August 2001 WDW Bits and Bites

Feature Article

This article appeared in the July 31, 2001, Issue #97 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

American Gardens Theatre in Epcot
Here's the schedule for the rest of the year:

"Blast!"'s last day is 8/23; The stage is dark through 9/29.
Piena Libre opens 9/30 and performs through 10/10.
The Mariachi Festival is 10/11 – 10/13
Viva Quetzel performs 10/14 – 10/18
Barrage opens 10/20 and performs through 11/10, at which time the stage is dark for candlelight prep.
Candlelight opens 11/23.

Steve Soares, Webmaster of the UNOFFICIAL Walt Disney World Entertainment site: http://wdwent.com -OR-
http://schedule.at/wdw

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Have You Met…. The African Comb Duck?

Amidst the Discovery Island trails are small ponds, with unusual birds. The African Comb Duck, native to Africa, Asia and South America are dark with violet, bronze, purple and green coloring.

The males have a fleshy knob at the base of the bill, which increases in size during breeding season. They nest in hallow trees often near marshes or lagoons.

They will travel as much as 2.200 miles when migrating.The African Comb Duck has been honored on at least 10 Africa Postage stamps.

http://allears.net/tp/ak/ak.htm

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The counter service eatery Yakitori House in Epcot's Japan now serves spicy sushi and Calimaki sushi rolls.

http://allears.net/menu/menus.htm

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A look back….

ALL EARS® Subscriber Mike Rudge sent in this information about Disney in the 1970's"

1) In 1973, my dad was able to reserve just 1 night at the Polynesian "Village" Resort Hotel in the Tonga Longhouse (now Hawaii) with a Lagoon View for the astronomical rate of $46 plus tax, which came to $47.84.

2) The Contemporary Resort Hotel room service menu in 1974 had the following items (I'm only going to list a few):
a) You could get the Continental Breakfast for $1.75 or go for the "Contemporary Breakfast" which included choice juice, choice of ham omelette or scrambled eggs with bacon, sausage, or ham, and your choice of danish pastry or blueberry muffins with butter, or toasted english muffin with butter and selected preserves, and coffee, tea, or hot choc for $3.50
b) For dinner, you could get Broiled Filet of Flounder in Lemon Butter with Baked Idaho Potato for $4.95
WHAT THIEVES!!!!!

3) If you wanted to go to the Polynesian Luau in 1975, the prices were as follows:
Adult $11
Junior (12-17) $8.75
Child (3-11) $5.50

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Magic Masters has opened in Downtown Disney! The west side has a brand new store (replacing the Wildhorse Saloon store) that combines retail with magic demonstrations. The store features a fireplace, a Victorian replica chandelier, cherry bookcases with old magic books and memorabilia and other items inspired by the library of Harry Houdini. The demonstrations (approximately 3 different ones) will last about 10 minutes. There is a Teaching Room where you will learn how to use the items you purchased and an Illusion Room where the magic of Pepper's Ghost will be demonstrated.

http://allears.net/btp/downtown.htm

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What Would Walt Do?

The What Would Walt Do (WWWD) program is a Guest-driven program for recognizing outstanding service in Cast Members who make the magic come alive for folks just like you, day after day. Walt himself said, "You can design and build the best park but it means nothing without the people to help preserve the magic." Since Walt's rule of not tipping park Cast Members remains today, you can present an outstanding Cast Member with a "What Walt Would Do" pin. It is a very special way to thank the cast member for excellent service or for that magical moment. Unlike a tip, it is a tangible award that will remind the Cast Member of the event forever. Unlike a comment given to the folks at City Hall, the WWWD pin is given on the spot in a personal way.

Over 100 Cast Members across seven different company divisions have been recognized for their "Walt-style" service to their Guests and to The Disney Company. These divisions include The Disneyland Resort, Walt Disney World, The Disney Store, The Disney Vacation Club, Radio Disney and Walt Disney Imagineering.

To find out more about the What Walt Would Do program and the specially designed "What Walt Would Do" pins that can be given to Cast Members please visit www.whatwouldwaltdo.com.

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August 1972 Attendance passes 10 million

August 1992 400 millionth guest

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For the period of July 29-October 7, the Beach Club concierge will be consolidated with the Yacht Club concierge in an effort to mitigate any negative impact on BC concierge guests while construction moves ahead on the new BC Villas DVC property. The BC will also utilize this downtime to refurbish their concierge facilities.

Guests already booked in concierge at the BC during these dates will be contacted and moved to Yacht Club concierge. BC concierge will be back up by October 7th.

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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.