Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for January 9 – 15, 2012

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News and Views

Test Track to get a makeover; GM renews sponsorship | Disney Fantasy leaves drydock for the first time | Dumbo on the move | Florida resident ticket discount announced | Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom begins guest testing | Bastos beaten again by countryman | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update

Test Track to get a makeover; GM renews sponsorship

As noted last week, Walt Disney World has signed a new agreement with General Motors that extends their founding sponsorship of the Test Track (originally World of Motion) pavilion at Epcot. As part of the agreement, GM's Chevrolet brand is appearing as the sponsor name instead of all brands under the GM umbrella. The attraction also undergoes a “re-imagining,” adding a Chevrolet Design Center before the ride portion of the attraction.

At the Design Center, guests can create their own concept car design. They then move to the ride portion, where they test their design in a “SimCar” vehicle. The post-show area then lets them see how well their design fared in the tests. The pre-show Design Center is to feature a collection of Chevy concept cars, with current production models in the showroom.

The sponsorship has been in doubt for some time. While the site has been a positive promotional outlet for GM, there was uncertainty as to whether they would be able to justify the cost of renewal in light of the automaker's bankruptcy filing. After a year of solid growth, however, it appears that there is again money to cover the substantial cost of sponsoring the pavilion. There is no current word on the financial terms of this agreement, but it has been reported that the last 10-year extension cost GM $100 million. The contract had been extended in short-term intervals while GM regained its financial footing.

The attraction closes in April and is expected to re-open this fall.

Disney Fantasy leaves drydock for the first time

The Disney Fantasy cruise ship hit the water for the first time yesterday, as the newest ship in Disney Cruise Line's fleet left its construction drydock at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Paperburg, Germany. The ship was floated out at around noon local time (7 a.m. ET), and immediately towed to an adjacent dock for further work. Installation of the ship's bridge and communications mast took place shortly after docking.

The Disney Fantasy prepares to leave its assembly drydock at Meyer Werft in Papenburg, Germany. Photo © Meyer Werft.

Final preparations are made to back the Disney Fantasy out of drydock. Webcam capture © Meyer Werft.

The ship's bridge and mast are lowered into place shortly after the Disney Fantasy was moved to an outside construction dock. Webcam capture © Meyer Werft.

The Disney Fantasy's lights shine brightly at dusk at Meyer Werft's construction dock. Webcam capture © Meyer Werft.

The ship had originally been scheduled for a Saturday float-out, but weather delayed those plans. Following some tests in the Papenburg harbor, the ship will be conveyed along the river Ems to Bremerhaven in a couple of weeks, at which point it is prepared for sea trials. Official delivery of the Fantasy to Disney is expected on February 9. The ship is crossing the Atlantic Ocean and apparently heads to the Port of New York, where it will dock at Manhattan's Pier 88 from February 28 through March 2, according to documents uncovered by StitchKingdom.com.

Seats in the Disney Fantasy's Buena Vista Theatre are still in their plastic wrap as the ship prepares to leave drydock. Photo © Disney.

Finishing work is under way at the Disney Fantasy's Walt Disney Theatre. Photo © Disney.

Workers finish hanging lighting fixtures in the Enchanted Garden restaurant aboard the Disney Fantasy. Photo © Disney.

Assembly continues in the Monsters, Inc. play area of the Oceaneers Club aboard the Disney Fantasy. Photo © Disney.

The ship is scheduled to depart on its official maiden voyage on March 31 from Port Canaveral, but its christening voyage has yet to be announced. Much speculation is that it will either be for the ship's conveyance from New York to Port Canaveral or its first sailing from Port Canaveral. The christening voyage of the Fantasy's sister ship, the Disney Dream, took place on a two-day sailing from Port Canaveral one week prior to the maiden voyage, so there's plenty of time between March 2 and March 31 for the Fantasy's christening to take place.

Work continues on the children's pool (middle) and family pool (bottom) before the Disney Fantasy leaves drydock. Note that the clear Aqua Duck water coaster tube is still protected by opaque plastic. Photo © Disney.

Work on the Satellite Falls water feature continues as the Disney Fantasy prepares to leave drydock. Photo © Disney.

Once the Fantasy arrives at Port Canaveral, it begins sailing 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean voyages. The Disney Magic, which has been sailing those itineraries,continues to sail out of Port Canaveral for a short while before heading to New York for a summer of sailings to the Canadian Maritimes, the Bahamas, and 2-night “cruises to nowhere.” The Dream continues its 3- and 4-night Bahamian itineraries, and the Disney Wonder remains on the West Coast, sailing mostly Alaskan and Mexican Riviera cruises, plus two Hawaiian voyages and some Pacific Coast cruises.

Some footage of the float-out is available from the NDR (Northern Germany Radio) website, with commentary and interviews in German.

Dumbo on the move

Yesterday was the last day to ride Dumbo the Flying Elephant behind Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom. The attraction is closed today and will be removed for refurbishment.

A second Dumbo spinner has already been installed in the Storybook Circus area of New Fantasyland (what was previously Mickey's Toontown Fair), and has been undergoing early testing. The new spinner, which is the first Dumbo attraction to spin clockwise, is currently scheduled to open on February 18. The Great Goofini (the rethemed former Barnstormer at Goofy's Wise Acre Farm) is expected to open in roughly the same time frame.

When the original Dumbo ride has completed its refurbishment, it will be installed adjacent to the new spinner to create a “double Dumbo” attraction with a single interactive queue in between the two rides. The rides will have Dumbo flying over a water base, similar to the attraction at Disneyland Park.

At this time, there is no word of soft openings, which would depend on how early the new attraction will be ready. Much of the remainder of New Fantasyland is expected to open over the next year.

Florida resident ticket discount announced

Florida residents can take advantage of a special 3- or 4- day ticket at discounted prices through late May. The “Wild for 3” (and “Wild for 4”) tickets are available for purchase through May 21, and are valid for admission any three (or four) days through May 24, excluding blackout dates. The tickets are not valid February 18-20 and April 1-13 due to high crowd levels.

The Wild for 3 Pass ($99 plus tax) and Wild for 4 ($129 plus tax) passes are good at any one of the four Walt Disney World theme parks each day, but without park hopping privileges. Park Hopper and Water Park Fun & More options can be added for $27.50 each ($55 for both).

Proof of Florida residency is required for each adult age 18 and older. The discounted price applies to both adults and children.

Automotive designer Chip Foose joins Imagineers Ryan Parrish and Bill Hanus on prepping the Ramone icon for the Cars-themed section of Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom begins guest testing

Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom was open for guest testing yesterday. There is expected to be additional testing this week, but it will likely not be every day (there will be no testing today). The game materials are distributed at the Main Street Fire Station, and the game has been tested in Adventureland, Frontierland/Liberty Square, and Fantasyland.

Reportedly, each land has its own selection of villains that you may face. Adventureland games feature either Yzma (from The Emperor's New Groove), Scar (from The Lion King), or Jafar (from Aladdin). Players in Liberty Square and Frontierland will face Dr. Facilier (from The Princess and the Frog) or Governor Ratcliffe (from Pocahontas). Fantasyland players square off with Maleficent (from Sleeping Beauty), Hades (from Hercules), or Ursula (from The Little Mermaid). There may be more villains available, especially when Tomorrowland and Main Street, U.S.A. are added.

After testing, guests are being asked to return to the Fire Station to provide feedback to the game creators to help in the testing. The game is reportedly being targeted for a February launch, and there are apparently many functions of the game that are not being tested yet. If you get a chance to test the game, let us know what you think!

Thanks to @DisneyProjects and @InsidetheMagic for tweeting their gameplay yesterday.

Bastos beaten again by countryman

A new Brazilian dynasty may be ending the previous Brazilian reign at the Walt Disney World Marathon. Seven-time winner Adriano Bastos, of Sao Paulo, who placed 15th last year while suffering from a stomach ailment, lost a start-to-finish battle with countryman Fredison Costa, of Votorantim, who won his second consecutive Disney race, held yesterday.

Costa beat his time from last year by two minutes and 14 seconds, finishing the 26.2-mile course in 2:19:01. Bastos, who had won six consecutive Walt Disney World Marathons until last year, finished 14 seconds behind Costa. The two men ran together for nearly the entire race, with Costa pulling ahead with just two miles left and holding off Bastos to the finish. Matt Hensley of Port St. Lucie, Florida (2:23:12), and Ben Payne of Fort Walton Beach, Florida (2:25:30) finished next behind the leaders.

Fredison Costa leaps through the tape at the finish line as he wins his second consecutive Walt Disney World Marathon yesterday. Photo © Disney.

The winner of the women's division was Renee High of Virginia Beach, Virginia. High, who finished in 2:48:33, beat Emily Kroshus of Boston (2:53:11), and Christa Stephens of St. Petersburg, Florida (2:55:10), to the finish line.

In the end of another dynasty, for the first time since 2007, the men's Half Marathon was not won by a member of the Hansen-Brooks distance running team from Rochester Hills, Michigan (and the first time since 2006 that the team won neither the men's nor women's division). In fact, the Hansen-Brooks team didn't figure in the top 5 on the men's side. Jose de Morais of Sao Paulo, Brazil, made it a men's sweep for the South American country by winning the Half in 1:10:12 on Saturday, edging out Mauricio Mendez of Mexico City, Mexico (1:11:03), and Johnathan LeJeune of Katy, Texas (1:11:39). The women's Half Marathon was won by Rosa Chacha of Quito, Ecuador, in 1:16:43, beating out Hansen-Brooks runner Jenny Scherer or Rochester Hills, Michigan (1:20:09), and Julie Northrup of Vero Beach, Florida (1:21:45).

The winning team in the first-ever Marathon Relay was Rick Cahoon and Brian Tomanek, who each ran 13.1 miles in this two-leg race for a combined time of 2:42:19 as team “Miyagi & Danielson.” They finished about eight minutes ahead of “Operation Acorn Time” (Vaughn Rightley and Timothy Fears), “Sasquatch Cougars” (Jeff Mohler and Aaron McRill), and “Team Ironman Time” (George and Patrick Bene), who all finished within 32 seconds of each other.

Fireworks light the pre-dawn sky to start the 2012 Walt Disney World Marathon. Photo © Disney.

Runners from all 50 states and 61 countries ran in the weekend's Marathon, Half Marathon, Marathon Relay, 5K, and Kids races. Over 6,500 tried the Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge, with 5,854 of them finishing both the Half Marathon on Saturday and the full Marathon on Sunday. Congratulations to everyone who ran over the weekend (including some very tired and sore MousePlanet staffers)!

Registration for the 2013 Disney Marathon Weekend (including the 20th anniversary Marathon) opens later this spring. More information will be available in the coming weeks.

Construction update

Here is the listing of interesting items from paperwork filed with Orange County in the last week:

• Magic Kingdom Carousel of Progress – electrical.
• Magic Kingdom Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe – plumbing.
• Magic Kingdom Jungle Cruise – construction.
• Downtown Disney West Side Cirque du Soleil – electrical modifications.
• Disney's Contemporary Resort first floor elevator pit – electrical.
• Disney's Contemporary Resort fifteenth floor mechanical room – mechanical.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Jambo House – metalwork.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – construction.
• Disney's Old Key West Resort buildings 15, 16, 17, 19, 34, 54, and 55 – repair & paint.
• Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort Riverside Mill Food Court – menu board installation.
• Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort Old Port Royale food court – menu board installation.
• Disney's All-Star Music Resort Intermission Food Court – menu board installation.
• Disney's All-Star Sports Resort End Zone Food Court – menu board installation.

Quick takes …

…We're hearing reports that the paintbrushes have disappeared from Tom Sawyer Island. No word on whether it is a permanent or temporary cessation in whitewashing that fence.

…Djuan Rivers, vice president and general manager of Disney's Aulani resort in Hawaii, is apparently moving from the Pacific to the other side of the planet. According to the Pacific Business News, Rivers, who was with the resort since the beginning, is heading to Europe to become vice president of hotels and business solutions at Disneyland Paris Resort. Replacing Rivers is Elliott Mills, Aulani's managing director, who worked as a general manager at other Hawaiian resorts.

…Registration for the May 5 the Expedition Everest Challenge is now open.

…Registration for the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler opens February 14.

…Registration is open for events for the 2012 Disney Princess Half Marathon (scheduled for the weekend of February 24 to 26). The Princess Half Marathon is 82 percent full, the Royal Famly 5K is 56 percent full, and the Royal Family Kids' Races are 73 percent full. The Pasta in the Park Party is sold out.

Crowd update

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Coming up

• January 13–15: UCA/UDA College Cheerleading and Dance Team National Championship.
• February 4–5: UDA National Dance Team Championship.
• February 11–12: National High School Cheerleading Championship.
• February 16–20: Twirl Mania 2012.
• February 24–26: Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend.
• March 7 to May 20: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
• March 10–11: UCA/UDA International All Star Championship (Cheer/Dance).
• April 27–29: Cheerleading and Dance Worlds.
• May 5: Expedition Everest Challenge.
• May 18 to June 10: Fridays through Sundays: Star Wars Weekends.
• September 28–29: Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend.
• September 28 to November 11: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
• November 9–10: Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Mickey's Toontown Fair – closed permanently to make way for Fantasyland expansion.
• Main Street Fire House – closed; reopens as headquarters for the new Sorcerers of the Magic Kingdom interactive game early this year.
• Plaza Ice Cream Parlor – closed for refurbishment through March 27.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed for refurbishment through May 27.
• Dumbo the Flying Elephant – closed for refurbishment and moving to Storybook Circus through February 17.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment January 28 to February 3.
• Main Street Electrical Parade – is not performed January 20 to February 10.
• Magic Carpets of Aladdin – closed for refurbishment February 26 to March 10.

Epcot

• House of Innoventions – closed through May for conversion to “green home.”
• Tutto Italia – closed through April 30.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Fantasmic – is not performed through February 12.
• Studio Backlot Tour – closed for refurbishment February 13 to March 10.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closed for refurbishment February 13 to March 10.

Animal Kingdom

• Kali River Rapids – closed for refurbishment January 23 to February 9.

Resorts

• Grand Floridian Spa – closed through mid-2013 for refurbishment.
• Grand Floridian Spa – Basin White shop windows replaced from January 23–27.
• Contemporary Resort – main tower corridor lighting enhanced through January 13.
• Contemporary Resort – Fantasia level of the Convention Center repainted and carpet replaced through January 4.
• Contemporary Resort – main tower balcony wall panel refinished from January 16 to March 30.
• Polynesian Resort – portions of the beach worked on one at a time for sand renourishment January 4–16.
• Polynesian Resort – rockwork clear coat applied at Nanea Volcano Pool from January 9 to February 21.
• Polynesian Resort – Great Ceremonial House atrium ceiling steel refinished and skylight fabric replaced February 27 to March 23.
• Wilderness Lodge – Teton Boat and Bike Rental marina dock deck boards replaced January 30 to February 17.
• Wilderness Lodge – metal roof seams recoated from January 30 to June 29.
• Wilderness Lodge – exterior decorative timbers repaired and replaced from February 13 to March 12.
• Animal Kingdom Lodge – Jambo House Bus Stop lane repaved from February 22 to March 21.
• Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village Pool Slide at the Samawati Springs Pool closed from January 9 to February 3. The pool remains open. Guests may use the pool slide at Jambo House.
• Yacht Club Resort – building exterior repaired and refinished through August 3.
• Yacht Club Convention Center – lobby refurbished through March 2.
• Yacht Club Resort – stamped concrete walkways restained January 9–31.
• Yacht Club Resort – rooftop HVAC hot water piping replaced January 9 to September 28.
• Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – painting of rockwork at Stormalong Bay Pool touched up January 9 to February 21.
• Beach Club Villas – guest room door locks replaced January 3-11. Letters will be placed in the rooms advising guests the door locks on replacement. Guests need not get new keys, as their existing Key to the World cards will work with the new lock.
• Beach Club Resort – guest room door locks replaced January 12 to February 1. Letters will be placed in the rooms advising guests the door locks will be replaced. Guests need not get new keys, as their existing Key to the World cards will work with the new lock.
• Yacht Club Resort – guest room door locks replaced February 2-22. Letters will be placed in the rooms advising guests the door locks will be replaced. Guests need not get new keys, as their existing Key to the World cards will work with the new lock.
• BoardWalk Resort – exterior staircase slate replaced (from the Lobby level back porch area to the BoardWalk shopping/dining level) through January 27.
• BoardWalk Resort – roadway rejuvenation from the main entrance road to the bus stop area and through the Conference Center exit area from February 22 to March 21.
• Old Key West Resort – lobby and Olivia's buildings undergo metal roof repairs February 23 to May 16.
• Old Key West Resort – bus and picnic shelters undergo wood truss repair and repainting Februay 9 to March 30.
• Saratoga Springs Resort – villa buildings undergo exterior cleaning and painting one at a time between the hours of 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday through August 30.
• Saratoga Springs Resort – the Performance Center building undergoes shingle roof replacement through January 27.
• Saratoga Springs Resort – rockwork painting at High Rock Springs Pool from February 9 to April 24.
• Saratoga Springs Resort – the Carriage House lobby repainted from February 21 to April 16.
• Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – the main commercial building has its flat roof replaced through March 30.
• Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – the entry fence replaced January 9 to February 6.
• Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – stamped concrete near the commercial building replaced January 9 to February 2.
• Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – buildings 6 & 7 parking lots undergoes roadway rejuvenation from January 13 to March 13.
• Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – building 3 parking lot undergoes rejuvenation February 27 to April 27.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – Alligator Bayou buildings receives exterior repainting two at a time through March 30.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – Alligator Bayou buildings 14 & 15 parking lots undergo resurfacing January 3-9.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – Magnolia Bend building 90 undergoes building and room refurbishment from January 15 to February 17, for conversion to Royal Princess Rooms.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – Magnolia Bend building 80 undergoes exterior repair and repainting from February 16 to April 19.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – Magnolia Bend building 95 undergoes building and room refurbishment from February 19 to March 23.
• Coronado Springs Resort – Casitas 1 plaza fountain wall and coping repairs takes place January 10 to February 7.
• Coronado Springs Resort – Ranchos buildings experiences tile roof repair and replacement from January 9 to July 27.
• Fort Wilderness Cabins – concrete pad repairs takes place January 17 to February 13.
• Fort Wilderness Campsites – concrete pad repairs takes place January 17 to March 12.
• Fort Wilderness Campsites – repaving takes place on Loop 2100 from January 24 to February 21.
• Pop Century Resort – 80s lodge building will have themed walls refinished near the Roger Rabbit icon from January 2 to February 17.
• Pop Century Resort – 60s lodge building will have themed walls refinished near the Mowgli & Baloo icons from February 20 to March 30.
• Pop Century Resort – repairs of concrete deck at Hippy Dippy Pool through September 28. The pool remains open during the work, but some small sections of the pool deck will be closed periodically throughout this period.
• All-Star Music Resort – sections of the roadway near Melody Hall closed for rejuvenation at the porte cochere, the check-in parking lot and through the bus stop area from January 12 to February 10.
• All-Star Movies Resort – Beverage coolers installed in guest rooms from January 23 to March 16. The installation takes place one floor at a time between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Guests notified via an in-room flier the day before the work is scheduled to take place.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – closed through March 17 for annual refurbishment.

Elsewhere

• Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. For 2012, the show is not be performed:
  • January 17–21
  • March 20
  • May 15–26
  • July 24
  • September 18–22
  • November 27

Current Discounts & Promotions

Stay-three-get-one-free offer for two weeks in February/March

In connection with the “One More Disney Day” promotion for leap day, Disney has released a “One More Disney Day and Night – Free” discount for stays from February 26 through March 10. If you book a non-discounted Magic Your Way package of at least three nights with an arrival date most nights February 26 through March 10, you receive an additional night for free. the offer can only be applied once per package or reservation, and excludes suites.

You must book this discount by January 31. The rooms available at these rates are limited, and no other group rates or discounts apply.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-1920 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code J6R. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Passholder discounts available through March

Disney has released a Passholder discount for most nights from through March 8. Discounts are 35 percent for select Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa accommodations, and 30 percent for Value resorts from Sunday through Thursday nights.

As with most Passholder discounts, you can book this discount up through your arrival date, if discounted rooms are not yet sold out by then. The rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. No group rates or other discounts apply. Suites and 3-bedroom Grand Villas are not included.

You can make your reservation through the Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7731 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code H5L. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Room-only discounts for February through June

Disney has released a room-only discount for all nights from February 21 through June 14, with the exception of the Easter peak from April 1 to 12. Discounts vary based on date. However, many resorts are excluded from the discount, including All-Star Movies Resort, Port Orleans French Quarter Resort, Contemporary Resort, Beach Club Villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas, and premium views at Animal Kingdom Lodge.

For stays on the nights of March 9 to 31 and May 25 to 27, guests receive discount rates of:

• 15 percent at Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, standard view rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Pop Century Resort, All-Star Music Resort, and All-Star Sports Resort
• 20 percent at Animal Kingdom Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resort
• 25 percent at Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Boardwalk Inn, and Wilderness Lodge
• 30 percent at Saratoga Springs Resort and Old Key West Resort.

For all other nights during the discount period, the discounts are:

• 20 percent at Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, standard view rooms at Animal Kingdom Lodge, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Port Orleans Riverside Resort, Pop Century Resort, All-Star Music Resort, and All-Star Sports Resort
• 25 percent at Animal Kingdom Villas, Boardwalk Villas, Caribbean Beach Resort and Coronado Springs Resort
• 30 percent at Saratoga Springs Resort, Old Key West Resort, Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Boardwalk Inn, and Wilderness Lodge.

You must book this discount by January 22 for arrival dates through March 31 and February 28 for dates through June 14. The rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-1917 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code N6P. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Military ticket offer

From now through September 28, 2012, 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 $138 per ticket, plus tax, or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $165 per ticket, plus tax. No Base ticket is available with this offer.

The tickets expire and may not be used after September 30, 2012. Blackout dates are April 1 to 12, 2012; and July 4, 2012.

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. No more than twelve Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased, activated and/or used by any Eligible Service Member or spouse during the life of this promotion, and no Eligible Service Member or spouse may purchase, activate and/or use more than six Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets during any single week of the promotion. One of the Disney 4-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.

The tickets may be upgraded 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.

For complete information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets, military personnel may call 407-939-7830, visit the Walt Disney World website, or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.

Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments. Email Mark here.