What's New Archive 2004

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For latest updates, go here
For updates from 2005, go here

29 December 2004
• Disney announce Magical Express
• Christmas trees around WDW

24 December 2004
Happy Holidays everyone! Hope you have a wonderful Christmas.

23 December 2004
• Osborne Spectacle of Lights video

21 December 2004
• Cinderella Castle overlay prototype photos

20 December 2004
• Expedition Everest construction video

16 December 2004
• Photos from the 2004 Big City version of the Osborne Lights
• Christmas Parade information

12 December 2004
• Motor Stunt Show update

11 December 2004
• Crush 'N' Gusher construction photos

10 December 2004
• Cinderella Castle overlay details and concept art
• New Soarin' concept art
• New Stunt Show concept art
• Win a month of WDWMAGICPass subscription!
• Expedition Everest photo update

3 December 2004
• Magic Your Way: New ticketing options

30 November 2004
• Expedition Everest update

29 November 2004
• Reflections of Earth Peace on Earth finale video

22 November 2004
• Chicken Little promo inside MGM

16 November 2004
• Disney announce Typhoon Expansion
• Crush 'N' Gusher concept art
• Stitch opening day information
•
Living Seas Nemo enhancements
• New Years Eve events

14 November 2004

• More information on the Reflections of Earth Christmas Edition
• Christmas at Animal Kingdom

11 November 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape photos
• New water slide at Typhoon Lagoon photos

5 November 2004
• Land closing for Soarin' preparations

31 October 2004
• Expedition Everest photo update

28 October 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape testing schedule

24 October 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape testing photos

24 October 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape resumes guest testing

23 October 2004
• Living Seas sea cab ride through video

20 October 2004
• Expedition Everest photo update
• Stitch's Great Escape area photos

18 October 2004
• Expedition Everest photo update

17 October 2004
• Magic of Disney Animation tour preview photos
• Small World stroller area opens

12 October 2004
• Stitch's Great Escape guest testing underway
• 20K Leagues demolition continues
• Expedition Everest photo update

11 October 2004
• Stitch's Great Escape photo shoot

5 October 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape height requirement

5 October 2004

• New water slide at Typhoon Lagoon photos

• Stitch's Great Escape Official opening date

4 October 2004
• Guest testing for Stitch imminent
• Soarin' ride system photos
• Stitch's Great Escape queue progress


3 October 2004
• Soarin' details from an official WDW release
• New water slide at Typhoon Lagoon

2 October 2004
• Stitch's Great Escape construction wall removed

1 October 2004
• Stitch's Great Escape update

29 September 2004
• Mouseketeer Clubhouse closing
• Honey I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure closed
• Fort Wilderness and Vero Beach update
• Stitch's Great Escape update
• First-Ever Exclusive 'Disney Dream Auction' Benefits Three Charities

28 September 2004
• WDWMAGIC now available to mobile devices
Goto http://mobile.wdwmagic.com

27 September 2004
• Parks reopen
• Coral Reef Closed Thru 10/3

25 September 2004
• All Walt Disney World Theme Parks, Water Parks, Downtown Disney venues, and Recreation areas will be closed Sunday, September 26, due to weather.
• WDW Operating Hours for 9/25 updated

23 September 2004

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show update

21 September 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape interior
• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show update

19 September 2004
• 20k Leagues demolition photos
• Stitch's Great Escape queue area update
• Ariel's Grotto rehab photos

• Food & Wine Festival preparations

18 September 2004
• Motor Stunt show official name

17 September 2004
• Stitch's Great Escape logo

13 September 2004
• Motor Stunt show photo update
• Expedition Everest update
• Osborne Lights installation photos

12 September 2004
• New Wishes video

9 September 2004
• Stitch Annual Passholder preview dates

7 September 2004
• WDWMAGIC PayPal Subscribers, click here for important information about changes to your account

6 September 2004
Walt Disney World Resort safely withstood Hurricane Frances and maintained power throughout the storm. After a visual inspection of the entire property, we discovered only minor roof damage to a single backstage structure and minimal horticultural damage.

We will open the following theme parks and other locations on Monday, September 6:

Magic Kingdom 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Epcot 10 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Typhoon Lagoon 10 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Downtown Disney 10 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex Open for Events
Disney's Animal Kingdom Closed
Disney-MGM Studios Closed
Blizzard Beach Closed
Pleasure Island Closed

Walt Disney World Resort will return to normal operations in all areas Tuesday, September 7.

All Cast Members scheduled to work on Monday, whether or not their work area is open, should contact their local area hotline.

Guests who have questions should call 407-WDW-INFO or 407-939-4636.

24 September 2004
UPDATE FROM WDW
Based on information from the National Weather Service and consultation with emergency preparedness officials, Walt Disney World theme parks will be closed on Sunday, September 5. We anticipate returning to a normal operating schedule on Monday, September 6.

Additional schedule announcements will be made as updated information becomes available.

Our focus remains on maintaining a schedule that will allow us to safely care for the tens of thousands of Resort Guests who will be staying on Walt Disney World property throughout the weekend.

We have an extensive hurricane preparedness plan and are staffed and prepared for a realm of possible impacts that this type weather could have on our property.

On Sunday, all first- and second-shift hourly Cast Members should not report to work. All third-shift hourly Cast Members should plan to report to work. Given the changing condition of this storm, all Cast Members should stay in contact with their leaders, call their local area phone numbers or the Cast Information Line at 407-566-3635 for details regarding their Sunday and Monday shifts.

Guests who have questions should call (407) WDW-INFO or (407) 939-4636.

3 September 2004
UPDATE FROM WDW
Based on updated information from the National Weather Service and consultation with emergency preparedness officials, Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks will be closed Saturday, Sept. 4, 2004.

Additional schedule announcements will be made as updated information becomes available.

Our focus remains on maintaining a schedule that will allow us to safely care for the tens of thousands of Resort guests who will be staying on Walt Disney World property throughout the weekend.

We have an extensive hurricane preparedness plan and are staffed and prepared for a realm of possible impacts that this type weather could have on our property.

All Walt Disney World Resort Cast Members scheduled to work on Sunday should monitor media reports and call their local Cast Hotlines for updates.

• Hurricane Frances
•
British Airways flight cancellations to Orlando
• Fantasmic last performance tonight until Tuesday

2 September 2004

•
Tom Joyner Family Reunion Cancelled

31 August 2004
• Reflections of Earth Christmas edition

30 August 2004
•
Expedition Everest construction update
• Disney’s Swim with the Stars
• Candlelight Processional details
• Christmas Events update
• Disney Tails now open
• Cooking With Mickey and the Disney Chefs
• American Heritage Gallery opening early September
• Food and Wine Festival info
• Tom Sawyer Island rehab photos
• Soarin' update

4 August 2004
• Electrical Water Pageant returns
• Ariel's Grotto rehab
• 20K Leagues demolition update
•
Expedition Everest construction update

21 August 2004
• Stitch update

18 August 2004
• Walt Disney World Announces Relief Efforts for Central Florida Families and Cast Members Impacted by Hurricane Charley
• Night of Joy details
• Tom Joyner Family Reunion - Disney-MGM Studios Party

14 August 2004
• Due to impacts from Hurricane Charley, Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks have adjusted operating hours as follows for Saturday, August 14:
Magic Kingdom Park -- 9am - 11pm
Epcot Future World -- 9am - 7pm
World Showcase -- 11am - 9pm
Disney-MGM Studios -- 9am - 9pm (Extra Magic Hour will NOT be offered)
Disney's Animal Kingdom -- Not Operating
Blizzard Beach -- 10am -7:30pm
Typhoon Lagoon -- Not Operating
Downtown Disney -- Will operate with some limited offerings; bus transportation will not be provided until late afternoon. Cirque du Soleil will offer its regularly scheduled performances.
Disney's Wide World of Sports will be open for events
Disney golf courses -- Not Operating

• Information from Ride-Out crew CMs indicates the parks have come through without major damage. There is a big clear up operation underway, and they expect all parks to open at 9am on Saturday.
•
Expedition Everest construction update

13 August 2004
• Based on information from the National Weather Service and emergency preparedness officials, Walt Disney World theme parks and water parks have adjusted operating hours as follows: Magic Kingdom: 8am - 1pm Epcot: 8am - 1pm Disney-MGM Studios 8 am - 1 pm Blizzard Beach 9 am - 1 pm Disney's Wide World of Sports will have limited operation, weather permitting. Disney golf courses will have limited operations. The following locations will not be operating: Animal Kingdom Typhoon Lagoon Downtown Disney (all areas, including DisneyQuest and Cirque du Soleil) Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show Hoop-Dee-Doo Dinner Show E-Ride Nights and Grand Gathering Experiences have been cancelled for tonight.

12 August 2004
• Parks potentially closing early on Friday due to extreme weather forecasts
• All four theme parks will offer Extra Magic Hour to Walt Disney World Resort Guests (including Swan, Dolphin, Hilton and Shades of Green) beginning at 8am on Friday, August 13. World Showcase at Epcot will open at 10am. Guests are encouraged to plan an early visit to our parks as we anticipate the best weather in the early part of the day.
Disney's Spirit of Aloha Dinner Shows have been cancelled for the 13th.
• Ticket sales for the Magic Kingdom E-Ride Night on Friday, August 13, have ceased in anticipation of potential inclement weather
•
Latest Hurricane Charlie information as it affects WDW
• For non-Disney coverage visit http://www.wesh.com

8 August 2004
• Stitch construction update
• Useful WDW Phone numbers directory
• Guide to Internet Access at WDW

5 August 2004
• San Francisco facade construction update
• Stitch construction update

• Expedition Everest construction update
• 20K Leagues demolition update
• Fantasyland Skyway station update

4 August 2004
• Magic Kingdom rehab updates
• Animal Kingdom rehab updates
• Disney-MGM Studios rehab updates


20 July 2004
• Skyway station work
• Mickey's Toontown train station complete

19 July 2004
• Soarin' update

17 July 2004
• Disney Animation tour rehab

8 July 2004
• Expedition Everest construction update
• Elephant born at Animal Kingdom

5 July 2004
• Spaceship Earth video projection system

4 July 2004
• Happy July 4th!!
• New Original Universe of Energy ride video

30 June 2004
• Fantasmic poor weather show

29 June 2004
• Olympic Pin trading
• Disney Tails opening at Downtown Disney
• Dates for Christmas 2004 events at WDW

26 June 2004
• ASIMO Robot coming to Epcot

23 June 2004
• Stitch's Great Escape update
• Motor Stunt Show update

20 June 2004
• Expedition Everest construction update

19 June 2004
• Epcot July 4 info
• MK July 4 info
• Disney-MGM Studios July 4 info

17 June 2004
• The forums, photoalbums and reviews are now back online after maintenance.
• Stitch's Great Escape update
• Motor Stunt Show update

13 June 2004
• Tommorowland Theatre removal
• Spaceship Earth ride-through video

• La Nouba celebrates 5 years

6 June 2004
• Expedition Everest construction update

30 May 2004
• Dinosaur reopens from rehab early
• Expedition Everest construction update
• Saratoga Springs Resort open
• Starring Rolls Cafι now open
• Small World rehab update

26 May 2004

• Stitch's Great Escape animatronic photo
• Expedition Everest construction update

24 May 2004
• Important downtime announcement
• Various Magic Kingdom rehab updates

• Stitch's Great Escape exterior photo
• Motor Stunt Show update

22 May 2004
• Complete ride through video of World of Motion

19 May 2004
• Latest Soarin' photos
• ESPN The Weekend

15 May 2004
• Complete ride through video of Horizons
• Eride nights return this summer


12 May 2004
• New Ticket scans from 1978

10 May 2004
• Everest construction update
• Osborne Lights confirmed for 2004
• Dinosaur rehab photo
• Small World rehab photo
• Snow White rehab photo
• Stitch's Great Escape exterior photo
• Sunshine Season Tree Terrace rehab

9 May 2004
• New Stitch details
• New American Heritage Art Gallery at Epcot

• JoJo & Goliath join MGM-Studios
• My Disney Girl's Perfectly Princess Tea Party

5 May 2004
• Lucky appearing at Animal Kingdom
• Disneyland 50th Anniversary news!
• New castle stage show for the Magic Kingdom
• Hong Kong preview centre coming to Epcot

4 May 2004
• New display for Disney-MGM 15th birthday
• New construction wall artwork around Stitch

3 May 2004
• Stunt show photo update
• 20k Leagues draining photos
• Greenhouse Shop closed/Soarin' update

2 May 2004
• Splash Mountain delayed openings
• Expedition Everest update

28 April 2004
• Full original IllumiNations video
• Expedition Everest update
• 20k Leagues draining underway

27 April 2004
• Small World rehab dates moved forward

22 April 2004
• 20K Leagues rehab photo

22 April 2004
• Small World rehab dates

20 April 2004
• Soarin construction
• PhilharMagic bus wrap
• Expedition Everest update
• Stunt Show street rehab progress

19 April 2004
• New Extra Magic Hour schedule tests
• Wishes CD Track Listing

• Home on the Range pre-parade photos
• Flower and Garden Festival photos
• Enchanted Grove rehab
• Grad Nite info

16 April 2004
• 20K Leagues to be filled
• Animation Tour expansion
•
Main Street Gallery Relocation
• Star Wars weekend details

9 April 2004
• New water feature at Epcot

7 April 2004
• Expedition Everest update
• Kiddie Concierge
• MK rehabs and openings
• Dinosaur rehab
• Disney MGM rehabs


5  April 2004
• Stunt Show update
• Parks busy!

31 March 2004
• Expedition Everest update
• Mickey's Star Traders reopening
• Timekeeper openings
• Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafι Breakfast
• El Pirata Y el Perico Restaurante opening
• TTC parking lot being resurfaced

31 March 2004
• Expedition Everest update

24 March 2004
• Soarin update
• Expedition Everest update

22 March 2004
• Video walkthrough of the new Everest path
•
The Earl of Sandwich opening ceremony
• Wishes CD available soon

20 March 2004
• Info and photos from the Everest pathway opening

17 March 2004
• Stitch soft opening speculation
• Universe of Energy loses sponsor
• Expedition Everest walkway to open Friday

16 March 2004
• Expedition Everest update

10 March 2004
• Expedition Everest track photos

9 March 2004
• Changes in the Main Street shops
• Update on the Tomorrowland Theatre


8 March 2004

• Spaceship Earth post-show changes
• Soarin construction update
• Credit cards at outdoor locations
• ExxonMobil gas stations to become Hess
• Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex To Add Hess Sports Fields
• The Earl of Sandwich shop opens

4 March 2004

• Eisner removed as Chairman, but retains CEO position
•
Casa Mexicana: Discover Modern Mexico exhibit
• Goofy's Epcot Guide

3 March 2004
• 43% say no to Eisner
• Listen to the Disney Co ShareHolders meeting now
• Discuss the Shareholder meeting
•
Photos from the SAVEDISNEY reception

2 March 2004
Watch Roy's Video
(From SAVEDISNEY.COM)
Please choose your type of Internet connection: DIAL-UP   HIGH-SPEED
(requires Windows Media Player)

1 March 2004
• Expedition Everest track photos
•
Masquerade show ending at Epcot
• The annual shareholders' meeting of The Walt Disney Company will be available live via webcast at the Investor Relations' Web site www.disney.com/investors beginning at 10:00 a.m. EST on Mar. 3, 2004.
• Vote on our new poll


27 February 2004
• Expedition Everest update

25 February 2004

•
Star Wars Weekends 2004

23 February 2004
• Soarin construction update
• Motor Stunt Show construction update

18 February 2004
• Disney closing the deal on acquiring The Muppets

16 February 2004
• Test Track rehab update

11 February 2004
• Epcot International Food and Wine Festival Extended
• Comast bid $66 billion to buy Walt Disney Company

10 February 2004
• Test Track rehab

9 February 2004
• Expedition Everest track onsite
• Roy Disney holding a www.SaveDisney.com Briefing and Reception in Philadelphia

5 February 2004

• Sad news from Marty Sklar:
"On February 5,2004 I regret to inform you that our friend and mentor, the true Imagineer, John Hench passed away of heart failure during the night. He is survived by his wife, Lowry."

John worked for Disney for over 60 years, and was recognised by Walt as being one of the studios most gifted artists. John was still working at Walt Disney Imagineering at the age of 95.
For more information on this remarkable man visit here.

3 February 2004
• Photo the new boats for the WDW resort


2 February 2004
• New It's a Small World ride through video26 January 2004
• New boats for the WDW resort
• Soarin' construction photos
• Height & Age Restrictions chart
• Expedition Everest construction photos

23 January 2004
• New Sunset Safari at AK Lodge

19 January 2004
• Soarin' construction photos
• Motor Stunt Show construction
• Finding Nemo enhancements17 January 2004
• Expedition Everest construction photos
• The WDWMAGIC Forums have recently passed some BIG milestones. 10,000 Members, and 500,000 posts. Thanks to everyone who has contributed!

12 January 2004
• Postcard to NASA
•
Motor Stunt Show overhead photo
• Soarin overhead photo
• Reflections of Earth New Years Eve video
• Walt Disney World Marathon
• Feature Animation closing

7 January 2004
• Expedition Everest construction photos
• Motor Stunt Show construction update

5 January 2004
• Soarin' construction photos23 December 2003
• Pop Century photos
• Expedition Everest construction photos

• Finding Nemo meet and greet update

For updates from 2003, go here

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