Walt Disney World Resort Update

Update for September 4 – 9, 2012

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News and Views

Enchanted Tales with Belle enters cast, friends, and family previews | Boo-To-You gets a pre-parade at Halloween Party | Calling all with a spirit of adventure! MouseAdventure: World Explorers comes to Magic Kingdom! | Kidani Village web sales event set for next week | Bethune-Cookman takes MEAC/SWAC Challenge | Construction update | Quick takes | Crowd Update

Enchanted Tales with Belle enters cast, friends, and family previews

Cast member previews and cast family and friends previews for Enchanted Tales with Belle have been taking place during the past week. Walt Disney World shared a video of the second part of the experience on the Disney Parks Blog last Thursday, and it shows what happens once you go through the doorway created by the magic mirror.

Guests enter the Beast's Castle, interact with Madame Wardrobe, meet Lumiere in the Beast's library, and then perform for Belle. The Lumiere animatronic is fabulous, as has been promised by Imagineers in interviews for the last 18 months. While small, the figure's motions are fluid and lifelike, with flexibility previously unseen in this sort of character.

A first video takes you inside Maurice's Cottage through the entry area for the enhanced meet-and-greet with Belle. It gives a great look at the “magic mirror” that expands and grants you access to the Beast's Castle, where you meet some of the enchanted characters on your way to visit with Belle.

The second video follows the action on the other side of the doorway, where guests interact with Madame Wardrobe, Lumiere, and Belle.

Scarlett Litton of TouringPlans.com was able to attend one of the cast family and friends previews, and has posted a series of videos capturing the experience from the approach to Maurice's cottage all the way through the end of the experience. As this is a preview, it's really kind of a dress rehearsal, so the final experience will probably flow more smoothly by the time the attraction has its grand opening.

There are apparently two library rooms, one on either side of Madame Wardrobe, similar to the two stretching rooms in the Haunted Mansion. This allows twice as many guests to experience the enhanced meet-and-greet attraction. Due to the nature of the experience, it does appear to be more of a full attraction than a simple meet-and-greet, though it does conclude with a brief meet-and-greet with Belle for each guest.

Following Passholder and Disney Vacation Club previews, Enchanted Tales With Belle opens for previews to the general public on Monday, November 19, with the grand opening taking place on Thursday, December 6.

The entry archways into Fantasyland Forest continue to add further detail. This wall now has lighting fixtures and a coat of arms for Beauty and the Beast. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

These archways showcase Snow White's coat of arms on the left and Sleeping Beauty's on the right. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

This coat of arms features The Little Mermaid. While difficult to see, there are animal figurines placed in the archway trims. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Coaster rails are being prepared for transfer to the Seven Dwarf Mine Train construction area. They are currently sitting in the staging area at the former Short Take Off and Landing air strip (STOLport). Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

A marquee for Big Top Souvenirs has now been placed in front of the retail tent in Storybook Circus. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Boo-To-You gets a pre-parade at Halloween Party

Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party has added a new “Not-So-Scary Street Jam,” which takes place on Main Street, U.S.A. between the Headless Horseman's ride and the start of the Boo-To-You Parade. This pre-parade features a new dance to the song “Calling All the Monsters” by China Anne McClain of Disney Channel's A.N.T. Farm.

The choice of Main Street, U.S.A. as the location of the pre-parade dance party seems counterintuitive, unless Disney has changed the parade's direction. In the past, the Headless Horseman rode from the parade gate in Town Square down Main Street, U.S.A., around the Hub and across the bridge to Liberty Square, then through Frontierland before exiting near Splash Mountain. The parade would then follow the same route shortly thereafter, arriving in Frontierland many minutes later. It is possible that the parade has changed directions, which would then make Main Street, U.S.A. the area requiring many minutes of waiting and therefore opportune for the pre-parade.

If you're planning to watch the pre-parade, you can get a head start on learning its signature line dance by watching this video.

Magic Kingdom park is now decked out for fall. The pumpkins in Cinderella's float in the Celebrate a Dream Come True parade seem to match the park's decor. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Renovation work is under way on the back side of the Haunted Mansion. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Roofing frames are going in on the Tangled-themed restrooms near the Liberty Square/Fantasyland connection. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Calling all with a spirit of adventure! MouseAdventure: World Explorers comes to Magic Kingdom!

Registration is now open for MouseAdventure: World Explorers IV. The fourth annual running of the scavenger hunt/puzzle quest/race through Walt Disney World's parks takes place on Saturday, November 3 at Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom (the game has been going on at the parks of the Disneyland Resort for more than 11 years now). Do you think that you know the Magic Kingdom? We bet you don't know it as well as you think you do! Test your wits against those of our puzzle masters. For more information, check out the MouseAdventure information page.

Kidani Village web sales event set for next week

Disney Vacation Club is holding another Web event with Travel Channel's Samantha Brown to promote sales, this time to push the remaining inventory at the Kidani Village section of Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. The webcast becomes available for viewing next week, Wednesday, September 12 through Saturday, September 15. As an incentive for viewing, each family who pre-registers and then views the presentation receives a limited-edition character lithograph.

There are two different Web addresses to use for registration depending on whether you're already a DVC member or a prospective first-time purchaser.

Tarps went up this past week in front of Lost and Found and the bus drop-off at the Transportation and Ticket Center. Work going on in that area will both reorganize motor coach drop-offs and move the taxi area over to that side and away from the tram pick-up and drop-off zones. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Work is being completed on an Alice in Wonderland/Mad Tea Party splash zone adjacent to the Cove Pool at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. In the background is the continuing construction of the new Disney Vacation Club building. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Bay Lake Towers at Disney's Contemporary Resort has recently added a new check-in area so that guests need no longer travel between the tower and the main Contemporary Resort check-in desk. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

From the sky bridge at Disney's Contemporary Resort you can see construction being done on the new Four Seasons resort at the Disney's Golden Oak development. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Bethune-Cookman takes MEAC/SWAC Challenge

Congratulations to the Bethune-Cookman University Wildcats, who overcame a 21-0 deficit early in the second quarter to outscore the Alabama State University Hornets 38-7 the rest of the way to win the 2012 MEAC/SWAC Challenge, sponsored by Walt Disney World. In doing so, B-CU, of the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC), became the first back-to-back winners of the annual contest between the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) conferences. ASU, of the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC), became the second two-time loser, joining Grambling State for that distinction. Alabama State lost the first game, back in 2005. The MEAC now leads the series 6-2.

Interestingly, all winners of the Challenge are now two-time winners, with South Carolina State winning in 2005 and 2009, Hampton University winning in 2006 and 2008, and Southern University taking the title in 2007 and 2010. Other losing teams include Florida A&M, Jackson State, Delaware State, and Prairie View A&M. Walt Disney World picked up sponsorship of the game in 2008 after dropping sponsorship of the annual game between B-CU and Florida A&M. At that time, the game moved from Legion Field in Alabama to the Florida Citrus Bowl. Some pre-game events take place at Walt Disney World locations.

If the jungle looks less dense than usual at Kali River Rapids, it's because the bamboo has been extensively trimmed. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

While destroying the forest is part of the theming at Kali River Rapids, the reasons for the thinning of the foliage has nothing to do with theming. After extensive growth, the bamboo is more prone to falling. This causes a safety concern at the attraction, especially during hurricane season. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

There is no explanation, however, of why neither Tiger Falls nor the fountain that erupts in front of it are not working. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Locker areas are being installed near the restrooms and water play area adjacent to Kali River Rapids. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Construction update

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

• Magic Kingdom main entrance toll plaza – repaint.
• Transportation & Ticket Center Ferry Boat Landing – repair.
• Magic Kingdom Ferry Board Landing – repair.
• Magic Kingdom Main Street building MO7 – construction.
• Magic Kingdom Main Street building MO8 – construction.
• Magic Kingdom East and West Hub transformers – refurbishment.
• Magic Kingdom Pirates of the Caribbean – project lift package.
• Magic Kingdom Pirates of the Caribbean – mechanical.
• Magic Kingdom Frontierland train station – electrical for SAMS project.
• Magic Kingdom Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – construction.
• Magic Kingdom Splash Mountain – construction.
• Magic Kingdom Country Bear Jamboree – lighting.
• Magic Kingdom Christmas Shop – construction.
• Magic Kingdom Columbia Harbour House – construction.
• Magic Kingdom “it's a small world” – construction.
• Magic Kingdom Mickey's PhilharMagic – construction.
• Magic Kingdom expansion – planter drain carousel.
• Magic Kingdom Little Mermaid – show set install.
• Magic Kingdom Dumbo indoor queue – mechanical.
• Magic Kingdom Cosmic Ray's Starlight Cafe – fire sprinkler repairs.
• Magic Kingdom Space Mountain exit ramp – electrical.
• Magic Kingdom Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor – construction.
• Magic Kingdom Plaza Pavilion – fire sprinkler repairs.
• Magic Kingdom – sanitary line repairs.
• Epcot Spaceship Earth – construction.
• Epcot Innoventions East – electrical for SAMS project.
• Epcot Seas with Nemo and Friends pavilon – construction.
• Epcot Coral Reef Restaurant & kitchen – mechanical work.
• Epcot Soarin' – construction.
• Epcot Imagination pavilion load platform – flooring.
• Epcot Mission Space – construction.
• Epcot Test Track – electrical.
• Epcot Test Track – general construction.
• Epcot Food & Wine Festival – merchandise kiosks.
• Epcot Morocco pavilion second floor mechanical room – replacement of VFD on air handler 5.
• Epcot American Adventure pavilion – electrical for SAMS project.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Studio Drive (World Drive Entrance) – mechanical.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Celebrity 5 and Dime – general construction for facade refurbishment.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios American Idol Experience – electrical.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Tours – construction.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios parade building costuming – construction.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – installation of steel structures.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights – electrical.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Lights Motors Action Extreme Stunt Show – construction.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Toy Story Midway Mania – construction.
• Disney's Hollywood Studios Theatre of the Stars – construction.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Asia – construction.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Expedition Everest – construction.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Dinoland USA – construction.
• Downtown Disney bus loop – construction.
• Downtown Disney Marketplace Disney Days of Christmas – plumbing.
• Downtown Disney Marketplace World of Disney – construction.
• Downtown Disney Marketplace building 6 cash control – electrical for SAMS project.
• Downtown Disney Marketplace World of Disney – metal work.
• Downtown Disney Dock Stage – electrical.
• Downtown Disney Pleasure Island Fulton's Crab House – mechanical.
• Downtown Disney Pleasure Island Raglan Road Irish Pub – electrical for SAMS project.
• Downtown Disney West Side Disney Visa kiosk – general construction.
• Downtown Disney West Side Disney Visa kiosk – electrical.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – electrical for main building audio & cable installs.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa main building & monorail station – contractor's general conditions.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa Courtyard Pool spa pumps enclosure – mechanical.
• Disney's Polynesian Resort doors only – construction.
• Disney's Polynesian Resort lodge buildings – electrical.
• Disney's Contemporary Resort main tower – electrical.
• Disney's Contemporary Resort service elevator – electrical.
• Disney's Wilderness Lodge – concrete.
• Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground – pilings repairs.
• Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – steel repairs.
• Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – mechanical.
• Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts – flooring.
• Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts Ship Shape Health Club – contractors general conditions.
• Disney's Boardwalk Resort Community Hall – electrical installations.
• Disney's Boardwalk Resort – contractor's general conditions for exhaust fan replacements.
• Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort doors only – construction.
• Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort check-in building – electrical for SAMS project.
• Disney's Port Orleans Riverside Resort commercial building – mechanical for hood replacement.
• Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter Resort commercial building – mechanical for hood replacement.
• Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa doors – construction.
• Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – electrical for SAMS project.

Beastly Bazaar is now officially closed as a retail location in preparation for being transformed into a character meet-and-greet location. As noted in an earlier Update, this is one of many steps necessary to shift attractions out of Camp Minnie-Mickey to make way for the upcoming Avatar Land at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The waterfalls at the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom have been covered up while they are being repaired. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Quick takes …

…Another batch of permits for the S.A.M.S. project have been let (see the Construction Update section, above). There were a large number of permits for the project the last time we checked construction permits as well. Our current best guess is that it's related to all of the RFID systems going in, both for hotel roon doors, in preparation for Fastpass+, and resort-wide Wi-Fi. If anybody has more information about this project, please let us know.

…Downtown Disney is now apparently hosting food trucks from time to time. For the past two weekends, Clawdaddy's Lobster Rover has set up shop behind Planet Hollywood at the edge of Downtown Disney's West Side, posting about these visits on Facebook. The truck had set up shop Thursday through Saturday, August 23 to 25, and returned for Friday through Monday of Labor Day weekend. We don't know yet whether this pattern will continue.

…Walt Disney Parks and Resorts was presented with a Gold Autism Award by The United Kingdom Autism Foundation in early August for its efforts supporting and accommodating autistic guests. The award recognized Disney's accommodations to allow guests with disabilities easily make their way around the Walt Disney World Resort. More information about Disney's services for guests with disabilities is available online.

…Registration for the January 10–13, 2013, Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend is open. Registration for Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge is 91 percent full, the full Marathon is 92 percent full, the Half Marathon is 83 percent full, and the Disney Family Fun Run 5K is 57 percent full.

…Registration for the February 22–24, 2013, fifth annual Princess Half Marathon Weekend is open.

…Registration for the featured race of the September 28–29 Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend is full. The related runDisney Kids' Races are now 74 percent full and the Disney Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run is now 82 percent full, and the Disney Villains Hollywood Bash after-party is 74 percent full.

…Registration for the featured race of the November 9–10 Disney's Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend is full. There are still some opportunities available to run the race via charity groups and travel operators. Look for details at the event website. The related Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K is 56 percent full, and runDisney Kids Races are 55 percent full.

…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.

Crowd update

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Coming up

• 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 2. 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 12: Epcot International Food & Wine Festival.
• October 2-3: D23 Sip & Scream.
• Fall (exact date to be determined): Splitsville opens.
• November 3: MouseAdventure World Explorers IV.
• November 8–11: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Classic.
• November 9–10: Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend.
• November 9–11: Festival of the Masters.
• November 9, 12, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, and 30, December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, and 21. Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party.
• November 22, 23, 25: Old Spice Classic.
• “In time for Holidays 2012”: Little Mermaid– and Beauty and the Beast-themed sections of New Fantasyland open at Magic Kingdom.
• 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.
• May 4, 2013: Expedition Everest Challenge.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

• Snow White's Scary Adventures – closed permanently for conversion to Princess Fairytale Hall.
• Country Bear Jamboree – closed for refurbishment through October 16.
• Pirates of the Caribbean – closed for refurbishment October 9.
• Be Our Guest Restaurant – soft-opens November 19, official opening December 6.
• Maurice's Cottage – now in cast member friends & family previews, soft-opens November 19, official opening December 6.
• Gaston's Tavern – soft-opens November 19, official opening December 6.
• Bonjour Village Gifts – soft-opens November 19, official opening December 6.
• Under the Sea ~ Journey of The Little Mermaid – soft-opens November 19, official opening December 6.
• Ariel's Grotto – soft-opens November 19, official opening December 6.
• Princess Fairytale Hall – opens 2013.
• Seven Dwarfs Mine Train – opens 2014.

Epcot

• Test Track – closed through November 30 for “reimagining.”
• Bistro de Paris – closed through December 1 for refurbishment.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closed for refurbishment September 10-14.
• Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closed for refurbishment November 1-16.
• American Film Institute Showcase – closed for refurbishment November 1-16.
• Studio Backlot Tour – closed for refurbishment November 1-16.

Animal Kingdom

• No known current refurbishments.

Resorts

• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Grand Floridian Spa closed through mid-2013 for refurbishment.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Sandy Cove shop closed through December.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Courtyard Pool closed through November for addition of zero-entry area.
• Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa – Gasparilla Grill & Games closed through December.
• Disney's Contemporary Resort – California Grill closed January 6, 2013, through late summer 2013 for refurbishment.
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort Yachtsman Steakhouse – closed for refurbishment through September 15.
• Disney's Yacht Club Resort – rooftop HVAC hot water piping replaced January 9 to September 28.
• Disney's 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 are closed periodically throughout this period.

Water Parks

• Typhoon Lagoon – closed October 28 through January 5, 2013 for annual refurbishment.
• Blizzard Beach – January 6, 2013 through March 16, 2013 closed for annual refurbishment.

Elsewhere

• Oak Trail Golf Course – closed through September 28 for refurbishment.
• Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. For 2012, the show will not be performed:
  • September 18 to 22
  • November 27

Current Discounts & Promotions

Room-only discounts through end of year

A room-only discount is available for most dates September 30 through December 22. Anyone can book this discount through September 29. 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. Campsites, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, and standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are not included. Discounts range from 15-30 percent and availability varies by date.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-1315 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code W9G. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Passholder room discounts through end of year

A Passholder discount is available for most dates September 30 through December 24. 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. Campsites, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, and standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are not included. Discounts range from 20-35 percent and availability varies by date.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7859 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code Q5M. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Free dining offers released for late September through mid-December

Walt Disney World has announced a free dining offer for Disney Visa card members and the general public. The offer is valid for stays most nights September 30 through October 4, October 19 through November 1, November 9–15, November 23–29, and December 10–20, 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.

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, and the Little Mermaid standard view rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are not included in this offer, and you must book by September 29 to get this offer.

Remember: If you're planning to play MouseAdventure: World Explorers IV on November 3, you can get free dining as long as you arrive by the preceding Thursday, November 1.

You can make your reservations through the Walt Disney World website or by calling (407) 939-7631 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code F8Z (Disney Visa) or X9N (general availability) for Value resorts or D85 (Disney Visa) or I87 (general availability) 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).

Special Summer PhotoPass+ deal

Disney's PhotoPass service has announced a new summer discount on Disney PhotoPass+ pre-arrival packages. For $169.95 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests receive a voucher to exchange for a PhotoPass+ card upon arrival at the resort, a Photo Gallery CD with over 400 stock photos ($39.95 value), a unique code to create and order a photo CD upon return from their trip ($169.95 value), print packages at select dining locations ($29.95 value each), and digital photos from select attractions ($14.95 value each). Applicable taxes will be charged to all orders.

This special offer is only available from this link or by calling the Guest Support line at 407-560-4300, and only prior to arrival at Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund.

The package may take as long as 14 days to arrive, and you must bring your voucher from the package to redeem it, so make sure that you order far enough in advance to allow your materials to arrive.

Attractions currently participating in the program are Space Mountain, Splash Mountain, Buzz Lightyear Space Ranger Spin, Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, Rock 'n' Roller Coaster, Expedition Everest, and Dinosaur. Current participating restaurants are 1900 Park Fare, 'Ohana, Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show, Chef Mickey's Cinderella's Royal Table, Tusker House Restaurant, Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue, Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall.

Passholder room discounts for August and September

A Passholder discount is available for most dates August 17 through September 29. 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, 3-bedroom Grand Villas, and Disney's Art of Animation Resort are not included. Discounts range from 25-35 percent and availability varies by date.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7635 or your favorite travel agent and mentioning discount code W9G. MousePlanet’s preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

2012 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. July 4, 2012 is a blockout date.

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.

2013 Military Salute offers

From now through September 28, 2013, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $156 per ticket, plus tax (up from $138 last year), or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $184 per ticket, plus tax (up from $165). No Base ticket is available with this offer.

The tickets expire and may not be used before October 1, 2012, or after September 28, 2013. Blockout dates are December 24-31, 2012 and March 24 through April 4, 2013 at all ticketed locations, and July 4, 2013 at Magic Kingdom park only.

Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney 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.

In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights from October 1, 2012 through September 28, 2013, except for November 24, 2012, December 23-31, 2012, and March 25 through April 4, 2013.

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

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