This week's news starts off in Epcot’s World Showcase. The Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in the Norway pavilion has announced a package change to its Princess Storybook Character Meals, starting April 27, 2008. As of that day, each Princess Storybook Character Meal will include a Photo Package in addition to the Family Style Meal. The Photo Package has been announced to include 1- 6"x8" Print and 4- 4" x 6" prints of your party with one Disney Princess plus a themed photo holder. Additionally, the per Guest cost will increase. An adult breakfast will increase to $28.99 per Guest ages 10 and up, and a child breakfast will increase to $17.99 per Guest ages 3-9.  Adult lunch will increase to $30.99 per Guest ages 10 and up, a child lunch will increase to $18.99 per Guest Ages 3-9. Adult dinner will increase to $35.99 per Guest ages10 and up, and a child dinner will increase to $19.99 per Guest ages 3-9.

The new Disney's Hollywood Studios logo and Mickey Mouse character have been painted on the Earffel Tower after it received a fresh new coat of paint. See the Show Notes for a photo from a very unique angle. It's nice to see the Tower looking great once again.

Staying at the Studios, based on reports from listeners who have emailed me, it looks as though the work going on at the Backlot Theater seems to indicate that the building may be completely enclosed when finished. An HVAC system has been installed, which would seem to be further evidence that this will be the case. The building currently remains hidden behind the San Francisco Street facades, and there is no indication at this time that the façade is coming down. If that is the case, it will reinforce the rumor that the building will only be used for special events and not as the location of a new show or attraction. 

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique at Downtown Disney will debut Disney's Secret Star makeover on February 24th 2008. The makeover runs $109.95 and includes a wig, T-shirt, head set, makeup, backstage pass makeup kit, guitar purse and a photo shoot with a commemorative photo. It is ONLY available at the Downtown Disney location.

Splash Mountain has reopened from its recent refurbishment, and as I discussed in the rumor mill some time ago, they have done some work to increase ride throughput, as a new third load area has been created. It will be interesting to see in real-world situations how this affects lines and wait times at one of WDW’s most popular attractions. 

Pleasure Island will offer 5 special Holiday Events in 2008. The first was Sweetheart Island, held this past February 14 -16, 2008. From 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., a "host of heartwarming and humorous performances honoring the lovelorn and lovebirds alike" was on the menu. Next up is Sham-Rock 'n' Roll on March 14-17, 2008. Again from 7:00 p.m. till 2:00 a.m., the island will "turn green" with live music featuring Seven Nations, videos by Irish artists, leprechauns and stilt walkers March 14, 15 & 17. Additionally, Raglan Road Irish Restaurant & Pub will have Irish music, song and dance for March 16 and 17, with a $15 cover charge on the 17th. For more information, call 407/938-0300. The other events at Pleasure Island are the Kick-Off Summer Party: June 5 - 7, 2008; Dance the Fright Away: October 30 - November 1, 2008 and the Pleasure Island New Year's Eve Party: December 31, 2008.

Speaking of special events, I want to talk about one that was recently announced that I am personally VERY excited about. What would you think about an opportunity to visit Disney's Animal Kingdom at night, run a short marathon course, while navigating an obstacle course AND looking for clues in a scavenger hunt? Follow that up with a private nighttime party in the park, and you have the Expedition Everest Challenge!! The first of its kind, the Expedition Everest Challenge will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m at Disney's Animal Kingdom Park. Following the event, there will be an EXCLUSIVE AFTER-HOURS PARTY from 10:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m., and the great part about this party is that even if your friends and family aren’t running with you, spectators can purchase one of these very limited tickets as well. So, let’s talk about the race itself: it will begin at the Butterfly parking lot of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, where you'll begin a 5 kilometer (3.1 mile) race through Animal Kingdom before finishing back at the Butterfly parking lot. According to the web site, "surprises along the way may pose as obstacles on the team's trek." But here’s the best part: "A few surprise obstacles will be stationed in the Butterfly parking lot of Disney's Animal Kingdom Park once trekkers return from their 5K run. The obstacles are not very difficult but the team must have fun completing them!" Then, after completing the obstacle course with their teammate, the trekkers will go back into Animal Kingdom along the same 5K course to search for the clues inside their Expedition Passport. When they find a clue inside the park they must have that clue stamped in their Expedition Passport. The site goes on to say that “There are plenty of clues to lead them on their journey, but only a few will escape the Yeti!” Once a team has all of their clues stamped then they can return to the FINISH in the Butterfly parking lot. You can sign up as either an individual ($100) or as a team of 2 people ($195). Registration opened on this past Friday, February 15. I have a feeling this will fill up VERY quickly… which Is why I registered early that morning. Yes, my wife Deanna and I will take up the gauntlet for this challenge and run as the WDW Radio Show Marathon Team. If you are interested in competing, or just want to come by and join is for the post-race party, I have posted a thread in the DWT forums to get a list together of who may be going to run, cheer, and possibly want to meet. Each finisher will receive a commemorative inaugural medal, and prizes will be awarded for both team and individual men’s and women’s champions, as well as the co-ed team champion. This is the inaugural year for this event and it sounds like it’s going to be incredible fun, win or lose, whether you finish all of the challenges or not. Each person that registers receives a 1-day/1-park Theme Park Ticket that is valid from September 26, 2008 through October 10, 2008 at either Disney's Animal Kingdom or Epcot. Registrants also receive a Champion® Tech-Shirt, admission to the exclusive after-hours party, and a commemorative inaugural medal for all finishers. All participants must be at least 11 years of age and must maintain a 16 minute per mile pace for the 5K. There is a 2.5 hour time limit for the entire race. You can buy additional party tickets for your friends and family, limit of 2 per purchase, which cost $25 per adult (age 10 and up) and $15 per child (age 3-9). Annual passes will not provide admission to the party. See the official Expedition Everest Challenge page for more details.  

If you have any news to report, email Lou here or leave a voicemail at the WDW Radio Show voicemail box: 206-202-4WDW (4939).