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  1. #1
    Join Date
    May 2001
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    Imaginoppolis, Imagination Island
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    Lightbulb Tidbits June 2008

    Tidbits
    June 2008




    Price Pruning

    6/23/08
    Effective July 1, 2008; Disney’s Animal Kingdom lodge will be reducing the price of its Bush Camp Children’s Program from $70 plus tax to $30 plus tax per child. Additionally, the amount of the price donated to the Wildlife Conservation Fund will be reduced from $20 to $10 per reservation. In accordance with the price decrease, the program itself will be scaled back as well. Effective with the price reduction, the program will be shortened from 3 hours to 2 hours, discontinue the Lion King character visit, and discontinue the taste testing activity. The truncated version of the program will also be moving its start time from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

    Bye Bye Barn

    6/23/08
    Based on Studios Cast reports and recent construction permits, it appears that Al’s Toy Barn character meet and greet location will soon be re-themed to a permanent Cars themed meet and greet location. Studios Cast have reported that the Toy Story Friends Meet and Greet will soon vacate the Al’s Toy Barn location and moving to a new location soon to be completed in the Pixar Place section of the park. Upon this move, The Stars of Cars Meet and Greet will reportedly move to the Al’s Toy Barn location. Supporting a thematic change of the location, Disney has recently filed paper work for the Al’s Toy Barn location with the description of work of, “Design and install new sign reinforcement and base structure for Cars Character Backdrop”. Although the permit does not specifically state the replacement of the Al’s Toy Barn facade, it is widely presumed that the new “Cars Character Backdrop” will wholly replace the existing back-drops.


    A Cell Splash

    6/23/08
    The Walt Disney World Resort have recently introduced a new interactive option for Guests who bring a cell phone with a data plan to their water parks. Disney’s Blizzard Beach and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon have introduced a new interactive program called DSplash. Through DSplash, Guests who text “H20” to 775274 (SPLASH) gain access to descriptions of attractions, back stories, specialty wallpaper, and lingo definitions all on their cell phone.

    Rehab Round-Up


    6/17/08 Room refurbishments are on the horizon for Disney’s Boardwalk Inn and Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resorts. Disney has filed construction permits with the scope of, “General demolition, finish carpentry, sealants & caulking, painting, plumbing, reupholstery of select existing upholstered furniture, installation of new window treatments, refinishing of select existing items, assembly and installation of new FF&E {Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment}, installation of carpet and base, installation of new crown molding in guest room” for 374 of the existing 378 Guest rooms at Disney’s Boardwalk Inn Resort. Disney has also filed construction permits with the scope of, “General demolition, finish carpentry, sealants & caulking, painting, plumbing, reupholstery of select existing upholstered furniture, installation of new window treatments, refinishing of select existing items, assembly and installation of new FF&E {Furniture, Fixtures & Equipment}, installation of carpet and base” for 1,728 of the existing 2,112 Guest rooms at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort. The permit further specifies that the 384 rooms not designated for renovation are located in the Trinidad South section of the resort. Timetables for neither of these projects are reportedly known at this time; however, based on prior projects it is expected that the refurbishment work could start as early as Late Summer 2008. Similar room refurbishment projects for the Coronado Springs, Beach Club and Yacht Club resorts and the Wilderness Lodge Villas are reportedly planned for Late 2008/Early 2009.

    A Bustling Backlot

    6/17/08
    The renovations of the Backlot Theater are complete and have brought a new name in addition to other new features. The newly dubbed Premiere Theater has been demonstrating its newly enclosed and air conditioned structure to Guests attending some of the Star Wars Weekend special events. Post this current use, the Premier Theater has only been announced to be next used for the Night of Joy event in September, but may be used for other special events intermittently as well.

    2/11/08 As work continues on the Backlot theater it has become apparent that the finished theater will be enclosed. Recent work has shown the installation of an HVAC system and other work that appears to be aimed at the direct enclosure of the theater. It appears the theater will continue to be hidden behind the San Fransisco Street facades.

    A Bibbidi Bobbidi Price Bump

    6/17/08
    Effective June 9, 2008; the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique has instituted a price increase for its Coach, Crown and Castle styling packages. The Coach package has increased from $44.95 plus tax to $49.95 plus tax, the Crown package has increased from $49.95 plus tax to $54.95 plus tax, and the Castle package has increased from $179.95 - $229.95 plus tax to $189.95 - $249.95 plus tax.

    Reflections of Upgrades

    6/17/08
    Preparation for a refurbishment of the Illuminations Earth Globe appear to be quietly continuing. New screen panels were recently added to a supporting show barge to test the resolution and clarity of the forthcoming upgrades. The most current reports from those close to the refurbishment project is that the Earth Globe Barge is tentatively scheduled to be removed for upgrades after the July 4th Peak Period and return prior to the start of the 2008 Food and Wine Festival.

    What’s Up Dock?

    6/17/08
    The Downtown Disney Marketplace Dock Stage will be getting a major overhaul in the near future. Disney has filed construction permits for the location with the description of work as, “Build a new covered stage.” Although a timetable has not been specified for this work, area Cast Members except the work to start during Summer 2008.

    Toy Snackery

    6/17/08
    Although yet to be announced, evidence of a new snack location has started to emerge behind construction walls at Pixar Place at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Viewable above a construction wall, across from the exit of the Toy Story Midway Mania attraction, is a marquee that reads “Hey-Howdy-Hey Take-Away" ;as well as, the top of a menu with Disney Dining Plan Snack Item symbols. Besides the title of the location, other themeing (viewable above the wall) points to the location being themed to Woody and Friends. Based on what is currently viewable, the forthcoming snack location will offer (at least) frozen beverages.

    Future Fuel

    6/17/08
    After incurring a lengthier test and adjust period than anticipated, Attraction Cast are now anticipating that the first Guest previews of the hybrid cars on the Tommorowland Speedway will occur Late June/Early July 2008. Cast training on the test vehicle has been reportedly rescheduled for this week with intermittent periods of regular operation planned to begin shortly after.

    3/21/08 Tests continue on the gas/electric hybrid ride vehicle on the Tommorowland Speedway. Attraction Cast are reportedly scheduled to be trained on the new ride vehicle in the next few weeks with the first Guest preview of the new vehicle expected to take place prior to Late April 2008. There is currently no expectation on when the whole fleet of ride vehicles may be changed over.

    Poly Wanna Sushi?

    6/17/08
    The Polynesian Resort has been conducting a test period for a new snack location offering. Adjacent to the Kona Island Coffee Bar, the resort has recently been operating a kiosk dubbed “Kona Island Sushi Bar” during evening hours. The kiosk is offering a selection of sushi priced $9.99 - $13.99; as well as, a selection of cocktails, beer, wine and sake priced $5.25 - $12.75.

    Figment! aka Jason ºoº
    INTERCOT STAFF
    News, Rumours & Imagineering
    Dining
    Vacations Beyond Disney

    ~It’s what us storytellers do; we restore order with imagination, we instill hope again and again~

    ~We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things~

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jan 2007
    Location
    Mooresville, NC
    Posts
    413
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    Default

    Thank you for the update. I check everyday to see what you have to say. Keep them coming please.
    Walt will always be my HERO.

    1973 - 1999 Disneyland twice a month
    2003 June offsite WDW
    2004 & 2006 Dec. AK
    2007 Feb. PP Disneyland
    2008 Jan. All Star Movies
    2009 Jun. DLH Disneyland

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
    Location
    summerville,sc
    Posts
    157
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    Thanks for all the great info. We also check everyday for your updates.
    1990 & 1993 Off Property
    1994 & 1997 Carribean Beach Resort
    2001 Fort wildernes Cabins
    2005 House Off Property
    2006 All star Movies ( 20th anniversary no children allowed)
    2006 Pop Century (guilt trip children allowed)
    2007 Carribean Beach Resort ( DH and DW only)
    2008 Pop Century

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Connecticut
    Posts
    2,880
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    Default Tidbits June 2008: Updated 6/17 with Resort Room Refurb, Illuminations Update &

    Thanks for the updates - I was at the Poly sushi bar on a recent visit and it seems to be doing quite well. Everything was fresh and as always the people were very friendly and congenial.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2004
    Location
    Canton,Oh
    Posts
    864
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    Thanks for the updates! BTW- clever titles
    May'98-WL
    Sept'01-POFQ
    Oct'03-ASM
    Aug'04-CBR & Charley
    Dec'05- WL-Joined DVC
    June'06- DL's Grand Californian
    Nov '06 SSR
    Oct '07 SSR with extended family
    Oct '08 Disney Wonder/OKW
    Nov '09 AKV @ Kidani
    Nov '10 Kidani
    Nov '11 VWL
    May-June 13 Kidani
    Feb-March '14 SSR

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Posts
    221
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    Always a good read, Thanks
    KODABEAR
    FIRST TRIP MARCH '79 POLY
    175 plus trips

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
    Location
    Philadelphia/South Jersey
    Posts
    7,974
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    If the CBR rehab takes place, maybe we WILL stay there again. We did not have a good experience last time... dislike of the room was near the top. With the pool being redone and depending on how this rehab turns out maybe we will stay there again eventually....
    ~M.~

    All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.
    11 Trips to WDW
    1 Trip to Disneyland
    Many more to come
    Someday we'll find it, the rainbow connection, the lovers, the dreamers, and me.

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2001
    Location
    Clinton Township, MI
    Posts
    7,344
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    Default

    Thanks for the updates!
    Steve (aka brownie)
    INTERCOT Staff: Accommodations & Mousellaneous
    ASMv 4/00, 10/01, 11/03, 5/21
    ASMu 8/12, 11-12/22
    AKL 6/18
    BC 9/94
    CSR 8/14, 3-4/22
    POP 11-12/10, 3/12, 10/12, 7/17, 4/22
    POFQ 10/01
    POR 9/04, 1/16, 11/19
    WL 12/03
    Disneyland 6/07, 1/15
    Disney Dream 8/14

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2005
    Location
    New Jersey
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    Thanks for the update Jason. I look forward to reading about it! Interesting enough, when I called due to a pin code received, the only hotel availability for mid August for upgrade was Wilderness Villas, Boardwalk, and CBR. All receiving upgrades. Perhaps that is why they have openings for a lower rate? Either way, thanks for the update!
    "See, it's just like I told you. Wishes can come true, if you believe in them with all your heart. And the best part is you'll never run out of Wishes. They're shining deep down inside of you. And that, my friends, is where the magic lives."Jiminy Cricket
    Our wish came true! Ellie 9/9/13

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    swoyersville,pa
    Posts
    35,248
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    Thanks for the updates.
    Vince
    aka. Vizsla

    INTERCOT Staff: Mousellaneous and Disney Vacation Club

    DVC Member 10/11/04

  12. #11
    Join Date
    Aug 1999
    Location
    Appleton, WI
    Posts
    6,226
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    Thanks for the updates! It sounds like the 2nd half of 2008 will see a lot of rerurbishment throughout WDW.
    '94 & '97 Off Site
    '98, '04 & '07 PO - Riverside
    '00 Polynesian I '01 Contemporary
    '02 Animal Kingdom Lodge I '03 All Star Movies
    '05, '08 & '09 Pop Century I '06 Wilderness Lodge

    Next 9/18 PO - French Quarter


    "Our greatest natural resource is the minds of our children." ~ Walt Disney

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Sep 2002
    Location
    Scotch Plains New Jersey
    Posts
    546
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    I was at the poly last week and saw the sushi bar. It was busy every night. Looks like its a keeper.
    If you can dream it you can do it!!!

    82,83,84,85,87,88,89,90,92,93,94,95,96,97,98,00,
    01,02,03,04,05 x3 (plus Disneyland),06,08,10,11,12

    Been there done that going back!

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Summerville, SC ( 392 Mi from WDW)
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    Thumbs up

    Quiet a lot going on. Thanks for the info.....
    77-DL
    89-DL
    94-ASSp
    95-OKW
    98-WDW Hol.Inn MG
    99-WDW Off Prop
    06-ASMov
    07-Pop 2/4 - 2/14
    07-ASMus 9/11 - 9/17
    08-ASMov & DCL 10/27 - 11/2
    09-ASMov & DCL Wonder 9/21 - 10/1
    10-WDW Off Prop 4/23 - 4/25
    10-DCL Magic 7 nt EB 10/23
    10-CSR 10/30 - 11/1
    12-POR 1/8 - 1/15
    12-CSR 12/20-27


  15. #14
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Baltimore, MD (931 mi. to WDW)
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    Thanks Jason, for all the great information!! You RAWK!
    Kristen and Ben
    Next - 8/7-15 @ OKW w/Kakn7294 & Taylor & Joline; 12/16 Disney Wonder&12/19 SSR; July '10 @ VWL w/Kakn7294 - Nursing School Graduation Party ; Aug '11 Disney Dream; F&WF '11
    DVC Owners @ SSR & AKV & BLT

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Dec 1969
    Location
    INTERCOT, U.S.A.
    Posts
    31,938
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    Cool

    Must be no other parents of "Princesses" responding ... I can't believe the price increases for the BBB ... $250 for the top package??

    Ridiculous .... but I guess the market will bear it, so ....
    Ian ºOº
    INTERCOT Senior Imagineer

    Veteran of over 60 trips to Disney theme parks and proud to have stayed in every Disney resort in the continental United States! º0º

    Next trip:

    April 2018 - Saratoga Springs Treehouse

    Help support INTERCOT's sponsors!!!

  17. #16
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
    Location
    West Virginia
    Posts
    19,195
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    Thumbs up

    Thanks Jason!
    ºoº David, Lisa, Aaron and Allison
    98-PO
    00-CB & ASMo
    01-Swan
    02-CS
    03-POR
    04-POP
    05-PO / CR
    07-PO / CR
    08-ASMu
    09-AKL
    10-CR, CS & PP DL
    11-NB DLP & SSR
    12-BLT & BLT
    13-GC DL & BLT
    15-Aulani & BLT
    16-ASMu & GC DL
    17-BWI, THV, CSR, BLT
    18-BLT, OKW, OKW, CBR, GF & BLT

  18. #17
    Join Date
    Sep 2005
    Location
    South Carolina
    Posts
    473
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    Always look forward to reading about the news tidbits. Really looking forward to the Hey Howdy Hey Take Away... my son is a huge Toy Story fan... of course he seems to be a huge fan of anything Disney.... Guess it runs in the family
    °O° Von Drake °O°
    10 trips before 2000 | 2001 Offsite | 2001 SOG | 2002 CR | 2005 ASSp & SOG | 2006 OffSite | 2006 Disneyland | 2007 POP | 2008 POP & SOG

  19. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2001
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    PA
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    thanks for the updates.
    im looking forward to check things out in Sept
    BC 2
    WL CL 1
    AKL 4
    SOG 3
    POFQ 3
    POR 2
    CSR 4
    CBR 2
    Asp 3
    AS m 2
    POP 7
    12-13 WL CSR ASM
    3-14 POR, AS s Dolphin
    6-14 Us CSR
    1-14 Unv
    6-15 WL, SSR.
    11- 15. AOA, OKw
    7 16..CSR, FW, AKL, POR
    7 17..ASM, CSR, WL AKL club POP
    8 18 As sports, Pop
    DL 9-19
    DVC WL, CSR and idk 10-20

  20. #19
    Join Date
    May 2003
    Location
    New Jersey
    Posts
    1,707
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    Default

    I hope the sushi bar stays
    2001 ASMo, 2003 Royal Pacific and Poly, 2004 Beach Club, 2005 Cabins at FW, 2007 Poly, 2008 Poly and Hard Rock, 2009 Portofino and Poly, 2014 Royal Pacific and Kidani

  21. #20
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Posts
    1,517
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    Thanks! I wonder how quickly the Hey Howdy Hey Take Away will open?
    "That’s the real trouble with the world, too many people grow up." ~Walt Disney


    Disneyland 1987
    WDW 1992
    POFQ 6/25/01-7/1/01
    POP 6/26/06-7/1/06
    POP 8/4/08-8/9/08
    POR 8/5/09-8/12/09
    POR 10/27-10/31
    Next Trip- POR 6/23-6/28

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