Conference koolit::disney

    Having just returned, I would like to mention to those staying at a
    Disney Resort should check at the resort lobby or call the resort
    information number for the current hours of operation.  The
    published/advertised hours, those in the papers and on the special
    preview TV channels, for Disney/MGM were 9-8 for the week of Nov
    5th, but resort guests could get in at 8.  That extra hour made a huge
    difference for us.  The same extended hours for Disney/MGM are affect
    for this week also, Nov 19. 
    
    peter

    Can someone answer this question?
    
    If the "Official Opening" for The Magic Kingdom is, let's say 8 A.M.
    when do the attractions open? 
    
    I ask this because of several notes which mention openings at 7 A.M.
    and even 6 A.M.
    
    Also, do Resort Guests assume that they can enter the parks an hour
    before the "Official Opening" and if so are the attractions open then?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Mike

    The attractions open at or before the official opening time (always
    available from WDW information (407) 824-4321).  The park gates often
    open one-half to one hour before this, but access is limited.  In the
    case of the Magic Kingdom you can't venture beyond the hub, but many of
    the restaurants and shops on Main Street are open for your dollars.  I
    believe Disneyland does something similar.

    Because of the crowding problems the Disney-MGM Studio has been opening
    1-2 hours early for Resort Guests.  As far as I know all the
    attractions are open.  On our trip the week before Thanksgiving last
    year we were told that the Studio was opening at 9:00 AM, early opening
    was to start the following day, however when we arrived at 8:30 we were
    admitted, and everything was running.

    As has been stated elsewhere in this topic, Disney monitors its own and
    local hotel occupancy, as well as historical attendance and weather
    conditions and might open earlier or close latter that the announced
    times based on demand.  Check with WDW Information the night before for
    the definitive answer.

    
    I think it varies... When we were there:
    
    	The info channel in the WDW resort rooms (CBR) was posting the
    opening time of MGM as 6am, but we arrived at 6:55, and had to wait for
    the front gates to open 5 minutes later, so the front gates opened at
    7. Now the shows in MGM like The great movie ride, Star Tours, etc were
    open and you could walk in. The Monster Sound show had a starting time
    later than 7. The Superstar television and Indy Jones had certain
    times when the shows ran, and they had the time for the first how of
    the day. I think one of those was 9. Anyhow, in MGM at least, at the
    round gift shop/information booth there is an information brochure
    that lists all the attractions and what times the shows are, as well
    as any daily activities and the star of the day.
    
    Epcot - We've been at EPCOT many times (this trip and previous ones)
     where, when they opened. When the gates opened, the rides were opened,
    or at least we've never encountered any that weren't!
    
    MK - There is a time when the front gates open, which lets you into
    the main street area/crystal palace, then normally the area passed the
    crystal palace is roped off, then at a later time, a band plays, and
    then when thats done they take the ropes down and people run off in\
    all directions for rides. At which times most rides are opened. I say
    that becase there have been times that we've gotten in lines and the
    ride didn't open right away....
    
    Each park as an entertainment schedule at the information booth up
    front ( MGM that round building, MK (the Town Hall (left side upon
    entering, and EPCOT (the worldkey , behind spaceship earth),
    Also we found that several of the giftshops in all parks also
    seemed to have them... This is nice and convient, since it would be
    a pain to get out to the World Showcase in EPCOT and need to walk
    back to Worldkey to get one! These entertainment schedules are
    quite useful, since they list all the days activities, times the
    parks are opened, when the parades are, any special activities, etc.
    
    
    				-Annie
    

    One point on Fantasy in the Sky, Spectromagic and the other shows. 
    They don't run every day (or at lest they didn't when we were down in
    February) so check to make sure of the days they are offered.  In
    February Fantasy was only offered on Saturday so we only got to see it
    once.  Another day we staked out seats on the patio at the outdoor
    restaurant in Mexico in order to watch the afternoon show on the
    lagoon.  We sat there for two hours until 15 minutes after the show was
    scheduled to start.  When I finally got around to checking the event
    schedule we saw that it wasn't offered that day.  The Margeritas were good 
    anyway and it was kind of nice taking a long leisurely lunch and just
    talking.  In fact, now that I think of it, I recommend it!
    
    George
    
    George

The operating hours that I posted here for Euro-Disney were taken from 
the Euro-Disney Magic Kingdom Club 1992 Membership Guide. I obtained 
this by writing to:
                    Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center
                    PO Box 10,160
                    Lake Buena Vista
                    Florida
                    32830-0160

and stating I am a current member.

An alternative address given in the guide is:
                    
                    Magic Kingdom Club Travel Center
                    Boite Postale 106
                    F-77777
                    Marne la Vallee 
                    Cedex 4
                    France

Or you could try ringing 071 753 2902 in the UK.

Among the benefits of membership is entry to the park one hour before 
official opening during July and August.  

Robin (from Warrington)

>>>Among the benefits of membership is entry to the park one hour before 
>>>official opening during July and August.  


This sounds like good news, particularly as I'm driving over, staying in Paris
and driving to the park.  It means that I should be able to get a
parking slot before the main rush starts....

What's the process for this, do you just show up at the entrance and wave
your card ?  How will they pick the members out of the long queue of non-members?
Or is there to be a "MKC-only" entrance ?

Ian

From: [email protected] (Randy Pausch)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.disney
Subject: guest entrance 1 hour early
Message-ID: <[email protected]>
Date: 28 Apr 92 22:11:26 GMT
Sender: [email protected]
Reply-To: [email protected]
Organization: University of Virginia Computer Science Department

Okay, I just called, and here's the scoop available from both
	DisneyWorld		407/824-4321
	Disneyworld Hotels	407/934-7639
	
From May 2 - Dec 31, the Magic Kingdom (but not Epcot Center or Disney/MGM)
will allow people staying in accommodations "on the Disney property" to enter
1 hour before normal.  

Guests will be able to enter Tommorrowland, Mickey's Starland, and
Fantasyland, but the only attractions I could confirm will be operating are
the Grand Prix, Mr. Toad's Wild Ride, and the Tea Party.  There will also be
"continental breakfasts" available at various locations, and a "limited
number" of Disney Characters on hand.

The promotion appears to be geared towards people with small children.

When I asked how they would be enforcing this policy, I was told they'd be
strictly "carding" for the resort IDs, and that this would happen at "point
of entry" - at the hotel to get on the bus, and/or the monrail entrance at
the TTC.  

I'm going in one month, and will provide more details based on that
experience if it's still relevant.

that's all I know.

	Randy


--------------------------------------------------------------------
Randy Pausch ([email protected]) 804-982-2211  FAX: (804) 982-2214
Assistant Professor, Computer Science Department, Thornton Hall,
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22903-2442 
--------------------------------------------------------------------

    I just got back and right now they're allowing resort guests into the
    MK one hour earlier on Tuesdays and Thursdays only (I guess because
    it's off-season).  They didn't tell us that almost no restaurants are
    open (only Pinnochio's was open) and that it was mostly Fantasy Land.
    Dumbo, the Mad Hatter's Tea Party, 20,000 Leagues, the Carousel, and
    Small World were all open.  Space Mountain opened around 8:30.  (More
    in trip report that I hope to have done soon.)
    
    
    Susan

    BTW last few
    
    You don't need Mr Scopa to get his annual passholder's mailing of hours
    to find out what hours the WDW  park  will  be  open.   Call/visit your
    local Disney Store to find out, they have  the schedules for both WDW &
    DL (the same info the annual pasholders get).
    
    The Disney Store at MRP (Mall Rockingham Park) in  Salem had the latest
    Oct-Jan schedule last week when I stoped in.
    
    Claude

    Unfortunately for some of us a "local" Disney Store can be quite a
    trek, so thanks again to Mr. Scopa.
    
    JohnK in Reading UK.

    Rep to <<< Note 98.42 by VOGON::KAPPLER "Dover, Rising more slowly, Good" >>>

>    Unfortunately for some of us a "local" Disney Store can be quite a
>    trek, so thanks again to Mr. Scopa.

    John,
    
    If by  "Trek"  you  mean  across the pond, then you haven't checked out
    topic 16.39 which list the stores, last I knew there where 4 store's in
    the UK or did those close down?
    
    Claude
    

    Claude,
    
    Nope, they're still here (I think!). By "trek" I meant into the very
    centre of London or 150 miles north to Sheffield, etc, etc.
    
    I value *very* much the opportunity to get such information from this
    conference.
    
    JohnK (Still writing my trip plan!)

    Re: My .42
    
    I should, of course have said thanks to Steve Young as well.
    
    JohnK

    
    Does anyone know what Florida AAA days is?

I don't know what they are but I did see AAA four season's passes
advertised in Fla. You have to buy them at a Fla AAA office.

Does anyone know about these?

    >Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party: Dec. 3,4,10, 11 8:00PM->1:00AM
    >(doesn't agree w/ "park open" hours...but that's what it says!)
    
    That's because you have to purchase tickets to attend it.  The
    MK will close promptly at the listed closing time (6PM) - and
    they'll really close it, as in no browsing in the stores on Main
    St. on your way out - to clear it out before the party starts.
    
    I've had the displeasure of being at the MK at closing time prior 
    to two similar events.  The cast members herd you out as you exit
    attractions and aren't smiling and chipper while doing it.  We were
    treated very rudely because we wanted to get our stroller which
    was parked in an area they had already cleared.  We insisted they
    let us get it since it was ours, not a rental.  They complied but
    let us know they weren't happy about it.
    
    Ruth

    That sounds like every Summer night prior to SpectroMagic.
    
    You no longer are guaranteed a good spot 60 minutes before the start of
    the parade.
    
    It's crowds like these that long ago convinced the folks at TMK to do
    two parades a night so everyone can get a good view.
    
    Remember, on those nights showing two parades don't bother with the
    early parade...jump on Splash and BTMRR for about 3 rides each during
    the parade.
    
    See the later parade.
    
    Mike

    Could anyone tell me what time it gets dark in early December?
    
    Thanks,
    
    Karen

    WAG: 4:00 - 4:30

    Thanks!
    
    Karen

    Always figure on the days being a bit shorter down there than up North.
    
    I noticed that when I went for my morning run around 5:30-6:30 in July
    it was still dark but up North it's light around that time.
    
    Plan ahead.
    
    Mike

RE .75 and .76 - I have been in Florida (Orlando and Sebring) for Christmas the
past few years, and it does NOT get dark at 4:00 - 4:30!  More like around 5:30
- 6:00 (i.e., later than in New England, which is nice).

						-- Nina

    RE: last few
    
    Actually I've been there around that time during the past few years and 
    I remember it as the sun rising later and setting later than in NH, by
    about a 1/2 hour.
    
    -Jay
    

	The days are shorter compared with the North only during the 
	summer months but the opposite holds true for winter.  Key West 
	has the longest daylight hours of any other American city during
	December when days are shortest in the northern hemisphere.

	Here, in Orlando now, it gets dark just before 6PM.  Of course 
	if its cloudy (yes, it does get cloudy here once in a while but
	only when tourists show up) you can expect it to be getting
	dark at about 5:30PM.

    Well, as I said, it was a WAG!

    .82 was the reply with correct information, some of the others
    were incorrect or miss leading. The affect of short days in the
    winter and long days in the summer diminishes as you get closer
    to the equator. Remember the days of the midnight sun is in Alaska
    and the artic circle area, not south.
    
    The days in the winter will be longer in Florida than in the northern
    states. During summer the days will be shorter as you go south.
    
    

    I stand corrected. The days are a bit longer in the Winter due to the
    Sun's positioning.
    
    Of course as stated elsewhere in this conference, yours truly doesn't
    like going in the Winter so I took a shot.
    
    Mike

    re: previous
    
    And all these years I thought every day had 24 hours. ;^>
    
    Yes, since Orlando is close to the temperate zone, there is less of a
    swing between daylight hours in the summer and daylight hours in the
    winter.
    
    Also, Orlando is at the western end of the time zone, while Mass. and
    NH are at the eastern end.  So even though it is the same time in both
    places, the sun arrives later and leaves later in Orlando.
    
    --Jay

    Loraine,
    
    Operating hours are usually extended during school vacation weeks but
    it's best to call to get actual dates. One thing to keep in mind is
    that NH's Spring vacation week is one week later than the rest of the
    country so that week may not have extended hours.
    
    Mike

BIG Caution about EPCOT hours during off-season.  When the other parks
close at 7pm, EPCOT has usually stayed open till 9pm (really 9:30 at
end of IllumiNations.)

This past Jan. 16-21, EPCOT would close the FUTUREWORLD area at 7pm and
force everyone into World SHowcase, creating quite a traffic jam from
7-9pm, when it used to be pleasant time to stroll around...

And another thing, if off-season you like to leave the MK or MGM when
they close at 7pm and finish with a few hours in EPCOT, better check
your ticket.  If you have a resort all-access pass such as Be Our Guest
you may still go from one park to another on the same day.  If you
have a 4 or 5-day ticket you must choose and stay at ONE PARK ONLY each
of those days.  The days are still good forever, but you can't park-hop.

An entry gate employee said it's caused quite a stir, even though few
people have noticed since it went into effect just Jan. 10. Wait till
more regulars show up...

Bill A.

    I think you're right Bill.
    
    The crowds that show up next week and in April will give some idea as
    to what can be expected in the heavy visitor months of June, July, and
    August.
    
    Mike

    Yes Jodi,
    
    The term "The Magic Kingdom" usually refers to WDW in here because we
    usually don't call Disneyland anything but Disneyland. 
    
    Sorry for the confusion...must be the approaching snowstorm.
    
    Mike

    Well, I wonder why WDW hours are so different from D'land
    (i.e. abbreviated)
    
    Jodi-
    
    

    Jodi-
    
    In answering your question about the difference in hours between WDW
    and Dizzyland, I can offer only speculation.  Amusement parks estimate 
    their daily attendance.  The formula Knott's uses was shrouded in mystery,
    but some of the factors include: weather reports, known large groups of
    people coming, (i.e. tour groups, day camps, or anyone else claiming that
    group discount) last year's attandance figures, local/national promotional
    efforts, school calenders, local, regional and national economic conditions.
    
    The estimated attandance was used as gospel for operational staffing and
    merchandising decisions including park hours.  
    
    What amazed me as a ride operator is that the estimated attendance was 
    remarkabally accurate.  The folks in admissions were usually +/- 100 
    people and sometimes within 10.  There were days that they were dead wrong,
    but I'll save those stories for another note.
    
    So to answer your question, WDW thinks that enough people will come to
    warrant spending the money to keep the park open those hours.  And they
    are probably right.
    
    -Rick
    
    P.S. If you're interested in seeing the other side of the amusement
    park, and have your evenings and weekends free either Disneyland or
    Knott's would probably hire you for the summer.  The pay isn't great,
    but the experience is facinating. 

    Hey thanks for the 'inside' scoop Rick.
    
    I don't think I'll be applying for a job at either park
    anytime soon.  I hear all kinds of interesting stories
    from Jason (my Disney contest cohort in crime), who used
    to work at the Disneyland.
    
    Jodi-

    
    	Another tip re: park hours - I always find it best to call
    	the day before or that morning. Many times the parks open
    	earlier than advertised, at least by 1/2 hour to an hour.
    	
    	My friend and I used to arrive at "opening" and couldn't 
    	understand why so many people were there already - till
    	someone explained it to us.
    
    	Heidi-

    re: .110, another question:
    
    Can you tell me more about turnstiles opening 90 minutes before
    advertised openings?  Does this apply to the early-opening park of the
    day, or all three?  Is this now or as of June 15?
   
    Thanks,
    
    Jane

    Jane,
    
    I got all that information from a cast member. I believe the early
    hours schedule is yearround.
    
    Regarding turnstile openings 90 minutes before advertised openings,
    that could mean this:
    
                 Advertised opening   ==> 9 A.M.
                 Guest Early opening  ==> 8 A.M.
                 Turnstiles open      ==> 7:30 A.M.
    
    Again, I would guess that early openings are yearround.
    
    Mike

    Yes, when I talked with Reservations they had said that early openings
    at specific parks were yearound.  However, she did inidicate that
    Disney has been changing the opening and closing times of the
    parks dependant on crowds.  Her suggestion was to just check with the
    hotel upon arrival.
    
    Julie
    

    I was wondering why the parks close earlier on the weekend nights? I
    was very surprised to see them close MK at 11:00 on Friday, when all
    week they were open till midnight last week.
    
    -sandy
    

    Is there a reason why MK is open longer than Disney Land?  We were just
    in DL and were disappointed that they are only open to 6P.  Strange
    thing, also.  At 5:50, they start shutting rides down.  By 6 PM all the
    rides were shut down.  
    
    We stayed at the Disney Land Hotel (I like the Poly a LOT better) and were
    very disappointed.  There were only two real restraunts open for
    dinner.  One place (the Italian place) was closed to re-modeling, the
    steak and sea food places were booked every night after 7p.  The 50's
    diner was open for walk in business.  Goofy's kitchen had character
    buffett meals.  Breakfast was 12.50 for adult, dinner was 20+.  We paid
    $160.00 for a garden View...but we looked at the edge of the parking
    lot.  
    
    Kathi

    There are a couple of reasons.  One is a fucntion of demand.  Unlike
    Disney World, which is always a reason for travel, Disneyland is a
    commuter park (A large number of their guests are people like me who
    will drive over for a few hours, and then go home).  Since there is
    less of a crowd during the off-season, they frequently will close down
    around sundown.
    
    Disneyland also will frequently rent the night to an organization, the
    appeal being shorter hours than daytime, but relatively exclusive
    access to the park.  For example, I have a friend who always attends on
    "Gas Company Night."  
    
    Besides, if all of your time was spent in Disneyland, when would you
    get time to eat at Belisle's?
    
    tom
    

    Just so everyone knows...the EPCOT Operating hours mentioned in Bill
    A's trip report are supposedly YEARROUND hours from now on.
    
    This is a result of the low crowds over the last two years. 
    
    Again, we should take this with a grain of salt as these hours
    may change without notice.
    
    Mike

<    PS: The above is an advantage of having a rental car an not depending
<    solely on park transportation.

What are the hours for park transportation?  For instance, If I go to a
restaurant at some resort hotel, will I be able to get back to my hotel after
the parks have closed? 

How much can I rely on the onsite transportation?

      Carol

    Onsite transportation is very reliable. You will not wait long for a
    bus or other transportation vehicle in most cases. As for the hours;
    The Magic Kingdom is now closing at 7:00 p.m. during the week. If you
    were to park a car at the MK and take a bus to, say Epcot, they will inform you on
    the bus trip that the last bus from Epcot back to the MK departs at
    10:30 p.m. Same is true for transportation from hotels within the park.
    They're pretty good about letting you know when you need start heading
    back. And you can always ask if you're really concerned.
    
    

    We used the on-site transportation once.  What a drag.  To get to the
    Grand Floridian from the Y&BC you have to take a bus to the Market
    place and then hop on a bus to take you to the GF.  What we ended up
    doing is taking the monorail from Epcot transferrring at the TTC, took
    us 45 minutes to get there, on the return it took us an hour.  Should
    have taken our car.
    
    Julie
    

    The buses run up to 1 hour after the parks close. I believe this means
    for transport to/from parks/resorts. For PI the busses run for one hour
    after PI closes.
    
    Mike

To have dinner at a hotel other than where you are staying, We often plan
it so we are visiting Pleasure Island or going shopping at the marketplace
afterward.  So We:
 - Take the transportation from the park to the dinner hotel

 - Take the bus to Pleasure Island/Marketplace

 - Take the bus home


Or we just drive if we have a car.  It's not convenient, but it's possible
to use the buses during late hours.  I'd like to see them start a "local"
that goes around to all the resorts for dinnertime, like 7pm to 11pm.  Show
your reservation card for passage?  

Bill A.

    TMK
    
    Sept.  1      9 - 11
    Sept.  2 - 13 9 - 7
    Sept. 14      9 - 9
    Sept. 15 - 20 9 - 7
    Sept. 21      9 - 9
    Sept. 22      9 - 7
    Sept. 23 - 27 9 - 6
    Sept. 28      9 - 9
    Sept. 29 - 30 9 - 7

    Looks like Spectro and FW only on Sept. 1, 14, 21, and 28.
    
    --------------------
    
    
    Epcot 
    
      Sept. 1 - 30  FW 9 to 7
      Sept. 1 - 30  WS 11 to 9
    
    
    --------------------
    
    MGM 
    
    Sept. 1      9 - 9
    Sept. 2 - 30 9 - 7
    
    
    

    Thanks Mike,
    
    -Dean

    
    Magic Kingdom
    
            Oct 1-26..... 9a-8:30p
            Oct 27-30.... 9a-7p
            Oct 31....... 9a-6p (Mickey's Halloween Party 7pm-12mid)
    
    Special notes:  
       Remember the Magic Parade:  Oct 1      1pm
                                   Oct 2-31   3pm
    
       SpectroMagic:               Oct 1-26   7:45pm
                                   Oct 27-30  6:15pm
                          
       Fantasy in the Sky:         Oct 1-26   8:30pm
                                   Oct 27-30  7pm
       
       Mickey's Halloween Party 7pm-12mid (Separate admission required)
    
    EPCOT
    
         Oct 1........Future World         9am - 9pm 
                      World Showcase      11am - 9pm
         
         Oct 2....... Future World         9am - 8pm 
                      World Showcase       9am - 5pm
         
         Oct 3-18.... Future World         9am - 9pm 
                      World Showcase      11am - 9pm
    
         Oct 19...... Future World         9am - 9pm 
                      World Showcase      11am - 10pm
         
         Oct 20-31... Future World         9am - 9pm 
                      World Showcase      11am - 9pm
    
      Special Notes:
         IllumiNations 25:  Oct 1, 3-18, 20-31   9pm over World Showcase Lagoon
                            Oct 19              10pm over World Showcase Lagoon
         
         NOTE:  There will be no presentation of IllumiNations on Oct 2 due
                to the 25th Anniversary Press Event.
    
    Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park 
    
            Oct 1.......... 9a-6p
            Oct 2-18....... 9a-7p
            Oct 19,20...... 9a-9p
            Oct 21-31...... 9a-7p
    
      Special Notes:
            Toy Story Parade-  Oct 1-31 @ 1p
    
            Sorcery in the Sky Fireworks- October 19 & 20 @ 8:50pm
    

    Magic Kingdom
    
         November 1        9am - 7pm
         November 2        9am - 8pm
         November 3-8      9am - 7pm
         November 9        9am - 8pm
         November 10-15    9am - 7pm
         November 16       9am - 8pm
         November 17-22    9am - 7pm
         November 23-27    9am - 8pm
         November 28-30    9am - 11pm
         
    Special notes:
         Remember the Magic Parade:  November 1-30   3pm 
         
         SpectroMagic:               November 1-27   6:15pm 
                                     November 28-30  8pm & 10pm
         
         Fantasy in the Sky:         November 1-27   7pm 
                                     November 28-30  9pm
         
    EPCOT
    
         November 1-28    Future World      9am - 9pm 
         November 1-28    World Showcase   11am - 9pm
         
         November 29-30   Future World      9am - 10:30pm 
         November 29-30   World Showcase   11am - 10:30pm
         
    Special notes:
         IllumiNations 25:   November 1-28 @ 9pm over
         IllumiNations 25:   November 29-30 @ 10:15pm 
         
    Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park 
    
         November 1-23....9am - 7pm
         November 24-28.......9am - 8pm 
         November 29-30....9am - 9pm 
         
      Special Notes:
            Toy Story Parade-  Nov 1-30 @ 1p
            Osborne Family Holiday Lights-   November 27-30 on Residential
                                             Street
      
    

    Magic Kingdom
    
         December 1-4      9am - 7pm
         December 5-7      9am - 6pm (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
                                      8pm-1am) 
         December 8-11     9am - 7pm
         December 12-13    9am - 6pm (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
                                      8pm-1am) 
         December 14       9am - 11pm
         December 15       9am - 9pm
         December 16-18    9am - 7:30pm
         December 19-20    9am - 6pm (Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party
                                      8pm-1am) 
         December 21       9am - 11pm
         December 22-30    9am - 12mid
         December 31       9am - 2am (New Year's Eve)
         
    Special notes:
         Remember the Magic Parade:    December 1-20   3pm 
         
         Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Parade:   December 21-31  3pm
         
         SpectroMagic:    December 1-4 & 8-11   6:15pm
                          December 14 & 21      8pm & 10pm
                          December 15-18        6:30pm
                          December 22-30        9pm & 11pm
                          December 31           8pm & 10pm
         
         Fantasy in the Sky:    December 1-4    7pm
                                December 8-11   7pm
                                December 14     9pm
                                December 15-18  7:30pm
                                December 21     9pm
                                December 22-30  10pm
                                December 31     12mid
        
    
     EPCOT
    
         December 1-5.....Future World      9am - 9pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 9pm
         
         December 6-7.....Future World      9am - 10:30pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 10:30pm
         
         December 8-12....Future World      9am - 9pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 9pm
         
         December 13-14...Future World      9am - 10:30pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 10:30pm
         
         December 15-19...Future World      9am - 9pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 9pm
         
         December 20-21...Future World      9am - 10:30pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 10:30pm
         
         December 22-24...Future World      9am - 9pm 
                          World Showcase   11am - 9pm
         
         December 25-30...Future World      9am - 10pm 
                          World Showcase   10am - 10pm
         
         December 31......Future World      9am - 2am  (New Year's Eve) 
                          World Showcase   10am - 2am  (New Year's Eve)
              
    Special notes:
    
         IllumiNations 25:  December 1-5, 8-12, 15-19, 22-24 @ 9pm
                            December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21 @ 10:30pm
                            December 25-30 @ 10pm 
                            December 31 @ 11:45pm
         
         Candlelight Processional:  December 1-24
                                       Sun-Thu 6pm & 7:30pm
                                       Fri-Sat 6pm, 7:30pm & 9pm
         
         Holidays Around the World:  December 1-31 throughout World
                                       Showcase
         
    Disney/MGM Studios Theme Park 
    
         December 1-21.....9am - 7pm 
         December 22-24....9am - 9pm 
         December 25-30....9am - 11pm 
         December 31.......9am - 1am  (New Year's Eve)
         
      Special Notes: 
    
         Toy Story Parade:                December 1-24   1pm
                                          December 25-31  11:30am & 3:30pm
         
         Osborne Family Holiday Lights:   December 1-31 on Residential
                                            Street
         
         Sorcery in the Sky:              December 21     7pm
                                          December 22-24  8:50pm
                                          December 25-30  10:50pm
                                          December 31     11:50pm
         
     
     

    
    
    Here's some info on the Mickey Christmas Party:
    
    Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party- Dec 5-7, 12, 13, 19 & 20. This
    annual "after-hours" event requires separate admission. Each evening's
    highlights include snow on Main Street; two performances of Mickey's
    Very Merry Christmas Parade; complimentary family photos, cookies and
    punch; holiday stage shows; choral groups and carolers; and a special
    holiday edition of Fantasy in the Sky fireworks. PRICES:   $27.56
    adult, $26.50 AAA members, $25.44 Pass Holders, $18.02 Child (does not
    include 6% FL sales tax) Get tickets as early as possible by calling
    (407) W-DISNEY. This event sells out fast, and even Resort Guests cannot
    be guaranteed tickets once it is sold out. 
    
    

    Re; last few..
    
    What is the Osborne Family Holiday Lights at MGM all about?
    
    Don't remember reading or hearing about this.

    "Osborne Family Holiday Lights- November 27-January 5. Direct from
    Little Rock, Arkansas, Jennings Osborne has transported over 3 million
    twinkling lights to Residential Street.  Marvel at this holiday spectacle
    as this season of festive events throughout WDW officially begins." 
    

Here's the operating hours for the April 18-26 according to Disney Information
(407-824-4321).  Is Sorcery-In-The-Sky no more?

MK					SpectroMagic	Fantasy In The Sky
  Fri.  April 18   9 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Sat.	April 19   8 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Sun.	April 20   9 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Mon.	April 21   9 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Tue.	April 22   9 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Wed.	April 23   9 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Thu.	April 24   9 am - 9:30 pm	   8:30 pm		9:30 pm
  Fri.	April 25   9 am - 9:30 pm	     --			8:45 pm
  Sat.	April 26   8 am - 9:30 pm	     --			8:45 pm

  Remember The Magic Parade:  daily at 3 pm


EPCOT
  Future World	   9 am - 9 pm daily
  World Showcase  11 am - 9 pm daily

  Illuminations:  daily at 9 pm


DISNEY MGM
  Fri.  April 18   9 am - 8 pm
  Sat.	April 19   9 am - 8 pm
  Sun.	April 20   9 am - 8 pm
  Mon.	April 21   9 am - 8 pm
  Tue.	April 22   9 am - 8 pm
  Wed.	April 23   9 am - 8 pm
  Thu.	April 24   9 am - 7 pm
  Fri.	April 25   9 am - 7 pm
  Sat.	April 26   9 am - 7 pm

  Toy Story Parade:  daily at 2 pm


TYPHOON LAGOON and BLIZZARD BEACH

  10 am - 7 pm daily

    I hope not. SITS is one of my favorite attractions....and I prefer it
    over Illuminations and FITS (Fantasy In The Sky).
    
    Mike

    TMK
    ---
    May 1,4-8,11-16    - 9-9:30       
    May 2,9            - 9-9
    May 3              - 8-9
    May 10,17,24-25,31 - 9-Midnight
    May 18-23,26-30    - 9-10
    
    EPCOT
    -----
    FW
    May 1-31           - 9-9
    
    WS
    May 1-31           - 11-9
    
    
    MGM
    ---
    May 1-16,18-23     - 9-7
    May 17,26-31       - 9-8
    May 24-25          - 9-9

    TMK
    ---
    June 1-6    - 9-10:30       
    June 7-30   - 9-Midnight
    
    EPCOT
    -----
    FW
    June 1-30   - 9-8
    
    WS
    June 1-13   - 11-9
    June 15-30  - 11-10
    
    
    MGM
    ---
    June 1-21    - 9-9
    June 22-30   - 9-10
    

    TMK
    ---
    July 1-3,5-31  - 9-Midnight       
    July 4         - 9-2
    
    EPCOT
    -----
    FW
    July 1-3, 5-31 - 9-8
    July 4         - 9-11
    
    WS
    July 1-3, 5-31 - 11-10
    July 4         -  9-11
    
    
    MGM
    ---
    July 1-31      - 9-10
    
    
    It's obvious that Epcot still isn't drawing enough crowds (especially
    spending crowds) to justify extending it's hours.

    There's a gap between .193 and .195.  What are the operating hours of
    the parks April 27, 28, and 29?  Probably 9:00-9:30 for TMK, and
    9:00-7:00 or 8:00 for MGM (pretty much always the same for EPCOT), but
    I thought I'd see if anyone here knows for sure.
    
    If no one know, I may decide to call and check, since we arrive on
    4/27.
    
    
    Susan
    
    PS:  I, too, hope that they have Sorcery in the Sky at least for one
    night we're there!

    We're there from the 4/26 til 5/3 and Sorcery in the Sky is not
    happening at all during that time.
     
    4/27 - 4/29  Hours
    
    TMK 9:00am til 9:00pm   
      3:00pm Remember the Magic Parade
      8:45p Spectro Magic
      9:00p Fantasy in the Sky
    
    MGM 9:00am til 7:00pm
    
    Epcot
      FW  9:00am til 9:00pm
      WS 11:00am til 9:00pm
    Illuminations nightly @ 9:00pm
                            
    

    It looks like Sorcery In the Sky is on hold until the Summer months.
    
    The first few years in ths "Disney Decade" SITS was shown every night
    in which FITS was shown at TMK.
    
    In '94 MGM did their NY street party stuff and that went over like a 
    lead baloon.
    
    The marketing blitz always shows SITS so I would hope that they would
    have decided by now to return to the schedule they had used early on.
    
    I'm a big fan of SITS and consider it one of my five most favorite 
    attractions. If it's schedule is limited in July then I'll adjust my
    schedule to make sure I'm in MGM every night SITS is scheduled to 
    run.
    
    Mike

Mike,

According to something I read while at WDW last week, Sorcery In The Sky
is only performed during the summer months when the parks have extended
hours, and during certain holiday periods.

- Lori

    Lori,
    
    I'm wondering if the cost of the show has become too expensive even for
    Disney's standards. If anyone has ever seen the show you know that
    there are a number of things that must be done in preparation for the 
    show:
    
     - The show takes place just before park closing so almost all areas 
       from around and behind TGMR must be cleared. I think they close the
       doors to TGMR 30 minutes before the show.
    
     - They rope off the area in front of TGMR because of the low-level
       fireworks. If you guys remember my 1992 trip report you may recall
       that I sat down right in the middle of MGM at 7:30 at night so I
       could get a great seat to tape the show. You don't have to sit down
       like I did...just stand along the bricks where they change colors.
    
     - The show lasts about 10 minutes but the combo of lights, pyroworks,
       music, and Mickey's appearance make it worthwhile. I like it better 
       than Illuminations and "Fantasy..."
    
    One last point....anyone going to MGM during the Summer months should
    think about leaving MGM about 15 minutes before "Sorcery..." starts and
    watch it from the parking lot. It's quite majestic.
    
    Mike

    
    
    The last time we were there (July 94) we were disappointed there was no
    Sorcery. This had been our favorite fireworks at WDW. They had some
    "New York street party" thing that my kids really could not enjoy.
    
    My wife asked a cast member what was up with "Sorcery In The Sky" and
    she was told that it was getting way to costly to do every night. He
    also told her that quite a few people had complined and a lot of the
    cast members would like to see it come back. My wife asked where she
    could also put in her "2 cents", and she did.
    
    I'm glad we'll get to see it when we're down in July.
    
    
    
    Phil

    Phil,
    
    I too was there. Talk about a bummer trip. I spoke with several
    castmembers and went to Guest Services every day to complain and
    even told them that I noticed a dropoff in attendance at the park
    due to no Sorcery.
    
    The castmember I talked to said that they (the CMs) tried to convince
    management that guest attendance would go down and that the NY Street 
    Party may not be good idea. I told her she was right and that MGM does
    not have any real nighttime draw unless Sorcery in The Sky is part of 
    the entertainment.
    
    It's got to be an expensive show but they started it some seven years
    ago and I was hooked as was others. It's just another reason why I like
    to go in the Summer.
    
    Yeah....'94 was a bummer trip....I won't even get into the Duke
    Ellington tribute at AA or The World of Barbie....brrrrr.
    
    Mike

    For WDW and other Orlando/Kissimmee Theme Park Operating Hours go to:
    
            http://orlando.digitalcity.com/tpc/hours/index.htm