Tidbits July 2008

[Figment!]

**Update**

[BelleCiavo]

After months of delays, a date has been set for the start of the Illuminations Earth Globe refurbishment. Those involved in the project have reported that the refurbishment is currently scheduled begin August 13, 2008 and end in the Late September to Mid October time frame. During the refurbishment, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth is currently scheduled to be shown with alternative show elements in-place of the Earth Globe float.

I hope the alternative show is something good.
Thank you Jason.

[tinksmom02]

Thanks for the updates, Jason...wish they offered better news, though. We've yet to see Illluminations, so news of the globe being down for our trip is upsetting. As is news that the fairy meet and greet probably won't be ready for our trip, either.

BUT, at least I know ahead of time! Thanks!

[Crow]

I wonder what the alternative show elements will be in place of the globe. Ill b there early Sept so guess no globe for me.
thanks for the updates!

[MinnieMommie]

Thanks Jason - sounds like they are trying to get the globe refurbished during a slow time of year. Hope they are done in time to avoid the F&WF rush!

[Dsnygirl]

Thanks for the updates, Jason... my girls will be THRILLED to be able to have a Fairies Meet & Greet!!

[VolMickey]

Shopping of the Stars

7/13/08 The Legends of Hollywood store in the Sunset Blvd. section of Disney’s Hollywood Studios has recently changed its merchandise offerings. The retail location now features High School Musical and Hannah Montana merchandise.

Thanks for this info (above). DD will just freak out!

[Mrs Bus Driver]

Thanks for the info Jason. I really hope they have it ready for my trip late sept/early oct. This will be my first time eating at R&C and I was looking forward to watching Illuminations. If we are really lucky we will get to see the new panels (Happy Thoughts )

[Figment!]

**Update**

[BrerSchultzy]

So are the Disney Pals being relocated? I don't think I understand that update. I know there are *shhh* two princess rooms and only one pals room, so where are the pals going when the fairies move in?

[magicofdisney]

Tidbits
July 2008

Driving Up Prices

7/23/08 Guests wishing to live out their race car dreams will have to pay a little more to do so starting this November. Effective November 1, 2008, the Richard Petty Driving Experience program will be raising prices on 3 of its 4 packages. The price of the Rookie Experience package (8 laps) will raised from $424.94 to $478.19 per Guest, the price of the King's Experience package (18 laps) will be raised from $1330.19 to $1383.44, and the price of the Experience of a Lifetime package (30 laps) will be raised from $1330.19 to $1383.44. The price of the Ride Along Package will remain at current pricing.

Are these packages supposed to be the same rates?

[Figment!]

**Update**

[MinnieMommie]

Thanks Jason - look forward to learning more about what will be scaled back.

[Dsnygirl]

Jason, thanks for the updates -- I guess I can understand Disney needing to cut back on a few things, but wow, they're sure doing a lot... and then raising the prices of some of the remaining stuff, as well... ... I sure hope they don't cut back on too many more things -- I've been thankful that not too many affect us as of yet!!

Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop!

[GrumpyFan]

Any word on if these are permanent changes? Or, is this just a temporary thing due to lower than usual bookings for early next year? Or, is it something else?

[Figment!]

**Update**

[Mousemates]

[Figment!]

Deck the Halls with Extra Dining

7/3/08 The Walt Disney World resort has announced a number of extended seating at many of its most popular dining locations during the Peak 2008/2009 Holiday period. From December 20, 2008 – January 3, 2009, Boma Dinner will begin at 4:00 pm, Cape May Café Breakfast will end at 11:30 am, Cape May Café Dinner will begin at 5:00 pm, Chef Mickey’s Breakfast will end at 12:30 pm, Chef Mickey’s Dinner will being at 5:00 pm, ‘Ohana Breakfast will end at 11:30 am, ‘Ohana Dinner will being at 4:00 pm, Spoodles Dinner will being at 4:30 pm, and Whispering Canyon Café Dinner will being at 4:30 pm. On Christmas Day only, Cape May Café will serve Dinner 2:00 pm - 9:30 pm, Chef Mickey’s will serve Dinner 3:45 pm – 9:30 pm, Chef Mickey’s will serve breakfast 7:00 am – 1 pm, and Whispering Canyon Café will serve Dinner 12:00 pm – 10:00 pm. On New Year’s Day only, Chef Mickey’s will serve breakfast 7:00 am –12:30 pm. On December 23rd and 30th 2008, Fort Wilderness will offer additional showings of Mickey’s Backyard BBQ.

An On Target Activity

7/3/08 Beginning July 3, 2008, Fort Wilderness is introducing a new activity for those interested in learning the skill of archery. The Ft. Wilderness Archery Experience will teach Guests how to use a Compound Bow by practicing on a range under the supervision of skilled instructors. The activity is held 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday and costs $25 plus tax per Guest. Due to the use of bow and arrow, the activity is restricted to Guests ages 6 and up. The activity can be booked in advance via 407-WDW-PLAY or can be booked upon arrival at the Fort Wilderness Bike Barn.

[vizsla]

Thanks for the updates

[readytogo2]

great info