March 2015 Walt Disney World Bits and Bites
Feature Article
This article appeared in the February 24, 2015 Issue #805 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)
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.
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STEP BACK IN TIME
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Each month, we rummage around in our archives for this featurette, which indulges in a bit of nostalgia, taking you back in history for a glimpse of Walt Disney World and The Walt Disney Company through the ages.
This month, we take a look at an old favorite Tomorrowland attraction, The Timekeeper.
Before landing at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom, this attraction originally debuted at Euro Disneyland (Disneyland Paris) on April 12, 1992. It then opened at Tokyo Disneyland on April 15, 1993. It finally made its way to the Florida theme park on November 21, 1994. When it first opened in the Magic Kingdom, it was called "From Time to Time" and was presented in the Transportarium. Six months later, however, the attraction was renamed "The Timekeeper," while the theater was renamed the "Tomorrowland Metropolis Science Center."
The preshow of The Timekeeper introduced guests to 9-Eye, a "Circumvisual Photo Droid" with nine cameras used to transmit pictures back to The Timekeeper. While waiting for the time-travel presentation to begin, the audience witnessed a film of 9-Eye at work filming: plunging over Niagara Falls, riding the Space Shuttle, and entering a barn full of explosives. 9-Eye was voiced by actress Rhea Pearlman, known for her work on the TV show "Cheers."
The show itself was hosted by The Timekeeper, a manic mad-scientist robot voiced by the late Robin Williams. The wild journey into the past and the future was presented in a Circle-Vision 360 film that surrounded the audience, who watched while standing.
The attraction was moved to "seasonal" status in April 2001, with limited opening times. It officially closed on February 26, 2006. Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor, which opened on April 2, 2007, now occupies The Timekeeper's former space.
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RELATED LINKS
Learn more about The Timekeeper:
Walt Disney's World's Timekeeper archive page
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MOUSY MINDBOGGLER
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Think you know Disney inside and out? This AllEars® feature is designed to stump Disney enthusiasts of all kinds and ages. Put on your thinking cap!
Our friend James Dezern (known as "dzneynut" around several Disney discussion forums) is Guest Mindboggler this week, supplying a puzzle of his own design.
James writes: Here's the answer key from the last puzzle, which was about "The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad."
I was very pleased to receive 73 correct responses. The answer to the bonus question, which I thought was a neat question, was Sherlock Holmes, who was played by Basil Rathbone in early films. He provided the narration for the Mr. Toad portion of this film, in which the character Rat wore a deerstalker hat, very similar to the famous sleuth!
The winner of a Pinocchio collectible pin was Colleen C. of East Hampton, CT. Congrats and thanks for playing!
This month we continue with the animated feature series by taking a look at 1950's "Cinderella." This animated feature marked the return of the studios to the traditional fairytale as a source of story themes. It also marked the return of the studios to what has been referred to as "The Golden Age of Animation," which began in 1937 and continued until 1959, only to be interrupted by World War II for about seven years.
The purpose of this puzzle is just to have a little fun, but if you want to take it a step further, arrange the letters that are circled in the puzzle to come up with the answer to the bonus, which relates to the puzzle theme. Send your resulting answer IN THE SUBJECT LINE OF AN EMAIL addressed to [email protected] Send the bonus term or phrase by email no later than 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on March 21, 2015.
REMINDER: Not all of the words in the word bank are used in this puzzle!
All correct answers will be entered into a random drawing, and the winner will be awarded a Disney pin. The answers and drawing winner will be posted in next month's Bits and Bites newsletter, along with a new puzzle.
I can't believe that this month marks the two year anniversary of starting these puzzles! So, what's the verdict? Drop me a line at [email protected] with any comments or suggestions!
PREVIOUS MINDBOGGLER:
There's nothing like a calm boat ride
To ease your jangled nerves
But something on this little jaunt
Is not what you deserve
Oh yes the trip is tame enough
There are no drops it's true
But it may leave you crying,
Singing its relentless tune
What is this attraction and where do you find it?
SOLUTION: "it's a small world" in the Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland
CONGRATULATIONS TO the first 10 of you who sent in the correct answers, earning a Mousy Mindboggler Mention: Alexander Masluk; Rod Cresswell; Ted Flory; Maureen Brownfiel; Stephanie Peterson; Karen Lalosh; Bev Sager; Kim Hines; Diane Hawkins; and Nanette Lamparella. Thanks so much for playing along!
EDITOR'S NOTE: WIN A PIN! Don't miss your chance to win a collectible Disney pin by playing the Mid-Month Mousy Mindboggler, found in the AllEars.Net Guest Blog. Deadline is March 13!
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HIDDEN MICKEYS ALERT
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Steve Barrett, author of the Hidden Mickeys books and webmaster of HiddenMickeyGuy.com, encourages you to search for these Hidden Images on your next visit to Walt Disney World.
1. At the Wilderness Lodge Villas, a classic Mickey made of depressions in the rock is tilted to the right on the last stone pillar to your left as you walk into the main entrance to the Villas. You can spot this image just before you step into the lobby. It's about three feet from the floor, on the corner (facing the entrance) of the second horizontal rock from the floor. Look in the middle of the photo below. (Thanks to Catherine, and Josiah and Marc Lorenzo.)
2. At Epcot's Future World, search to your right along the entrance queue of Journey into Imagination with Figment. A small Buzz Lightyear is hiding in a display, across from Professor Phillip Brainard's office door. (Thanks to Scott.)
3. In the World of Disney store at Downtown Disney Marketplace, classic Mickey "feet" are at the bottom of display tubs that hold merchandise in some of the rooms (and decorative classic Mickeys may surround the top edges of these tubs). (Thanks to Brett Manley, Jack Koss, and Graham Jackson.)
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You can find a selection of past Hidden Mickey Alerts HERE.
And check out our latest Searching Disney with Steve blog.
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MONTHLY REMIND-EARS
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EVENTS
Through March 21, Disney's Hollywood Studios hosts an exclusive preview of the live-action film Cinderella (in theaters March 13) at the ABC Sound Studio. The preview starts on the half-hour, from 10 a.m. until 30 minutes before park closing. The original golden coach used in the film is outside the movie theater facade on Streets of America through April 11, 2015.
Epcot's Flower & Garden Festival runs March 4 – May 17, 2015. This includes the "Garden Rocks" concert series (formerly the "Flower Power" concerts), which bring musical acts to the America Gardens Theatre every Friday, Saturday and Sunday during the festival.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
The Atlanta Braves are in the midst of their 18th consecutive spring training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The home opener is set for March 4 against the New York Mets at Champion Stadium. March 21 will be Military Appreciation Day, when the Braves and Disney honor our veterans during a game against the Nationals. Information on the Braves' Spring Training season, group tickets and mini-packs is available by calling 407-939-GAME (4263) and online at espnwwos.com. Individual game tickets will be available through Ticketmaster by calling 800-745-3000 or visiting ticketmaster.com as well as at the sports complex box office.
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Check our Events page for a full schedule of upcoming events.
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REHABS AND CLOSINGS
Flame Tree Barbecue is closed through late April 2015.
Creature Comforts is closed through June 14 as it transforms into a Starbucks location.
Several enhancements to the Central Plaza area between the end of Main Street and Cinderella Castle in Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom are coming over the next few months. Among the changes being made: the addition of sculpted gardens and pathways, expanded restaurant seating and even a special viewing area for fireworks and other performances. In fact, the seating outside of Casey's Corner and The Plaza restaurant will nearly double in size. The project has already begun and is scheduled to be completed in 2015.
Cinderella's Royal Table closed for renovation on January 5 and will not reopen until March 6, 2015. Citricos at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa hosts a Princess character breakfast and brunch while Cinderella's Royal Table in Magic Kingdom is undergoing refurbishment. At the dining experiences, Cinderella is on hand to greet guests as they arrive, and the Disney princesses visit each table for photos and autographs. Diners also can participate in an interactive "Magical Wishing Ceremony" with Cinderella and the Disney Princesses, with "wishing wands" and "wishing swords" for little ones. Breakfast and brunch hours are 8 a.m.-2:20 p.m., and cost is $49.99 for adults; $31.99 ages 3-9. The experience is two entitlements if using the Disney Dining Plan. For reservations call 407-WDW-DINE.
The Harmony Barber Shop will be closed through March 31.
"it's a small world" is closed for refurbishment March 10-13, 2015.
The Maelstrom attraction and Spirit of Norway movie have closed to make way for a new attraction based on the animated film, "Frozen." The new attraction will take guests to the film's land of Arendelle and is expected to open in early 2016. The Norway pavilion will also again host a royal greeting location where the characters Anna and Elsa can meet guests.
Monorail
The Walt Disney World Resort Monorail System will undergo refurbishment that will affect the Resort and Express monorail beams from 11 a.m. – 7 p.m., March 2-5, 2015. During these times, monorails on the Resort beam will travel between Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Magic Kingdom Monorails on the Express beam will now make an additional stop at Disney's Contemporary Resort as they travel between Magic Kingdom Park and the Transportation and Ticket Center.
Monorail service will continue to be available from all stations while this work takes place. Monorail operating hours will remain unchanged. Guests may note a difference in the way they board the Monorail and should allow for additional travel time to reach their destinations. Guests staying at affected resorts will receive in-room communication upon their arrival.
Jambo House lobby floor is being refinished in sections through March 6, 2015.
Little Mermaid Flippin' Fins Pool is closed March 2-3, 2015.
Beach Club and Beach Club Villas
Stormalong Bay at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts is undergoing refurbishment of the lazy river, snorkel area and two surrounding bridges. This is expected to run through March 3, 2015. During these closures, all other areas of the pool will remain open to guests.
Guest rooms are being refurbished with new hard and soft goods. Work takes place between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily, now through August 22, 2015.
Villa rooms at Disney's Beach Club are expected to undergo renovations sometime in 2015. Exact dates have not yet been released. Work is currently under way on hotel rooms at the resort.
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort is currently undergoing refurbishment, scheduled to be completed in spring 2015. During this time, all rooms (with the exception of King Bed rooms and Pirate Rooms) will be upgrading to queen beds. Many rooms (but not all) will then have the ability to accommodate up to five, with the addition of a bunk-size fold down bed. These rooms will be located in all of the resort's villages.
The Nanea Volcano Pool closed July 26, 2014, and will not reopen until sometime in 2015. Several enhancements are scheduled, including a new aquatic playground with children's slides, a new hot tub, and a larger deck with more guest seating. As an alternative, resort guests are being notified that they will receive free, single-day admission to Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park. Transportation will be provided to the water park, where a dedicated Polynesian guest check-in will be available, at which you can receive your complimentary tickets and towels. The Polynesian's leisure pool will remain open during the Nanea pool refurbishment.
The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is currently undergoing the largest renovation in its 25-year history. The Swan rooms will be completed in 2015. The first phase of the Dolphin Hotel room renovations will not begin until 2016, with the entire room project currently scheduled to be completed by the end of 2017.
Downtown Disney/Disney Springs
The multi-year transformation of Downtown Disney into Disney Springs will treat guests to more shopping, dining and entertainment amid open-air promenades, springs and waterfront charm. Disney Springs will feature an eclectic and contemporary mix from Disney and other noteworthy brands, from boutique shops to unique flagship anchor stores.
Read HERE for the latest on changes at Downtown Disney/Disney Springs.
Blizzard Beach is closed for its annual refurbishment through March 14, 2015. It will reopen March 15.
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A complete list of rehabs can be found HERE.
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MAGICAL MOMENTS
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Michelle Shewbridge: My daughter, sister-in-law and I had dinner at Cape May Cafe on a recent trip to Walt Disney World. It had been five years since our last visit, so I was really looking forward to the steamed mussels there. I was very surprised to see they changed the way they served them — steamed in a red sauce with tomatoes and onions. They were also in a very small bowl, nowhere near the size of the steamed clams that were available. I mentioned this to our server, Rayne, who smiled and said she'd be back. To my surprise, she had the chef make me my own large bucket of steamed mussels in white wine! I was totally surprised, as I never asked for them. After telling her thank you almost a hundred times, she just said, "That's what we do here at Disney — we make a little magic." I made sure to pull her manager aside and told him about her wonderful service and what she did. So needless to say, she got a 40 percent tip!
Patricia: My husband and I have no children, so we have been going to Disney World alone every year for the past 22 years. It is great. One of my favorite moments was when we had taken a trip over to the Grand Floridian Resort, and we were just sitting outside beside some rose bushes. A gardener who was working on the bushes cut a beautiful rose off one of the shrubs and presented it to me. Yes, it was a small gesture, but I still remember it and continue to cherish that moment from about 15 years ago. Sometimes the small things are the most memorable.
Raye Reed: When my grandchildren turn 5 they get to go on a Disney Cruise — just that child and Grandma. As something different, I purchased my granddaughter Ally a Dream pillow to collect autographs on instead of an autograph book. During our day at sea we went around to the different character meet and greets — the princesses, Mickey, Minnie. Then it came time for Goofy and Donald. When it was Ally's turn, Goofy saw the pillow and instead of signing it, he decided to use it to take a nap on the floor and even covered his eyes with one of his ears so he wouldn't be disturbed! Donald tried to wake him up, but he kept right on "sleeping." Then Donald took Ally by the hand and went to hide from Goofy. One of the crew members finally got Goofy to wake up and then he wondered where Donald was. The crew member sent Goofy in the opposite direction to look for them, which allowed Donald and Ally to come back to the original spot where Goofy found them. The pillow was signed and pictures were taken. I am not sure that my granddaughter really understands how special this moment was, but it was wonderful for me to see and feel the magic.
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We just bet you have a story to tell about an unforgettable moment during your Disney vacation! Please send your favorite memory for inclusion in a future AllEars® to: [email protected] Thank you all for sharing!
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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.
