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

Walt Disney World Resort Update

March 11, 2014 by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Update for March 11 – 17, 2014

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

News and Views

Festival of Fantasy parade wows crowd during Magic Kingdom debut | This week at the 2014 Flower & Garden Festival | WDW introduces guide for visitors with Cognitive Disabilities | Inaugural Disney Fit Challenge | Pricing released for 2015 Walt Disney World marathon weekend events | St. Patrick Day celebration starts early at Downtown Disney | Disney Vacation Club hosts food truck event for members | Quick takes | Crowd update

Festival of Fantasy parade wows crowd during Magic Kingdom debut

The new Disney Festival of Fantasy parade debuted at the Magic Kingdom Sunday, bringing seven massive new floats and nearly 100 costumed performers to Main Street, U.S.A. The Disney Festival of Fantasy was the first truly new parade for the Magic Kingdom since 2001, replacing Celebrate a Dream Come True, the third version of the Share a Dream Come True parade introduced in 2001 for the park's anniversary celebration.

Belle and Beast lead the new Disney Festival of Fantasy parade at the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Linda Neeley.

The highlight of the parade is the Sleeping Beauty unit, featuring a steampunk-inspired 53-foot-long Maleficent dragon created in partnership with Tony Award-winning puppet designer Michael Curry. The dragon, which is 26 feet tall, breathes fire as it undulates down the street, locked in an epic battle with Prince Phillip and Flora, Fauna, and Merryweather.

A 53-foot-long Maleficent dragon breathes fire at Prince Phillip in the Disney Festival of Fantasy parade. Photo by Linda Neeley.

Many classic Disney characters return in this parade, but there are two new additions with floats dedicated to Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from Tangled, and Merida from Brave. Anna and Elsa from Frozen feature prominently on the Princess Garden float, as do Tiana and Naveen from The Princess and the Frog. Even the obligatory appearance by Tinker Bell is presented in a new way, and the Peter Pan unit is a glittering sight to behold.

Disney Festival of Fantasy parade is currently presented once a day, and access to a reserved viewing area is available using the FastPass+ system.

Jiminy Cricket leads the final unit in the Festival of Fantasy parade. Photo by Linda Neeley.

MousePlanet contributor Linda Neely was at the debut performance and shared her photos with us. To save space in this park update, we've included just a few photos here, and have published the rest in a separate gallery.

This week at the 2014 Flower & Garden Festival

If you're stopping to smell the flowers at the Flower & Garden Festival this weekend, take along our guide to the scheduled presentations and entertainment offerings.

Tour information:

  • The Gardens of the World Tour –  is a three-hour tour led by a Disney Horticulturist. Theme park admission required and not included. Tickets are $64 per person, plus tax, and guests must be age 16 and up. Call 407-WDW-TOUR to make reservations, or check at Epcot Guest Relations for availability.
  • The English Tea Garden Tour  – is a no-cost 20-minute tour presented by Twinings of London. Sign up at the Tea Caddy. Space is limited.
Activity Time Location

Tuesday, March 11

   

Gardens of the World Tour

9:00 a.m. to noon

Epcot

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

“Great Containers Made Easy”

Noon

Designer's Stage

“Crazy for Containers”

3:00 p.m.

Designer's Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

3:45, 6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

Wednesday, March 12    

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

“Great Containers Made Easy”

Noon

Designer's Stage

“Crazy for Containers”

3:00 p.m.

Designer's Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

3:45, 6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

Thursday, March 13    

Gardens of the World Tour

9:00 a.m. to noon

Epcot

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

“Great Containers Made Easy”

Noon

Designer's Stage

“Crazy for Containers”

3:00 p.m.

Designer's Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

3:45,  6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

Friday, March 14    

Gardens of the World Tour

9:00 a.m. to noon

Epcot

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

Chris Lambton from Going Yard

Noon, 3:00

Designer's Stage

I Did Something Wild in My Yard! Landscaping Techniques to Benefit Wildlife

11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.

Greenhouse Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

1:00, 3:45,  6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

Flower Power Concert Series: Gary Lewis and The Playboys

5:30, 6:45, 8:00 p.m.

American Gardens Theater

Saturday, March 15    

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

 Chris Lambton from Going Yard

Noon, 3:00

Designer's Stage

Magical Hummingbirds

11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.

Greenhouse Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

1:00, 3:45, 6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

Flower Power Concert Series: Gary Lewis and The Playboys

5:30, 6:45, 8:00 p.m.

American Gardens Theater

Sunday, March 16    

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

Chris Lambton from Going Yard

Noon, 3:00 p.m.

Designer's Stage

Florida Hikes for Botanical Beauty

11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m.

Greenhouse Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

1:00, 3:45,  6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

Flower Power Concert Series: Gary Lewis and The Playboys

5:30, 6:45,  8:00 p.m.

American Gardens Theater

Monday, March 17    

Gardens of the World Tour

9:00 a.m. to noon

Epcot

“Planting Pointers”

1:00, 4:00 p.m.

Festival Center

Gardening with Nature

Noon, 3:00 p.m.

Designer's Stage

English Tea Garden Tour

3:45, 6:15 p.m.

Tea Caddy

WDW introduces guide for visitors with Cognitive Disabilities

When Disney introduced its new the Disability Access Service program in late 2013, the company said it was working on a guide to help visitors with cognitive disabilities plan their visits. That guide is now available, and provides a wealth of information on everything from how to prepare a family member for their trip, to resources for visitors with special dietary needs.

For many parents, the most helpful part of this guide is a detailed chart of the rides and entertainment options for each park, listing sensory elements like strong scents, loud noises, sudden motions, or water effects that might startle sensitive visitors. The chart also details the type of restraint used on each ride and how long the experience lasts.

Additional sections provide advice on where to find quiet places in the parks as well as what to bring, and includes photos to help prepare a family member to ride the trams and go through bag check before entering the park.

You can obtain the guide at City Hall in the Magic Kingdom, Guest Relations in any theme park, from the Guest Relations office in Downtown Disney, or as an online PDF to read before your visit. This new guide is a companion to the existing guidebooks for guests with disabilities, which are also available at the theme parks or can be downloaded from the Walt Disney World website.

[Note: Thanks to Lisa at the Babes in Disneyland blog for reporting the availability of the new guides.]

Inaugural Disney Fit Challenge

Building on the immensely popular series of runDisney endurance events, Disney Sports last week announced a new Disney Fit Challenge, billed as a three-day competitive fitness event. Very few details were provided about the event, scheduled for September 26–28, 2014, but Disney has promised that athletes of all levels can compete against others “of similar age and skill level,” giving everyone from recreational to elite athletes a challenge suited to their level. Points earned in the first two days of competition will determine which finalists advance to compete on day three.

Registration for the event opens Tuesday, March 18. Pricing has not yet been announced.

Pricing released for 2015 Walt Disney World marathon weekend events

Pricing is for the 2015 WDW Marathon Weekend events, which include the 10th anniversary of the Goofy Race and a Half Challenge, has been released by runDisney. Early registration for annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members opens at noon Eastern (9:00 a.m. Pacific) on Wednesday, April 16. Registration opens to the general public Tuesday, April 22. Although registration prices increase the longer you wait, many of the races sell out within days (or even hours), making the higher prices moot.

  • Dopey Challenge

    • $530 by June 24
    • $560 June 25 to Aug. 19
    • $590 on or after Aug. 20
  • Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge

    • $360 by June 24
    • $380 June 25 to Aug. 19
    • $400 on or after Aug. 20
  • Walt Disney World Marathon

    • $170 by June 24
    • $185 June 25 to Aug. 19
    • $200 on or after Aug. 20
  • Walt Disney World Half Marathon

    • $170 by June 24
    • $185 June 25 to Aug. 19
    • $200 on or after Aug. 20
  • Walt Disney World 10K

    • $105 by June 24
    • $120 June 25 to Aug. 19
    • $135 on or after Aug. 20
  • Disney Family Fun Run 5K

    • $60 per participant by Sept. 23
    • $70 on or after Sept. 24
  • runDisney Kids Races

    • $15 per child by Sept. 23
    • $20 on or after Sept. 24
  • Mickey Mile

    • $30 per child by Sept. 23
    • $35 on or after Sept. 24
  • Race Retreat Packages

    • $120 Half Marathon Package
    • $120 Full Marathon Package
    • $200 Goofy's Challenge Package
  • ChEAR Squad Package Pricing:

    • Goofy's Race and a Half Challenge or Dopey Challenge

      • Bronze Package No Charge
      • Sliver Package $39
      • Gold Package $85
      • Platinum Package $180
    • Marathon

      • Bronze Package No Charge
      • Sliver Package $39
      • Gold Package $65
      • Platinum Package $120
    • Half Marathon

      • Bronze Package No Charge
      • Sliver Package $39
      • Gold Package $65
      • Platinum Package $120

St. Patrick's Day Festival underway at Downtown Disney

The “wearin' of the green” started this past weekend at Downtown Disney, with the Mighty St. Patrick's Day Festival events and entertainment scheduled through next Monday, March 17. Here are all of the details, directly from Disney:

The celebration at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant and throughout Downtown Disney pays homage to Celtic culture with nearly 10 top Irish bands and pro dancers performing on three stages during select days of the festival. With performances starting nightly March 7-14 from 5 p.m. to 1 a.m. and daily 12 p.m. to 1 a.m. March 15-17 on stages indoors and out, guests can don their finest green duds and join in a jig or two.

Highlights of the celebration across Downtown Disney will include:

  • Performances by The Willis Clan, world-famous U2 tribute band Elevation, Goitse, Three Dollar Band, We Banjo 3, The Ragland Rebels, The Brazen Heads and Raglan Road house bands Creel and The West Coast Trio
  • The Raglan Road Dancers – seven full-time champion dancers, performing daily
  • Renowned Irish dancer and choreographer Ronan McCormack of the original Riverdance cast, leading Irish Dance Workshops “From Roots to Riverdance”
  • Ceili (kay-lee) traditional music and structured set-dancing event, during which host Ronan McCormack invites guest participation

Additional entertainment inspired by the Emerald Isle will include more than 50 musicians and dancers, face painting, stilt walkers, living statues and giveaways. Guests will find it’s easy being green at The Mighty Family Zone on the West Side, a new offering during the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival. Guests can snag a photo with Kermit, learn how to draw everyone’s favorite frog, take part in games and DJ dance parties, and more.

Also new this year: the four Disney Food Trucks (Fantasy Fair, Namaste Café, Superstar Catering and World Showcase of Flavors) will serve delicious eats each evening of the festival at Downtown Disney West Side, including a special St. Patrick’s Day-themed cupcake. Guests can also purchase Fisherman’s Pie, a favorite dish from the Ireland kiosk at the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, at the World Showcase of Flavors Food Truck.

Guests can order from the popular Raglan Road lunch, dinner and bar menus throughout the event. Irish celebrity chef Kevin Dundon of Raglan Road will bring traditional Irish flavors to Downtown Disney with dishes such as loin of bacon and cabbage, and guests will find a hearty selection of beers on tap.

The restaurant’s Cooke’s of Dublin counter-service eatery will offer Irish favorites like fish and chips, battered sausages and deep-fried candy bars, and guests will discover additional food and specialty drinks created just for the festival at select Downtown Disney restaurants.

On Monday, St. Patrick’s Day, guests will be seated at Raglan Road on a first-come, first-served basis with a cover charge of $10 for each guest age 18 and older. Reservations can be booked for other festival days by calling 407/938-0300. For more information visit Disneyworld.com/StPatricksDay.

Disney Vacation Club hosts food truck event for members

As part of the Membership Magic promotion, Disney Vacation Club members are invited to visit Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa three Tuesdays this month for a special food truck event, on March 11, 18, and 25 from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Some of the Walt Disney World theme park food trucks will set up near the Grandstand Pool to offer their regular menu for purchase, with selected “sweet treats” available for free while supplies last, compliments of Disney Vacation Club. Special music and entertainment will also be offered during the event.

Parking is available at the Resort, or members can take Resort transportation to Saratoga Springs for the event.

Quick takes…

…The complex housing Babycakes NYC, Pollo Campero, and Bodie's All-American is scheduled to close next Wednesday, March 19, as construction of the Disney Springs project continues. Pollo Campero and Bodie's All-American will be missed by some, but visitors who flock to Babycakes NYC to stock up on gluten-free, vegan baked goods will be sorely disappointed by the closure. Some Babycakes products will continue to be offered at some Disney-operated outlets.

…The 2014 Wine and Dine Half Marathon sold out in just over 24 hours after registration opened last week, surprising many, considering the 2013 race took weeks to sell out. There is still room in Mickey's Jingle Jungle 5K and the runDisney Kids' Races.

…The Winter Summerland miniature golf course has fully reopened after a seven-week refurbishment of the winter side of the course.

…The Service Trades Council Union has agreed to an extension of the labor agreement covering nearly 30,000 Walt Disney World employees while negotiations continue. The original contract was set to expire March 29, and the extension is effective through July 17.

…D23 announced last month that the Destination D: Attraction Rewind event originally planned for July 26-27 has been rescheduled for November 22-23. Disney says the event “will bring Disney archivists, Imagineers, Legends and luminaries together to celebrate fan favorites such as Adventure Thru Inner Space, If You Had Wings, and 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea with rarely seen concept art and images; vintage video clips; and revealing stories. In addition, several presentations will be dedicated to the 1964–65 New York World’s Fair, which spawned beloved attractions like it’s a small world and Carousel of Progress.” Additional details expected to be released this spring. A schedule conflict with San Diego ComicCon may be the reason behind the move.

…Tickets are still available for the Rebel Rendezvous, a separately ticketed merchandise event that kicks off the 2014 Star Wars Weekends. The event is Thursday, May 15, from 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The Rebel Rendezvous gives attendees access to Darth's Mall and the Star Wars Weekend merchandise one day before the event opens to the general public. Attendees also have access to meet-and-greet opportunities with Disney and Star Wars characters, Disney artists, and performers like Ashley Eckstein (from Star Wars: The Clone Wars). Register via the Disney Parks Merchandise website.

…You can still enter to win a trip to both Walt Disney World and the Disneyland Resort in the Disney Side of Summer Sweepstakes. Enter via Twitter once per day now through March 31. Full details and complete rules are on the Disney Parks blog.

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Crowd Forecast

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“Do more. Wait less.”

The Spring Break season has begun, crowds will be on most days heavy until the end of April. 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, March 11, 2013 6 / 10
Wednesday, March 12, 2014 6 / 10
Thursday, March 13, 2014 7 / 10
Friday, March 14, 2014 6 / 10



 

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

  • Tuesday is the best day to visit the Magic Kingdom.
  • The resort crowd level on Friday 5 out of 6.
  • Following a Touring Plan is important when crowd levels spike at the park you're visiting!

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

2014

  • Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival – March 5 through May 18
  • Festival of Fantasy Parade – debut March 9 at the Magic Kingdom.
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train media event – April 30 through May 2. This may indicate the ride will open to the public May 1 or 2.
  • Expedition Everest Challenge – May 3
  • Star Wars Weekends Rebel Rendezvous – May 15, 2014
  • Star Wars Weekends

    • Weekend I: May 16–18, 2014
    • Weekend II: May 23–25, 2014
    • Weekend III: May 30 to June 1, 2014
    • Weekend IV: June 6–8, 2014
    • Weekend V: June 13–15, 2014
  • Car Masters Weekend – June 14–15 in Downtown Disney.
  • Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10
  • Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – Friday, September 5 and Saturday, September 6.
  • Disney Fit Challenge – September 26-28. Registration opens Tuesday, March 18. More information on the Disney Sports website.
  • Twilight Zone Tower of Terror 10-Miler Weekend – October 3–4
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 31 and November 1. Tickets and packages now on sale.
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 7–8
  • Destination D: Attraction Rewind – November 22-23. Additional details expected to be released this spring. The event was originally announced for July 26-27, but was rescheduled.
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – 2014 event dates not yet announced.
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – 2014 event dates not yet announced.

2015

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015.

runDisney events

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

2014

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

2015

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015. Registration opens April 22, 2014. No additional details available at this time.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. Registration opens July 15, 2014. No additional details available at this time.

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


Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

  • The Plaza Restaurant – closed through March 15 for refurbishment.
  • Splash Mountain – closed through March 22 for refurbishment.
  • Pinocchio Village Haus – closed through March 30 for refurbishment.
  • Swiss Family Treehouse – closed March 17 through 28 for refurbishment.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 7–9 for refurbishment.
  • Pirates of the Caribbean – closed April 28 through May 1 for refurbishment.
  • Astro Orbiter – closed May 3 through August 20 for refurbishment.

Epcot

  • No known refurbishments at this time.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • No known refurbishments at this time.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Festival of the Lion King – closed for move to its new theater, currently under construction. Estimated to be closed until July/August 2014.

Resorts

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

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

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

Water Parks

  • Blizzard Beach – closed through March 17 for annual refurbishment.

Elsewhere

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

Current Discounts & Promotions

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

Discounts for Everyone

Save up to 30%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights March 14 through April 12 and April 20 through June 15, 2014

Upgrade to a room and ticket package and get one more ticket day free. (Minimum 4-day Magic Your Way ticket required.)

Offer Details:

  • Save up to 30 percent at Disney's Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney's BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard/pool view rooms), Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Old Key West Resort and Disney's Wilderness Lodge (standard/woods view)
  • Save up to 25 percent at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside and Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
  • Save up to 20 percent at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort Villas, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (savanna/club rooms) & Villas, Disney's Wilderness Lodge (courtyard/club rooms) & Villas, Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music and Disney's Pop Century Resort

Book now through March 31, 2014


Memory Maker pre-arrival discount

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

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


Discounts for Annual Passholders

Room discounts through April 12, 2014

Annual passholders enjoy a discount of up to 37 percent off regular room rates at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts March 14–29. Advance reservations required; other discounts available during this time period. Must book before April 12.

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 (annual passholder login required).

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World 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).

From March 6–13 (Spring Break travel):

  • Up to 20% off Value Resorts – Disney's All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century.
  • Up to 25% off Moderate Resorts – Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
  • Up to 35% off Deluxe Resorts – Disney's Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard or pool view), Contemporary, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge (standard or woods view).
  • Up to 35% off Disney Vacation Club (Deluxe Villa) Resorts – Disney's Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs

From March 14–29:

  • Up to 25% off Value Resorts – Disney's All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century.
  • Up to 30% off Moderate Resorts – Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
  • Up to 37% off Deluxe Resorts – Disney's Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard or pool view), Contemporary, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge (standard or woods view).
  • Up to 37% off Disney Vacation Club (Deluxe Villa) Resorts – Disney's Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs

Check with a travel agent or Walt Disney World for other rate discounts during this time period.


Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders

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

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

Room discounts include:

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

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)

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 receive one free 5 x 7 character photo per day.


Discounts for Florida Residents

Room discounts through April 8, 2014

Florida residents enjoy a discount of up to 37 percent off regular room rates at select Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts from March 14 to 29, 2014. Advance reservations required; other discounts available during this time period. Must book before April 8.

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.

You can make your reservation through the Walt Disney World 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).

From March 6 to 13, 2014 (Spring Break Travel):

  • Up to 20% off Value Resorts – Disney's All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century.
  • Up to 25% off Moderate Resorts – Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
  • Up to 35% off Deluxe Resorts – Disney's Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard or pool view), Contemporary, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge (standard or woods view).
  • Up to 35% off Disney Vacation Club (Deluxe Villa) Resorts – Disney's Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs

From March 14 to 29, 2014:

  • Up to 25% off Value Resorts – Disney's All-Star Music, All-Star Sports, Pop Century.
  • Up to 30% off Moderate Resorts – Disney's Port Orleans Riverside, Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach, the Cabins at Fort Wilderness.
  • Up to 37% off Deluxe Resorts – Disney's Yacht Club, Beach Club, BoardWalk Inn, Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard or pool view), Contemporary, Polynesian Resort, Grand Floridian, Wilderness Lodge (standard or woods view).
  • Up to 37% off Disney Vacation Club (Deluxe Villa) Resorts – Disney's Old Key West, BoardWalk Villas, Beach Club Villas, Saratoga Springs

Check with a travel agent or Walt Disney World for other rate discounts during this time period.


Discounts for U.K. Residents

2014 Free Dining offer for U.K. residents

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



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  • Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
    Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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