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

Walt Disney World Resort Update

July 1, 2014 by Marie Rossiter

Update for July 1 – 7, 2014

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

News and Views

New Frozen experiences coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios | Disney Parks launch two new VIP tour experiences | Cinderella's Royal Table scheduled for lengthy refurbishment in early 2015 | Tables in Wonderland hosts Food and Wine preview event | Walt Disney World change park hours and Extra Magic Hours | Where to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World | Disney's Swan and Dolphin Hotel hosts a “Taproom Takeover” | Wilderness Lodge schedules pool refurbishment| Disney announces “Recreate the Magic” contest| July 2014 Walt Disney World Art Event Summary | Views from “Around the World” | Quick takes | Question of the Week | Crowd update

New Frozen experiences coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

From July 5 through September 1, part of Disney's Hollywood Studios transforms into Frozen's Arendelle when the park launches a series of new guest experiences for the movie's fans.

According to Disney Parks Blog, visitors become immersed in Anna and Elsa's world when they visit the following new attractions:

Anna and Elsa's Royal Welcome

Frozen's royal sisters travel down Hollywood Boulevard in a horse-drawn sleigh. Kristoff joins in the procession with skaters, skiers and ice cutters. The procession ends at the Sorcerer's Hat stage for a special finale. Note: no Fastpass+ reservations available for this experience.

Everyday at 11 a.m.

For the First Time in Forever

A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration: Visitors enter the Premiere Theater to join Queen Elsa, Princess Anna and the Royal Historians of Arendelle for a multimedia retelling of their kingdom's history. Projections, lighting and special effects bring the show to life, and the audience has a chance for sing-along moments, too. At the end of the event, every audience member becomes an “Honorary Citizen of Arendelle.” Note: No Fastpass+ reservations available for this experience

Daily at 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m.

Wandering Oakes Trading Post & Frozen Funland

Oaken and his cousins create a Frozen Funland inside Soundstage One. Winter activities include an ice skating rink featuring the cousins and visitors can rent skates to show off their skills. Ice artists carve characters from giant blocks of ice. The “Do You Want to Build a Snowman” area hosts many other winter activities while Oaken has his Trading Post open for visitors to buy hot cocoa and delicious treats. Those looking for some great photo opportunities can stop at a virtual setting with the animated versions of the film's characters.  Note: No Fastpass+ reservations available for this experience.

Area opens at park opening and remains open until 8 p.m. (no Extra Magic Hours)

Coolest Summer Dance Party

A live band and DJ slide onto the main stage to pump up the party with popular songs and a few tunes from Frozen.

Each day from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Take-Along Olaf

Visitors could receive a “Take-Along Olaf” they carry with them during their park visit. Cast Members encourage participants to take photos with Olaf and post them on social media, including the hashtag “OlafSummerVacation. Just before the nightly Frozen Fireworks celebrations, tagged photos from throughout the day can be seen on a the big screen during the pre-show event.

Throughout the day

Frozen Fireworks

Mickey's Sorcerer Hat on Hollywood Boulevard transforms into a Frozen wonderland and fireworks light up the sky. Queen Elsa even makes a special appearance to show the crowd how to produce “magically blue and white gleaming fireworks.” Note: From August 17 through September 1, the fireworks show time changes to 9:15 p.m. due to the Villains Unleashed special-ticket event.

At 9:45 every night

Visitors should know that none of the Frozen characters offer meet-and-greet opportunities at Disney's Hollywood Studios. To meet Anna and Elsa, visitors should head over to the Princess Fairytale Hall at the Magic Kingdom. 

Disney parks launch two new VIP tour experiences

Two new VIP tour experiences offer thrillseekers and young families a chance to have a day filled with easy ride access, delicious food and fun across three Walt Disney World theme parks. 

The Ultimate Day for Thrill Seekers and The Ultimate Day for Young Families both begin at 8:15 a.m. at the Magic Kingdom's Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant. Regular park admission must be purchased to enter the Magic Kingdom before the tour begins. After check-in, participants go to their designated tour group to meet their expert guide and start their day. The tour includes back stage transportation between the three theme parks. Both tours last between six and seven hours.

Each tour offers an itinerary suited to make a magical day based on the group's ages and interests. The VIP Experience offers a complementary lunch at a resort table-service restaurant. VIP tour members receive “line-free” access to the park' rides and attractions, as well.

The Ultimate Day for Thrill Seekers includes rides on:

Magic Kingdom

  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
  • Haunted Mansion
  • Seven Dwarfs Mine Train
  • Space Mountain
  • Splash Mountain

Animal Kingdom

  • Expedition Everest
  • Dinosaur

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith
  • Star Tours
  • The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
  • Toy Story Midway Mania

Note: All guests must meet the minimum height requirement of 48″ to participate in the VIP tour. Guests under 18 years old must have an adult present to go on the tour. 

The Ultimate Day for Young Families includes:

Magic Kingdom

  • Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin
  • Dumbo the Flying Elephant
  • “it's a small world”
  • Peter Pan's Flight
  • The Barnstormer featuring the Great Goofini
  • Tomorrowland Speedway
  • Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Festival of the Lion King
  • Kilimanjaro Safaris

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Disney Junior Live on Stage
  • Toy Story Midway Mania.

Note: This tour does not require a minimum height required. All guests under 18 years old must have an adult present to go on the tour.

Walt Disney World offers these tours every Sunday, Tuesday and Friday only.

Tickets cost $299 per person, in addition to a regular park admission ticket. Annual pass holders, DVC members and Disney Visa Card holders receive a 15% discount.

To make a VIP tour reservation or get more information, call (407) WDW-TOUR or (407) 939-8687.

Cinderella's Royal Table scheduled for lengthy refurbishment in early 2015

During a recent visit to the Magic Kingdom, MousePlanet.com writer and photographer J. Jeff Kober confirmed various Internet reports of a lengthy refurbishment to Cinderella's Royal Table, one of Walt Disney World's most popular character dining experiences.

Magic Kingdom officials schedule a major refurbishment project Cinderella's Royal Table from January 5, 2015 through March 6, 2105. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Officials say the restaurant shuts down January 5, 2015 and should reopen by March 7, 2015. 

Walt Disney World visitors looking for an alternative Disney Princess dining experience can visit Epcot's Akershus Banquet Hall located in the World Showcase's Norway pavilion. Among the Disney Princess who may participate in the Storybook Dining experience are Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, Princess Aurora and Ariel.

Tables in Wonderland hosts Food and Wine preview event

The 19th annual Epcot International Food and Wine Festival doesn't begin until September 19, but Tables in Wonderland wants to give members a sneak peek at this year's festivities with its “Taste Your Way Around the World” event.

On Saturday, July 19 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at East Hall located in Epcot's World Showcase pavilion, event guests can sample a variety of international foods and drinks in addition to hearing speakers offering a first glance at all the new experiences coming to the 2014 Epcot International Food and Wine Festival.

The event features a buffet reception and a plated dinner option with menu items such as:

  • South African Bobotie with Turkey and Mushrooms
  • Sea Scallop with Spinach Cheddar Gratin and Crispy Bacon
  • Roasted Verlasso Salmon with Quinoa Salad and Arugula Chimi Chimi
  • “Carne Guisada con Arroz Blanco”: Slow Braised Beef with Puerto Rican Grown Rice
  • Croissant Doughnut
  • Fresh Baked Carrot Cake with Craisins and Cream Cheese Icing
  • Warm Drinking Chocolate

Tickets cost $143.78 per person (tax and gratuity included) and can only be purchased and used by Tables in Wonderland members. Tables in Wonderland only has 250 seats available for this event, so visit the official event website to reserve a seat soon.

Walt Disney World change park hours and Extra Magic Hours

MousePlanet sponsor TouringPlans.com reports several changes made to Walt Disney World Resort theme parks for the remainder of 2014.

Officials extended Magic Kingdom's hours for many of its days, including the addition of Extra Magic Hours on Saturday evenings. However, they removed Extra Magic Hours on Sunday and Monday evenings at the park. Another addition includes more Main Street Electrical parade performances.

Over at Disney's Hollywood Studios, officials also added on hours to many days and added additional Fantasmic! showings. Visitors should check TouringPlans.com or a times guide to find out specific performance times and changes made to Extra Magic Hours.

Disney's Animal Kingdom officials also extended park hours for many of its days and changed Morning Extra Magic Hours to primarily on Sunday, with a few exceptions.

At this time, Epcot's schedule remains the same.

TouringPlans.com crowd calendar can help visitors keep up to date with schedule changes in the coming months.

Where to celebrate Independence Day at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World has a variety of special events planned for July 4 to celebrate Independence Day

Magic Kingdom

Disney's Celebrate America! A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky

9:00 p.m. (also on July 3)

Cinderella Castle

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Rockin' 4th of July Celebration DJ Party

6:00 p.m.

Sorcerer Hat

Mulch, Sweat & Shears – a musical road trip through America

7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., 9:00 p.m., 10:00 p.m.

Sorcerer Hat

Rock 'n' Roll Fireworks presentation

10:15 p.m.

Sorcerer Hat

Epcot

Meet and Greet Disney Characters dressed in patriotic attire

Various times throughout day – check Times Guide

Outside The American Adventure

Spirit of America Fife and Drum Corp

1:00 p.m, 2:15 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m., 4:45 p.m.

Outside The American Adventure

Voices of Liberty

12:30 p.m., 1:45 p.m., 3:00 p.m..

Outside The American Adventure

Voices of Liberty

4:15 p.m., 5:00 p.m.

The American Adventure Rotunda

Sounds of Summer Concert Series: Don't Look Back

5:15 p.m., 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., 9:00 p.m.

American Gardens Theater

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth with grand finale in a salute to America

10:00 p.m.

Around World Showcase Lagoon

Disney's Swan and Dolphin Hotel hosts a “Taproom Takeover”

Disney's Swan and Dolphin Hotel hosts a “Taproom Takeover” from July 2 to 8 and invites visitors to come sample regionally brewed craft beers at the Cabana Bar and Beach Club. The hotel teams up with Tampa's Cigar City Brewing to serve a variety of craft beer on eight taps.

Beer lovers can choose fro Cigar City Apple Pie Cider, Cigar City Cider, Cubano Espresso Brown Ale, Florida Cracker White Ale, Helles Lager, Invasion Pale Ale, Jai Lai IPA, Maduro Brown Ale, Tocobaga Red Ale, and Wandering Pelican Black Ale. 

On July 4, a portion of every Homefront IPA brew sale goes to raise money for Operation Homefront, which provides services to military families across the country.

Visitors can also visit the Dolphin's Lobby Lounge to enjoy a selection of Cigar City Brewing beers. 

Wilderness Lodge schedules pool refurbishment

Disney's Wilderness Lodged recently scheduled a refurbishment of its Silver Creek Springs Pool from September 3 through late November 2014. 
 
Hotel guests can use Hidden Springs Pool, the leisure pool at The Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, during the closure.
 
Two neighboring resorts invite Wilderness Lodge guests to visit the fun and refreshing pools at their locations. At Disney’s Contemporary Resort, guests can delight in the splashing fun of the Main Pool, including its 135-foot waterslide. At Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground, guests can check out the exciting waters of the Meadow Swimmin’ Pool, featuring a hot tub for adults and water play areas for the kids!
 
The Wilderness Lodge intends to offer convenient and complimentary transportation to both neighboring resorts.

Disney announces “Recreate the Magic” contest

Walt Disney World's latest contest, “Recreate the Magic,” invites entrants to recall magical memories made during a previous trip, which could win them a future trip to Walt Disney World including:

  • An 8 day/7 night vacation package for six people to the Walt Disney World Resort
  • Round trip airfare for six people (the winner and five guests)
  • Round trip airport transfers to and from the Walt Disney World Resort (Magical Express service)
  • Accommodations at one 2-bedroom suite or villa at a Walt Disney World hotel
  • Six 8-day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper option
  • One $800 Disney gift card
  • Winner's choice of any Disney PhotoPass product valued up to $300
  • A welcome basket for the winner
  • One Disney character dining experience for six people
  • VIP viewing for one Disney theme park parade or show for six people (determined by sponsor)
  • One Disney Signature Dining experience for six people (determined by sponsor)

In an effort to keep the contest's “throwback” theme, all entries must include a photo of people having a great time at Walt Disney World (preferably between 1971 and 1990, but not limited to that time period) along with a brief (no longer than 1,500 words) description of the magical memory experienced in the photo.

Entrants can submit their photos and memories until 11:59 p.m. on August 11 and judging should end on August 11, 2014, according to the contest's official rules.

July 2014 Walt Disney World Art Event Summary

As July begins, Disney Parks Blog released a summary of the month's events happening around Walt Disney World. Whether you're looking to celebrate Christmas in July, meet a Disney artist, or are into doll collection, July has a lot to offer beyond the parks.

  • July 1–4 and July 17–20 International artist Larry Dotson makes appearances at the Art of Disney Store at Epcot from July 1–4 and then moves over to the Art of Disney Store from July 17–20. His work appears in all four Walt Disney World theme parks, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney Cruise Lines and more.
  • July 3 and July 24–27: Artist Showcase: David E. Doss appears at the Art of Disney store in Downtown Disney. Doss' work appears all over Disney Theme Parks and the Disney Cruise Line.
  • July 1–27: Precious Moments Doll Showcase. The beautiful dolls return to the Walt Disney Resort at the Once Upon a Toy Store in Downtown Disney to celebrate the released of new dolls Dumbo and Periwinkle. Precious Moments designer Linda Rick joins the showcase on July 3–6 to talk about her work.

Views from “Around the World”

In this week's photo tour, we catch up with construction progress at Walt Disney World's Polynesian Resort and the Magic Kingdom.

Walt Disney World's Polynesian Resort

Looking down from the bridge to the monorail, a construction road has been cut near where the entry fountain to the hotel was entering into the building on the far right. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The new island units at DIsney's Polynesian Village Resort has taken on roof tiles and sliding glass doors. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The cast member cafeteria has been converted to a casual dining area for guests staying at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort during construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Based on this artwork dressing the construction fences at the resort, the Goddess Uh Oa may appear soon at the new Trader Sam's. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Magic Kingdom

Construction continues on the Central Plaza area at Magic Kingdom. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The exteriors at The Enchanted Tiki Room are still under construction. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

New areas are dedicated to helping tour groups make FastPass+ arrangements during their stay at the parks. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Quick takes

… Pop music princess Ariana Grande celebrated her 21st birthday at Walt Disney World last week. During the celebration, Mickey Mouse met the singing star in front of Cinderella Castle, followed by a special Bibbidi Bobbidi Blue birthday cake presented by none other than Prince Charming and Cinderella. Visit the official Disney Parks Blog for event photos and video.

…The ESPN Wide World of Sports hosted the Drew Brees Passing Academy, where more than 300 high school athletes from around the country came to learn from the NFL Super Bowl MVP Quarterback Drew Brees, as well as other NFL stars Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals), Darren Sproles (Philadelphia Eagles), and Darrelle Revis (New England Patriots.) Following training and conditioning, the students played in a 7-on-7 tournament to benefit the The Brees Dream Foundation.

…Do you love to take fun photos? Want to win a Walt Disney World vacation? Then, take a look at Disney's latest contest: Be the 8th Miner for your chance to win. One lucky person wins the grand prize: an eight day, seven night vacation for four people to Walt Disney World including airfare, Magical Express transfers to a Walt Disney World resort, four 7-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Tickets, an $800 Disney gift card, a character meet and greet photo opportunity and winner's choice of any Disney Photopass service, up to $300.The contest, which ends July 22, asks entrants to show off their “Seven Dwarfs-inspired skills” with pictures or smartphone video. Each week, the official Be the 8th Miner website publishes a new challenge for entrants to use as inspiration for their pictures and/or videos. Once entrants submit their photo or video, they need to follow @WaltDisneyWorld on Twitter and tweet their entry with the hashtag #8thMinerContest. The Be the 8th Miner contest has a number of specific rules to follow to make sure your entry does not violate any copyrights, so please go to the official rules website and read them carefully before you enter.

Question of the Week

Our Question of the Week comes from MousePad Forum member xezat:

Going back to Disney World for the first time since 2009. I know they have a whole new system since the last time I went and was wondering if anyone had some good resources to read up on about the new Fastpass+ and My Magic bands? I don't know if it complicates the matter, but I will be going with family and staying at Shades of Green, and we are going to be using the military discounts for the park hopper passes; do they use the new system too? Or is everything kind of integrated? 
 
Also if anyone happens to know what might be closing down for refurbishment around that time, that would be helpful also. Thanks!
Get in on the conversation over at MousePlanet.com's MousePad forum and share your Disney expertise!

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Crowd Forecast

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“Do more. Wait less.”

Expect large crowds this week.  Touringplans.com can help you avoid falling into the typical tourist pitfalls, and 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, July 1, 2014 7/10
Wednesday, July 2, 2014 7/10
Thursday, July 3, 2014 8/10
Friday, July 4, 2014 9/10



 

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!

  • Wednesday is the best day to visit the Magic Kingdom.
  • The resort crowd level on Saturday will be 6 out of 10.
  • Following a Touring Plan is important when crowd levels spike at the park you're visiting!

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Resort Events

2014

  • Epcot's Sounds Like Summer Concert Series – through July 26. Epcot World Showcase, America Gardens Theater.
  • Harambe Nights – every Saturday night through August 9. Disney's Animal Kingdom.
  • Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – at the Richard Petty's Driving Experience.
  • Trucks on the Town at Downtown Disney West Side – 5:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Downtown Disney West Side.
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 1, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 23, 26, 28; October 2, 3, 5, 9. 10, 13, 16, 17, 19, 21, 23, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31.
  • Disney's Night of Joy 2014 – September 5–6.
  • Disney Trade Celebration Imagination Gala – September 5–7 at Epcot.
  • Epcot After-Hours Wind Down – through September 15. Epcot, World Showcase (reservations required).
  • Epcot International Food and Wine Festival – September 19 through November 10.
  • Disney Fit Challenge – September 26–28. 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.
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 10, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 30; December 2,4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19
  • 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.

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

  • 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.
  • Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. Registration opens July 15, 2014.

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


Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority PeopleMover – closed through August 4 for refurbishment
  • Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 4–8 for refurbishment
  • Mickey's Philharmagic – closed September 8–19 for refurbishment
  • Astro Orbiter – closed through September 19 for refurbishment
  • Walt Disney's Carousel of Progres – closed September 22–27 for refurbishment
  • Cinderella's Royal Table – closed January 5 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.

Epcot

  • No known refurbishments at this time.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • The American Idol Experience – permanently closes on January 5, 2015

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • It's Tough to Be a Bug – closed July 7 through August 11 for refurbishment

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 ongoing.

Water Parks

  • Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed October 26 through December 20 for refurbishment.
  • Blizzard Beach – the the entire park closed January 4, 2015 through March 3, 2015.

Elsewhere

  • 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

2014 Free Dining offer for general public

Sue from Small World Vacations reports the general public can book a free dining package for specific dates beginning Wednesday, May 7.

Offer details:

2014 Vacation Dates

  • August 31 – October 3
  • October 26 – November 1
  • November 9 – November 20
  • December 12 – December 23

Free Quick Service Plan

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Value Resorts to receive Disney's Quick Service Dining Plan for free. Visitors can upgrade to a Table Service Dining Plan for less than $20 per night for adults and less than $5 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Value Resorts included:

    • Disney's Pop Century
    • Disney's Art of Animation Suites
    • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

Free Table Service Dining Plan

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas Resorts to receive Disney's Basic Table Service Dining Plan for free. An upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan is available for less than $50 per night for adults and less than $11 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Moderate and Deluxe Resorts included:

    • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney's Contemporary Resort
    • Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa Resort
    • Disney's Polynesian Resort
    • Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
    • Disney's BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney's Beach Club Villas
    • Disney's BoardWalk Villas
    • Disney's Bay Lake Tower
    • Disney's Old Key West Resort
    • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas.

Offer Restrictions

  • Advance reservations required
  • All guests staying in the same room must add theme park tickets to their Magic Your Way package. Tickets may include park hoppers, water parks & more and/or no expiration options.
  • Walt Disney World Resorts limits the number of free dining rooms.
  • Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas at Disney Vacation Villa Resorts, Disney's Art of Animation Resort Mermaid Rooms, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, and The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Dining plans exclude alcoholic beverages and gratuities
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from children's menu, if available

Save up to 30 percent with Room Only Discount

Visitors can receive up to a 30 percent discount when making a room only reservation at the Walt Disney World Resort on most arrival days from August 16 through October 3. Offer exclusions include all of Bay Lake Tower, the Grand Floridian & Spa Villas, and the Art of Animation Little Mermaid Rooms.


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 can 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.

Special offer 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

Save up to 30 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between August 16 and October 3, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through August 8, 2014.

Offer Details:

  • Save up to 30 percent at select Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard/pool view), Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort
  • Save up to 25 percent at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins (August 29 through October 3)
  • Save up to 20 percent at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (savannah view/club level) (August 16 through October 3 only); Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins (August 16 through August 28); Port Orleans – French Quarter (August 29 through October 3); Disney's All Star Music Resort, Disney's All Star Sports Resort; Disney's Pop Century Resort; Disney's Art of Animation Resort Family Suites (August 29 through October 3)
  • Save up to 15 percent at Disney's All Star Music Resort, Disney's All Star Sports Resort, Disney's Pop Century Resort (August 16 through August 28); Disney's All Star Movies Resort (August 29 thorugh October 3); The Campsites at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort (August 29 through October 3)
  • Save up to 10 percent at Disney's Art of Animation Family Suites (August 16 through August 28)

Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders

2014 Free Dining Offer for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders

Sue from Small World Vacations reports the Disney Rewards VISA and Debit Card Holders can now get a free dining discount when booking a qualifying Walt Disney World vacation package.

Offer details:

2014 Vacation Dates

  • August 31 – October 3
  • October 26 – November 1
  • November 9 – November 20
  • December 12 – December 23

Free Quick Service Plan

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Value Resorts to receive Disney's Quick Service Dining Plan for free. Visitors can upgrade to a Table Service Dining Plan for less than $20 per night for adults and less than $5 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Value Resorts included:

    • Disney's Pop Century
    • Disney's Art of Animation Suites
    • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort

Free Table Service Dining Plan

  • Book a Magic Your Way vacation package for a minimum of three nights with at least two days of theme park tickets at select Disney Moderate, Deluxe, and Deluxe Villas Resorts to receive Disney's Basic Table Service Dining Plan for free. An upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan is available for less than $50 per night for adults and less than $11 per night for children ages 3 through 9.
  • Moderate and Deluxe Resorts included:

    • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
    • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney's Contemporary Resort
    • Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa Resort
    • Disney's Polynesian Resort
    • Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
    • Disney's BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney's Beach Club Villas
    • Disney's BoardWalk Villas
    • Disney's Bay Lake Tower
    • Disney's Old Key West Resort
    • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas.

Offer Restrictions

  • Advance reservations required
  • All guests staying in the same room must add theme park tickets to their Magic Your Way package. Tickets may include park hoppers, water parks & more and/or no expiration options.
  • Walt Disney World Resorts limits the number of free dining rooms.
  • Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas at Disney Vacation Villa Resorts, Disney's Art of Animation Resort Mermaid Rooms, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort, Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter and Riverside, and The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Dining plans exclude alcoholic beverages and gratuities
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from children's menu, if available

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

20 percent off select guided tours

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent 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 percent 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 percent off select restaurants

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent 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 percent off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent 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 to 7pm inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5 x 7 character photo per day.


Discounts for Florida Residents

Save up to 35 percent* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels

Disney released a number of summer travel discounts covering arrivals between June 15 and August 28, 2014. They are tiered by resort and length of stay, with a 5 percent bonus for stays of 6 nights or longer. Book through June 6, 2014.

Offer Details:

  • Save from 30 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 35 percent (for 6+ nights) at select Disney's BoardWalk Villas, Disney's Old Key West Resort, Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard view), Disney's BoardWalk Inn, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Disney's Polynesian Resort, Disney's Wilderness Lodge, and Disney's Yacht Club Resort
  • Save from to 20 percent (for 1&ndah;5 nights) to 25 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney's Port Orleans – Riverside, Disney's Fort Wilderness Cabins, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Beach Club Resort Villas, Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Villas – Kidani Village and Jambo House, and Disney's Wilderness Lodge (courtyard/club rooms) & Villas
  • Save up from 15 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 20 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's All-Star Sports Resort, Disney's All-Star Music and Disney's Pop Century Resort
  • Save from 10 percent (for 1–5 nights) to 15 percent (for 6+ nights) at Disney's Art of Animation Family Suites

Disney's All-Star Movies Resort is NOT included in this discount.

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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  • Marie Rossiter
    Marie Rossiter

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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