May 2000 WDW Bits and Bites

Feature Article

This article appeared in the May 3, 2000, Issue #28 of ALL EARS® (ISSN: 1533-0753)

I have just returned from a wonderful trip to WDW where I had the pleasure of seeing some of you!!! I always enjoy meeting WDWIG fans, so don't hesitate to stop and say hello if you see me in the parks!! Special hellos to pin traders: Lisa and Julie (Minnesota), Chris (Michigan), Jean and Candy (locals), and Sorcerer, Sorcerer's Dad and Sorcerer's Mom (Virginia). During my trip I had several "firsts" including a stay at All Star Sports and experiencing the Food Among the Flowers Brunch. Reviews will be in future WDWIG_Ezines!

WDW PIN NEWS – The Mother's Day and Father's Day pins will feature Pongo (Father's day) and Perdy (Mother's Day), each with a pup. The pins will fit together. Rumors of a series of Bride and Groom pins were floating around WDW. However, one of the Epcot Super Pin Traders told me there will be 2 new Mickey and Minnie pins: Mickey Proposing to Minnie and Mickey Carrying Minnie over the Threshold.

There will be Fourth of July LE pins. One pin for each of the four main parks which will only be sold in that park; and 2 pins which will be found in all locations. The April Pin weekends were a trial and it sounded as though Epcot Pin officials were pleased. They are planning another special pin month; perhaps September.

SAD NEWS FROM THE MAGIC KINGDOM — After 30 years the Walt Disney World Marching Band has been given their termination notice. Disney reports there will be other live new entertainment in the Magic Kingdom. The Flag Lowering Ceremony just won't be the same anymore!

MILLENNIUM DREAMERS AMBASSADORS – Actor Christopher Reeve, astronaut Sally Ride and television newsman Jack Ford join a list of famous personalities, children's advocates, scientists, teachers and world dignitaries who will honor 2,000 inspiring young people from around the world May 8-10 at Walt Disney World Resort.

SPECIAL BOOK SIGNING – May 13 – Buzz Aldrin, the second astronaut to walk on the Moon will be available to sign his newest book, "The Return". Buzz will be at 2R's- Reading & Riting Bookstore located in the Downtown Disney Marketplace on Saturday, May 13, 2000 from 2-4 PM.

BEDTIME STORIES NOW OFFERED TO RESORT GUESTS – Walt Disney World Resorts has begun offering Bedtime Stories to Guests. From 7pm – 10pm, if you are staying in a Disney hotel you can turn to channel 22 on the TVs and listen to some favorite Disney stories.

ROSIE AT DISNEY'S ANIMAL KINGDOM – Rosie O'Donnell, who was the voice of Terk in Tarzan – is bringing her afternoon talk show to WDW. Show tapings will take place in the Theatre in the Wild May 15-18. Seating at all shows is EXTREMELY LIMITED IF AVAILABLE AT ALL. There will be a stand-by line for Animal Kingdom Guests each day.

RIVER COUNTRY – When asked to name the Water Parks at WDW, most folks can easily rattle off Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon, but many forget the first water park, River Country. Three new interactive areas have been added: Stump Jump (cross of field of floating logs), Floating Raft (stand on a platform and squirt water at each other), and the Sinking Raft (similar to the Floating Raft but for kids). River Country is adjacent to the Ft. Wilderness Campgrounds.

The Seventh Annual Flower and Garden Festival at Epcot continues through May until June 11th! Flower Power concerts are performed 3 times a day at the America Gardens Theatre in Epcot's World Showcase. See WDWIG's Calendar of Events for dates of specific entertainers. http://allears.net/pl/events.htm

WINNIE THE POOH FAST PASS -I just learned today that the FASTPASS machines at the Pooh ride in the Magic Kingdom will be closed until June 9th. The Attraction REMAINS OPEN! It is only the FASTPASS that is not operating during ths time.

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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.