Magic Kingdom News & Rumors 2006 Archive

Magic Kingdom News Archive 2006

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2 December 2006: Beyonce taping for the Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade

Grammy Award-winning singer Beyonce (second from right), star of the upcoming film "Dreamgirls," poses Nov. 29, 2006 with three of Disney's "dream" girls -- (L-R): princesses Jasmine, Belle and Cinderella -- at Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. She was at the Magic Kingdom to tape a segment for the "Walt Disney World Christmas Day Parade," which will air Dec. 25 on ABC-TV. Beyonce, who sings "Silent Night," will be joined on the Emmy Award-winning holiday special by Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, the cast of "High School Musical," singer Daniel Powter and more.

22 October 2006: Changes to the special edition Wishes perimeter fireworks

Changes to the special edition Wishes perimeter fireworks

17 October 2006: No Country Bear Christmas Special this year

It is being strongly tipped that this year, the long running Country Bear Christmas Special will not take place. Various reasons have been put forward, including the thought that the cost of the Christmas makeover does not translate into increased attendance for the attraction. From what we have been told, this does not indicate an end for the regular Country Bears show, but for this year at least, there will be no Christmas special, unless there is a last minute change of plan.

16 October 2006: HalloWishes to be shown every night for the rest of October

The Magic Kingdom will be running the special Halloween edition of Wishes, called HalloWishes every night for the rest of October from the 15th onwards. Note, that the additional perimeter fireworks will only be shown on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights. Previously, the show has only been performed on Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights.

3 October 2006: New "Dream Along with Mickey" forecourt stage show begins

"Dream Along with Mickey." Several times daily, Mickey and friends treat Magic Kingdom guests to a dreams-inspired party on the forecourt stage of Cinderella Castle. Favorite Disney characters join the party as the dreams of happily-ever-after and adventure come alive on stage amid music and dancing. So strong are the dreams that they even overcome Maleficent and her intentions of turning the dreams into nightmares. A grand finale brings the 20-minute live stage show to a close.

25 September 2006: Reports from the early previews of the new Magic Kingdom shows

The Magic Kingdom recently held some late night cast only previews of the new entertainment offerings set to launch in October. Public guest previews are set to begin in the next few days, but before then, here are some comments from the previews so far.

"Fun Day Parade" - is a patriotic salute to America. Daisy, Horace, Clarabelle, Chip and Dale, and a few other characters make their way down Main Street (toward Town Square). The fire engine leads the way, with selected guests riding in it, with Chip and Dale behind, with another group of guests all doing a tambourine routine. Pluto follows behind with Hula Hoops. The band is the caboose. The whole gang meets in Town Square and waves flags to Yankee Doodle Dandy. The music for the parade is all patriotic, with melodies from the Music Man and other familiar tunes.

"Let's Have a Ball" - This very small show is located behind the castle, close to the Cinderella Fountain. They have a small stage (2 people at a time) set up, connected to the castle. The show opens with Simon, a Kingdom "Merry Maker". He is telling the crowd how they must have a ball for every major event the happens in the Fantasy World (Cinderella getting crowned, Beast turning into a prince), and at every ball, games must be played. Simon is a little upset because his games never get chosen to be played. The Ball organizer (Belinda) arrives, and she starts off the party games. First up is The Under The Sea Conga Line. The cast of Merry Makers (about 2 per show) hold up tarps that look like water, and guests are invited to join in the conga fun...the rendition of Under The Sea by Raven is played. Next Up is Royal Freeze Tag. Music is played and you must freeze when it stops. While all this is going on, Simon is begging Belinda to play his game...Eventually, she gives in, and we all listen to what "Simon Says"...the next game we play.

All the fun is over, and we're invited to join hands in the royal waltz. After that, Aurora and Prince Phillip come out of the door near Tinkerbelle's Treasures and greet the dancing guest.

"High School Musical Pep Rally" - The show is performed by a 8-10 person cast. A lead male singer, a lead female singer, a cheerleader who teaches us our dance moves, a few backup dancers and a few more cheerleaders who run through the crowd. The show opens with the male singer introducing himself (they are not playing characters from the actual movie, just students at the high school).

He sings a bit, and then the cheerleader character teaches us a dance routine, and more singing and dancing and it's over. I was most impressed with the fact that it is done live. All the singing and speaking parts are the performers voices. The current Tommorowland stage is temporary though. A new stage will be built close to the old Skyway building, and is set to open in January 2007.

25 September 2006: Castle decorations removal progress

Here are the latest photos showing the current state of the castle decoration removal process. The last of the large decorations, the mirror, has now also been removed. (Thanks to ScottJ for the photos)

18 September 2006: Castle decorations removal progress

All but the mirror and stage decorations are now removed from the castle. (Thanks to Napnet for the photo))

5 September 2006: Castle decorations removal progress

The photos below show the progress on removal of the golden decorations. (Thanks to ScottJ for the photos)

1 September 2006: Castle decorations being removed

Magic Kingdom visitors from yesterday have reported that some of the golden castle decorations from the Happiest Celebration on Earth celebrations are now being removed. So far the lower towers have had the golden swirls and characters removed.

10 August 2006: New Magic Kingdom entertainment offerings

As part of the Year of a Million Dreams celebration, the Magic Kingdom will be rolling out some new entertainment offerings. These are all scheduled for a late September 2006 soft opening.

Woody's Cowboy Camp in the Frontierland area
Mainstreet Family Fun Day Parade
Highschool Musical Pep Rally in Tommorowland
Royal Court Academy in the Castle Hub area
A new castle show replacing Cinderellabration, currently titled "Mickey's Dream-Along Castle Party"

10 August 2006: Riverboat refurbishment update

The riverboat has made it back from dry dock after its hull repair, and is now behind Frontierland at the Magic Kingdom. The boat still requires some finishing work, but it now seems that the majority of its repair is done, and a return to action should be in the near future.

2 August 2006: Pirates and Princess Party dates confirmed

The official dates are now available for the Pirate and Princess Party

Dates:
January 22, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
January 26, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
January 29, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 1, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 5, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 8, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 12, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 15, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 23, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
February 26, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
March 2, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
March 5, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM
March 8, 2007, 7:30PM - 12:30AM

Become a Pirate or a Princess in a place where Dreams come true! Grab your "treasure map" as you embark on a quest through Magic Kingdomо Park for beads and chocolate treasures. Visit Pirate Coves and Princess Courts throughout the Park, and be witness to a new Pirate and Princess themed Parade and a new Fireworks Spectacular. If you wish, you can even come to the Party dressed in your favorite Pirate or Princess costume!

Event Highlights:

Pirate Coves & Princess Courts
Beads and Chocolate Treasure Giveaways
Interactive Activities including Pirate lessons and a themed dance party
Character meet and greets and adventurous atmospheres
A New Pirate and Princess Themed Parade
New Fireworks Spectacular
Some of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions

Advance Price*:
Ages 10 and over: $36.95 + tax
Ages 3-9: $29.95 + tax

* Advance Ticket Prices will be available for all event nights.

Day of Event Price:
Ages 10 and over: $42.95 + tax
Ages 3-9: $35.95 + tax

Call (407) W-DISNEY (934-7639)Ж

27 July 2006: Cinderellabration to close

The final performance of Cinderellabration will take place on September 16th 2006, with the replacement show slated to open September 30th 2006. It is not yet clear what the replacement show will be.

23 June 2006: Captain Jack Sparrow appearance preview times

Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial will be presented near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Adventureland on Friday, June 23 and Saturday, June 24. The soft-preview times are as follows:

10:00 a.m. (Saturday only)
11:00 a.m.
11:50 a.m.
12:40 p.m.
1:30 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
4:20 p.m.
5:10 p.m.

20 June 2006: Disney's Pirate and Princess Party 2007

To update the 11 March 2006 update below on the Magic Kingdom's new "Disney's Pirate and Princess Party 2007" . It is expected an official announcement will come regarding this in the next few weeks. Currently, plans include a treasure hunt with treasure bag, Pirate Adventure Coves and Princess Royal Courts throughout the park, a special parade and special edition of Wishes, lots of characters and walk around streetmosphere, and themed classes, such as "Learn to be a Princess" and "Learn to be a Pirate".

The hard ticket events are likely to run from around 7:30pm to 12:30 am, from late January through to March. Ticket prices are expected to be in line with Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, and are set to be on sale in July.

Remember this isn't officially confirmed yet, and tickets are not yet available. Official confirmation will appear here as soon as it's released.

10 June 2006: Project plans spotted at the Haunted Mansion

UPDATE: Thanks to those of you have written to us on this one. The plans are actually for some reorganisation of the queue area, with respect to stroller parking and the former FASTPASS area.

One of our readers, ScottJ, spotted some Disney personnel carrying some blueprint plans in the Haunted Mansion area. There is no indication of what they were for. Wild speculation could hint to a WDW version of Disneyland's Nightmare Before Christmas mansion makeover, or it could simply be a refurbishment project. If anyone has anymore information, we'd very much like to hear from you.

29 April 2006: Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party 2006

Now on sale though the Disney Reservations Center: 1-407-W-DISNEY. Tickets will go on sale at www.disneyworld.com starting May 1st.

Dates:
Sept 15, 22, 29
Oct 2, 5, 6, 10, 12, 16, 17, 19, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 30, 31

Hours: 7 PM - 12 Midnight

Advance purchase savings are available for dates through Oct 26 only. All party tickets for Oct 27, 30, 31 are priced at gate pricing only. Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save even more by purchasing in advance for the following select nights: Sept 15 or 22; Oct 2, 16, 17, 23, 24.

Gate Price (including taxes):
Adult (age 10+) $45.75
Child (age 3-9) $38.29

Advance Purchase Savings Price (including taxes):
Adult (age 10+) $39.36
Child (age 3-9) $31.90
Tickets must be purchased at least 1 day prior to event. Select nights only.

DVC or Passholder Advance Purchase Savings Price (including taxes):
Adult (age 10+) $35.10
Child (age 3-9) $27.64
Passholders can purchase for themselves and up to 3 Guests
DVC Members can purchase for themselves and up to 5 Guests
All Passholder tickets and DVC Tickets must be picked up at Will Call to validate discount. Tickets must be purchased at least 1 day prior to event. Select nights only.

This years Halloween highlights:

● Trick-or-treating thoughout the Magic Kingdom at numerous treat locations
● Newly-expanded Mickey's "Boo to You" Halloween Parade
● Happy HalloWishes Fireworks
● Characters will be decked out in their favorite costumes - so wear yours too!
● Use of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions
● Discount PhotoPass Offer (50% off discount code for PhotoPass photos taken during the event to use for purchase on-site or online on all of the 5x7 photos from their experience during the Magic Kingdom Hard Ticket Event)

How does Disney's PhotoPass improve the Guest experience during these special events?

Find PhotoPass photographers at locations throughout the Park, including Character Meet & Greets, Event backdrops, interactive areas, and in front of Magic Kingdom Park icons.
Have more time to spend enjoying the Park instead of standing in line waiting for just one photo or photographer.
View and share their images online for free.
Take more than one photo of their experience which will better represent their night at the Magic Kingdom.
Have the option of taking their photos home with them at the end of the night, instead of waiting for their photos to be mailed at a later date.
Choose from a selection of borders and logos customized to each event which further individualizes their experience.
Receive specially-designed PhotoPass cards, dated and themed to each event as a special memento.

Guests can now book dining reservations for Tony's Town Square Restaurant or Liberty Tree Tavern's "Liberate Your Appetite" Character Dinner on all Party Event Nights. Party Event Tickets are required.

● Liberty Tree Tavern (All you care to eat meal served family style)
Adult (age 10+) $27.99 plus tax
Child (age 3-9) $12.99 plus tax
Seatings are offered 5 PM - 9 PM

● Tony's Town Square (a la carte menu)
Guest order off the regular menu.
Seatings are offered 6 PM - 8:30 PM

29 April 2006: Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2006

Dates:
Nov 13, 17, 27, 28, 30
Dec 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 11, 12 ,14, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22

Hours: 7 PM - 12 Midnight

Advance purchase savings are available for select dates only. All party tickets for Dec 1, 8, 15, 18, 19, 21, 22 are priced at gate pricing only. Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can save even more by purchasing in advance for the following select nights: Nov 13, 17, 28 Dec 14

Gate Price (including taxes):
Adult (age 10+) $48.94
Child (age 3-9) $40.42

Advance Purchase Savings Price (including taxes):
Adult (age 10+) $42.55
Child (age 3-9) $34.03
Tickets must be purchased at least 1 day prior to event. Select nights only.

DVC or Passholder Advance Purchase Savings Price (including taxes):
Adult (age 10+) $38.89
Child (age 3-9) $29.77
Passholders can purchase for themselves and up to 3 Guests
DVC Members can purchase for themselves and up to 5 Guests
All Passholder tickets and DVC Tickets must be picked up at Will Call to validate discount. Tickets must be purchased at least 1 day prior to event. Select nights only.

This years Holiday highlights:

● Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade featuring Santa and Mrs. Claus
● Holiday Wishes - Celebrate the Spirit of the Season Fireworks
● Special Holiday Shows (Celebrate the Season, Twas the Night Before Christmas)
● Snow on Main Street USA
● Complimentary Hot Cocoa and Cookies
● Characters will be decked out in their Holiday Best
● Use of the most popular Magic Kingdom attractions
● Discount PhotoPass Offer (50% off discount code for PhotoPass photos taken during the event to use for purchase on-site or online on all of the 5x7 photos from their experience during the Magic Kingdom Hard Ticket Event)

How does Disney's PhotoPass improve the Guest experience during these special events?

Find PhotoPass photographers at locations throughout the Park, including Character Meet & Greets, Event backdrops, interactive areas, and in front of Magic Kingdom Park icons.
Have more time to spend enjoying the Park instead of standing in line waiting for just one photo or photographer.
View and share their images online for free.
Take more than one photo of their experience which will better represent their night at the Magic Kingdom.
Have the option of taking their photos home with them at the end of the night, instead of waiting for their photos to be mailed at a later date.
Choose from a selection of borders and logos customized to each event which further individualizes their experience.
Receive specially-designed PhotoPass cards, dated and themed to each event as a special memento.

27 April 2006: New Village Fry Shoppe

On Monday May 1st 2006, the quick service restaurant formerly known as Lumieres (which has been closed for years, and is next to the 7 Dwarf Mine in Fantasyland), will reopen as the "Village Fry Shoppe". The new location will serve McDonalds French Fry's and Hot Dogs.

8 April 2006: Pirates of the Caribbean reopens after phase 1

To update the 23rd March update below, Pirates of the Caribbean did reopen today as expected. The attraction should now remain open for the busy Easter period, and then close again to complete the updates on Monday May 1 and will reopen by July 7 2006.

7 April 2006: Pirates of the Caribbean concept art

Disney today unveiled some new concept are of the current refurbishment project. Pictured below is some early concept art showing the new look entrance area to the attraction.

Pictured below is Barbossa aboard the Wicked Wench pirate ship. The new effects and changes to the ride will be in place ready for the reopening on on July 7 2006.

6 April 2006: Night of Joy 2006 dates and information

Walt Disney World Resort has put together a 16-act lineup of top contemporary Christian music artists for its 24th annual Night of Joy, with marquee names MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Kirk Franklin and tobyMac heading the list.

They'll be joined in Magic Kingdom during the two-night music extravaganza, Sept. 8-9, by BarlowGirl, Rebecca St. James, Jeremy Camp, Todd Agnew, David Crowder Band, Smokie Norful, ZOEgirl, Building 429, Matthew West, Hawk Nelson, Tonex and Vicky Beeching. All acts will play either Friday or Saturday except for BarlowGirl, which will perform both days.

Night of Joy hours are 7:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. each day (after regular park closing) and require a special ticket. Advance tickets ($39.95 plus tax for one night, $67.95 plus tax for both nights) are available by calling 407/W-DISNEY or by visiting disneyworld.com/nightofjoy online. Tickets on the day of the event will be $44.95 plus tax if available (Night of Joy is frequently sold out in advance).

Since its inception in 1983, Night of Joy has featured more than 100 of Christian music's top artists, whose performances in Magic Kingdom have been experienced by more than 900,000 guests. In addition to shows on stages throughout the park, Night of Joy offers guests a chance to experience popular Magic Kingdom attractions during event hours.

3 April 2006: Singer/songwriter Jon Bon Jovi visits Walt Disney World

31 March 2006: Pirates of the Caribbean update podcast

The latest official Disney World podcast provides some more information about the Pirates of the Caribbean refurbishment. Check it out at http://www.disneyworld.com/podcast

28 March 2006: El Pirata y El Perico opening for Easter

The seasonally open restaurant El Pirata y El Perico is set to open for the busy Easter holidays. The dates and times are listed below. Menu and reviews

Sat April 8th 11am-3pm
Sun 9th 11am-4pm
Mon 10th 11am-9pm
Tue 11th 11am-9pm
Wed 12th 11am-4pm
Thu 13th 11am-4pm
Fri 14th 11am-4pm

Sat 15th 11am-4pm
Sun 16th 11am-4pm
Mon 17th 11am-9pm
Tue 18th 11am-9pm
Wed 19th 11am-4pm
Thu 20th 11am-4pm
Fri 21st 11am-4pm
Sat 22nd 11am-4pm

23 March 2006: Pirates Easter reopening potentially delayed

The latest information from within the Magic Kingdom indicates that the Pirates Phase 1 reopening may be pushed back a week. It was set to reopen on April 1 for the busy Easter period. However, there is now a possibility that the reopening may be pushed back to the 8th April. The reality of the situation is that they are dealing with a complex refurbishment, which may experience some delays. It's safe to say that its in everyone's interest to get Pirates running over Easter, and I am sure the work crews are well aware of this. More information will be posted here when available.

11 March 2006: Pirates and Princesses hard ticket event

There are plans underway to introduce a new "Pirates and Princesses" hard ticket event at the Magic Kingdom. Based on a similar concept to "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" and "Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party", the new event would take place after regular parks hours, and would require a separate ticket for entry. As part of the evening events would be a Pirates and Princesses parade. Whilst this concept is strongly tipped to come to reality around January 2007, please remember that this information is not officially confirmed, and as always is subject to change.

8 February 2006: Pirates of the Caribbean refurbishment schedule

To update the 17 January update below, it is now confirmed that Pirates will be refurbished in a 2 stage process. The attraction will be closed Wednesday, March 1, and will then reopen on Saturday April 1. During this first phase, there will be no noticeable changes in the show. Pirates will then close again on Monday May 1 and will reopen by July 7 2006.

22 February 2006: Timekeeper Character Meet and Greet relocation

Just to update the 14th February update below, the character meet and greets that were held at the Timekeeper preshow will be relocated to other areas. Buzz and Stitch will be at other areas within Tommorowland, whilst the Incredibles will move back to the Disney-MGM Studios.

15 February 2006: Tommorowland Noodle Station to get menu enhancements

The Tommorowland Noodle Terrace, which seems to be closed more than it's open, is set to reopen soon with a new menu. Traditional items, such as chicken strips and chicken Caesar salad, are set to join the noodle offerings. The opening date remains to be confirmed.
View current menu

14 February 2006: Timekeeper permanently closing

Timekeeper in Tommorowland will be permanently closing on 26 February 2006. Work is set to then begin on a new attraction, although at this stage, there is no reliable information on what that new attraction is.

4 February 2006: Storyline and more details about the Pirates of the Caribbean enhancements

A crew of plundering and pillaging pirates, now lead by Barbossa, attack a Caribbean seaport town and sets it ablaze in a wild night of reverlry. We will also learn the motive behind the attack: They're in search of their old shipmate Captain Jack Sparrow, convinced he knows the location of a fabulous treasure.

In the enhanced attraction, Guest will come face-to-face with Captain Jack Sparrow and experience new special effects, including a ghostly apparition in a curtain of mist.

The attraction is scheduled to close March 1, 2006, with a tentative open date of July 7, 2006, just in time for the opening of the new second film "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest" that opens in theatres nationwide.

3 February 2006: More Pirates of the Caribbean update information

ANAHEIM, Calif. / ORLANDO, Fla. (Feb. 2, 2006) -- First the theme park attraction inspired the movie -- now the movie is inspiring the attraction.

Pirates of the Caribbean, the classic Disney theme park adventure brought to the big screen in Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl, is adding new characters and features from the blockbuster entertainment franchise and debuting when the next adventure begins in Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest.

Both the Disneyland Resort in California and Walt Disney World Resort in Florida will close the attraction in March to complete the updates in time for the opening of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest on July 7. The attraction will re-open at Disneyland on June 24 and in Florida's Magic Kingdom on July 7.

The attraction will feature the addition of two of Hollywood's most infamous buccaneers, Captain Jack Sparrow and his nemesis Barbossa. Joining the wildest crew that ever sacked the Spanish Main, Captain Jack and Barbossa add an exciting new twist to the attraction's original storyline as they race to be the first to claim a cache of plundered treasure.

"Successfully adding the popular characters from the 'Pirates of the Caribbean' films with the mythology of our classic attraction is an example of Disney synergy and Walt Disney Imagineering at its finest," said Jay Rasulo, chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. "These additions will result in an exciting new chapter for the attraction and an unforgettable experience for our guests, giving them another reason to come and be a part of our continuing 50th anniversary celebration."

Woven into some of the attraction's most memorable scenes, the rival swashbucklers will be seen interacting with some of the more familiar Audio-Animatronics buccaneers found inside the ride-thru adventure. Also making a guest appearance is the ghostly Davy Jones from the second movie in the series, Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest. But new characters are only the beginning. New special effects will also be added to enhance the "Pirates of the Caribbean" theme park experience.

"The creative legacy of 'Pirates of the Caribbean' has come full circle with the attraction initially inspiring our highly successful film franchise and now the films inspiring exciting additions to the attraction itself," said Dick Cook, chairman of The Walt Disney Studios. "The attraction enhancements capture the same spirit, swashbuckling humor and action that moviegoers loved in the first `Pirates of the Caribbean' which will continue with the highly anticipated new tales this summer and beyond."

Created under the direct creative supervision of Walt Disney himself, Pirates of the Caribbean is the quintessential Disney theme park adventure, a swashbuckling voyage that transports guests back to the days when pirates and privateers roamed the Spanish Main. Starring a comical cast of rascals, scoundrels, villains and knaves, the world-famous attraction sends guests of all ages on a boat ride through mysterious caverns where "Dead men tell no tales" and then into a colonial era Caribbean seaport under siege by a band of fun-loving pirates. The attraction's jaunty theme song, "Yo Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)," sets the show's light tone with its tongue-in-cheek depiction of high-seas lawlessness.

The original incarnation of Pirates of the Caribbean premiered on March 18, 1967, in New Orleans Square at Disneyland in California. Featuring more than 120 Audio-Animatronics performers, lavishly decorated sets and special effects, it's considered to be one of the most spectacular and enduring attractions ever created for a theme park. With its setting revised slightly to fit a Caribbean Plaza location in Adventureland, the attraction opened to guests at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom on December 15, 1973. More than 500 million people have experienced the rollicking fun of Pirates of the Caribbean in California and Florida over the past 39 years.

"Enhancing the classic Pirates attractions with new characters and new technology will ensure their relevance and place in Disney theme parks as timeless adventures," said Tom Fitzgerald, senior creative executive for Walt Disney Imagineering. "We're adding a layer of storytelling from the films to the attraction while retaining all the familiar elements that make it vibrant and exciting for every age group."

The Pirates of the Caribbean additions are one part of the "Happiest Celebration on Earth," an 18-month salute (continuing through 2006) to 50 years of Disney park magic around the globe that started with the opening of Walt Disney's original park, Disneyland, in 1955.

2 February 2006: Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin reopens

Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin has reopened early from it's rehab which began on January 6 2006. Changes to the ride are limited to new paint in the queue area and on the targets within the actual ride. Unfortunately nothing was done to address the rapidly deteriorating condition of the actual ride vehicles. For operations, a new console has been installed on the load platform.

1 February 2006: Pirates updates confirmed

It has today been confirmed internally at Disney that Pirates of the Caribbean at both Walt Disney World and Disneyland will undergo the much rumored show enhancements. Top of the list are the additions of elements from the Pirates of the Caribbean movies, including Captain Jack Sparrow and Barbossa audio-animatronics. There will also be new special effects, and some new operational enhancements. The timeframe has not been confirmed, but see the 17 January 2006 update below for the latest rumored dates.

28 January 2006: Splash Mountain rehab photos

Splash Mountain was closed from 23rd January 2006 to 27th January 2006 for some essential maintenance. As you can see from the photos below (Thanks to ScottJ), the entire system was drained for the work.

17 January 2006: Pirates of the Caribbean rehab

Pirates of the Caribbean is set for some rehab work early this year. Whilst still not confirmed, it currently looks like Pirates will go down in March for some essential maintenance, will reopen for the busy Easter period in April, and will then close for some show rehab work in May and June. There is no information yet on what the show rehab will include, but there is the potential for some movie related items to be installed.

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