Update for September 10 – 16, 2013
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments
News and Views
Girl falls from balcony at Animal Kingdom Lodge | Fountain View Starbucks opens | Bus links Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney | California Grill sneak peek | My Disney Photopass goes live | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update
Girl falls from Animal Kingdom Lodge balcony
A 6-year-old girl fell from a balcony at the Animal Kingdom Lodge on September 3 into an area adjacent to the savanna. According to reports by the Orlando Sentinel, the girl's father was taking a shower and the mother was in the room when the girl fell. The girl has since been released from the hospital.
Disney spokeswoman Kathleen Prihoda stated, “Our primary concern is for the child's health and recovery. A Disney representative is with the family providing support.”
This incident is a good reminder to all parents to never leave children unattended on a balcony. Children can become easily distracted, and all it takes is a moment of your inattentiveness or distraction for this type of accident to occur.
Fountain View Starbucks officially opens
The Fountain View Starbucks in Epcot has finally opened, taking the place of the former ice cream parlor. The location had undergone extensive renovations, and the result is a beautiful space filled with wood, teal, and silver.
Fountain View's interior has been opened up to take full advantage of the building's space. Photo by Jeff Kober.
The menu includes standard Starbucks items, including breakfast sandwiches, making it a new location for early morning meals in Future World.
The bakery case at Fountain View includes a wide assortment of sweet treats. Photo by Jeff Kober.
Although the view of the fountains is nice (hence the name), there is no indoor or outdoor seating; the only tables are tall tables outside like those used during the Food and Wine festival. The lack of seating is disappointing, since it would be a good location to take a break with a drink and dessert.
Future World's fountain can clearly be seen out the window at Fountain View. Photo by Jeff Kober.
Transportation test in progress
Disney World is testing out a new transportation option. For a limited time, visitors can take a direct bus between Animal Kingdom and Downtown Disney everyday from 3:00 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. The drop-off location for Downtown Disney Westside is near the Cirque du Soleil building, and return service to Animal Kingdom is provided if visitors leave their cars parked there. In the past, direct service from Downtown Disney—where parking is free—to the theme parks was discontinued to discourage people from parking there to avoid paying the parking fees at the theme parks.
California Grill gives sneak preview
A few readers of the Disney Parks Blog were given a sneak peek at the Contemporary Resort's new California Grill space and menu recently in advance of this week's official opening. The new decor includes touches that evoke the artistry of Mary Blair, and harkens back to the early 1970s-era decor as well.
New online PhotoPass experience coming
As another extension of the My Disney Experience and MagicBand initiative, a new PhotoPass experience is now available online for photos taken after September 4 at the Disney parks.
When you first visit MyDisneyPhotoPass.com, you are prompted to log in. Create a new login if you:
- Do not have a DisneyWorld.com or MyDisneyExperience.com account
- Have an existing DisneyPhotoPass.com account, which the new site does not recognize
Once you log in with your new username or your existing DisneyWorld.com or MyDisneyExperience.com account, you see the photos that Disney has linked to your account under My Photos.
To add missing photos, add any of the following information to your MyDisneyPhotoPass account:
- Reservation numbers
- MagicBand
- RFID-enabled admission media
- Photopass ID
Under the My Disney PhotoPass program, photos now expire 45 days from the date each photo was taken. You can purchase a one-time 15-day extension of all photos currently in your account for $19.95. The PhotoPass Archive Disc (the new name for Disney's PhotoCD) still costs $189, and prints and downloads of official PhotoPass photos start at $14.99. You can still purchase the Photo Book for $79.95, along with greeting card packages, which start at $24.99.
It appears Disney has discontinued all of the products that used personal photos, starting with the Personal Photo Archive CD, which was a physical CD copy of personal photos you uploaded to the PhotoPass site. Personal prints with Disney borders and photo stickers are no longer available. Other discontinued items include canvas prints, note pads, water bottles, and photo puzzles.
Construction update
Jeff Kober caught up on construction progress around the Walt Disney World Resort this week.
Construction on the Spice Road Table restaurant at Morocco in Epcot shows the eventual height of the building. Photo by Jeff Kober.
A new stage has been built for the Moroccan performing groups. Photo by Jeff Kober.
The new restrooms at the American Adventure pavilion are nearing completion. Photo by Jeff Kober.
Although the turnstiles have been removed from the Epcot exit, a permanent replacement is not yet finished. Photo by Jeff Kober.
A temporary boardwalk is under construction behind the former Adventurers Club to accommodate pedestrian traffic while the area undergoes renovations. Photo by Jeff Kober.
The comedy club is a shell of its former self, with only the walls remaining. Photo by Jeff Kober.
The former parking area near the AMC Theater has been cleared and is ready for construction to begin on the new parking garage. Photo by Jeff Kober.
Registration now open for MouseAdventure World Explorers
Join us on November 16 and 17 for an exploration of Walt Disney World like no other. Our fifth Florida MouseAdventure event takes players all around Walt Disney World in a two-day challenge that is sure to make you see WDW in a whole new light.
Registration for our two-day MouseAdventure World Explorers event in Walt Disney World is now open online at MouseAdventure.com.
Pricing for this two-day event is $175 for a team of at least two players up to a maximum of four players. Registration does not include park admission (park hopper admission is required; water park admission is not).
The Coast to Coast Challenge
Every team that participated in the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure event in Disneyland and plays in MouseAdventure World Explorers V in Florida, will receive a special recognition of their dedication.
And, for the true competitors, there will be a special prize awarded to the team with the highest combined score for the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure Musical event at Disneyland and MouseAdventure World Explorers V in Florida. This prize will be awarded at the resort results meet in Florida.
To participate in this challenge, teams must have a score from the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure Musical event at Disneyland (Basic or Advanced division) and complete the Fall 2013 event in Walt Disney World. The majority of players from the team must participate in both events.
Quick takes…
…On September 11 at 4:45 p.m., there will be a special flag retreat in Town Square at the Magic Kingdom in honor of Patriot Day.
…Installation of booths for the 2013 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has begun around the Epcot lagoon in preparation for the event's September 27 opening.
The Greece booth will serve Greek specialties like griddled cheese with pistachios and honey, spanakopita, and gyros. Photo by Jeff Kober.
…The Disney Parks Blog has revealed the image that will grace the special Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom card: the hitchhiking ghosts! You can pick up a card only with a party ticket at the regular Sorcerers distribution points on Main Street and in Liberty Square.
…Unleash the Villains at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 13 will include a Villains in the Sky fireworks show at 11:00 p.m.
…Glow with the Show ears are coming to the Walt Disney World Resort strating on October 15 at Fantasmic! to commemorate its 15th anniversary. It then expands to the Wishes fireworks show at the Magic Kingdom and the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights for the holidays.
We are looking for you!Do you write or blog about Walt Disney World or Disney-related topics? Do you have a Disney-related YouTube channel or independent website? If so, we want to meet you. MousePlanet is looking for established writers to cover all areas of the Disney universe, including the international Parks and Resorts.If you are interested in learning how your blog or site can work with MousePlanet, or you have an idea for a great new column, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
Crowd Forecast
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Advertisement Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, to help you better plan your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can “Do more. Wait less.”
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Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Adrienne here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.
Resort Events
2013
- Unleash the Villains – September 13, 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. at Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – September 10, 13, 17, 20, 24, 27, 29; October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 27 through November 11
- Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 4–5
- EasyWDW.com reports that Disney Hollywood Studios is closing at 6 p.m. on October 26 due to a private event for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
- Holiday Time at Walt Disney World – begins November 8
- Opening night for Osbourn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – November 8
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22; and December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20.
- Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9
- MouseAdventure World Explorers V – November 16–17. Registration is now open at the MouseAdventure page.
- Candlelight Processional – November 29 through December 30. Dining packages go on sale July 9.
2014
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12
- Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–23
runDisney events and capacity updates
2013
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Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 4–5.
- October 5 (a.m.): Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run – Sold Out
- October 5 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 68%
- October 5 (p.m.): The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler – Sold Out
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October 5 (p.m.) – 6 (a.m.): Disney Villains Hollywood Bash – 58%
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Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9.
- November 8 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Pre-race Taste – 87%
- November 9 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 56%
- November 9 (a.m.): Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K – Sold Out
- November 9 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Half Marathon – Sold Out
- November 9 (p.m.): Finish Line Party – 72%
2014
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Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12.
- January 9: Family Fun Run 5K – Sold Out
- January 10: 10K – Sold Out
- January 11: Half Marathon – Sold Out
- January 12: Marathon – Sold Out
- January 11–12: Goofy Challenge (half and full) – Sold Out
- January 9–11: runDisney Kids' Races – 53%
- January 9–11: Pasta Party in the Park – 51%
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January 9–12: Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, half, and full) – Sold Out
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Disney's Princess Half-Marathon Weekend – February 21–23.
- February 21: Disney Royal Family 5k
- February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races
- February 22: Enchanted 10k – Sold out
- February 23: Disney's Princess Half Marathon – Sold out
- February 22–23: Glass Slipper Challenge (Enchanted 10k & Disney's Princess Half Marathon) – Sold out
Do you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events? Visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
- Jungle Cruise – closed through September 30 for refurbishment.
- Space Mountain – closed through September 5, 10–12, and 23–26 for refurbishment.
- Peter Pan – closed September 30 through November 13 for refurbishment.
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed September 30 through November 20 for refurbishment.
- Princess Fairytale Hall – opens September 18, 2013.
Epcot
- New rest room between America and Japan pavilions – scheduled to open Fall 2013.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
- Both parades (Disney Channel Rocks and Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade) have ended their run. No new parades have been announced.
Animal Kingdom
- No known refurbishments.
- Festival of the Lion King scheduled to move to a new theater—currently under construction—sometime in 2014. No dates have been announced.
Resorts
As reported in July, some refrigerators in non-Disney Vacation Club rooms at Walt Disney World are being replaced due to a product defect. All Walt Disney World Resort rooms with the exception of DVC Villas, the family suites at the Art of Animation and All-Star Movie resorts, and the cabins at Fort Wilderness are impacted. Disney says “the schedule for replacing the refrigerators at these Resorts is expected to last several months.”
In the interim, if you have a reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and need a refrigerator for medical reasons, we recommend contacting your resort directly to inquire about availability during your trip. The hotel should be able to arrange for one if your room does not yet have a new refrigerator, but supplies may be limited while they work to replace all of the malfunctioning units. Remember, Value resorts do not include in-room refrigerators.
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All-Star Sports
- Arcade closed for use as a temporary grab-and-go food location. Expected to reopen in December.
- Food court closed through mid-December for refurbishment. Snacks and drinks are available from a grab-and-go location in the former arcade; hot food from the All-Star Music Food Court. Disney is offering bus service between the resorts.
- Polynesian Resort – Never Land Club children's center closes for refurbishment January 1 through March 31, reopening April 1, 2014.
- Port Orleans Riverside – Ol' Man Island pool slide closed through September 13
- Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Grandstand Pool closed for refurbishment through September 14
Water Parks
- Typhoon Lagoon – closed October 27, 2013 through January 4, 2014 for refurbishment.
Elsewhere
- DisneyQuest's lobby closes for refurbishment September 11. During the construction, guests will enter and exit through the gift shop.
- Disney Palm Golf Course – closed through mid-November for refurbishment.
- Disney's Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed for play.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. Will not be performed on the following 2013 dates: September 17–21 and November 5–6
- Cap'n Jack's at Downtown Disney is permanently closed.
- Parking lots H, I, J and K at Downtown Disney (near the Westside) are closed for Disney Springs construction.
Current Discounts & Promotions
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Discounts for everyone |
Free Fall DiningFirst Disney announced a new Free Dining offer for U.K. residents, then an offer for Disney Visa cardholders visiting selected dates this September. Now the Fall Free Dining offer is available without using a Disney Visa card. Check in at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel from September 29 to October 2, October 18 to November 2, November 11 to 23, or December 12 to 22 and everyone in your party gets free dining. Stay at a:
There are some restrictions:
For full details, visit the Disney special offer site. PhotoPass+ pre-arrival discountDisney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney PhotoPass+ pre-arrival packages. For $149.95 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests receive a voucher to exchange for a PhotoPass+ card upon arrival at the resort, a Photo Gallery CD with more than 400 stock photos ($39.95 value), a unique code to create and order a photo CD upon return from their trip ($169.95 value), print packages at select dining locations ($29.95 value each), and digital photos from select attractions ($14.95 value each). Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. This special offer is only available from this link or by calling the Guest Support line at (407) 560-4300 before you arrive at Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. The package might take as long as 14 days to arrive, and you must bring your voucher from the package to redeem it, so make sure that you order far enough in advance to allow your materials to arrive. Attractions currently participating in the program are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur. Current participating restaurants are 1900 Park Fare, 'Ohana, Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Chef Mickey's, Cinderella's Royal Table, Tusker House Restaurant, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, and Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Passholder room discounts August 16 through September 26A discount of up to 35% off regular room rates is available for annual passholders at select resorts for most nights from August 16 through September 26. Advance reservations required (book by September 26). More details can be found on the offer website (AP login required). Additional information on sample discount rates not listed on the Disney site (provided in the table below) may be found at MouseSavers. As with all discounts, rooms available at these rates are limited, and minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. No group rates or other discounts apply. Campsites, three-bedroom Grand Villas, standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian are not included. Discounts vary by accommodation type and date, and availability varies by date. Moderate and Deluxe Resort suites may be available at a lower discount – check with your travel agent. You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7926 or your favorite travel agent. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).
20% off Tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La NoubaPassholders save 20% off Category 2 tickets for Tuesday to Saturday performances through September 14. Passholders may purchase tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests. A current, valid annual pass must be presented at the box office to receive the discount when picking up tickets. To purchase tickets, call (407) 939-7328. |
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Discounts for Disney Visa cardholders
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20% off food at Paradiso-37 in Downtown Disney until October 31Disney Visa cardholders receive 20% off food purchases when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card until October 31, 2013. Cardmembers must bring a printed coupon (available at the Disney Rewards site) to be eligible for the discount. Discount applies to food only. 20% off select guided toursDisney Visa cardholders receive 20% off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10% off select restaurantsDisney Visa cardholders receive 10% off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol.
10% off merchandiseDisney Visa cardholders receive 10% off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. Free 5×7 character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot.Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to 5 guests. The event is hosted daily from 1pm – 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll recieve one free 5 x 7 character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Florida residents |
Florida resident hotel offersThe Waldorf Astoria Orlando has announced Florida resident rates valid through September 5. Residents receive 10 percent off of the best available rate, along with free transportation to the Walt Disney World Resort. Book using the Florida resident offer website. The Hilton Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort has announced Florida resident rates valid through September 5. Residents receive 10 percent off of the best available rate, along with free transportation to the Walt Disney World Resort. Book using the Florida Resident offer website. Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort roomsFlorida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites and 3-bedroom villas) end September 26. Discounts include:
Information provided by Mary Kraemer of MouseEarVacations.com (link). |
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Discounts for US Military |
2012-13 Military Salute offerFrom now through September 28, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $156 per ticket, plus tax (up from $138 last year), or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $184 per ticket, plus tax (up from $165). No Base ticket is available with this offer. These tickets expire after September 28. Blockout dates are March 24 through April 4 at all ticketed locations, and July 4 at Magic Kingdom park only. Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney four-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold. You may upgrade the tickets to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available. In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights through September 28. For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830, visit the Walt Disney World website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. 2013-14 Military Salute offerFrom August 12, 2013, through September 24, 2014, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $169 per ticket, plus tax (up from $156 last year), or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $198 per ticket, plus tax (up from $184). No Base ticket is available with this offer. These tickets are valid September 29, 2013, through September 27, 2014. Blockout dates December 20–31, 2013 and April 13–20, 2014,at all ticketed locations; and July 4 at Magic Kingdom park only. Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney four-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold. You may upgrade the tickets to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available. In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights through September 27, 2014 with the exception of the following blockout periods:
For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets and discounted resort rates, military personnel may call (407) 939-7830, visit the Walt Disney World website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices. |
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Discounts for UK residents |
2014 Free Dining offer for UK residents2014 Free Dining offers for UK residents have been released. From the information posted on the Virgin Holidays website, it appears the 2014 program offers free Quick Service Dining Plan plan when booking at a Moderate resort, and free Dining Plan when booking at Deluxe resorts, Old Key West or Saratoga Springs. There are also offers for a free $200 Disney Gift Card and/or a 14-day ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket depending on travel dates. These particular offers are valid for UK residents only. |
