[Ryan C.]

"What's New"

Disney's FASTPASS

Disney's FASTPASS (launched in July 1999) -- Disney's revolutionary antidote to line-standing is offered at a selection of popular attractions in all four theme parks. Guests who choose to get a FASTPASS receive a ticket with a designated one-hour-long window of time when they can return and skip the regular line. Guests don't have to choose FASTPASS: there's a standby line at all attractions. "Free" is key: Disney's FASTPASS doesn't cost theme park guests anything extra, and using FASTPASS frees up time for other experiences.

Pal Mickey

Pal Mickey (May 2003) -- Available for daily rental or purchase, Pal Mickey is a new talking Mickey Mouse toy that entertains and assists guests in the four Walt Disney World theme parks. Each Pal Mickey shares stories and fun facts, offers reminders about parades and show times and tells guests where to locate Disney characters. The 10½-inch interactive toy keeps the whole family entertained with jokes and games guests can initiate, whether waiting in line at the theme parks or relaxing in a hotel room -- even back at home.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line -- Disney Cruise Line has expanded its cruise itineraries to now offer seven-night cruise vacations, as well as three- and four-night cruises that can be seamlessly combined with three or four nights at Walt Disney World Resort. The Disney Magic, launched in 1998, alternates each week between seven-night eastern (St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay) and western (Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay) Caribbean itineraries. Seven-night land/sea packages aboard the Disney Wonder, launched in 1999, offer the enchantment of a Disney Cruise Line voyage to the Bahamas. Disney ships were specifically designed with areas and activities that appeal to the unique vacation needs of every member of the family. Highlights include nearly an entire deck dedicated to kids, original Disney musicals, a nighttime entertainment district reserved exclusively for adults, unique dining experiences, family-friendly staterooms and Castaway Cay, the most magical private island in the cruise industry.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

Chester & Hester’s Dino-Rama! (2001/2002) -- This new “mini-land” of zany fun adjacent to DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom features a family coaster ride, a spinning dinosaur ride and an array of dino-themed brightly colored arcade games. Primeval Whirl uses roller coaster technology to create spinning “time machines” that transport riders through curves, short drops and the jaws of a dinosaur skeleton. TriceraTop Spin takes guests on an up-down-and-around ride in 4-passenger vehicles that move around a giant spinning toy top that opens up to reveal -- what else? -- a dinosaur.

"Mickey's Jammin' Jungle" (October 2001) -- Launched for the 100 Years of Magic celebration, the daily parade is a traveling, interactive island street party that features Disney characters "on expedition" and a tribute to their animal friends. As the procession winds through the park, a menagerie of abstract animals comes to life in handcrafted theatrical designs.

Magic Kingdom

Goofy’s Country Dancin' Jamboree (July 2003) -- Goofy and his pals host a rootin' tootin' country music dance party for young guests several times a day in the world-famous Diamond Horseshoe Saloon.

"Share a Dream Come True" (October 2001) -- Larger-than-life snow globes capture the magic and charm of Disney characters from a child's point of view in the new Magic Kingdom parade created for the 100 Years of Magic celebration.

"Cinderella's Surprise Celebration" (October 2001) -- Cinderella is hosting a party in the Castle forecourt for theme park guests and more than 20 favorite characters. The musical celebration concludes with an extended character meet-and-greet session.

The Magic Carpets of Aladdin (May 2001) -- Magic Kingdom guests have the chance to go on their very own magic carpet ride in the Adventureland area of the park. Sixteen 4-passenger "carpets" circle around a giant Genie's bottle, moving up and down and pitching forward or backward at the "command" of riders while whimsical, water-spewing camels "spit" at the airborne guests. The development also includes a new, open-air marketplace -- Agrabah Bazaar -- which opened December 2000.

Epcot

Reflections of China (June 2003) -- A new version of the Circle-Vision 360 film showing at Epcot since 1982 now showcases a more contemporary China thanks to a crew of American and Chinese filmmakers who worked together to capture fresh views of city life and contemporary dress. The film includes additions such as footage of Hong Kong and Macau plus entirely new footage of Shanghai. Poet Li Bai, who narrated the original “Wonders of China” film, remains the narrator of this film.

Test Track (March 1999) -- Inspired by real-world testing of General Motors, Test Track is the longest and fastest attraction in Disney history. At nearly a mile in length and reaching speeds of 65 mph, this thrilling ride immerses Epcot guests in an automobile proving ground experience. Test maneuvers include a tire-squealing hill climb, a wildly-out-of-control brake test, hairpin turns and the fastest high-speed sequence in the Vacation Kingdom.

Innoventions, (continual updates) -- Discover tomorrow's technology today at this hands-on exposition of the world's newest products and inventions. Guests visit the house of the future, explore cyberspace, test the latest developments in computers and discover the latest breakthroughs in virtual reality and communications.

Disney-MGM Studios

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror™ 4 (January 2003) -- Five simple words, one chilling thought: The tower is in control. While "sequels" sometimes don't measure up to their originals, the new version of this attraction multiplies the thrills inside the 13-story haunted hotel with technology that actually places the attraction in control of each ride experience. New random ride and drop sequences make the attraction faster and add more drops than ever before. In addition, visual, audio and olfactory special effects have been added, making Tower of Terror one of the most advanced multi-sensory attractions anywhere in the world. Ghostly apparitions, rocketing new ascents, more "air time," and cannon blasts of chilling air are just a few of the new surprises in store for brave Walt Disney World guests.

"Disney Stars and Motor Cars" (October 2001) -- The resident stars at Disney-MGM Studios participate in a celebrity cavalcade worthy of a red-carpet event. The luminaries -- from big-screen stars Mike and Sulley of "Monsters, Inc." fame to Aladdin and Jasmine, Luke Skywalker, Rolie Polie Olie, Miss Piggy, Mary Poppins, Mickey Mouse and more -- all are on hand for a Hollywood celebration honoring Walt Disney's career in motion pictures.

"Playhouse Disney - Live on Stage!" (October 2001) -- Bear in the Big Blue House, Rolie Polie Olie, Stanley and stars from "The Book of Pooh" entertain Disney-MGM Studios guests with music, songs and stories of friendship in the new stage show.

"Who Wants To Be A Millionaire - Play It!" (April 2001) -- Fans of the game show "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" have the chance to feel the excitement and drama of the hit ABC-TV series at the Disney-MGM Studios in a new, live show attraction. Walt Disney World Resort went to great lengths to recreate the excitement of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire," including the construction of a replica of the famous high-tech show set, complete with its dramatic lighting and hot seat. Disney-MGM Studios guests, however, will play for points, not dollars, winning unique prizes along the way.

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith (July 1999) -- The Disney-MGM Studios is the location for the first Walt Disney World attraction to feature a high-speed launch and multiple complete inversions. The twists and turns of the attraction are amplified by a synchronized Aerosmith soundtrack resonating from 120 on-board speakers.

Downtown Disney

Wetzel's Pretzels (April 2003) -- Known for its "30-minute freshness guarantee," Wetzel's Pretzels features fresh hand-rolled soft pretzels in a variety of popular flavors, fresh-baked pretzel dogs, fresh-squeezed lemonade and frozen drinks. Haagen-Dazs ice cream, shakes and sundaes are also sold in the store at Downtown Disney West Side. There's also a satellite kiosk in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Disney's Wonderful World of Memories (January 2003) -- Scrapbooking is in. And this Marketplace shop (located near Rainforest Café) features a collection of Walt Disney World-branded scrapbook supplies, including albums, pre-packaged kits, adhesive tape pens, glue sticks, scissors, and a wide assortment of colorful Disney stickers. Also available are Disney books, stationery, pens and postcards, plus several stations where guests can create scrapbook pages and postcards.

Basin (January 2003) -- Guests can indulge in the soothing scents of bath crystals, bubbles, soaps and custom candles. Weathered-pine flooring and shelves, fabric drapes, wooden bins and classic fixtures give the new store the character of a 19th century shop. An interactive area allows guests to try out many of the products. Basin is located near World of Disney in the Marketplace.

Zen Zone (January 2003) -- Downtown Disney Pleasure Island guests who want to "chill" now have just the place, as this shop features five- to 20-minute sessions in aqua massage beds plus massage chairs offering four different types of massages in 10-minute intervals. Guests may also test and buy a variety of anti-stress products, including a head massager, scented herbal packs, and gift certificates. The shop is located on the ground floor of the Rock 'n Roll Beach Club building.

Once Upon a Toy (August 2002) -- Hasbro and Disney join forces in this amazing Downtown Disney superstore featuring a dizzying array of toys, games and collectibles. Guests are treated to colorful display areas and interactive fun ports, including a build-your-own Mr. Potato Head station. At Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Disney's Pin Traders (July 2002) -- Disney's pin phenomenon finds a cozy home at this circular shop, the premier location for pin trading at Walt Disney World Resort and the only site to feature the new Disney's Build A Pin experience. Collectors and traders can catch up on the latest pin releases and special events at two Internet stations. At Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Motion (July 2001) -- Bodies are always in motion at this two-story temple of groove. A DJ spins the hottest chart hits nightly, backed by a huge video screen, pulsing speakers and swirling lights.

Recreation

Richard Petty Driving Experience (February 1997) -- Motorsports fans move out of the grandstands and into the driver's seat of an authentic stock car for high-speed thrills at Walt Disney World Speedway. New is a 16-lap driving experience named King's Experience. North Carolina-based RPDE also offers passenger experiences at speeds up to 145 mph at the one-mile, tri-oval track. Information: 407/939-0130.

Resorts

Disney's Beach Club Villas (July 2002) -- Featuring an ambience of casual elegance, Disney's Beach Club Villas -- Disney Vacation Club's sixth ownership resort project -- was designed by noted architect Robert A.M. Stern. Situated next to Disney's Beach Club Resort, the 205-room property offers studio, one- and two-bedroom vacation villas and Cape May-inspired theming characterized by the use of whimsical "stick-style" architecture, pastel colors, porches and other decorative elements.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (April 2001) -- Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge is a 1,293-room resort where guests can look out from their balconies to view zebra, giraffe and other exotic animals on a 33-acre African savannah. The adventure-theme resort features both deluxe facilities and luxury suites.


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"What's Next"

"Mickey's PhilharMagic" (2003) -- Disney magic meets Disney music in a new 3-D film spectacular scheduled to debut in 2003 at Magic Kingdom. "Mickey's PhilharMagic" stars Mickey Mouse, Donald Duck and other favorite Disney characters animated in a way they've never been seen before: grand, glorious, in-your-face three dimensions. The "Mickey's PhilharMagic" cast includes Mickey and Donald, as well as Ariel from "The Little Mermaid," Aladdin and Jasmine from "Aladdin" and Simba from "The Lion King." Set in the PhilharMagic Concert Hall in Fantasyland, the eye-popping 3-D experience will unfold on one of the largest screens ever created for a 3-D film, a 150-foot-wide canvas. Complete with a slew of in-theater effects, the attraction will immerse guests in the richly animated world of the Disney characters.

"Wishes" (2003) -- The power of a wish combines with magical moments from cherished Disney films and dazzling pyrotechnic effects to create a thrilling new story-in-the-sky fireworks spectacular debuting October 2003 at Magic Kingdom. At several times the size of "Fantasy in the Sky," Magic Kingdom’s previous fireworks show, "Wishes" is the park’s biggest, boldest pyrotechnic display, blending classic Disney songs and character voices with pyrotechnic effects never seen before in a Disney theme park. Narrated by Jiminy Cricket, the show tells a heart-tugging story about making wishes come true, accompanied by brilliant bursts of color and light above -- and around -- Cinderella Castle.

Mission: SPACE (2003) -- Presented by HP, Mission: SPACE will launch Epcot guests on a simulated space adventure. During this one-of-a-kind "astronaut-like" adventure in Future World, guests will experience everything from a pulse-racing liftoff to weightlessness in the deep reaches of outer space.

Earl of Sandwich (2003) -- Coming this fall to Downtown Disney Marketplace, Earl of Sandwich is a new venture from Robert Earl, Planet Hollywood founder and CEO. The new eatery will feature a variety of hot, freshly prepared sandwiches served on warm fresh bread and original sauces and spreads. It will also offer The Butler’s Pantry, an area stocked with “grab 'n go” cold sandwiches, salads, side orders and desserts. A treat at this new shop will be Potato Crisps, freshly prepared potato chips, seasoned and served with a creamy blue cheese dipping sauce. Earl of Sandwich will replace Gourmet Pantry.

Disney's Pop Century Resort (2003) -- A 5,760-room resort will send guests on a trip back through American popular culture with oversized icons representing each decade of the 20th century. The entrance of each building will feature cultural touchstones from each era -- a giant jukebox for the 1950s and larger-than-life yo-yos for the 1960s. The hotel joins the family of Disney's All-Star value resorts, which currently boasts 5,760 rooms. The resort will open in phases beginning December 2003.

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa (2004) -- Disney Vacation Development, Inc. will expand its timeshare resort presence with its next location at Disney Institute at Walt Disney World Resort, subject to obtaining all necessary approvals. The new, 184-unit development is slated to occupy a unique 16-acre site overlooking the lakefront district at Downtown Disney. Initial plans call for the construction of four residential-style buildings with studio, one- and two-bedroom villas and Grand Villa units that sleep up to 12 guests. The targeted opening is spring 2004.

Expedition EVEREST (2006) -- The legend of the yeti comes to life in a thrilling new adventure at Disney's Animal Kingdom theme park. A high-speed train bound for Mount Everest takes trekkers on a daring adventure through rugged terrain, along icy mountain ledges and inside dark snowy caves in the forbidden mountain. The mammoth E-Ticket attraction will rise on the eastern range of the 500-acre park.

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[Disneyland1955]

Thanks for this info Ryan. Its nice to see what New things that were added and what is to come

[buchananrw]

Thanks Ryan can't wait to see some of the new additions on our trip next July.

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

Exciting stuff.

[Eddie Rabbit]

Is it true that the Indiana Jones stunt show at MGM is going to make way for a US version of Moteurs: Action from Walt Disney Studios? When is it scheduled to open?

Hey Ryan,

Just got back from a trip to disney where I picked Pal Mickey up. He is amazing. We walked by little things like the splash gardens and he would tell all about it and to put him away so he doesn't get wet. He also lets us know where to look for hidden mickeys!

We also got to experince the new ride at EPCOT, Mission Space. Disney has definately outdone themselves again. It was incredible. I can't wait to go back. It's been two weeks too long already!

[BDANtheman29]

Eddie Rabbit said:Is it true that the Indiana Jones stunt show at MGM is going to make way for a US version of Moteurs: Action from Walt Disney Studios? When is it scheduled to open?

My understanding is that an area of New York Street (or something like it - I can't remember the exact area) is being replaced by the Moteurs stunt show at DLP. I think that Indiana Jones is still going to be up and running. Anybody else have any info?

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

I could see them using the old Hunchback of Notre Dame stage possibly. The only thing I can't see is keeping Indy open b/c from what I've read the Moteurs show is pretty similar in that it's all about stunts and too similar to have them both in the same park. Although MGM is all about the movies, so it could pull it off. I'd really like to see them both as they both seem to get good reviews and think Indy is still fun after seeing it numerous times.

[BDANtheman29]

Shadow Jedi Rhy said:I could see them using the old Hunchback of Notre Dame stage possibly. The only thing I can't see is keeping Indy open b/c from what I've read the Moteurs show is pretty similar in that it's all about stunts and too similar to have them both in the same park. Although MGM is all about the movies, so it could pull it off. I'd really like to see them both as they both seem to get good reviews and think Indy is still fun after seeing it numerous times.

I know that something has been cleared to make way for the show, nothing that will happen, it has happened. As soon as I find info, I will post it.

[urfavtourgide]

Is Expedition EVEREST going to be something similar to Matterhorn? I've heard a couple things mentioned about this ride but not enough to picture what it will be like.

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

Well I can say that the Indy show was still up and running when I was at MGM in the middle of July so if they've already made moves I haven't heard anything about Indy being taken out yet: Does anyone have any idea when they're looking at putting Moteurs in?

[Eddie Rabbit]

I've heard that it will probably open in 2005.

[Shadow Jedi Rhy]

Thanks ER!

[BDANtheman29]

urfavtourgide said:Is Expedition EVEREST going to be something similar to Matterhorn? I've heard a couple things mentioned about this ride but not enough to picture what it will be like.

The consensus around here is that it will be similar to the Matterhorn in that it involves a Yeti. Though, this will move both forwards and backwards; a first for WDI. Disney isn't disclosing much more information than that, so our knowledge is limited.

Brendan

[jeanylaser]

Mickey's philharmagic is coming soon in the magic kingdom in walt disney world.