2008 July

Rates for Saratoga Springs are increasing around 2.5% to 3.5% for 2009. Use 3% as a ballpark estimate until official word from Disney on Sunday. That includes value and holiday seasons. We’d guess Old Key West will be the same. No word yet on deluxe resorts.

The Toy Story character meet-n-greet a tthe Studios has moved from Al’s Toy Barn (near the Muppet 3D show) to the pixar Camera building across from Toy Story Mania.

We’ve just learned that the long-shuttered Adventureland Veranda has been serving lunch for the peak season. It ceases operations again on August 2nd.

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has changes its buffet offerings at the Trails End restaunt. As of July, the buffet has been featuring assorted soups, salad and sandwiches only. The buffet previously included fried chicken, pulled pork and pizza in addition to the current offerings.

Disney has begun offering archery classes at the Fort Wilderness resort and campground.

Old Key West Village Pool Slide will be closed 1/5 – 1/23/09

In an interview with Bloomberg, Tom Staggs (CFO) stated that resort bookings at Walt Disney World were on-par for September compared to last year and were slightly higher for December. He also emphasized that discounts have been not been offered for that period – yet.

A new articulated head for Timon, akin to those for Mickey and friends from “Dream Along with Mickey”, is now performing in the Festival of the Lion King show at the Animal Kingdom theme park.

The Fairies Room in Toon Town is set to open October 26th for meet n greets with Tink, Silvermist, Fawn, Iridessa and Rosetta.

Representatives for the team have been scoping out the Wide World of Sports as a possible venue for Spring Training in the future. Many feel Disney’s facilities are a shoe-in to win the team over.