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

Walt Disney World Resort Update

September 24, 2013 by Stephanie Wien

Update for September 24 – 30, 2013

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

News and Views

Fall and Winter Room Discounts | New food and merchandise available in France | Disney changing program for guests with disabilities | Seven Dwarfs Mine Train sees milestone | Construction and merchandise update | Quick takes | Crowd update

Disney announces fall and winter room discounts

Disney has released room discount offers for Florida residents and annual passholders. The special rates, which start at 15 percent off for Value Resorts through 30 percent off for Deluxe Resorts begin on September 27 and go through December 24 (excludes the Thanksgiving holiday for all but the Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts, and does not include campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort—Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and The Villas at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa). You must book by December 14. Contact your travel agent or call (407) 939-7543, or visit the official Walt Disney World site for details. Access to the passholder details requires passholder login. 

New food and merchandise available in Epcot's France

Most Americans may be familiar with coconut macaroons, but “macarons” are round, meringue-based treats from France, and these hot new items have landed at Epcot's France pavilion. The Les Halles bakery has a boxed assortment of five flavors available for $11. In addition, the Les Glaces ice cream shop has a chocolate macaron sandwich that is the same cost as a single scoop of gelato.

The assorted macaron flavors include blueberry, chocolate, pistachio, raspberry, and banana-mango. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

The macarons have a slightly chewy texture, and the ice cream sandwich as a whole has a rich chocolate flavor; this is certain to be a favorite treat for chocolate lovers on hot Florida days. 

The chocolate macaron sandwich is pre-made with chocolate gelato surrounded by two chocolate macarons. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Macaron fans can also purchase a line of accessories and clothing adorned with these French treats.

This women's shirt has a tower of macarons crowned by the Eiffel Tower. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Small clutches like the ones pictured, as well as bigger handbags are available with the macaron motif. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

In addition to these food-related items, the France pavilion also has a line of merchandise featuring a chic, Parisian Minnie Mouse.

V-neck shirts as well as tanks show Minnie Mouse in various poses alone or with the Eiffel Tower. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Minnie strikes an alternate pose on these small, decorative pillows. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Disney changing program for guests with disabilities

[Staff writer Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported on the upcoming changes to the Disney Parks' guests with disabilities program in yesterday's Disneyland Resort Update. We are presenting it here, as the changes also affect Walt Disney World:]

Though many people—cast members and park visitors alike—have felt that Disney's Guest Assistance (GAC) program for guests with disabilities needed to be revamped to improve efficiency and reduce fraud, the issue took on a whole new urgency last May when the New York Post reported that wealthy families were hiring people with disabilities to help them cut to the front of attraction queues at Walt Disney World. In June, NBC's The Today Show aired a report showing the same was happening at the Disneyland Resort, and sent a producer and his family to Disneyland to document the services of two so-called “disabled tour guides” they hired from Craigslist ads.

Very soon after, I heard from a trusted source that a major overhaul to the GAC system was in the works, but they had no details. As the weeks and months passed, I've heard additional snippets here and there, including some detailed information from a Disneyland cast member who was sent to Florida to participate in a “summit” between the two resorts to outline a One Disney-worthy policy to be implemented at both Disneyland and Walt Disney World.

Still, the plan outlined at that summit was far from finalized, and had not yet even passed review by Disney's legendary team of lawyers, so I made the decision not to publish those details at the time. Since then, the website MiceAge.com has published quite a bit of information about this new program, and a few MousePlanet readers have asked why I hadn't yet reported anything here on MousePlanet.

From my perspective, most topics that come from the Disney rumor mill are mostly harmless and fun to speculate about. I prefer not to post information that is completely unsubstantiated rumor (at least not without clearly labeling it as such), but generally do not balk at discussing things that are still in the speculation stage so long as I trust the source.

However, I feel this topic is much different than rumors of a new fireworks show, or the theme of the next runDisney race. Access for guests with disabilities is a very serious subject for some people, and the details can make or break their visit. It is for this reason that I opted not to discuss the new program until Disney officially confirmed that there even was a new plan (something they had not done until last week), or finalized some specific details that remain unresolved and will make a major difference on how the new policy will be implemented and received.

While we still don't have all of the details, Disney has officially released enough information—both internally and to the public—that I feel comfortable formally publishing this topic.

So, let's start with the facts as we know them. Starting Wednesday, October 9, 2013, the U.S. Disney theme parks are replacing the current GAC program with a new “Disability Access Service Card.”

Last Friday night, some Disney managers received the following e-mail, which was forwarded to MousePlanet by a reader:

After careful consideration, we will be replacing the Guest Assistance Card with the new Disability Access Service Card on Oct. 9 to create a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.

Until Oct. 9, we will continue to use Guest Assistance Cards. We look forward to sharing more information about the Disability Access Service Card as we get closer to implementation.

Frequently Asked Questions:

How will the new program work?
The Disability Access Service Card will offer Guests a return time for an attraction based on the current wait time. Guest Assistance Cards will continue to be in effect until Oct. 9. We look forward to sharing more information as we get closer to implementation.

Did you ask for feedback in developing the Disability Access Service Card?
We are engaging disability groups, and Autism Speaks was instrumental in providing feedback as we developed this new process.

Why are you doing this?
Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process beginning Oct. 9 so that it creates a more consistent experience for all our Guests while providing accommodations for Guests with disabilities.

Who will be eligible for a Disability Access Service Card?
Our goal is to accommodate Guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities).

Will Guests on wish trips also use Disability Access Service Cards?
No. Guests who are visiting through wish-granting organizations will have access through a separate program.

What should Guests do if they have concerns?
Guests should contact Guest Relations to discuss their concerns

That's the entirety of what has officially been communicated about this new program at this point to people outside the Guest Relations department.

Cast members on both coasts begin training on the new system this week, and Disney has promised to share additional information as the training continues and details are finalized.

After reading this, I reached out to Disneyland Resort spokeswoman Suzi Brown for additional information, and she sent the following statement:

We have an unwavering commitment to making our parks accessible to all guests. Given the increasing volume of requests we receive for special access to our attractions, we are changing our process to create a more consistent experience for all our guests while providing accommodations for guests with disabilities.

Though Brown said the Resort is not yet willing to disclose or confirm specific details of the program, she confirmed that advocacy organization Autism Speaks has been instrumental in consulting on this new plan. I have already reached out to its national organization for any official thoughts on the new program. I feel this partnership is a very positive sign that Disney didn't just create this plan out of thin air and cast member frustration, and should especially help to address the concerns raised by parents of autistic children who fear, based on the rumors they've read, that the new policy will not address the unique needs of guests with non-visible disabilities.

This is not the end of the topic by any means, and I have been monitoring the issue closely because it's something that impacts my family, too. [I even volunteered to attend one of the training sessions so that I could better answer reader questions about the new program, a request that was politely rejected.] People who use the current GAC program are completely justified in being concerned about the changes in store, and for wanting every last detail about how the change will impact them. Even knowing what I do of the new plan, I still don't know exactly how my husband, with his specific challenges, falls under the new program, so I completely understand firsthand the anxiety and frustration that comes with not knowing. Like most readers, I'm waiting to see how this new policy changes my family's Disneyland experience come October 9.

At the same time, I know that this new policy is not the last word on disability access at Disney Parks, and I know that many of the “facts” that have sparked so much angst in the online echo chamber have changed. Brown said that Disney will actively seek feedback from visitors on the new policy once it rolls out, and I fully expect there to be additional tweaks and adjustments once the new system is implemented.

While almost everyone agrees that the GAC program needed to be changed, it seems many want the new guidelines to accommodate them while disqualifying everyone else. No matter how carefully written, someone is going to be upset by being excluded from the new policy. It remains to be seen how much Disney has tightened the rules, and if they have been successful in reducing the abuse rampant in the current system. If visitors with legitimate needs suddenly cannot obtain reasonable accommodation under the revised plan, then I will help lead the march on City Hall.

Until then, I just advise readers to put down the torches and pitchforks until we know what the program really looks like, and whether it's the end of the world as we know it or just the next evolution of an admittedly flawed program that was clearly due for an overhaul.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train sees milestone

The Seven Dwarfs Mine Train coaster celebrated a milestone this week, marking the first time that a mine car train was released under gravity onto the track. The cars have previously undergone a push/pull test, and each step in the construction process brings it one closer to completion. The Disney Parks Blog has photos of the train car on the track.

Nighttime work lights give a glimpse inside the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train mountain. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Construction and merchandise update

In addition to construction, there is an abundance of newer merchandise popping up around the resort.

The Epcot pin kiosk and information center is currently undergoing refurbishment. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Osborne Family Dancing Lights installation has begun at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Parts of San Francisco street are roped off for installation of the dancing light strands. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

The Jungle Cruise refurbishment appears to be wrapping up. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Holiday sweaters are making an appearance even though Halloween is still yet to come. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Halloween trick or treat accessories are available on Main Street for those who aren't satisfied with the small bags handed out at the Not-So-Scary Halloween Party. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

Registration now open for MouseAdventure World Explorers

Join us on November 16 and 17 for an exploration of Walt Disney World like no other. Our fifth Florida MouseAdventure event takes players all around Walt Disney World in a two-day challenge that is sure to make you see WDW in a whole new light.

Registration for our two-day MouseAdventure World Explorers event in Walt Disney World is now open online at MouseAdventure.com.

Pricing for this two-day event is $175 for a team of at least two players up to a maximum of four players. Registration does not include park admission (park hopper admission is required; water park admission is not).

The Coast to Coast Challenge

Every team that participated in the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure event in Disneyland and plays in MouseAdventure World Explorers V in Florida, will receive a special recognition of their dedication.

And, for the true competitors, there will be a special prize awarded to the team with the highest combined score for the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure Musical event at Disneyland and MouseAdventure World Explorers V in Florida. This prize will be awarded at the resort results meet in Florida.

To participate in this challenge, teams must have a score from the Spring 2013 MouseAdventure Musical event at Disneyland (Basic or Advanced division) and complete the Fall 2013 event in Walt Disney World. The majority of players from the team must participate in both events.

Quick takes…

…Until they are replaced by Fastpass+, regular Fastpasses for Princess Fairytale Hall are being distributed at the Peter Pan's Flight machines.

…A new Peter Pan and Wendy meet and greet area has appeared over by the old Fantasyland bathrooms in front of a new Neverland mural that has replaced the previous European-style plants and animals. 

The new mural features a map of Neverland. Photo by Stephanie Wien.

We are looking for you!

Do you write or blog about Walt Disney World or Disney-related topics? Do you have a Disney-related YouTube channel or independent website? If so, we want to meet you. MousePlanet is looking for established writers to cover new areas of the Disney universe, including the international Parks and Resorts.

If you are interested in learning how your blog or site can work with MousePlanet, or you have an idea for a great new column, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you!

Crowd Forecast

Advertisement

Crowd information and forecasts are provided by TouringPlans.com, the website of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World, to help you better plan your trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. TouringPlans.com gathers wait time data from a team of in-park researchers and users of their Lines mobile phone application, and then predicts crowd levels for the next 365 days. Using a scale from 1 to 10, TouringPlans.com has a 90 percent accuracy of predicting the crowds to within 1 point, helping visitors prepare for their trips so they can “Do more. Wait less.”

Low crowd numbers this week but a good touring plan is still important to get the most out of your day. TouringPlans.com can help you avoid falling into the typical tourist pitfalls, and will help you avoid the dreaded tour groups, with our per-park Crowd Calendar, Lines – Mobile Wait Times App that gives access to current and estimated wait times for attractions, and Touring Plans detailing the best plan of attack for hitting the attractions. Now more than ever, it's a good time to subscribe to TouringPlans.com to plan your strategy to avoid the crowds!

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

Date Overall
Tuesday, September 24, 2013 1 / 10
Wednesday, September 25, 2013 3 / 10
Thursday, September 26, 2013 1 / 10
Friday, September 27, 2013 2 / 10

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

  • Tuesday is the best day to visit the Magic Kingdom.
  • The resort crowd level on Saturday is 3 out of 10.
  • Following a Touring Plan is important when crowd levels spike at the park you're visiting!

See Disney World crowds for the next 365 days.
Get Disney World wait times on your iPhone, Android or Smartphone.
Do more. Wait less.

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

Resort Events

2013

  • Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – September 24, 27, 29; October 3, 4, 6, 10, 11, 14, 17, 18, 20, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31; and November 1.
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 27 to November 11
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 4–5
  • EasyWDW.com reports that Disney Hollywood Studios will close at 6 p.m. on October 26 for a private event for the American Academy of Pediatrics.
  • Holiday Time at Walt Disney World – begins November 8
  • Opening night for Osbourn Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights – November 8
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 11, 14, 15, 17, 21, 22; and December 1, 3, 5, 6, 8, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20.
  • Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9
  • MouseAdventure World Explorers V – November 16–17. Keep an eye on our MouseAdventure Facebook page, and register for our MouseAdventure Newsletters for more details as they are announced.
  • Candlelight Processional – November 29 through December 30. Dining packages go on sale July 9.

2014

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12
  • Disney's Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–23

runDisney events and capacity updates

2013

  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 4–5.

    • October 5 (a.m.): Happy Haunted 5K Trail Run – Sold Out%
    • October 5 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 82%
    • October 5 (p.m.): The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler – Sold Out
    • October 5 (p.m.) – 6 (a.m.): Disney Villains Hollywood Bash – 83%
       
  • Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 8–9.

    • November 8 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Pre-race Taste – 91%
    • November 9 (a.m.): runDisney Kids' Races – 58%
    • November 9 (a.m.): Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K – Sold Out
    • November 9 (p.m.): Wine & Dine Half Marathon – Sold Out
    • November 9 (p.m.): Finish Line Party – 82%

2014

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–12. Final cost increase August 14, 2013

    • January 9: Family Fun Run 5K – Sold Out
    • January 10: 10K – Sold Out
    • January 11: Half Marathon – Sold Out
    • January 12: Marathon – Sold Out
    • January 11-12: Goofy Challenge (half and full) – Sold Out
    • January 9–11: runDisney Kids' Races – 53%
    • January 9–11: Pasta Party in the Park – 51%
    • January 9–12: Dopey Challenge (5K, 10K, half, and full) – Sold Out
       
  • Disney's Princess Half-Marathon Weekend – February 21–23.

    • February 21: Disney Royal Family 5k – 50%
    • February 21–22: runDisney Kids' Races – 50%
    • February 22: Enchanted 10k – Sold Out
    • February 23: Disney's Princess Half Marathon – Sold Out
    • February 22–23: Glass Slipper Challenge (Enchanted 10k and Disney's Princess Half Marathon) – Sold Out

Do you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events? Visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.


Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

  • Jungle Cruise – closed through September 30 for refurbishment.
  • Space Mountain – closed September 23–26 for refurbishment.
  • Peter Pan – closed September 30 through November 13 for refurbishment.
  • Walt Disney World Railroad – closed September 30 through November 20 for refurbishment.
  • Splash Mountain – closed January 6, 2014 through March 22, 2014 for refurbishment.

Epcot

  • Future World Pin Kiosk – closed through September 26. Pins temporarily relocated.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Playground – closed through November 19 for refurbishment.
  • Both parades (Disney Channel Rocks and Pixar Pals Countdown to Fun Parade) have ended their run. No new parades have been announced.

Animal Kingdom

  • No known refurbishments.
  • Festival of the Lion King scheduled to move to a new theater—currently under construction—sometime in 2014. No dates have been announced.

Resorts

As reported in July, some refrigerators in non-Disney Vacation Club rooms at Walt Disney World are being replaced due to a product defect. All Walt Disney World Resort rooms with the exception of DVC Villas, the family suites at the Art of Animation and All-Star Movie resorts, and the cabins at Fort Wilderness are impacted. Disney says “the schedule for replacing the refrigerators at these Resorts is expected to last several months.”

In the interim, if you have a reservation at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel and need a refrigerator for medical reasons,we recommend contacting your resort directly to inquire about availability during your trip. The hotel should be able to arrange for one if your room does not yet have a new refrigerator, but supplies may be limited while they work to replace all of the malfunctioning units. Remember, Value resorts do not include in-room refrigerators.

  • All-Star Sports

    • Arcade closed for conversion into a temporary grab-and-go food location. Expected to reopen in December.
    • Food court closed through mid-December for refurbishment. During this time, snacks and drinks will be available from a grab-and-go location in the former arcade. Hot food will be available from the All-Star Music Food Court, and Disney will offer bus service between the resorts.
  • Polynesian – Access to the east portion of the Polynesian Beach (closest to the Transportation and Ticket Center), as well as Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period. No completion date given at this time.

Water Parks

  • Typhoon Lagoon – closed October 27, 2013 through January 4, 2014 for refurbishment.

Elsewhere

  • Disney Palm Golf Course – closed through mid-November for refurbishment.
  • Downtown Disney Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) are closed until further notice for construction of Disney Springs.
  • Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays. Will not be performed on the following 2013 dates: November 5–6

Current Discounts & Promotions

Discounts for everyone

Room discounts through December 23

A discount of up to 30% off regular room rates is available at select resorts for most nights from August 16 through September 26. Advance reservations required.

As with all discounts, rooms available at these rates are limited, and minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. No group rates or other discounts apply. Campsites, three-bedroom Grand Villas, and standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort are not included. Discounts vary by accommodation type and date, and availability varies by date. Moderate and Deluxe Resort suites may be available at a lower discount – check with your travel agent. Full details on the offer website.

Book by September 15 for reservations from September 29 through November 9; book by November 3 for reservations from November 10 through November 22 and November 30 through December 23.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7926 or your favorite travel agent. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Resort Category Resort Name Discount
Value Resorts Disney's All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, All-Star Movies, Pop Century, Art of Animation Family Suites* (*select nights only) Up to 15%
Moderate Resorts Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness Up to 20%
Deluxe Resorts Disney's Yacht Club, BoardWalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard or pool view), Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge Up to 30%
Disney Vacation Club (Deluxe Villa) Resorts Disney's Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge, Saratoga Springs Up to 30%

Free Fall Dining

First Disney announced a new Free Dining offer for U.K. residents, then an offer for Disney Visa cardholders visiting selected dates this September. Now the Fall Free Dining offer is available without using a Disney Visa card. Check in at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel from September 29 to October 2, October 18 to November 2, November 11 to 23, or December 12 to 22 and everyone in your party gets free dining. Stay at a:

  • Value Resort – receive the Quick Service Dining plan for free. You can upgrade to the Standard or Deluxe dining plan by paying the difference.
  • Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resort – receive the Standard dining plan. You can upgrade to the Deluxe dining plan by paying the difference.

There are some restrictions:

  • You must purchase a 6-night/7-day Magic Your Way package (including room and theme park tickets) for very member of your party.
  • You must book your travel by September 15.
  • You must book the same tickets and dining plan for every member of your party.
  • Children ages 3–9 must order from the children's menu where offered; children under age 3 are not eligible for free dining.
  • This offer excludes the campsites at Fort Wilderness, the Art of Animation Resort, All-Star Movies, Port Orleans French Quarter, the Villas at Grand Floridian, and all 3-bedroom Villas.

For full details, visit the Disney special offer site.

PhotoPass+ pre-arrival discount

Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney PhotoPass+ pre-arrival packages. For $149.95 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests receive a voucher to exchange for a PhotoPass+ card upon arrival at the resort, a Photo Gallery CD with more than 400 stock photos ($39.95 value), a unique code to create and order a photo CD upon return from their trip ($169.95 value), print packages at select dining locations ($29.95 value each), and digital photos from select attractions ($14.95 value each). Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.

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

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

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


Discounts for Annual Passholders

Passholder room discounts through September 26

A discount of up to 35% off regular room rates is available for annual passholders at select resorts for most nights from August 16 through September 26. Advance reservations required (book by September 26). More details can be found on the offer website (AP login required).

As with all discounts, rooms available at these rates are limited, and minimum length-of-stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. No group rates or other discounts apply. Campsites, three-bedroom Grand Villas, standard rooms at Disney's Art of Animation Resort, and the Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian are not included. Discounts vary by accommodation type and date, and availability varies by date. Moderate and Deluxe Resort suites may be available at a lower discount – check with your travel agent.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World Passholder website or by calling (407) 939-7926 or your favorite travel agent. MousePlanet's preferred Disney travel providers are MouseEarVacations.com (link), Small World Vacations (link) and Get Away Today (link).

Resort Name Discount
Art of Animation Family Suites 20%
Disney's  All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Grand Floridian, Contemporary (select rooms), Pop Century, Polynesian 25%
Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness 30%
Disney's Beach and Yacht Clubs, Beach Club Villas, BoardWalk Inn, BoardWalk Villas, Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard or pool view), Contemporary (select rooms), Saratoga Springs, Wilderness Lodge, Villas at Wilderness Lodge, Old Key West

35%

Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort rooms from September 27 to November 22 and November 30 to December 24

Florida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites, the Villas at Grand Floridian, and 3-bedroom villas). Book through December 14.

Discounts include:

Resort Name Discount
Art of Animation Family Suites (select dates only), All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and Pop Century 20%
Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort (excluding suites), Port Orleans French Quarter, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Contemporary, Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club, and Beach Club Villas 25%
Animal Kingdom Lodge (pool and standard views), BoardWalk Inn, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club 35%
BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Wilderness Lodge Villas

35%

Read full details here (passholder login required).

Up to 35% off Tickets to Cirque du Soleil's La Nouba

Passholders can purchase $69 (plus tax) Category 2 tickets or $79 (plus tax) Category 1 tickets for Tuesday to Saturday performances on the following dates:

  • September 24 to November 2, 2013
  • November 7 to November 23, 2013
  • December 3 to December 20, 2013

Passholders may purchase tickets for themselves and up to 3 guests. Advanced purchase required. A current, valid annual pass must be presented at the box office to receive the discount when picking up tickets. To purchase tickets, call (407) 939-7328.


Discounts for Disney Visa cardholders

 

20% off food at Paradiso-37 in Downtown Disney through October 31

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20% off food purchases when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card until October 31, 2013. Cardmembers must bring a printed coupon (available at the Disney Rewards site) to be eligible for the discount. Discount applies to food only.

20% off select guided tours

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20% off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:

  • Magic Kingdom Park

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

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

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

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

10% off select restaurants

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10% off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol.

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

10% off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10% off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website.

Free 5×7 character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot.

Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to 5 guests. The event is hosted daily from 1pm – 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll recieve one free 5 x 7 character photo per day.


Discounts for Florida residents

Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort rooms through September 26

Florida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites and 3-bedroom villas) ending September 26.

Discounts include:

Resort Name Discount
Art of Animation Family Suites 20%
Disney's All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Pop Century, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Animal Kingdom Lodge (Savanna, Arusha and Club levels), Port Orleans French Quarter 25%
Disney's Coronado springs (most rooms), Caribbean Beach, Port Orleans Riverside, and Fort Wilderness cabins 30%
Disney's Beach Club, Yacht Club, Contemporary Resort (for garden and Bay Lake views), BoardWalk Inn, Wilderness Lodge,  Animal Kingdom Lodge (pool and standard views), Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, BorardWalk villas, Wilderness Lodge Villas, Beach Club Villas

35%

Save up to 35% on Walt Disney World resort rooms from September 27 to November 22 and November 30 to December 24

Florida resident rates for resort hotels (excluding Art of Animation Little Mermaid rooms, Fort Wilderness campsites, the Villas at Grand Floridian, and 3-bedroom villas). Book through December 14.

Discounts include:

Resort Name Discount
Art of Animation Family Suites (select dates only), All-Star Music, All-Star Movies, All-Star Sports, and Pop Century 20%
Caribbean Beach Resort, Coronado Springs Resort (excluding suites), Port Orleans French Quarter, Fort Wilderness Cabins, Contemporary, Bay Lake Tower, Beach Club, and Beach Club Villas 25%
Animal Kingdom Lodge (pool and standard views), BoardWalk Inn, Grand Floridian, Polynesian, Wilderness Lodge, and Yacht Club 35%
BoardWalk Villas, Old Key West, Saratoga Springs, and Wilderness Lodge Villas

35%

Read full details here.


Discounts for US Military

2012–2013 Military Salute offer

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

These tickets expire after September 28. Blockout dates are March 24 through April 4 at all ticketed locations, and July 4 at Magic Kingdom park only.

Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney four-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold.

You may upgrade the tickets to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available.

In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights through September 28.

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

2013-14 Military Salute offer

From August 12, 2013, through September 24, 2014, active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with either the Park Hopper or Water Parks Fun and More option for $169 per ticket, plus tax (up from $156 last year), or with both the Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More options for $198 per ticket, plus tax (up from $184). No Base ticket is available with this offer.

These tickets are valid September 29, 2013, through September 27, 2014. Blockout dates December 20–31, 2013 and April 13–20, 2014,at all ticketed locations; and July 4 at Magic Kingdom park only.

Eligible service members include active or retired members of the U.S. military including the U.S. Coast Guard, National Guard, and Reservists. Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased at Shades of Green or at a participating military base (MWR/ITT) office. There is no tax charged for these tickets but they must be activated at a theme park ticket window. Tickets may also be purchased at Walt Disney World Park Ticket Offices and Guest Relations Offices where tax will be charged. Tickets may be purchased by active and retired military personnel for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. One of the Disney four-Day Military Promotional Tickets purchased on each occasion must be for use by the Eligible Service Member or spouse. This offer is for active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard. Valid military identification is required. The tickets are non-transferable and may not be resold.

You may upgrade the tickets to Seasonal Passes or Florida Resident Weekday Select Passes (for Florida Residents), or Annual Passes, Premium Annual Passes, or Disney Premier Pass with credit toward the upgrade based on the actual price paid. The no-expiration option and other upgrades, such as additional days, are not available.

In addition, specially priced rooms are available to active and retired U.S. military personnel at select Walt Disney World resorts for stays most nights through September 27, 2014 with the exception of the following blockout periods:

  • November 28–30, 2013
  • December 23–31, 2013
  • April 14–19, 2014

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.


Discounts for UK residents

2014 Free Dining offer for U.K. residents

2014 Free Dining offers for U.K. residents have been released. From the information posted on the Virgin Holidays website, it appears the 2014 program offers free Quick Service Dining Plan plan when booking at a Moderate resort, and free Dining Plan when booking at Deluxe resorts, Old Key West or Saratoga Springs. There are also offers for a free $200 Disney Gift Card and/or a 14-day ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket depending on travel dates. These particular offers are valid for U.K. residents only.


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  • Stephanie Wien
    Stephanie Wien

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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