03, you and up to three Guests can save 40% off the regular Day Visitor Rates on all five championship Disney golf courses! And there's more great news -- this discount is available for play ANYTIME of the day.
Tee times at this rate are limited and may be made up to 14 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653). Be sure to provide your photo ID and valid Passholder ID at the Pro Shop check-in. This offer is not valid for group play or in combination with any other special offers. Advance reservations are required.
Exclusive Quarterly Passholder Pin #2
It's another new edition of the Mickey Monitor. And you know what that means ... it's another new pin opportunity as well! Yep, it's time for the second installment of our Quarterly Passholder Pin series, and this one showcases the Magic Kingdom Park!
This limited-edition "75 Years with Mickey" pin features Sorcerer Mickey conjuring up some starry magic in front of Cinderella Castle. It also features our official "Walt Disney World Pin Trading" backstamp and comes on a custom backer card adorned with fireworks. You may purchase it beginning May 15, 2003 for $10.50 (plus tax), but only 7,500 are being issued -- so get yours soon! And remember, there is a limit of two per Passholder per day.
The exciting Passholder Exclusive Pin will be on sale at one location in each of the four Disney Theme Parks: Town Square Exposition Hall in the Magic Kingdom Park, Hollywood Junction in the Disney-MGM Studios, Island Mercantile in Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park and Pin Central in Epcot. All you have to do is show up and present your valid Passholder ID
Interactive Pal Mickey will guide you through the Parks
Here's an amazing your guide who might even teach Passholders a thing or two about the Parks.
Introducing Pal Mickey. He looks like a huggable Mickey toy. But this little guy (he's about ten inches tall) is much, much more. He's an interactive talking wonder who guides you through al four Theme Parks.
You'll be amazed at what Pal Mickey can do. Just take him for a spin in the Parks and listen to him in action. He'll remind you when shows are about to start, give a show when there's little or no wait time on a favorite attraction, and even drop a hint on where to find Cinderella or other Disney characters.
The fun continues when you take him home. Pal Mickey is a whiz at playing little games and loves sharing some delightfully dreadful jokes. ("Why is Captain Hook's boat still sailing through the sky? Because it's going to Never Land."
So how does Pal Mickey work? That's a well-kept Disney secret, but Leslie Hartog, Disney's Pal Mickey Project Manager, shared a few enticing details. "The most amazing thing about Pal Mickey is that he always knows where he is, so he says the right thing at the right time. He can be a real lifesaver in the Parks. And he's lots of fun at home, too."
Pal Mickey is available at each Disney Resort and the four Disney Theme Parks. Daily rental is $8.00 (plus tax). Or you can purchase your very own Pal Mickey for $46.94 (plus tax).
Summer savings at Disney's Vero Beach Resort
Have you taken advantage of any Passholder savings opportunities at Disney's Vero Beach Resort? If not, this is your lucky summer (and if so -- it's still pretty lucky)! Because here's another chance to save on the family beach vacation that combines the excitement of Florida's Atlantic Coast with legendary Disney experiences and hospitality.
You can enjoy fun-in-the-sun and soak up the savings with special Summer Passholder rates on studio accommodations starting at just $139* per room, per night (most nights now through 5/21, 5/27-7/1, and 7/6-8/26/03). But hurry. The number of rooms available at this rate is limited. So call (407) 560-PASS (7177) to take advantage of this offer. And don't forget to ask for package code VUB. Can't wait to see you there!
*Taxes not included. Other room types may be available at varying rates. Length-of-stay requirements may apply. Valid Passholder ID required at check-in. All prices and other terms subject to change without notice.
Cirque du Soleil Savings
The performances are awe-inspiring. The music is amazing. And the savings...well, they're yours! As a valued Walt Disney World Passholder, we want you to enjoy Cirque du Soleil® La Nouba™ for 25% off* the regular price of Category II admission (select seats only) on performances June 3 through September 30, 2003 (excluding 7/13-7/16 and 9/7-9/9). And you can bring one Guest along to enjoy the savings as well!
To enjoy these exclusive savings on this Walt Disney World-exclusive show, call (407) 939-7604 today. And remember --
tickets are available for sale 14 days prior to your show date.
*Discount is not valid on previously purchased
tickets, gift certificates or with any other offer. Passholder must present valid Passholder ID at box office to receive
tickets. Please arrive at least one hour prior to show time. Advance reservations required. Availability is limited and restrictions apply.
First Passholder Cruise proves to be a hit.
Steve and Patty Kildahl of Sarasota, Florida, know a lot about Disney vacation. These longtime Passholders generally make it to Disney's
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground five to ten times a year. Bet even Disney veterans like the Kildahls found something new as passengers on our very first Passholder Cruise last January.
"We've sailed on other cruise lines in the past, but the kids really wanted to do Disney, " Steve told us. It turns out, Steve's kids had their dream come true, and then some. "The shows were fabulous and the rotational dining was a big hit." But it was that extra Disney touch that seems to impress the Kildahls. "My son is a big pin trader and his favorite moment on the cruise came when he was given his own pin lanyard and was selected to be an unofficial cast member for the day." In the end, the cruise had a very big impact. "The second we got off, my son started talking about taking another cruise."
Sound good to you? the next Passholder Cruise will be a 4-Night Bahamian Cruise and it's already scheduled for January 25, 2004. You can book online now at disneycruise.com or call 800-370-3086 or your Travel Agent. Be sure to mention booking code APC.
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