January 2000 WDW Bits and Bites

Feature Article

This article appeared in the January 31, 2000, Issue #16 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

Winter sure has arrived here in Maryland! We have had two 10" snow falls within one week! I sure will be glad to feel that Florida sunshine soon.

A HUGE thanks to everyone who responded to the last WDWIG_Ezine requesting volunteers to help with various FAQs! I think we just about have everything covered. Each person who wrote should have heard back from me.

Today's (1/31/00) Orlando Sentinel has news about a new Epcot Attraction! "It's nearly all systems go for Mission Space at Epcot. The shuttle ride, in which guests would experience G-forces, is close to getting final corporate clearance, Disney insiders say. Mission Space would replace Epcot's Horizons pavilion and open by 2003."

Are you looking for The Millennium Planning Video? Just call 407-939-7769 up until February 29, 2000, while supplies last.

There are new Disney Dollars available to help you celebrate the millennium. Each "dollar" will have a millennium theme complete with confetti and millennium logos from the Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Park and Disneyland Paris, and Disney characters such as Mickey Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck.

Besides being one of the most exciting Super Bowls I have seen in a very long time, special KUDOS goes to Disney for a wonderfully magical Half-Time Show. The show featured the music from Tapestry of Nations and IllumiNations 2000…with special appearances by Phil Collins (among others). It really was fantasmic!

The Behind the Scenes Steam Trains Tour at the Magic Kingdom has been so popular with folks that it will now be officially offered twice a week! If you take the tour, be sure to give Conductor Jack and Conductor Bruce a hello from WDWIG!

Early reviews of Shula's Steakhouse, the newest restaurant to open at the Dolphin Hotel, are outstanding….with a price tag to match!!

The Orlando Sentinel also reported this week that the renovation of the Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular show at Disney-MGM is costing $9.6 million.

Finally, some Animal Kingdom news….in response to parent complaints that there aren't many rides for kids (I'm just telling you what I heard), Disney has softened Countdown to Extinction by removing many of the herky jerky motions. In doing so, the height restriction has been eased down to 40" instead of 46.

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Editor's Note: This story/information was accurate when it was published. Please be sure to confirm all current rates, information and other details before planning your trip.