We start off this week with an update on a prior semi-confirmed rumor about what is going up next to Disney’s Contemporary Resort. The $110 million, 15-story tower is one step closer to being officially confirmed by Disney as being the next Disney Vacation Club property. Currently standing at just over 5 stories tall, recent permits corroborate rumors I have heard, as well as other evidence reported here in the past. For example, recently-filed building permits make reference to a fictitiously-named corporation owned by the parent company of the Disney Vacation Club time-share arm, as well as a "proposed Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Resort at the Contemporary hotel." Also, recent SEC filings evidence the fact that Disney has about 680 DVC rooms under construction at Disney World. Taking into account the rooms already built and under construction at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, it would make sense that the suites at the Contemporary Resort building would make up the difference. It is believed that until Disney sells more of its Animal Kingdom Villas and Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa properties, they will hold off making any formal announcements. The new resort is expected to be incredibly upscale and likely sell out quickly, as it will include a pool, spa, outdoor bar and a water slide; tennis courts; a barbecue pavilion; and a 500-person lounge on the 15th floor featuring a restaurant and bar. The new building is expected to be complete in late 2009, possibly as early as September.

In Downtown Disney, work continues in the transformation of Pleasure Island, as it appears as though another venue will be closing as part of the dramatic changes taking place. According to sources, the Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club will close as of February 3, 2008, while Disney looks for other uses and occupants for the venue. With the recent removal of many parts of Pleasure Island such as the middle and West End stages, the additions of restaurants like Raglan Road and the upcoming T-Rex dining experience, the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, stores such as Curl by Sammy Duvall and the Rawlings merchandise shop, the landscape is going through major changes which will enhance the Guest experience for kids and adults.

Speaking of surveys, it appears that over at Space Mountain, some Cast Members have been asked to view and give their opinions on sketches and concept art for possible new vehicles for the attraction, which would include an upgraded sound system akin to that at Disneyland. At this time, speculation about what may or may not happen at Space Mountain ranges from a minor refurbishment to changing of ride vehicles all the way up to a removal and replacement of the track system, so we'll have to keep a close watch on what happens in the coming months. 

Outside the parks, but of interest to those of us who sometimes get our ‘fix’ by visiting the local mall and browsing the Disney Store, there is a rumor that Disney may be looking into buying back the chain of stores that was sold to The Children's Place. Reports that Hoop Retail Stores, The Children’s Place subsidiary company, has not met remodeling deadlines and is not getting the return on investment has lead to speculation that Disney may seek to purchase the stores back. Time will tell on this one as well. 

Shane from Snellville, GA, sent in this question: “Hey Lou! I was checking my Disney news updates on Yahoo.com, and I saw a short story about Disney-MGM Studios changing its name to Disney Hollywood Studios. Of course this is old news to me, but at the end of the article, it said, ‘Some new attractions will open at the theme park in 2008, including a cutting-edge interactive attraction, a live-action stage show and a parade.’ Of course the first is Toy Story Mania and the last is Block Party Bash, but what is the new stage show? Jedi Training Academy already opened, so could this be a new rumor for something yet to come?” I suspect they are talking about the new version of Playhouse Disney: Live on Stage, though there is still that rumor of some new show going into the ABC Theater. 

Along those lines, over at the Backlot Theater at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, a crane has been brought in to replace the roof, but I have been told that NO plans are in the works for this theater other than to use it for special events and special shows following the major renovation. 

Chris sent me a rumor about Splash Mountain. He reports that Splash is currently undergoing refurb and when it re-emerges a new benefit may be in place for guests. Chris reports: “One of the Imagineering simulation teams is able to model and calculate throughput of guest on attractions. The latest attraction to benefit from this is going to be Splash Mountain and when it re-opens in February its hourly ride capacity will rise with the additions of more boats. Some of the simulation guys are a little nervous and hope that their sims are correct. The bonus for the guests is lines may be shorter on Splash Mountain, but there may be some bumps along the way as the new capacity is worked out. It may seem to be an invisible change to guests if all runs well.” Just in case, Guests might want to plan ahead for some possible delays when Splash Mountain reopens in February if all does not go well. 

Over at Epcot, the Velcro and Waste Management exhibits in Innoventions are undergoing construction, with expected opening dates within the next few months. NO official dates from Disney just yet, but we will report them as soon as we know. 

In the Magic Kingdom, it is rumored that Disneyland’s Parade of Dreams will be replacing the Disney Dreams Come True Parade at the Magic Kingdom in late 2008 or early 2009. This is not unusual, as parades such as the Main Street Electrical Parade have moved to and from Disneyland and Walt Disney World in the past. 

Geeks like me are getting their Jedi (or in my case, Jawa) robes ready as Star Wars Weekends are coming back to Disney’s Hollywood Studios this year. Dates have been tentatively announced as being on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from June 6 - 29, 2008. During this very special event, you can come face to face with your favorite Star Wars heroes and villains, test your knowledge of trivia, or take flight in Star Tours, as well as enjoy meeting celebrities, getting exclusive merchandise and more. 

Believe it or not, the biggest Guest complaint Disney receives has been about the signage around property, specifically with difficulty in Guests being able to locate their resorts. Years ago the signage was changed to the current red, purple and black style, and a decision was made to not put every resort on every sign, but instead create areas or zones for each hotel. So now there is an Epcot Resort Area, Magic Kingdom Resort Area, etc. Unfortunately, not every Guest knows what zone his or her hotel may be in. If someone is staying at Caribbean Beach Resort, they may not know if that's an Epcot Resort, Downtown Disney Resort, etc. So with timing being everything, it is rumored that the signs may change in the near future to reflect more than just the Disney’s Hollywood Studios name change. It is unclear what, if any changes might be made, but concerns about Guests being lost or taking longer routes than necessary may be addressed.

If you have any rumors to share, email Lou at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it or leave a voicemail at the WDW Radio Show voicemail box: 206-202-4WDW (4939).