Crowd Warnings:

1.       American Idol Passholder Preview - February 5 – 8.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a new “American Idol” themed attraction and Disney Annual Passholders will can get a sneak preview, before the attraction opens to the general public.  Annual Passholders should sign up online for a specific date and time to either (A.) be a voting audience member during a live show or (B.) audition for a chance to perform at one of the live shows.   Expect Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be busier than usual during this sneak preview event. Annual Passholders can sign up online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/newsAndEventsFull?id=PassNewsAmericanIdolPreviewArticlePage  

 2.       Presidents Day Weekend & Valentines Day – Feb. 14 – 20.   Disney always sees an increase in crowds over a 3 day / holiday weekend.   Make dining reservations right away and contact us about touring plans to help manage the crowds.

 3.       Mardi Gras weekend – February 21 – 24.  Expect a small increase in February crowds this weekend as New Orleans residents seek a more family friendly environment.

4.       ESPN The Weekend – February 27 – March 1 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Expect Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be busier than usual this weekend. For official information see: http://espn.go.com/espntheweekend/

 5.       Fantasmic! (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) – Beginning January 3^rd, this great show will no longer be presented every night.   It will only be offered on Monday and Thursday nights.  This is a very popular show and we highly recommend it.  Because of the limited performances, you know Disney’s Hollywood Studios is going to be busier on Mondays and Thursdays.  Fantasmic! Dinner Package reservations will be harder to get.   Afternoons will be especially busy as those with Park Hopper tickets come over to see the show.  A good touring plan will help you manage this.   Warning:  This show is excellent but it does feature villains for a good 8-10 minutes.  The scene is fairly intense and can be frightening to small children.

 Special Events:

1.       American Idol Passholder Preview - February 5 – 8.  Disney’s Hollywood Studios is getting a new “American Idol” themed attraction and Disney Annual Passholders will can get a sneak preview, before the attraction opens to the general public.  Annual Passholders should sign up online for a specific date and time to either (A.) be a voting audience member during a live show or (B.) audition for a chance to perform at one of the live shows.   Expect Disney’s Hollywood Studios to be busier than usual during this sneak preview event. Annual Passholders can sign up online at http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/passholder/newsAndEventsFull?id=PassNewsAmericanIdolPreviewArticlePage  

2.       Campfire on de’ Bayou - Port Orleans Riverside Resort.   Enjoy a special storytime and campfire Sing-Along near Port Orleans Riverside’s Ol” Man Island Fishin’ Hole .  This special event is only offered on Thursday & Sunday nights from 6:30 – 8:00PM from Oct. 31, 2008-March 2009. Cost: free.  S’mores kits can be purchased for $7.00.  No reservations required.

3.       ESPN the Weekend 5K Run - February 28th.  For official information see: http://disneyworldsports.disney.go.com/dwws/en_US/events/eventDetail/detail?name=ESPN5KDetailPage

 Temporary Attraction Closures and refurbishments:

• Liberty Tree Tavern (Restaurant – Magic Kingdom) the restaurant will be open but – beginning January 5^th – Liberty Tree Tavern will no longer offer character dining.
• The Hall of Presidents (Animatronic Show – Magic Kingdom) will be closed through July 1, 2009.
• Mickey’s Philharmagic (3-D Movie- Magic Kingdom) will be closed Jan. 18 – February 6, 2009.
• The Liberty Square Riverboat (Magic Kingdom) will be closed from February 19 – 28.
• Pecos Bills (Counter-service restaurant – Magic Kingdom) will be closed January 11-February 6.
• Ellen’s Energy Adventure (Epcot) will be closed January 5 – March 22.
• Studio Backlot Tour (Disney’s Hollywood Studios) will be closed January 4^th – February 28^th, 2009.
• The Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show (Polynesian Resort) will be closed January 13-19.
• Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will be closed for its annual refurbishment Oct. 26 – March 21, 2009.
• Beach Club & Yacht Club Resorts – Stormalong Bay – Sections of the feature pool will be refurbished from January 5 to April 15, 2009. There are three “quiet” pools throughout the resort that will still be open and guests may use the feature pool at Disney’s Boardwalk Resort.
• Caribbean Beach Resort – Trinidad South Quiet Pool Closed February 9 – 20.
• Disney’s Contemporary Resort – Feature Pool will be closed January 5 – March 15^th.
• Old Key West Village Pools Slide will be closed from January 5-23. The pool itself will remain open.
• Disney’s Port Orleans Riverside Resort - Old Man Island Pool (Main pool) closed February 2 - March 1. Alligator Bayou pools closed from February 23 – March 6. Guest may use the Doubloon Lagoon Pool at Disney’s Port Orleans French Quarter Resort.
• Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – The Meadows Pool with be closed January 12- March 13, 2009.
• Concourse Spirits & Sundries (Contemporary Resort) will be closed January 5^th – April 25^th, 2009. Sundries will be available at either Fantasia or Bay View Gifts.

Can you save money with the Disney January – June “Free Nights”  Promotion?

• Disney recently released a special “Free Nights ” promotion for most dates in January through early June. The availability is limited but the potential savings make it worthwhile to call and see if the promotion can be applied to your reservation. In a nutshell, you must pay for the first four nights of your stay and then you’ll receive free room & tickets for up to three additional nights. Dining plan can be added at the regular rate for the length of stay. This is good for stays up to ten days: This promotion must be booked by March 26^th, 2009
• January – April 2: Special discounts on the room portion of your package or reservation available on select nights through April 2^nd. This is a good option for people staying 4 nights or less – longer visits are probably going to save more by using the “Free Nights” promotion.
• Are you active duty or retired military? Disney has recently released a new promotion that will save you a lot on your 2009 vacation.