One of the best loved, most popular and fastest rides in all of Walt Disney World is Test Track, found in Future World of Epcot. This unique experience puts guests in the “driver’s seat” of a test vehicle.

Originally opened on December 19, 1998, the attraction sponsored by General Motors replaced the previous World of Motion in the same basic structure.  Many delays were experienced before the ride became operational owing to its complex nature and troubles encountered before it went live.

With one of the more elaborate queue lines in Disney, those waiting are given an indication of some of the testing that is done on vehicles and their parts before they are put in to use.  Examples include electric windows, seat wear, tires, braking systems, drive-trains, etc.

Then, guests are loaded into smaller orientation rooms where they “meet” the Control Center crew.  Here, small clips of what the guests might experience are shown before they are led out to another queue leading to the ride vehicle loading zone.

The ride vehicles are six-seaters with no steering wheel and no brakes.  Don’t worry, the Control Crew will handle everything.  Once loaded, seat-belts must be buckled and the five- minute adventure begins.

Tests that guests get to experience start of with the suspension.  Expect some bumps as the car travels over different surfaces.  Next, it is time for some brake tests with ABS (anti-lock brakes) first turned off and then enabled showing the difference between the amount of control they give.

Environmental tests follow where guests ride through a heat chamber, then a cold chamber and finally a “corrosive” chamber. Next up, some cornering with a winding road.  You are even forced to “swerve” to get out of the way of an oncoming semi.

Finally, the ride vehicle heads outside for some speed.  It is here that you attain a velocity of up to 65 miles per hour as your bank around the outside of the attractions building.

Guests tend to love this ride, so plan accordingly.  FastPass is offered, so take advantage of it when the wait times get too long.

Another great option for those loving the ride, but not the wait – the Single Rider Line.  Those willing to be seated with someone they do not know can usually get on the ride within a matter of minutes if they use the Single Rider option.

For more videos and reviews of Disney rides, see the All Things Mouse Video Tours Page.

Thanks to Qwiklaff who provided the video shown above.

Those interested in the recent specials posted about Disneyland and Walt Disney World here on All Things Mouse may also be interested to know that the Disney Cruise Line has some specials of their own.

The first special worth noting is one that allows kids aged 17 and under to sail for free on select 7-night Caribbean cruises. The offer applies to cruises in the January 8, 2011 through March 5, 2011 window.  2 full fare adults must be booked in the same cabin with a minimum of a verandah stateroom required.  Of course, government taxes and fees as well as any additional costs are not included for those children sailing free.

Cruisers booking this package will be sailing aboard the Disney Magic.  They will have the option of either the 7-night Western Caribbean Cruise or the 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise.   The Western Caribbean Cruise starts off with a stop in either Key West, Florida or Disney’s own private island Castaway Cay.  The next day is a full day at sea with all the on-board activities available to guests.  Days 4 or 5 finds guests in Grand Cayman or Cozumel.  Day 6 is spent at sea with Day 7 at Disney’s Castaway Cay before arriving back in Port Canaveral on the morning of Day 8.

Eastern Caribbean Cruises depart from Port Canaveral on Saturday with days 2 and 3 spent at sea.  Once again, this is a great time to take advantage of all the options that are on-board including the shows, spas, pools, etc.  Day 4 finds you at St. Maarten with Day 5 at St. Thomas / St. John.  On day 6, the Magic is at sea for the entire day before arriving at Disney’s Castaway Cay on day 7.  Finally, back to Port Canaveral on the morning of day 8.

Another special being offered  is one where you receive a $25 on-board credit for booking now.  This credit can be used for any off the options available on the ship like the spa, Palo (fine dining restaurant), shopping, etc.

The last two specials currently being offered are restricted to certain individuals.  They are special rates being offered to Florida Residents or to members of the U.S. military.  Both are only being offered on select cruises.  The Florida Resident Rate starts as low as $579 per person for a category 5 room on a 3-night cruise and goes up to $1,229 on a category 9 stateroom on a 7-night Eastern Caribbean Cruise.

The military special rate has 3-night cruises starting from $577 for a category 5 stateroom with a price of $824 for a 4-night cruise also at category 5.

For more information on these specials, contact Disney or your travel agent.

Thanks to SpenceMan01 who provided the classic Disney Cruise commercial shown above.

In celebration and preparation for the upcoming re-release of the animated Disney Classic Beauty and the Beast in a Diamond Edition Blu-ray™ and DVD Combo Pack, Fathom Events is planning to show the digitally remastered movie in true High Definition for two showings only.

Playing in select theaters nation-wide, the classic will be shown on September 29 at 6:30 PM and on October 2 at 12 PM (both at local time).  Fans will have only these two opportunities to re-live the Beauty and the Beast experience, or have to wait a few more days and buy the new Blu-ray and DVD Combo Pack.

Fathom Events is known for its unique movie-going experiences.  It offers many diverse opportunities for fans of many different genres to attend events in their local theaters.  A quick look at some of the up-coming events scheduled through Fathom include a Rolling Stones concert, the Mosley vs. Mora Fight Live and a re-showing of the horror classic The Exorcist.  These are in addition to a staple of the Fathom Events line-up – the Metropolitan Opera.

Beauty and the Beast opened on November 15 of 1991 to widespread acclaim.  Playing on both the interests of the kids as well as the adults in the audience, the movie quickly proved to be popular.  It went on to garner an estimated $171 million domestically and $206 million internationally.  That total of $377 million still ranks the movie as the 142nd best movie of all-time worldwide.

Characters in the movie were voiced by such well-known talent as Angela Lansbury, David Ogden Stiers and Jerry Orbach.  It revolves around the plot of a handsome prince who was turned into a hideous creature for his selfish acts.  The only way to reverse the dreadful magic is for the Beast to find true love before the last petal on a magical rose falls.  Cue the beautiful village girl Belle, who promises to stay with the Beast in exchange for letting her father go.

Tickets for the Beauty and the Beast showings from Fathom Events went on sale this last Friday, August 27th.  Go to their website of www.fathomevents.com for more information. A list of the theaters showing the classic can be found here.

The new Beauty and the Beast Blu-Ray and DVD Combo Pack will be released on October 5th.

Thanks to PriNekochan who provided the video shown above!

With the recent mention of the current Walt Disney World Special Offers on All Things Mouse, it would probably be a good time to mention some of the current Disneyland Special Offers.

Top of the list is a Buy 3, Get 2 free offer.  Under this special, those booking a qualifying room and ticket package of 3 nights can get 2 nights added on for no additional charge.  The special applies to the Disneyland Resort Hotels (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel and Disneys Grand Californian Hotel & Spa) and many of the Disneyland Good Neighbor Hotels.

The special offer also includes a bonus of 2 additional park days along with the 2 free nights.  This equates out to 5 nights of hotel room and 5 days of park access for the normal price of 3 nights and 3 days. Qualifying packages must be booked by September 1st for arrivals no later than September 26, 2010.The next special applies to only the Disneyland Resort Hotels.  Classified the “Fall Package Offer,” this special applies to those purchasing a qualified 4-night stay at one of the resorts along with 4 days of park tickets.  Those that book the special will receive $300 off the normal price of the package.  Interested guests must book by December 1, 2010 for arrivals no later than December 16th.

Hotel only savings are also an option at Disneyland.  With a 2-night minimum qualifying stay for arrivals before September 29th, Disneyland Resort Hotels are offering up to 40% off the rack rate.  The Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel will have up to 30% off with rates starting at $168 per night.  The Disneyland Hotel is offering up to 35% off with rates starting at $169 per night.  Finally, Disney’s Grand Californian is offering up to 40% off with rates starting as low as $213 per night.

Room-only specials are also offered later into the year than the above mentioned special with arrivals between October 1 and December 16th.  For this special, planning early can save you money.  The same rates of up to 30% off at the Paradise Pier, 35% off at the Disneyland Hotel and 40% off at the Grand Californian are offered for those who book by September 30th.  Those missing that window can still save up to 20%, 25% and 30%, respectivelly if they book by December 1st.

Many of these specials also offer bonus options.  One example of this is entry into Disneyland’s Morning Magic Hours.  MMH, as they are sometimes called, allow entry an hour early into Disneyland before normal park hours.  This gives those qualifying guests a chance to get a jump-start on their day before typical guest entry.

For more information on any of these specials, contact Disneyland or your travel agent.

With all the emphasis on the Free Dining Special from Walt Disney World (which is extended well into next year), it might be of interest to many that Disney is also offering a couple of other specials.

While these specials are nothing new, it should be noted that at times, some may want to consider them instead of the free dining.  This is not to say that free dining is not an extraordinary discount for many, it is just a fact that at times, the special is not available, or is not the best deal available for certain situations.

The first special Disney is offering in addition to free dining is a room only discount.  This special would apply to those who are not booking a package, but instead are just reserving a room at one of the many Disney resort hotels.

Discounts start at 25% off for select Value Resort stays and goes up to as much as 40% off for the Disney Deluxe Villa options.  In between options include 30% off for moderate resorts and 25%-40% off for Disney deluxe resorts.  The special may be applied to many stays between October of 2010 and February of 2011.  Reservations must be made by November 21, 2010.

The other special Disney is currently offering is a package special involving a room reservation at a Disney resort hotel and park tickets.  Included with this special is a free Disney Gift Card with a value of up to $500 to those who book.

Minimum requirements for the stated special involve a 5-night stay with 5-day park entry.  Those booking that qualified package at a value resort will get a gift card worth $200 to use at their discretion.

Moderate resort qualifying packages receive a $300 gift card with Deluxe resorts or Deluxe Villa resorts getting a $500 gift card.

The special is applicable to many stays between October 3 and November 23, 2010 or between November 27 and December 25, 2010 or between January 1 and February 16, 2011.

For more information on these specials, contact Disney or your travel agent.

The park operating hours for Disneyland and California Adventure have been released for September 2010. The hours will come in handy for those individuals who are planning a trip there next month. Of course, hours have become slightly more limited as the crowd levels will be more manageable with school back in session.

The relatively new water / lights / sound / video show known as World of Color in California Adventure appears to be scheduled nightly, which is good as it has proven extremely popular with guests.

Morning Magic Hours are noted in the calendar with "MMH." Those who have visited Disneyland in the past may recognize the format as the previous "Early Entry." Walt Disney World patrons will find it is similar to the morning "Extended Magic Hours" offered there. However, there are a few requirements to keep in mind.

• MMH is only offered at Disneyland – California Adventure does not participate in the offering.
• MMH only occurs on select days, typically Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.
• MMH is available with select tickets and packages, but not necessarily tied to a room reservation. For instance, guests buying a 3,4 or 5-day park hopper from the Disneyland website are usually offered one admission to the Morning Magic Hour.
• Those staying on-property at one of the Disneyland Resorts (Disneyland Hotel, Disney’s Grand Californian or Paradise Pier) usually get entrance to any MMH just by showing their room card.
• Valid park admission for the day is required to utilize the MMH option.
• Only certain Disneyland attractions are open for MMH.
• for more details – see the Disneyland website.

Special event times can be found on Disneyland’s website or on the park maps available when you enter the park.

Disneyland / California Adventure September 2010 Park Hours Schedule

Disneyland September 2010 Operating Park Hours

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 9AM-11PM
• Thursday, September 2, 2010 – 9AM-11PM (8AM-9AM MMH)
• Friday, September 3, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 9AM-12AM
• Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 9AM-12AM (8AM-9AM MMH)
• Monday, September 6, 2010 – 8AM-12AM
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM -10AM MMH)
• Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Friday, September 10, 2010 – 9AM-12AM
• Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 9AM-12AM (8AM-9AM MMH)
• Monday, September 13, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, September 14, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 16, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Friday, September 17, 2010 – 9AM-12AM
• Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 9AM-12AM )8A,-9AM MMH)
• Monday, September 20, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, September 21, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Wednesday, September 22, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Friday, September 24, 2010 – 9AM-12AM
• Saturday, September 25, 2010 – 8AM-12AM (7AM-8AM MMH)
• Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 9AM-12AM (8AM-9AM MMH)
• Monday, September 27, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, September 28, 2010 – 10AM-8PM (9AM-10AM MMH)
• Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 10AM-8PM

California Adventure September 2010 Operating Park Hours

• Wednesday, September 1, 2010 – 10AM-11PM
• Thursday, September 2, 2010 – 10AM-11PM
• Friday, September 3, 2010 – 10AM-11PM
• Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 10AM-11PM
• Sunday, September 5, 2010 – 10AM-11PM
• Monday, September 6, 2010 – 10AM-11PM
• Tuesday, September 7, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Wednesday, September 8, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 9, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Friday, September 10, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Saturday, September 11, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Sunday, September 12, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Monday, September 13, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, September 14, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Wednesday, September 15, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 16, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Friday, September 17, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Saturday, September 18, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Sunday, September 19, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Monday, September 20, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, September 21, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Wednesday, September 22, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 23, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Friday, September 24, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Saturday, September 25, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Sunday, September 26, 2010 – 10AM-10PM
• Monday, September 27, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Tuesday, September 28, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Wednesday, September 29, 2010 – 10AM-8PM
• Thursday, September 30, 2010 – 10AM-8PM

****We make every effort to insure the accuracy of these hours when first published. Please keep in mind, however, that Disney often changes its hours to adjust for expected crowd levels and special occasions. Please contact Disneyland if you want to verify hours before your visit.

In a turn-about from what was expected to be the new Disney position, Walt Disney World has recently announced that the Free Dining promotion will be offered for many time-slots well into 2011.

This comes after Disney Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger announced late last year that the Disney discounts would be fewer and farther between in response to investor concerns that the Disney Parks were not making much money.  Lackluster profits were somewhat of a surprise since attendance in the parks and room reservations remained at acceptable levels.  Disney, however, blamed the poor returns on the necessity to discount.

“We’ll be able to continue to dial that back over the latter part of 2010,” said Disney Executive Bob Iger about the stream of Disney discounts the company had been offering.

“We’re not concerned about weaning ourselves and the marketplace of the discounts,” Iger continued.

Evidently, as with many good plans, the reality of the market-place must not have been conducive to the new philosophy.  Disney has continued to offer several discounts since Iger made his statements and this latest Free Dining option is just another example.

For those interested in the special, it is being operated very similar to the recent Free Dining offers.  Those opting to stay at a value resort can choose to get the Quick Service Dining plan for free.  Those staying at a moderate or deluxe resort can obtain the Basic Dining Plan for free.

This special may not be combined with other special offers so potential guests will want to search out the best option for themselves.  Disney usually has other specials including discounted rooms.  Also, to obtain the Free Dining, guests must book a Magic-Your-Way Package which also includes your park tickets.

The new special is valid for most arrivals on the following dates:

2010

• October 1 – October 7
• October 22 – October 28
• November 12 – November 18
• November 27 – December 2
• December 10 – December 21

2011

• January 1 – January 5
• January 9 – January 13
• January 21 – February 3
• February 11 – February 17
• February 25 – March 3
• May 27 – June 2
• August 19 – September 29

Also, the number of rooms available for the special offers is limited, so those interested will want to book as soon as they are certain of their plans to avoid disappointment.

One of the more quirky but still entertaining attractions to be found in Walt Disney World is Journey Into Imagination With Figment, located in the Imagination Pavilion of Epcot.

“Journey” has actually been through three major incarnations since it first appeared in Epcot in 1983, just months after the theme park opened itself.  The first version involved guests in an omnimover ride system which took them on a trip with an old man named Dreamfinder. Dreamfinder collected dreams and ideas and uses them to create new things.  He did this along with the help of a “figment of his imagination” which resembles a winged dragon or alligator.

The original attraction was around for many years but closed in 1998 to allow for a major renovation which introduced the second version of “Journey.”  Known as “Journey into YOUR Imagination”, the re-imagined attraction was based on the new 3-D film/show  playing next door called Honey: I Shrunk the Audience.  Accordingly, guests were now “touring” the Imagination Institute from the “Honey, I Shrunk…” world and served as test subjects for new inventions.

Journey was re-fitted again a few years later into its current incarnation which took guests through the five human senses – Sight, Sound, Smell, Touch and Taste. Figment returns in this version with a much expanded role and actually joins the guests as they experience the five senses.

Also, the current version re-introduced the song “One Little Spark” which was used in the first version.  A warning to all those who attend, the song can enter your head and fight every attempt to get rid of it – think “It’s a Small World” and you will have the idea!

The attraction does make a nice re-treat from the hustle and bustle which can be exhausting in some of the other areas of the park.  While kids tend to love the slow moving ride, many often forget about it making it usually easy to walk on and experience.

Thanks to Vostruuser who provided the video shown above of the current version of “Journey.”  For more videos and reviews of attractions in the parks, see the All Things Mouse Video Tours Page.

For those planning a trip to Walt Disney World this holiday season, August 26th may be a very important day for you. It marks the first day in which Disney will be offering the 2010 Candlelight Processional Dinner Packages.

The free Candlelight Processional has come to be a favorite Christmas-time tradition for many who go to the world during this time.  It combines holiday music with narration (usually performed by a well-known individual).  In fact, the Processional has become so popular that it is difficult to find a seat during most showings.

One way to combat the limited seating is to book a dinner package at one of the participating restaurants in Epcot.  Those who book such a package are given seating in a special reserved section of the American Gardens Theater in which the Processional is held.  Package holders are also entitled to pre-arranged fireworks viewing.

Disney offers three tiers for the Dinner Packages at three different price levels.  The first tier is a buffet at either the Biergarten in the Germany pavilion or at the Garden Grill in the Land.  Second tier offerings include a meal at the Nine Dragons Restaurant in the China pavilion, Rose & Crown in the United Kingdom pavilion, Restaurant Marrakesh in the Morocco pavilion  or San Angel Inn in the  Mexico pavilion.

Third tier is offered at the Chef de France Restaurant  in the France pavilion, Tutto Italia in the  Italy pavilion, Le Cellier Steakhouse in the Canada pavilion, Teppan Edo and Tokyo Dining  in the Japan pavilion and the Coral Reef in the Living Seas.

A partial list of expected narrators for the Candlelight Processional is also already available:

•Isabella Rossellini – 11/26 – 11/28
•to be determed – 11/29 – 12/1
•to be determed – 12/2 – 12/4
•to be determed – 12/5 – 12/6
•Jodi Benson – 12/7 – 12/9
•Whoopi Goldberg – 12/10 – 12/11
•Steven Curtis Chapman – 12/12 – 12/15
•Thomas Gibson – 12/16 – 12/18
•Trace Adkins – 12/19 – 12/21
•Brad Garrett – 12/22 – 12/23
•to be determed – 12/24 – 12/27
•Marlee Matlin / Jack Jason – 12/28 – 12/30

If you are interested in attending, it might be prudent to plan now, especially for the upcoming dinner package availability.

Thanks to impsythealmighty who provided the video above of a clip of the Candlelight Processional narrated by Neil Patrick Harris.

It’s official – Walt Disney World has raised its ticket prices for theme park admission to the four on-property parks as of today, Thursday, August 5, 2010.

The increase is not unexpected by most. Disney has been raising these prices in the first part of August for the last several years. Still, some thought that given the recent economy in the United States and the fact that Disney is having to resort to discounts to keep its resorts full, perhaps the theme park giant would forego an increase this year.

That is not the case, however. Disney raised park entry anywhere from 2.3% up to 7.8% depending on the number of days purchased. For example, a one-day base ticket (which allows entry into only one park) went from $79 to $82 – a $3 increase which equates to a 3.8% increase.

The complete list of the old prices compared to the new prices is shown below:

2010 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices

As the chart shows, the biggest increases actually occurred for those ticket purchases with the most amount of days on them. This is a slight departure from normal Disney operations which usually tend to favor those who opt to make their trips longer at the world. Still, when one compares the cost per day the longer stays really highlight the value that can be had at Disney.

While a one day base ticket would cost you $82 for that day of fun, those purchasing the 10-day base ticket for $262 can get ten days of fun for only $26.20 per day. This is only a third of the price when compared to one day. Of course, extended stays also incur the costs of lodging for those additional nights.

Disney also raised the prices on its other ticket options. The Park Hopper choice which allows entry into multiple parks the same day went from $52 to $54. This is a flat fee that is added to the cost of your ticket purchase no matter how many days. Thus, the park hopper option for a 3-day ticket is $54 and a park hopper option for a 10-day ticket is also $54.

Water Parks, Fun and More option also went up to $54 from $52. Those buying this option get anywhere from 2-10 entries into some of Disney’s other resort offerings including the water parks Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach as well as DisneyQuest.

Annual pass options also went up. The premium annual pass which includes water park admission went from $619 to $629 – a 1.6% jump. Regular non-resident goes from $489 to $499.

Disney evidently was experiencing some issues with their on-line ticketing system. A visit to the site in the middle of the day yielded a page displaying the following:

Welcome to the Virtual Waiting Room!

The event you have requested is experiencing very high demand. As a result, all requests for seats cannot be served simultaneously. Please be patient, and your browser will be refreshed in

When we refresh your browser, we will determine your status in the waiting room and if appropriate give you an opportunity to request seats.

During high demand periods such as now, the ticketing system must fulfill requests from multiple sales channels (e.g., boxoffice, call centers, outlets, IVR, Kiosks) as well as the Internet. This spike in traffic means that all consumers must be patient and wait for their opportunity to purchase tickets.

Thank you!