[Mouse House News] Issue #8 - The World's Finest News
Mouse House News
May 13th, 2007 Issue #8 Subscribership: 219
The Happiest News on Earth
http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews
Established March 2007
From the Editor
Welcome to another issue of Mouse House News! It's good to have you along for the ride. You may have noticed that you are receiving this issue on Sunday instead of Saturday. Not to fret! We have changed our publishing time to simply "the weekend". So look for your copy of MHN every weekend, either on Saturday or Sunday.
Without further adieu, we bring you the news . . . Disney-style!
I'd like to subscribe to your newsletter. I read a recent [issue] and I really enjoyed it. I can never have too much Disney World in my week. Good luck. Things look great!!
Katie Jacobs
One of the things I would love to see in the future is a section with WDW theme park related TV for the week. I have seen this on other sites but it would be nice to have all my WDW news in one place.
James Horne
We have taken up James' suggestion and added a new section to our newsletter called Superstar Television. It appears right after Mousellaneous News. Here you can check out a sampling of some of the television shows that are playing this week that are related to Walt Disney World.
Lead Writer Tom Corless brings us the best and worst of Walt Disney World in a five part series. In the first installment, he takes us on a journey through the Magic Kingdom.
Since opening day in 1971, the Magic Kingdom has had the most to see of all the hot spots on the WDW property. With the most attractions, shows and other entertainment, it is often hard to decide on the best the Magic Kingdom has to offer. Whether you use this as a guide to get through your first trip, or just to try something you haven't in the past, I hope this little column can be of service. So, now on with the Magic Kingdom's finest.
Thrill Attraction
Best: Splash Mountain
Yes, I know about Space Mountain but the truth is that this cute and fluffy log flume ride packs a wallop when it comes to thrills. You may only see the five story drop from the outside, but believe me, there is much more. There is nothing like a thrill ride with a real story.
Worst: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
A true classic, but not much in the way of thrills.
Attraction for Kids
Best: Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
By far, this is the coolest kid-friendly attraction at all four parks. The ride is so good, it's getting a spin off at the Studios in 2008 with Toy Story Mania. Don't worry - you don't have to be a kid to ride.
Worst: Stitch's Great Escape
I can not say anything that hasn't already been said.
Entertainment
Best: Spectromagic
This nighttime parade spectacular has been entertaining guests for fifteen years and still packs the sidewalks of Main Street USA. It is far superior to the old Main Street Electrical Parade, and is a must-see no matter how many times you have already seen it.
Worst: Main Street Family Fun Day Parade
A sad attempt to make something of the Year of a Million Dreams. The parade is not really a parade, as everyday guests march with Disney characters.
Table Service Restaurant
Best: Liberty Tree Tavern
This all-you-can-eat table service eatery located in Liberty Square is always packed and usually needs advanced dining reservations at least four months in advance. The neverending Thanksgiving dinner is a park favorite and is generally a bargain compared to the lackluster buffets around the rest of WDW.
Worst: Crystal Palace
In my opinion, the absolute worst restaurant in all of WDW.
Counter Service Restaurant
Best: Pinocchio's Village Haus
Even after a huge menu change, it still is the best, serving personal pizzas along with all the usual fast food offerings with phenomenal scenery and a view of It's A Small World.
Worst: Columbia Harbor House
Just because it's the worst, doesn't mean it's bad. Offers good fast-seafood. El Pirate y El Perioco is a close second.
Shopping
Best: The Emporium
Since this store grew to practically the entire left side of Main Street USA, it has almost everything sold at WDW. If you can't find what you're looking for at the emporium, then check Mouse Gear in Epcot.
Worst: Caribbean Plaza
What once was the end all and be all of shops is now nothing more than a media-saturated store full of movie merchandise and cheap toys. A far cry from what it once was!
Attraction
Best: Pirates of the Caribbean
Yes, it is slightly better than the Haunted Mansion. Pirates rule all at the Magic Kingdom.
Worst: See Worst Kids Attraction
Days to Visit
Best: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday
These days seem a little less crowded.
Worst: Mondays can be bad, and the weekends are times to run from the Kingdom's gates, no matter what season.
Well, that's it for now. Join me next time for the best and worst of the Quarter-Century old Epcot.
Theme Park Notes
Faster Passes
FastPasses are receiving a make-over. As you can now see at Kilimanjaro Safaris, the new FPs that are being tested have a bar code and are nicer in appearance than the old ones. We are not exactly sure at this time how these changes will effect ride time. FP machines at Expedition Everest, Tower of Terror and Rock 'N Rollercoaster were reportedly down last week for refurbishment.
Left a Legacy
The Leave a Legacy sales booth will be removed from around Spaceship Earth. Currently one both is located at the base of SE and the other is on the right side of the park entrance. We are not sure what this means for the actual Leave a Legacy area that showcases the faces of many Disney fans purchased throughout the years.
A Quieter, Gentler Disney
For those of you who are sensitive to noise, here's a tip. Foam earplugs are available at all the first-aid stations in the theme parks. So, before getting in line for rides like Dinosaur or shows like Fantasmic!, grab yourself a pair of plugs and make the experience more enjoyable.
Mouse House Eats
To Dine or Not To Dine
Recently Disney offered guests traveling to the World in the late summer and early fall of 2007 the Disney Dining Plan for FREE! That is a deal that is hard to resist. However, when the DDP is not free, many people have a hard time trying to decide whether it is worth the money. Mandy Reineke offers us the following analysis to make that decision a little easier.
People are always asking if the Disney Dining Plan is worth the cost. There are several factors to consider when making this choice.
Does your family eat big meals? The dining plan really gives you a huge amount of food each day. If you are staying an extended amount of time, you might consider splitting the reservation, adding DDP to part of the trip.
Do you like your vacation more structured or more flexible? With the DDP, I would highly recommend making Advanced Dining Reservations. You will have to plan your transport to arrive at the restaurant 15 minutes before the ADR. Because a meal takes about an hour, and travel to and from that meal can take an additional hour, dining can take up a lot of time.
The biggest pro of the DDP is that it saves you money. You can order whatever you want without looking at the price. Another plus is that you pay for your food in advance. I like being at Disney with the DDP as it gives it a more all-inclusive feel.
So, is the plan worth it? Well if you are big eaters, and don't mind making preparations for each meal, absolutely it's worth every cent! If you are small eaters who want to maximize park time then the plan might not be for you. Just like everything Disney, it is different for each family.
MHN first reported the closure of the Food and Fun Center at the Contemporary Resort. Major dining changes continue to be made at the Disney hotel. A temporary quick service location will be opening near the Outer Rim Lounge on the fourth floor on July 30 th, 2007 until August 14th, 2008. Replacing Food and Fun in April 2008 is a table service eatery called The Wave. The Concourse Steakhouse will also be closing to make way for a new, permanent quick service restaurant which will open in August, 2008.
Resort Clips
Headin' Down to Ol' Key West
This week's review of Old Key West comes from Ian Macpherson. Just like Ian, your review could appear here! If you have spent the night in the World, we want to hear from you. Send us an e-mail at mouseho...@gmail.com with REVIEW in the subject line.
My family's favourite resort is Old Key West – a touch of Caribbean atmosphere in the heart of Walt Disney World. Staying here, it's easy to forget the hustle of the theme parks.
OKW has all the amenities including a gift shop and a restaurant called Olivia's. Transportation is super, with buses stopping frequently at various locations throughout the resort. The boardwalk is a good place for guests to relax with a drink or food from the snack bar. At the main pool area, kids can play in the sand or climb the large sandcastle and slide down its waterslide.
The real treasure is the dock which offers small watercraft rentals and taxi boat rides through the channels. The taxi boat rides take you through the Buena Vista Golf Course and end up at Downtown Disney.
The guest accommodation buildings, surrounded by lush vegetation, are located among the fairways of the golf course. Studios suitable for four people are available along with efficiency units that accommodate up to 12. Stay on the main floor so you can have a relaxing breakfast on the porch.
We have been Disney Vacation Club members since 1998 and our first choice is always Old Key West!
If you happen to see Disney buses with "Snow White" or "Simba" written in the marquee instead of a WDW location, know that that's code for "Out of Service". This is all part of the new bus system and the changes that have been made.
Mousellaneous News
Can't See The Castle For The Smoke
If you are planning a trip to Walt Disney World in the near future, be aware of the many wildfires that are affecting the area lately. This is especially important to those who may be traveling by car as these fires can often decrease visibility and sometimes roads get re-routed. To keep updated on the Florida wildfires as well as tropical storms, visit http://www.wdwinfo.com/weatherupdate.htm .
Fan Phenomenon
Disney fan sites are more active now than ever before. For instance, take Disney Fan Spot. It is a place for Walt Disney World fans to talk and greet new fans. You can post a message on the message board, check out the picture page, play some Disney games, take a look at maps of WDW, sign the guestbook, and much more! If you become an active member you can be named a DFS Cast Member and you will receive an official badge! Disney Fan Spot is the place to be. Visit Caleb and the gang at http://www.geocities.com/disneyfanspot/home or e-mail disney...@yahoo.com .
We need your help staying on top of the WDW-related news. Send your news tips to us! E-mail us at mouseho...@gmail.com with "NEWS TIP" in the subject line or contact us through our website: http://www.freewebs.com/mousehousenews .
Turn on your TV and tune in to some programs related to Walt Disney World. Here is a listing of what's coming up. All times listed are in Eastern Standard Time.
Program: The History Channel Classroom – Walt Disney World Description: This two part program takes viewers underground and backstage at WDW. It focuses on how WDW is a technological marvel, taking a look at the ride technology from all four theme parks. Channel: History Channel Times: Part I – Wednesday, May 16th from 6–7 am, Part II – Thursday, May 17th from 6–7 am
Program: Disney's Animal Kingdom Description: This show has been updated for 2007 and takes a detailed look at the Animal Kingdom theme park. Channel: Travel Channel Times: Thursday, May 17th from 5-6pm
Program: Cirque du Soleil: La Nouba Description: This program takes a look at the Cirque du Soleil show La Nouba (which means "to party"). This live show is only performed at Walt Disney World's Downtown Disney. Channel: Bravo Times: Friday, May 18th from 12-2am and from 2-4pm
On May 18th, Animal Kingdom will celebrate Endangered Species Day. Just like it did on May 12th for International Migratory Bird Day, AK will offer educational sessions, demonstrations and children's activities.
Cars Come To Life
Every year Disney holds parties for high school graduates. Well, they have taken this concept even further with modified parties for junior high graduates. Named 8 th Grade Grad Jam, this party was tested on May 4th from 7-11:30pm. It cost $38.00 per person and included a BBQ-type meal. Unlike traditional grad nights, this party was help at Animal Kingdom. Because of the success of this test run, Disney is already looking to schedule 8 th Grade Grad Jam nights in 2008.
Brian Kenyon compiles the final word which comes from you, the Disney fans. Last week we asked you: Who is your favourite Disney princess? You responded with:
1. Belle - 36%
2. Ariel - 18%
3. Aurora - 9%
4. Mulan - 9%
5. Pocahontas - 9%
6. Jasmine - 9%
7. Cinderella - 9%
Staff
Ali Sampson - Editor-in-Chief