Anne's blog

When you look at Page 20-21 of Mouse Map, you'll see a note about the planned expansion of Fantasyland and this message about Mickey's Toontown Fair: "Enjoy these attractions while you can!"

There's now a deadline. The Disney folks have announced that Toontown will close on February 11:

That doesn’t mean we’ve forgotten about some of your favorite characters. Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and the Disney princesses will move to Town Square in the location currently known as Town Square Exposition Hall in spring 2011. Until that location is ready, they will continue to greet guests throughout Magic Kingdom. Meanwhile, Tinker Bell will relocate to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and her other fairy friends will appear later in the spring at Epcot. The Walt Disney World Railroad will stay open, but the Toontown station will remain closed during construction.

I'm updating all of the relevant pages this week... That's one of the coolest things about how Mouse Map is published! We are constantly updating so that you get the most accurate map possible.

Now let's see... how many visits can I make to Minnie's house between now and February 11?  

The 2010 edition of ESPN The Weekend has begun! If you're a sports fan -- and even if you aren't -- it pays to plan ahead. How can you survive one of the busiest weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios?

• Scope out the schedule in advance. Visit the ESPN website for daily schedules. Get a detailed schedule at the park entrance.
• If you are planning to attend events at Disney's Hollywood Studios, arrive no later than 8:30 AM -- even earlier if possible! Pick up Fastpasses for Toy Story Mania ASAP, because they are sure to run out early in the day. 
• Be prepared for extra traffic on Saturday morning during the Champion 5K. Runners start at 7 AM, so plan for delays all morning. 
• If you aren't planning to participate in ESPN The Weekend events, skip Hollywood Studios this weekend. Enjoy one of the other parks -- Magic Kingdom, Epcot or Disney's Animal Kingdom. (Considering the weather, I plan to visit Epcot.)
• Most of all, relax and enjoy yourself. The crowds and long lines can try your patience if you let let it! Remember that you're at Disney World!

Weather Forecast: Ah, this week is perfect Florida weather! Highs are forecast to be in the mid-70s all week, except for Thursday... which they say is going to be a bit warmer with a chance of thundershowers. Lows will be mostly in the upper 50s. Just to be on the safe side, bring some disposable rain ponchos.

Ride Closures: At the Magic Kingdom, Splash Mountain is still closed for its annual rehab, with reopening scheduled for Feb. 27. Blizzard Beach has closed for its annual rehab; reopening is planned for March 21. At Epcot, Living with the Land at Epcot, closed Jan. 18-Feb. 5.

Extra Magic Hours: Here's the posted schedule for this week. Check at your resort for updates:

• Disney's Hollywood Studios: Tuesday evening (7-10 PM), Saturday morning (8-9 AM), and next Monday evening (7-10 PM)
• Epcot: Friday evening (9 PM-midnight), next Tuesday morning (8-9 AM)
• Disney's Animal Kingdom: Tuesday morning (8-9 AM), Wednesday evening (5-8 PM), next Monday morning (8-9 AM)
• Magic Kingdom: Thursday morning (8-9 AM), Sunday evening (8-11 PM)

Note about Park Hours: Now that we're in the winter season, crowds are smaller, which means park hours will be shorter. The good news -- at least in my opinion -- is the parks are closing earlier. That means my favorite touring tip still applies: Arrive at the theme parks early! Read more about how to get the most from arriving early.

Current Special Offers: Thinking about a Disney World vacation? Now's the perfect time to plan your trip! Disney is running a few special offers that should make the decision making easier. My friends at Dream Come True Vacations have all the details:

• Winter/Spring Room Only: Save up to 30 percent; special rates for Florida residents and Annual Passholders.
• Free Disney Gift Card with Vacation Packages: Get up to $750 in gift cards that can be used on your vacation.

If you're heading to Disney World this week, download your Mouse Map here. Any other questions about this week? Send a Twitter message to @wdwtips or use our nifty contact form.

Shopping for souvenirs in certainly a favorite pasttime at Disney World... and there are so many options! To help you plan in advance, check these Disney shopping-related sites:

• Vinylmation Blog: The Vinylmation characters are an edgy addition to the selection of Disney World souvenirs. They're cute and clever, with endless possibilities. Read what new releases are on the calendar and be on the look-out for them during your vacation. Read the blog here, and visit the shopping site to order.
• Disney Pin Trading: Pins are huge (which you probably already know)! There are dozens of fan sites, and then there's the official blog: What's HapPINing? I met their chief blogger last year, and he's such fun! Can you imagine how much fun it would be to think about Disney pins all day long?

Hope you enjoy them as much as I do! Gotta go check out the upcoming pin events... See ya real soon!