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You are here: Home / Walt Disney World Resort Update / Walt Disney World Park Update

Walt Disney World Park Update

May 20, 2014 by Marie Rossiter

Update for May 20 – 26, 2014

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions | Comments

News and Views

Augmented Reality app to enhance Star Wars Weekends | Disney's Castaway Cay Challenge debuts in 2015 | Raglan Road hosts Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience | Disney's Polynesian Resort offers guests Blizzard Beach tickets | 24-hour Magic Kingdom Day adds new events | Other 3 parks to stay open late May 23 | Tinker Bell moves to Town Square Theater on May 20 | Flamingo Crossings planned as new Disney tourist district | Eight nights of Harmabe Nights premium tickets sold out | American Tourister sponsors Walt Disney World sweepstakes | This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update

Augmented Reality app to enhance Star Wars Weekends

Visitors of Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Weekends can experience some of the latest technology on their smartphones and tablets thanks to a partnership with Disney and HP.

Aurasma (available on Android and iOS) introduces new features at the event, including a “virtual” character experience, bonus material in the guide maps, and interactive logos around the theme park.


Disney Parks Blog released a video introducing the Augmented Reality app Aurasma (Android and iOS) and how visitors can take their Star Wars Weekends experience to the next level.

Visit the Aurasma website to download the app either from the Apple App Store or Google Play for the Android.

Disney's Castaway Cay Challenge debuts in 2015

Disney Cruise Line and runDisney have announced a rail-related achievement for January 2015: the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge.

This inaugural event combines the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend and the Castaway Cay 5K to create a new runDisney challenge, similar to the Coast to Coast Challenge.

To complete the achievement, you need to have finished any of the four runDisney races happening over WDW Marathon Weekend (5K, 10K, half-marathon, or marathon) from January 7 to 11, then embark on the Monday, January 12 sailing of the Disney Dream, and complete the Castaway Cay 5K during the cruise.

The runDisney event page does not show a registration fee for the Castaway Cay 5K, although you must pay for the Disney Cruise sailing itself. By officially registering for the challenge, you get special rewards during the cruise, including:

  • Castaway Cay Challenge inaugural event T-shirt
  • Commemorative Castaway Cay 5K Finisher Medallion
  • Commemorative Inaugural Castaway Cay Challenge Finisher Medal
  • Post-race refreshments
  • Access to activities and special merchandise on board the ship

If you have traveled on a Disney Cruise Line ship to Castaway Cay and have participated in what has been an informal 5K, you might have a few questions:

  • This special challenge is associated only with the January 12 sailing, and is not (at least yet) offered on any other sailings that include Castaway Cay in its itinerary.
  • It appears that you can still just show up and do the Castaway Cay 5K without registering in advance or participating in the challenge. [This may change in the future.]
  • If you register for the challenge without first making a cruise reservation, you must book your cruise by August 1, 2014 or you forfeit your registration.

Guests interested in participating in the Disney Castaway Cay Challenge can visit runDisney.com for more information.

[Editor's note: Rumors continue to swirl around a possible inaugural race to replace the date formerly occupied by the Tinker Bell Half Marathon, which for 2015 has moved from the week following WDW Marathon Weekend, to Mother's Day Weekend. If an inaugural race is officially announced for Disneyland and it happens on January 17, this may pose a major scheduling conflict for those who go on this cruise.]

Raglan Road hosts Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience

On Thursday, June 19, Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant in Downtown Disney hosts the Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience staring at 6:30 p.m.

The summer solstice marks the official start of the summer and also celebrates the spring harvest. Solstice celebrations take place all over Europe each year and Raglan Road brings the tradition to Walt Disney World.

Master Chef Kevin Dundon is incorporating seasonal flavors in his speciality menu, featuring classic Irish prawn cocktail, summer-inspired chilled melon soup, spit-roasted baby lamb with a rosemary salt crust, minted pea jelly, and fondant potatoes, fresh strawberries and white chocolate mouse wrapped in a picnic blanket, and petit fours.

Chef Dundon also created a wine pairing for each course for dinner guests to enjoy.

Guests should follow a “smart casual” dress code for this dining experience.

The dinner costs $95, plus tax and gratuity. Tables in Wonderland cardholders can use their discount for this event.

To book a reservation, call (407) 938-0300.

Disney's Polynesian Resort offers Blizzard Beach tickets

MousePlanet sponsor TouringPlans.com reports that Disney's Polynesian Resort is offering guests free tickets to Blizzard Beach to compensate for the closed Volcano pool and water slide beginning in late July.

The Polynesian is providing transportation to Blizzard Beach, where its resort guests can access a dedicated check-in area to pick up their tickets and towels.

Guests who do not wish to go to Blizzard Beach can opt to use the Polynesian's quiet pool area, which is remaining open during the resort's lengthy refurbishment period.

Disney has not released a specific date for this program to begin, but with constructed scheduled to begin sometime in late July, TouringPlans.com estimates that the incentive should likely begin on or around July 26.

24-hour Magic Kingdom Day adds new events

The Magic Kingdom's 24-hour day from 6 a.m., Friday, May 23 through 6 a.m., Saturday, May 24, takes the park's normal events schedule and ramps it up for an all-day, all-night party. New and/or additional parade features, movie and dance parties, and extended attraction hours await anyone who wants to make a full day at Magic Kingdom. Highlights of the new scheduled events include:

  • 10:45 p.m. – Disney Villains Pre-Parade
  • 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. – Incredibles Super Movie Night at the RocketTower Plaza Stage’s video screen
  • 2:00 a.m. to 5:45 a.m. – Disney’s Up All Night Dance Party
  • 2:00 a.m. to 5:15 a.m. – Frontierland Dance Party

Keep checking back at the official Magic Kingdom calendar web page for more event updates as the event approaches.

Other 3 parks to stay open late May 23

While the Magic Kingdom remains open for 24 hours staring at 6 a.m. on Friday, May 23, the other three Walt Disney World parks plan to keep their gates open later than usual, according to the official Walt Disney World calendar web page. Late night hours at the parks include:

  • Disney's Animal Kingdom: 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Epcot: 9 a.m. to Midnight
  • Disney's Hollywood Studios: 8 a.m. to 11 p.m., plus Extra Magic Hours from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Click on each park's link for a detailed schedule of events for the day.

Tinker Bell moves to Town Square Theater on May 20

Tinker Bell fans can meet and greet their favorite fairy at the Town Square Theater on Main Street U.S.A. beginning Tuesday, May 20, according to a report from our sponsor TouringPlans.com.

The new Garden Theater will lead visitors to Tinker Bell's Magical Nook through a portal that magically “shrinks” them down to fairy-size. Once inside the nook, visitors not only see Tinker Bell, but also some of her favorite treasures.

Tinker Bell's new meet-and-greet experience relocated from Adventureland and now resides where the Disney Princesses used to appear before the Princess Fairytale Hall opened in New Fantasyland in September 2013.

Unlike the previous meet-and-greet location, Tinker Bell does not have any of her other fairy friends with her at her new home. Disney has made no announcements about possible new locations for the other fairies at this time.

Visitors not wanting to wait in the standby line can make Fastpass+ reservations either before entering the park or as soon as they enter the Magic Kingdom at one of the many Fastpass+ kiosks.

Flamingo Crossings planned as new Disney tourist district

News 13 Orlando published a report outlining a new tourist district coming to the west side of Walt Disney World property sometime in the future.

Walt Disney World spokeswoman Marilyn Waters confirmed last week that Flamingo Crossings is bringing “a Disney master-planned, value-oriented tourist district that will combine third-party branded lodging, retail and dining. We are pleased that the project continues to move forward with interest from well-known brands and hotels.” The master plans for the 450-acre Flamingo Crossings includes:

  • Seven hotel sites
  • “Main street” retail development site
  • Casual sit-down and fast food restaurants
  • 3,000 to 3,500 limited-service hotel rooms
  • 1,000 to 1,500 timeshare units
  • 300 to 500 thousand square feet of tourist-related retail
  • Gas/convenience, grocery, gift shops, services

Waters did not provide a time table for construction or completion in her remarks to News 13 Orlando.

Eight nights of Harmabe Nights premium tickets sold out

Premium tickets for Disney's Animal Kingdom's Harambe Nights continue to sell quickly as Disney added to the sold out date list.

The weekly hard ticket event, which runs from June 7 through August 9, features a welcome reception, a special performance of “The Lion King – Concert in the Wild” featuring celebrity narrators, dancing, character greetings and an all-inclusive buffet.

The following dates no longer have premium seating available:

  • Saturday, June 7
  • Saturday, June 14
  • Saturday, June 21
  • Saturday, June 28
  • Saturday, July 5
  • Saturday, July 12
  • Saturday, August 2
  • Saturday, August 9

Premium tickets with floor seating for the show are $134 for adults and $94 for ages 3 through 9, plus tax. The ticket includes theme park admission for the event only.

All shows have general seating tickets available and cost $119 for adults and $79 for ages 3 through 9, plus tax.

For more information on Harambe Nights, click here to read our previous report on this upcoming event.

American Tourister sponsors Walt Disney World sweepstakes

A new sweepstakes sponsored by American Tourister will award one lucky winner (and up to three guests) with a 3-night, 4-day trip to Walt DisneyWorld.

The “Win like Heck” sweepstakes ties in to the season finale of “The Middle.”

Sweepstakes prizes include:

One Grand Prize

  • 3-night, 4-day trip to Walt Disney World for the winner and up to three guests.
  • Coach airfare to Orlando for the winner and up to three guests, including Disney's Magical Express transfers.
  • Hotel accommodations for three nights in one Deluxe Standard room.
  • (4) 4-day Park Hopper tickets
  • (1) $500 Disney gift card
  • (1) American Tourister 3-piece luggage set

Three First Prizes

  • (1) American Tourister 3-piece luggage set

Anyone 18 years or older can enter in one of three ways:

  • Text message the key word Middle to the short code 91709, then reply to the follow-up message confirming that you are 18 or older, to receive one entry. You can also opt-in for a text reminder to watch the season finale of “The Middle” on May 21 for two bonus entries. You can enter anytime between May 7 and May 22.
  • Send a postcard as outlined in the contest rules. Postmark cards by May 22. You can enter via text message and/or postcard up to a combined three entries – anything beyond that is disqualified.
  • Submit a “Tweet” from your public Twitter account to the @AmTourister account, and include hashtag #WinLikeHeck. You can enter three times anytime between May 7 and May 22.

Click here to read the complete rules and fine print for eligibility requirements and restrictions and such.

This week at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Weekends

The 2014 Star Wars Weekends kicks off its second weekend at Disney's Hollywood Studios and visitors can expect plenty of celebrities, parades, shopping and character meet and greet opportunities throughout the park. Check our our handy guide listing many of the main attractions and events for the upcoming weekend.

Tour information:

  • Celebrity Lineup: Warwick Davis (Ewok, Wicket W. Warrick), Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett, Capt. Jeremoch Colton), Tiya Sircar (Sabine Wren – Star Wars Rebels)
  • Events and times may change. Consult daily times guides and tip board for daily updates.
Activity Time Location

Friday, May 23 – Sunday, May 25

   

Stormtrooper Welcome

7:30 a.m.

Hollywood Boulevard

Star Wars Character Encounters

8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.

Check Times Guide for locations

Jedi Training Academy

Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times.

Echo Lake

Celebrity Autographs

Starting at 10:00 a.m; check times guide for all sessions

Echo Lake

Jedi Training Academy

Starting at 8:45 a.m. and runs 18 more times. Check Times Guide for all times.

Echo Lake

Legends of the Force Motorcade

11:00 a.m.

Hollywood Boulevard

Behind the Force

1:45 p.m.

Premier Theater

Stars of the Saga Talk Show and Q&A Session

3:15 p.m.

Premier Theater

An Ewok's Tale: My Short Story starring Warwick Davis

5:15 p.m.

Streets of America

Obi Wan and Beyond

7:00 p.m.

Premier Theater

DJ Lobot Dance Party

7:00 p.m.

Sorcerer Hat Stage

Symphony in the Stars Fireworks

9:45 p.m.

Sorcerer Hat Stage

Quick takes

…Disney's Animal Kingdom visitors can now meet and greet Donald Duck and Daisy Duck at the Character Landing on Discovery Island. They replaced Winnie the Pooh and Tigger, whose meet and greets ended on May 10.

…Walt Disney World Resorts and theme park shops will start selling merchandise based on the upcoming movie Maleficent which opens on May 30. Fans can buy T-shirts, phone cases, a limited edition opening day pin, and even glowing horns at resort gift shops as well as the Magic Kingdom's Emporium and Disney's Hollywood Studios' Beverly Sunset gift shops.

…The Frozen phenomenon continues to grow at the Magic Kingdom. Cast Members reinstated the official rope drop to help control the crowds rushing toward Princess Fairytale Hall to the new Elsa and Anna meet and greet in New Fantasyland. Now, cast members actually hold a long rope across Main Street U.S.A. and slowly lead the crowd toward the castle to try to keep order and avoid people racing to the meet and greet and possibly injuring themselves or others. Another Frozen tidbit: The Festival of Fantasy parade now has new a new opening music sequence including songs from the hit soundtrack including “For the First Time in Forever” and “Let it Go.”

Question of the Week

Reader cornonado_g wants to know if it is possible to tour the Walt Disney World theme parks with an “old-fashioned” cell phone.

I'm planning a big vacation for Oct/Nov for 3 weeks. During all my research, I keep seeing the phrase “Disney app” and I know it's for making, breaking, and changing reservations and FP+. Am I going to be able to do all that (make, break, and change) without a smart phone? I have an old-fashioned pre-paid phone with no internet access.

Do you have experience with getting FastPass+ reservations on your arrival day at a Walt Disney World theme park? Share your advice and experiences on our forum.

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Crowd Forecast

Advertisement

“Do more. Wait less.”

This year's 24 hour day at Magic Kingdom is upon us. The rest of the week should see mid-level crowds. Touringplans.com can help you avoid falling into the typical tourist pitfalls, and will help you avoid the dreaded tour groups with our per-park Crowd Calendar, Lines – Mobile Wait Times App that gives access to current and estimated wait times for attractions, and Touring Plans detailing the best plan of attack for hitting the attractions. Now, more than ever, it's a good time to subscribe to TouringPlans.com to plan your strategy to avoid the crowds!

Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.

Date Overall
Tuesday, May 20, 2014 4 / 10
Wednesday, May 21, 2014 4 / 10
Thursday, May 22, 2014 4 / 10
Friday, May 23, 2014 6 / 10



 

Check out the Disney World Park Crowd Levels page on TouringPlans.com for park-specific predictions and recommendations on which days to visit and avoid particular parks!

  • Wednesday is the best day to visit the Magic Kingdom.
  • The resort crowd level on Friday 7 out of 10.
  • Following a Touring Plan is important when crowd levels spike at the park you're visiting!

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Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Stephanie here.
Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.

Resort Events

2014

  • Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – through May 18
  • Epcot After-Hours Wind Down – through September 15. Epcot, World Showcase. (reservations required)
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train opens – May 28 in New Fantasyland at the Magic Kingdom
  • Star Wars Weekends Rebel Rendezvous – May 15, 2014
  • Star Wars Weekends

    • Weekend I: May 16–18, 2014
    • Weekend II: May 23–25, 2014
    • Weekend III: May 30 to June 1, 2014
    • Weekend IV: June 6–8, 2014
    • Weekend V: June 13–15, 2014
  • Harambe Nights – every Saturday night from June 7 through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Final Performance of Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade – May 31. Disney's Animal Kingdom
  • Car Masters Weekend – June 14–15 in Downtown Disney
  • Summer Solstice Signature Dining Experience – 6:30 p.m., June 19, Raglan Road Pub and Restaurant, Downtown Disney
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28; October 2, 3, 5, 9. 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
  • Disney Trade Celebration Imagination Gala September 5–7 at Epcot
  • Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10
  • Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
  • Disney Fit Challenge – September 26–28. Registration opens Tuesday, March 18. More information on the Disney Sports website.
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 31 and November 1. Tickets and packages now on sale.
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8
  • Destination D: Attraction Rewind – November 22-23. Additional details expected to be released this spring. The event was originally announced for July 26-27, but was rescheduled.
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; December 2,4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19

2015

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015.
  • Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015.

runDisney events

If 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.

2014

  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8

2015

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015.
  • Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. Registration opens July 15, 2014.

For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.


Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

  • Walt Disney's Carousel of Progres – closed May 17-22 and September 22-27 for refurbishment
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – closed June 2 through August 4 for refurbishment
  • Astro Orbiter – closed June 2 through September 19 for refurbishment
  • Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–8 for refurbishment

Epcot

  • No known refurbishments at this time.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • No known refurbishments at this time.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Mickey's Jammin' Jungle Parade – final performance will be May 31, 2014.
  • Festival of the Lion King – closed for move to its new theater, currently under construction. Opening date scheduled for sometime in June 2014.
  • It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed July 7 through August 11 for refurbishment

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.

  • Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
  • Polynesian – Refurbishment of the lobby is slated to begin March 14.
  • Polynesian – Captain Cook's closed for refurbishment March 14 through June 14.

Water Parks

  • Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed October 26 through December 20 for refurbishment.

Elsewhere

  • The Resort and Express monorail beam closes between 11:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday – Friday starting on January 21 due to construction work at the Polynesian Hotel. The construction site is near the Monorail beam.
  • Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed to play.
  • Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) closed until further notice for Disney Springs construction.
  • Downtown Disney Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island are temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
  • Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers!


Discounts for Everyone

2014 Free Dining offer for general public

Sue from Small World Vacations reports the general public can book a free dining package for specific dates beginning Wednesday, May 7.

Offer details:

2014 Vacation Dates

  • August 31 – October 3
  • October 26 – November 1
  • November 9 – November 20
  • December 12 – December 23

FREE QUICK SERVICE PLAN

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Value Resorts to receive Disney's Quick Service Dining Plan for free. Visitors can upgrade to a Table Service Dining Plan for less than $20 per night for adults and less than $5 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Value Resorts included:

    • Disney's Pop Century
    • Disney's Art of Animation Suites
    • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

FREE TABLE SERVICE DINING PLAN

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas Resorts to receive Disney's Basic Table Service Dining Plan for free. An upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan is available for less than $50 per night for adults and less than $11 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Moderate and Deluxe Resorts included:

    • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney's Contemporary Resort
    • Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa Resort
    • Disney's Polynesian Resort
    • Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
    • Disney's BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney's Beach Club Villas
    • Disney's BoardWalk Villas
    • Disney's Bay Lake Tower
    • Disney's Old Key West Resort
    • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas.

Offer Restrictions

  • Advance reservations required
  • All guests staying in the same room must add theme park tickets to their Magic Your Way package. Tickets may include park hoppers, water parks & more and/or no expiration options.
  • Walt Disney World Resorts limits the number of free dining rooms.
  • Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas at Disney Vacation Villa Resorts, Disney's Art of Animation Resort Mermaid Rooms, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, and The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Dining plans exclude alcoholic beverages and gratuities
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from children's menu, if available

Save up to 30 percent with Room Only Discount

Visitors can receive up to a 30 percent discount when making a room only reservation at the Walt Disney World Resort on most arrival days from August 16 through October 3. Offer exclusions include all of Bay Lake Tower, the Grand Floridian & Spa Villas, and the Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms.


Memory Maker pre-arrival discount

Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $149 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is a $50 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.

Special offer only available from this link, and must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund.


Discounts for Annual Passholders

Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014.

Offer Details:

  • Save from 30 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 35 percent (for 6+ nights) at select Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard view), Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort
  • Save from to 20 percent (for 1&ndah;5 nights) to 25 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort Villas, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Kidani Village and Jambo House, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge (courtyard/club rooms) & Villas
  • Save up from 15 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 20 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music and Disney's Pop Century Resort
  • Save from 10 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 15 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's Art of Animation Family Suites

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount.

Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders

2014 Free Dining Offer for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders

Sue from Small World Vacations reports the Disney Rewards VISA and Debit Card Holders can now get a free dining discount when booking a qualifying Walt Disney World vacation package.

Offer details:

2014 Vacation Dates

  • August 31 – October 3
  • October 26 – November 1
  • November 9 – November 20
  • December 12 – December 23

FREE QUICK SERVICE PLAN

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Value Resorts to receive Disney's Quick Service Dining Plan for free. Visitors can upgrade to a Table Service Dining Plan for less than $20 per night for adults and less than $5 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Value Resorts included:

    • Disney's Pop Century
    • Disney's Art of Animation Suites
    • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

FREE TABLE SERVICE DINING PLAN

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas Resorts to receive Disney's Basic Table Service Dining Plan for free. An upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan is available for less than $50 per night for adults and less than $11 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Moderate and Deluxe Resorts included:

    • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney's Contemporary Resort
    • Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa Resort
    • Disney's Polynesian Resort
    • Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
    • Disney's BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney's Beach Club Villas
    • Disney's BoardWalk Villas
    • Disney's Bay Lake Tower
    • Disney's Old Key West Resort
    • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas.

Offer Restrictions

  • Advance reservations required
  • All guests staying in the same room must add theme park tickets to their Magic Your Way package. Tickets may include park hoppers, water parks & more and/or no expiration options.
  • Walt Disney World Resorts limits the number of free dining rooms.
  • Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas at Disney Vacation Villa Resorts, Disney's Art of Animation Resort Mermaid Rooms, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, and The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Dining plans exclude alcoholic beverages and gratuities
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from children's menu, if available

Room and ticket discount for travel dates from February 24 through June 15

No discounts available March 6–14 and April 13–19. Buy a minimum four day ticket and get a day free.

Room discounts include:

  • 5 percent off All Star Movies, Port Orleans French Quarter, Bay Lake Tower, suites at Coronado Springs
  • 15 percent off Art of Animation family suites
  • 20 percent off select rooms at Wilderness Lodge & Villas, Contemporary, Grand Floridian and Animal Kingdom Lodge & Villas, Beach Club Villas
  • 25 percent off Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs, Port Orleans Riverside, Cabins at Ft Wilderness
  • 30 percent off Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Boardwalk Villas, Wilderness Lodge, Beach Club, Yacht Club, Polynesian Resort, Animal Kingdom Lodge

20 percent off select guided tours

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent 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:

  • Magic Kingdom Park

    • Disney's Family Magic Tour
    • Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour
    • Disney's The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
    • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
  • Epcot

    • Gardens of the World (offered seasonally)
    • The UnDISCOVERed Future World
    • Disney's Dolphins in Depth
    • Epcot DiveQuest
    • Epcot Seas Aqua Tours
    • Epcot Behind the Seeds (15 percent discount)
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

    • Wild by Design
    • Backstage Safari
  • Multiple Theme Parks and Backstage Areas

    • Backstage Magic
    • Disney's Holiday D-Lights (offered seasonally)
    • Disney's Yuletide Fantasy (offered seasonally)

10 percent off select restaurants

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent 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.

  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – Sanaa (Lunch)
  • Disney's Contemporary Resort – The Wave (Breakfast and Lunch)
  • Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – Trail's End Restaurant (Breakfast and Lunch)
  • Disney's Old Key West Resort – Olivia's Café (Breakfast and Lunch)
  • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa – Turf Club (Lunch)
  • Disney's Wilderness Lodge – Whispering Canyon Café (Lunch)
  • Disney's Yacht Club Resort – Captain's Grill (Breakfast and Lunch)

10 percent off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent 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 to 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5 x 7 character photo per day.


Discounts for Florida Residents

Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014.

Offer Details:

  • Save from 30 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 35 percent (for 6+ nights) at select Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard view), Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort
  • Save from to 20 percent (for 1&ndah;5 nights) to 25 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort Villas, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Kidani Village and Jambo House, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge (courtyard/club rooms) & Villas
  • Save up from 15 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 20 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music and Disney's Pop Century Resort
  • Save from 10 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 15 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's Art of Animation Family Suites

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount.

Discounts for U.K. Residents

2014 Free Dining offer for U.K. residents

2014 Free Dining offers for U.K. 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 U.K. residents only.



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  • Marie Rossiter
    Marie Rossiter

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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