Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for April 9 – 15, 2012

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News and Views

Discounted rooms and packages released for summer | Star Wars Weekends hosts and guests announced | A Personal Appeal, Year Seven, now with missing links: Last Days of Mark's March of Dimes Challenge! | Tables in Wonderland exclusive special events set for April, May | Tutto Gusto to join Tutto Italia at Epcot's Italy pavilion | Marathon weekend pricing announced | Correction: Halloween Party dates | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd update

Discounted rooms and packages released for summer

Two new discounts have been released for this summer, one for room and ticket packages and one for room-only reservations. Both discounts are available for stays most nights from June 15 through August 14, but require that you book by June 14.

Discounts on package stays are available for a minimum stay of three nights and a minimum Magic Your Way base ticket of two days. These rates are available for June 15 through August 4 at Value and Moderate Resorts and July 15 and August 14 at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Resorts. This discount does not include Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

Room-only discounts are available for June 15 through August 4 (Value Resorts) or August 14 (Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas Resorts). Discounts are 15 percent at Value Resorts, 20 percent at Moderate Resorts, and 25 percent at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Resorts. This discount does not include suites and 3 bedroom Grand Villas.

No other discounts or group rates apply. The number of discounted rooms at these rates are limited, and additional minimum stay lengths may apply for weekend arrivals.

Both packages use discount code C8Q.

Thanks to Sue Pisaturo of Small World Vacations for details on this offer.

Contact your travel agent, or contact Disney directly at:

• Walt Disney World web page for discounted packages or call (407) 939-4990
• Walt Disney World web page for room-only discounts or call (407) 939-1920

MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

A section of the Castle Courtyard wall sits very close to Belle's cottage and the rockwork for Beast's castle. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The Castle Courtyard wall will be quite tall when completed. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Track supports for the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster rise above the construction wall. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Work is continuing rapidly on the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train roller coaster. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Work is under way in the location of the former Dumbo attraction. It is unknown at this time what this location will hold following completion of the Fantasyland Forest upgrade. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Star Wars Weekends hosts and guests announced

Disney has announced the celebrity hosts and guests for this year's Star Wars Weekends at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Ashley Eckstein and James Arnold Taylor return in their hosting roles from last year. Taylor (voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi in the Star Wars: The Clone Wars animated series) will host the main events for the weekends themselves, while Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano in Clone Wars) will host the “Behind the Force” series of sessions showing what goes on behind the scenes in the creation of Clone Wars.

A voice actor from Clone Wars will appear each week, in addition to actors from the six live-action movies. With the theatrical re-release of a 3-D version of Episode I: The Phantom Menace earlier this year and its expected Blu-ray 3-D release later this year, it's no surprise that the film is the driving “Force” at this year's event, with Episode I providing all but two actors from the live-action series. Ray Park (Darth Maul in Episode I) will appear at both the first and second weeks of the event. The final week will feature actors who portray bounty hunters, including both actors who portray Boba Fett from the first and second trilogy.

Here's the full line-up:

Weekend I (May 18-20)

• Ray Park
• Jerome Blake (Rune Haako/Mas Amedda in Episode I)
• Dee Bradley Baker (voice of Clone Captain Rex and Clone Commander Cody in Clone Wars)

Weekend II (May 25-27)

• Ray Park
• Andy Secombe (Watto in Episode I)
• Tom Kane (voice of Yoda in Clone Wars)

Weekend III (June 1-3)

• Jake Lloyd (Anakin Skywalker in Episode I)
• Silas Carson (Nute Gunray/Ki-Adi-Mundi in Episode I)
• voice talent from Clone Wars to be determined

Weekend IV (June 8-10)

• Michonne Bourriague (Aurra Sing in Episode I)
• Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett in Episodes V and VI)
• Daniel Logan (Boba Fett in Episode II)
• Nika Futterman (voice of Asajj Ventress in Clone Wars)

Of course, popular events such as the Hyperspace Hoopla, “Legends of the Force” parade, talk shows, etc. will be returning as well. The Hyperspace Hoopla will once again be held at the Sorcerer's Hat stage, which allows guests to much more easily enjoy the show than when it was held at the Jedi Training Academy stage. Celebrity autograph sessions will once again be controlled via Fastpass.

We'll have more information about the event as it is released.

Beast's castle rises majestically above the trees and rockwork. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Prince Eric's castle is looking good. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The rockwork of Fantasyland Forest merges from Beast's castle to Prince Eric's castle, to the transition from Fantasyland Forest to Storybook Circus. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A construction worker serves as a ground traffic controller as work continues on the rockwork at the exit to the Voyage of the Little Mermaid attraction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

A tented roof is put into place above the completed base structure. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

A Personal Appeal, Year Seven, now with missing link: Last Days of Mark's March of Dimes Challenge!

There is nothing more heartbreaking than a baby who is born too soon having medical complications that leave them with medical difficulties for life, or worse, that never let them leave the hospital alive. On April 29, I will spend my birthday walking to raise money for the March of Dimes. The March of Dimes mission is to improve the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality.

MousePlanet readers and MouseStation listeners have helped me to raise over $20,000 for the worthy charity over the last six years. This year, my goal is to raise another $5,000. This month, I am issuing a special challenge: I will match, dollar-for-dollar, every donation that comes in by April 10 from any MouseStation listener or MousePlanet reader. If it's in by April 10, I'll match it.

You can also walk with me, either in person or virtually, by joining Team MousePlanet and getting your friends and family to contribute! You can go to my fundraising page to sponsor me, or the Team MousePlanet page to join in and walk yourself! Help us to provide a better chance to prevent prematurity and to help those babies that are born prematurely!

Scrims covering the bridge linking Main Street to Central Plaza have been removed, revealing a highly stylized railing replacing the previous railing, which was slightly lower in height with greater gaps between rails. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

East Center Street in the Magic Kingdom has returned from refurbishment. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Tables in Wonderland exclusive special events set for April, May

Tables in Wonderland, the discount dining program available to Annual Passholders and Florida residents, is hosting two exclusive special events in April and May and providing a discount on tickets to Cirque du Soleil:

Thursday, April 19, sees a return of Discovery Dinner at The Wave … of American Flavors at the Contemporary Resort, with a 6:30 p.m. reception and 7:00 p.m. dinner. The $110 price includes tax and gratuity. Appetizers are be paired with wine during the reception, and dinner features an appetizer, salad, entree and dessert, and each course will be paired with wine. This month's dinner again showcases Uncle Matt's Organic Citrus. Wines are from Boisset Family Wine Estates, including Deloach Vineyards, Raymond Vineyards, Buena Vista Winery, Lyeth Estates, Jean-Claude Boisset, Beni di Batasiolo, Charles De Fere, Neige and many others. The event is limited to 46 attendees.

Dishes during the reception include Cold Smoked Pork Tenderloin Flatbread with Sun-Dried Blueberries and Rock Shrimp Fritters, paired with DeLoach Vineyards “Barrel to Barrel” Russian River Valley Pinot Noir. Dinner starts with appetizers of Grilled Atlantic Shrimp with Vietnamese Peach Relish; Melon and Peach Salad with Prosciutto and Mozzarella; and Pancetta wrapped Peaches with Micro Basil and Aged Balsamic, paired with DeLoach Vineyards Russian River Valley Chardonnay.

The Thyme and Rosemary Roasted Pin-Tail Pheasant with Blue Cornbread Stuffing entree with Peach and Blueberry Preserves and King Farm Vegetables of the Moment is paired with DeLoach Vineyards Masut Vineyard Pinot Noir. Charles de Fère Rosé is paired with a salad course of Grilled Peach, Tomato and Radicchio Salad with Basil Oil. A cheese course of Darby Port, Lamb Chopper Goat Cheese, White Diamond Cheddar, Gewurztraminer Blueberries is paired with Raymond Vineyards “Barrel to Barrel” Cabernet Sauvignon. A dessert sampler of Peach Gallette, Frozen Yogurt with Warm Blueberry Compote, Fresh Peaches, and Blueberry Leather, is paired with Neige Apple Ice Wine.

Dress is casual evening attire.

On Saturday, May 12, a Flower Power Happy Hour event takes place from 6:00-8:30 p.m. For $40 per person, plus tax but including gratuity, guests will enjoy a tasty happy hour at Epcot's Norway pavilion from 6:00-7:00, then relocate to the America Gardens Theater for reserved seating for the Herman's Hermits Flower Power concert.

The Happy Hour menu includes: Reclaimed Wooden Wine Barrel Covers of Artisan Cheeses with Berries, Chutney, and Breads; Spicy Vegetable Samosa with Greek Yogurt Cucumber Dip; and Red Wine Demi Braised Mixed Grill Meatballs with Crispy Onions. Beer, wine, and specialty drinks will also be available. Attendance is limited to 60 people.

To request a reservation to either event, send an e-mail to Tables in Wonderland (link) with your interest, name, daytime phone number, home address, and the number of people in your party. Reservations are first-come, first-served. You will need to provide your credit card number over the phone at the time of confirmation.

In addition, Tables in Wonderland members can get discounted Category 2 tickets to La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil for performances Tuesday through Saturday, April 17 through May 11. Prices for members and up to 3 guests are $66.75 plus tax for adults and $54.00 plus tax for children. Call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328) to purchase tickets.

Tutto Gusto to join Tutto Italia at Epcot's Italy pavilion

When Tutto Italia returns from its nearly four-month closure late this month, the location at Epcot's Italy pavilion will have undergone a split of a sort. The restaurant's entrance will have moved toward the front of the pavilion, while the former entrance lobby and additional space extending back toward Via Napoli will be taken by a new wine bar called Tutto Gusto (“everyone's taste”).

Tutto Gusto will take over the former entrance lobby of Tutto Italia. Image © Disney.

The new 96-seat eatery officially opens in early May, and will feature a small-plate menu, more than 200 Italian wines, and Italian beers. The table-service location opens from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and will participate in the Disney Dining Plan. The menu includes more than two dozen dishes categorized into Affettati (cured, sliced meats); Formaggi (Italian cheeses); Panini (sandwiches); Piccoli Piatti (small plates); Cavatappi (spiral tube-shaped pasta), and Dolci (sweets).

Marathon weekend pricing announced

We've now got pricing for all of the races during the Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend for January 2013. Registration for these races opens this Tuesday, April 10, at noon Eastern Time. Prices go up based upon registration date for the Walt Disney World Marathon, Walt Disney World Half Marathon, and Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge. Here's a rundown:

The Familiy Fun Run 5K costs $55 per participant, or $60 per stroller walk division participant. The runDisney Kids Races are $10 per child, and the Mickey Mile is $25 per child.

The minimum age for the Half Marathon is 14, and the minimum age for the full Marathon and the Goofy is 18. The Mickey Mile is limited to children age 13 and under, and other runDisney Kids races are determined by age group. All ages can compete in the Family Fun Run 5K.

Anyone running the Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K must maintain a 16-minute-per-mile pace during the entire race, or they may be picked up at any point along the course and transported to the finish.

ChEAR Squad registration is also now available. The package is available in four levels: Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. The Bronze package is free, and just gets you an e- newsletter detailing all of the weekend's events. The Silver package gets you the e-newsletter plus a waterproof stadium blankets, exclusive Mickey clappers, and a ChEAR Squad T-shirt. Gold package purchasers get all of the above plus a reserved ChEAR Zone viewing location along the course (first-come, first-served), hot and cold beverages, and private restrooms. The Platinum package gets everything in the Gold package as well as entry into the Race Retreat, which includes Disney character greetings, brunch plus hot and cold beverages, a temperature-controlled tent with indoor lounges and family-style dining seating, Internet access to check live results, private restrooms, an information station, and a live video feed from the finish line.

The reserved seating and viewing areas may vary and are subject to change. You must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to your event to ensure reserved seating/viewing. Actual locastion within the areas is first-come, first-served. The Race Retreat opens to friends and family beginning at 5:30 a.m. on race day. Runners must purchase their own Race Retreat package separately, and are subject to availability.

Package pricing is as follows:

ChEAR Squad prices are per person, and must be purchased for any guest over age 3.

Heavy equipment continues to grade the land at the future site of the Disney Vacation Club villas at the Grand Floridian Resort. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

The work zone for the Grand Floridian villas goes right up next to the Wedding Pavilion. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Correction: Halloween Party dates

In an early version of our story last week about dates for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, we inadvertently included the dates for the Night of Joy event among the Halloween Party dates. The corrected list of projected dates is as follows: September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, 30, October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, and November 1.

Construction update

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

• Magic Kingdom Splash Mountain – mechanical.
• Magic Kingdom – Princess Fairytale Hall
• Magic Kingdom Experience Development DBO – graphics package.
• Magic Kingdom Mercantile – sign package.
• Epcot Odyssey Bridge – “Agent P” main marquee.
• Epcot Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilion main tank – electrical.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Theater of the Stars – construction.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – mechanical.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Walt Disney Theater – door replacement electrical.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom main entrance complex – electrical.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom buildings 3A and 36 – construction.
• Transportation & Ticket Center West Gate building – electrical.
• ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex expansion area – electrical.
• Downtown Disney Marketplace Team Mickey – construction.
• Downtown Disney Marketplace – kiosk sign package.
• Downtown Disney Pleasure Island Fulton's Crab House – fire sprinkler system alteration.
• AMC Theatres Downtown Disney 24 complex – sign work.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort Expansion – water activity pool construction.
• Disney's Yacht Club & Beach Club Resorts – mechanical.
• Disney's Boardwalk Resort quiet pool building – mechanical.
• Disney's Old Key West Resort Hospitality House area – roofing.
• Disney's Coronado Springs Resort pool heater – mechanical.

The facade work on the Sunshine Tree Terrace has finally been completed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Quick takes …

…Disney has partnered with Sony Electronics to promote making memories and documenting them with a Sony camcorder. You can enter the Share Magical Memories conest at the promotion's website by submitting a written entry about someone special in your life who has helped to create a lasting memory. A panel of judges will select five grand prize winners, each of whom will receive a vacation for themselves and three guests plus another vacation for their memory makers and three guests to Walt Disney World. Winning families will also receive a Sony HDR-PJ260V projector camcorder to document further memories. In addition, you can enter a weekly sweepstakes on the same website or by texting SONY to 347639 (DISNEY). Standard message rates apply. Weekly prizes may include a $200 Disney gift card and a Sony HDR-PJ260V camcorder. One winner will be selected each week.

…We're hearing that Rapunzel may not move to Adventureland after she vacates Fairytale Garden at the Magic Kingdom this coming Sunday. Instead, she may move to the Town Square Courtyard to the left of City Hall, at least for the short term. Instead of leaving to make room for Rapunzel, Ariel and Prince Eric will remain at the Adventureland Verandah patio. Fairytale Garden will host Princess Merida from Brave in May.

…As we reported last week, Disney Photopass has rolled out a “PhotoPass+” product that will include all Photopass photos, attraction photos, and dining room photo packages, as well as bonus images, a PhotoPass+ Card and Lanyard, print packages, and digital downloads, for $199.95. Photopass Digital is only available at Walt Disney World Resort. There is a complete sit of participating venues on the Photopass Facebook page.

…In celebration of Earth Day and to promote Disneynature's new film Chimpanzee, Disney's Animal Kingdom is hosting a “Party for the Planet” from April 13-22. Guests can visit two tables in the park's main entrance area, as well as participate in activities in Africa (chimpanzee tracking activity), Asia (supermarket game), and Rafiki's Planet Watch (variety of conservation-related activities). For every person who sees Chimpanzee during opening week (April 20-26), Disneynature will make a donation to the Jane Goodall Institute through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund.

…For those planning to go on one of the Disney Cruise Line's voyages from New York City aboard the Disney Magic, you can book a special Disney Theatrical add-on for before or after your cruise. The add-on includes a Disney-exclusive tour of the New Amsterdam Theatre, including a visit to areas not open to the general public, and a performance of either The Lion King or Mary Poppins on the Broadway stage. The offer is exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests.

Hulk smash AVENGERail. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun MouseAdventure bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, go to the MousePlanet main page and enter your email address in the top right box labeled “Join the MousePlanet Newsletter.” Click Join, then fill out the fields in the registration page, including your first and last name. The Newsletter is free, but you must complete this registration to receive it, even if you may have signed up for one with us in the past.

…The 2013 Princess Half Marathon weekend takes place February 22-24, 2013. No word yet on a registration opening date for the race.

…Registration for the January 10-13, 2013, Disney Marathon weekend opens next Wednesday, April 10, at 12 noon Eastern time.

…Registration for the November 9-10 Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is now open.

…Registration for the September 28–29 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend is 78 percent full. Space is filling fast! If you're interested in running it, you may want to register now to avoid being closed out.

…Registration for the May 5 the Expedition Everest Challenge is now full for both the team and individual divisions. The Kids' Races are 58 percent full.

Crowds were so large at Typhoon Lagoon last week that the park had to use its overflow parking area. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Crowd update

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

Talk about these stories and more on our Walt Disney World discussion forum here.

Coming up

• Through May 20: Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival.
• April 27–29: Cheerleading and Dance Worlds.
• May 5: Expedition Everest Challenge.
• May 18 to June 10: Fridays through Sundays: Star Wars Weekends.
• May 31: Finding Nemo wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort opens.
• June 18: Cars wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort opens.
• August 10: The Lion King wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort opens.
• September 7-8: Night of Joy.
• September 11, 14, 18, 21, 25, 28, 30, October 4, 5, 8, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31, November 1. Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party.
• September 15: The Little Mermaid wing of Disney's Art of Animation Resort opens.
• 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.
• November 22, 23, 25: Old Spice Classic.
• December 13: Disney Vacation Club Condominium Association annual meeting.
• January 10–13, 2013: Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend.
• February 22-24, 2013: Disney's Princess Half Marathon.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Storybook Circus – is now open on the former site of Mickey's Toontown.
• Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment through May 20.
• Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed for refurbishment through May 27.
• Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – closed for refurbishment June 27-28

Epcot

• House of Innoventions – closed through May for conversion to “green home.”
• Tutto Italia – closed through April 27.
• Test Track – closed April through September.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – closed for refurbishment April 29 to May 2.

Animal Kingdom

• No known current closures.

Resorts

• Grand Floridian Spa – closed through mid-2013 for refurbishment.
• Wilderness Lodge – metal roof seams recoated thorough June 29.
• Beach Club Resort – Cape May Cafe closed for refurbishment July 9 through August 3.
• Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – a portion of the Stormalong Bay pool and the Shipwreck Slide closed for refurbishment April 9 through late April. Guests that wish to use a pool slide as part of their resort pool experience can use the Luna Park pool at the BoardWalk Resort.
• Yacht Club Resort – building exterior repaired and refinished through August 3.
• Yacht Club Resort – rooftop HVAC hot water piping replaced January 9 to September 28.
• 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 – rockwork painting at High Rock Springs Pool through April 24.
• Saratoga Springs Resort – the Carriage House lobby repainted through April 16.
• Port Orleans French Quarter Resort – building 3 parking lot undergoes rejuvenation through April 27.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – lobby/atrium refurbishment in commercial building April 9 through May 25.
• Port Orleans – Riverside Resort – Magnolia Bend building 80 undergoes exterior repair and repainting from February 16 to April 19.
• Coronado Springs Resort – Ranchos buildings experiences tile roof repair and replacement through July 27.
• 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.

Water Parks

• No current closures.

Elsewhere

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

Current Discounts & Promotions

Discounted rooms and packages released for summer

Two new discounts have been released for this summer, one for room and ticket packages and one for room-only reservations. Both discounts are available for stays most nights from June 15 through August 14 and must be booked by June 14.

Discounts on package stays are available for a minimum stay of three nights and a minimum Magic Your Way base ticket of two days. These rates are available for June 15 through August 4 at Value and Moderate Resorts and July 15 and August 14 at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Resorts. This discount does not include Disney's Art of Animation Resort.

Room-only discounts are available for June 15 through August 4 (Value Resorts) or August 14 (Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas Resorts). Discounts are 15 percent at Value Resorts, 20 percent at Moderate Resorts, and 25 percent at Deluxe and Deluxe Villas Resorts. This discount does not include suites and 3 bedroom Grand Villas.

No other discounts or group rates apply. The number of discounted rooms at these rates are limited, and additional minimum stay lengths may apply for weekend arrivals.

Both packages use discount code C8Q.

Thanks to Sue Pisaturo of Small World Vacations for details on this offer.

For the discounted packages, you can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-4990 or your favorite travel agent.

For the room-only discounts, you can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-1920 or your favorite travel agent.

MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Florida resident ticket discount

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.

Free dining offers for late August through late September

Walt Disney World is offering free dining with packages for Disney Visa card members and the general public. The offer is valid for stays most nights from August 25 through September 29, 2012. As with the most recent offers, guests staying at Value resorts receive a free Quick Service Dining Plan, while guests staying in Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa accommodations receive the standard Disney Dining Plan. Guests can upgrade their dining plan for the usual difference in price between each dining plan.

The offer is only available for packages including room, tickets, and dining, and all members of the party much purchase the same package and tickets. Minimum length of stay is three nights with two-day base tickets; maximum stay on the package is 14 days. Some blackout dates apply.

Suites and campsites are not included in this offer, and you must book by May 18 to get this offer.

For the general-availability packages, you can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-7414 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code B7H (for Value resorts) or SS5 (for Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts).

Disney Visa card members can make reservations through the Disney Visa Rewards website or by calling (407) 939-1881 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code L69 (for Value resorts) or B7I (for Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villa Resorts).

MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Passholder room discounts available through June

A Passholder discount is available for most dates March 9 through June 14. The nights of April 1 to 14 and May 25 to 31 are not available due to peak travel periods of Easter break and Memorial Day week.

Passholders can book this discount through the day of arrival if rooms are still available. As with all discounts, rooms available at these rates is limited, and 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 Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-1876 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code RX2. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Tables in Wonderland members can save on tickets to La Nouba

Tables in Wonderland members can purchase discounted Category 2 tickets La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil on performances Tuesday through Saturday nights, from April 17 to May 11. Prices for members and up to 3 guests are $66.75 plus tax for adults and $54.00 plus tax for children. To purchase tickets, call 407-WDW-SEAT (407-939-7328). Note that a valid Tables in Wonderland ID and advance purchase is required. Tickets must be picked up at the La Nouba box office Will Call window.

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.