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

Walt Disney World Resort Update

December 2, 2014 by Marie Rossiter

Update for December 2 – 8, 2014

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

News and Views

Great Movie Ride refurbishment to start in early 2015 | Annual Candlelight Processional begins at Epcot | runDisney unveils 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon medals | Disney Springs Boathouse CEO shares restaurant details | Walt Disney World Merchandise News | Walt Disney World Holiday Event Guide | Views from Around the World  | Discussion of the Week | Crowd update

Great Movie Ride refurbishment to start in early 2015

TCM announced last week that it will be the sponsor of The Great Movie Ride. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The New York Times broke the news last week of a new partnership between Turner Classic Movies (TCM) and Disney that will bring changes to the Great Movie Ride at Disney's Hollywood Studios.

Turner Classic Movies made the official announcement on November 26 and outlined the changes coming to the 25-year-old attraction:

  • The attraction's branding will see an update on everything, from the Great Movie Ride's signature marquee to its posters, and other publicity art.
  • The attraction queue will sport new digital movie posters.
  • TCM host Robert Osborne narrates both the pre-show film and the actual attraction. During the pre-show, Osborne offers his perspective on the movies featured in the attraction. No details have been released, yet, about what the new ride narration may include.
  • Production is underway for a new movie montage shown during the finale. 

Although the changes currently seem to be minor at this point, fan reaction around the Internet seems to be primarily positive. Two MousePad discussion board members posted:

MousePad forum member petesimac writes: “I know there's a blog up on this, but I thought I'd bring it over to the forum as well. While the amount of time for the update/upgrade does not seem significant, I am hoping for great things for this attraction. At the very least, please, dear maker, allow the guides to come up with their own patter like they do at the Jungle Cruise. Aside from that, just add more movie references, drop some of the less spectacular scenes, and maybe get rid of the whole hi-jacking bit. I never have really enjoyed that aspect of the ride.”

MousePad forum member oregontraveler writes: “Overall, I'm happy to hear that the ride will be updated. Maybe not as much as some would like (I wouldn't mind if the Alien sequence was replaced).”

Workers are scheduled to start the refurbishment in early 2015, and planners hope to have the changes complete by the spring.

This is Disney's second major construction announcement in recent weeks. Back in late October, Disney announced the demolition of the Mickey's Sorcerer's Hat at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Disney has already filed permits for the demolition, and work should begin soon.

Annual Candlelight Processional begins at Epcot

The Candlelight Processional in tech rehearsal at Epcot. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

This past weekend marked the beginning of Epcot's World Showcase annual Candlelight Processional. Jodi Benson (the voice of Ariel in The Little Mermaid) kicked off the traditional holiday event on November 28 and 29, with popular returning narrator Neil Patrick Harris picking up podium duties from November 30 through December 2. Here is the rest of the Candlelight Processional narrator schedule (note, performers can change without notice):

  • November 28 and 29 – Jodi Benson
  • November 30 to December 2 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • December 3 and 4 – Jonathan Groff (new on the schedule)
  • December 5 and 6 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • December 7 to 9 – LeVar Burton
  • December 10 and 11 – Edward James Olmos
  • December 12 to 14 – Joe Morton (new on the schedule)
  • December 15 to 17 – Chita Rivera
  • December 18 to 20 – Ana Gasteyer (new on the schedule)
  • December 21 to 23 – Marlee Matlin
  • December 24 and 25 – Isabella Rossellini
  • December 26 and 27 – Blair Underwood
  • December 28 to 30 – Steven Curtis Chapman

The Candlelight Processional features a re-telling of The Christmas Story by a celebrity narrator, who is accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a large choir. For more information on the Candlelight Processional, check out our Walt Disney World Holiday Event Guide below, in this update.

runDisney unveils 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon medals

Disney revealed the medals for the 2015 Disney Princess Half Marathon, scheduled for February 19 through 22, 2015.

Disney releases the medals for the 2015 Disney Princess Half-Marathon Weekend. Photo by runDisney.

The Frozen-inspired medals will be given out to the finishers of the Frozen 5K race, the Princess Enchanted 10K race, the Disney Princess Half-Marathon race, the Glass Slipper Challenge (which consists completing both the 10K and half-marathon races) and the Kids Races.

Registration through runDisney is full for the Glass Slipper Challenge, the half-marathon, the 10K and 5K races. However, registration slots remain open for the kids races on the runDisney website and a few other race openings are available courtesy of runDisney charity groups and tour providers.

Disney Springs Boathouse CEO shares restaurant details

New details about one of Disney Springs' recently announced restaurants emerged last week when Boathouse CEO Steven Schussler sat for an Orlando Sentinel interview.

According to Schussler, the Boathouse will take full advantage of its waterfront location by making it a centerpiece of the dining room areas. In addition to the water views, Schussler said guests can watch Amphicars (half-car, half-boat) outside the restaurant windows or take a ride on a 40-foot Italian water taxi, where they can enjoy champagne, chocolate-covered strawberries and live music.

The restaurant design features six rooms, each with a different design based on a common element of boathouses. The decor will be original and creative, according to Schussler.

“You can't be at Disney and not be creative,” he told the Orlando Sentinel. “There has to be a story… I'm very blessed to have Disney Imagineering tell the story.”

Schussler is no stranger to working with Walt Disney World. He's been in charge of other Disney eatery projects, including the Rainforest Cafe, T-Rex Cafe and the Yak & Yeti Restaurant.

The menu will come from Gibson's, the number one steakhouse in Chicago, according to Schussler. The goal is bring a sense of class to the establishment while creating a menu that appeals to all ages.

Walt Disney World Merchandise News

December ushers in a series of merchandise-related events as well as new souvenir options for visitors at Walt Disney World. Let's take a closer look at what's new around the resort:

  • Artist Showcase with Greg McCullough – special appearances and signings:

    • November 30 to December 4 – Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace
    • December 10–14 – Animation Gallery, Disney's Hollywood Studios
    • December 17–21 – Art of Disney, Epcot
    • December 26–31 – Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace
  • Artist Showcase with Larry Dotson – special appearances and signings:

    • December 5–6 – Puffins Roost, Norway Pavilion, Epcot
    • December 8–13 – Art of Disney, Downtown Disney Marketplace
    • December 19–23 – Main Street Cinema, Magic Kingdom
  • Holidays Around the World, Epcot – a series of special merchandise events and artist appearances around World Showcase. For a full schedule, visit the event's official website.

Disney Parks Blog shared a new line of Made with Magic merchandise that hits the stores this month around Walt Disney World. These items, including Glow with the Show Mickey ears, a Minnie Mouse glow headband and a Sorcerer Mickey wand (which can change the color of the Mickey ears lights), are available at both the Magic Kingdom and Disney's Hollywood Studios for $25 each, including tax. A new light-up Mickey Mouse glove arrives in Spring 2015.

Walt Disney World Holiday Event Guide

Heading to Walt Disney World during the holiday season? Here's a helpful guide of all the special events happening around the resort to help you plan a magical holiday trip.

Magic Kingdom

Cinderella Castle is all lit up after Elsa works her magic in the nightly “A Frozen Holiday Wish” show. Photo by Adrienne Vincent Phoenix.

A Frozen Holiday Wish – The Walt Disney World holiday season kicked off with a live streaming event of the new A Frozen Holiday Wish show in front of Cinderella Castle. According to Disney Parks Blog, the resort will share a number of live streaming events throughout the season. Didn't get a chance to catch the live stream? Watch the following video:


A Frozen Holiday Wish Show. Video by Disney Parks.

You can also head over to our MousePad forum to get a full review of the show.

Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – This annual hard-ticket event shows off the best and and most festive side of Walt Disney World during the holidays.

The event runs from 7 p.m. to midnight on select nights through December 19. In addition to returning Christmas Party attractions like the the fireworks show, this year debuts new Frozen additions to Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade, a new meet-and-greet with Jack Skellington as Sandy Claws in Storybook Circus, and the “Holiday Hootenanny!” at the Diamond Horseshoe.

The Entertainment Schedule is packed, so you'll need to decide what's most important to see during your five hours at the party:

  • Mickey's Once Upon a Christmas Parade featuring the Frozen characters – 8:15 and 10:30 p.m.
  • A Frozen Holiday Wish – 6:15 and 8:00 p.m.
  • Celebrate the Magic – 9:15 p.m.
  • Holiday Wishes – 9:30 p.m.
  • Celebrate the Season – 7:30, 10:05, and 11:20 p.m.

Since A Frozen Holiday Wish and Celebrate the Magic are offered on non-party nights, you can safely skip those and see them another night if you want to maximize your party time.

There are two dance parties, with some interesting characters you might not normally see:

  • Holiday Hootenanny at the Diamond Horseshoe, featuring the Country Bears, Clarabelle Cow, Horace Horsecollar, and Clara Cluck.
  • Club Tinsel at Cosmic Rays, featuring Phineas and Ferb

Plus, there are 18 Character Appearance spots marked on the event map. The big new addition is Sandy Claws, making his first event appearance at Storybook Circus.

Cocoa and cookies (or “healthy alternatives,” should you want them) are available at:

  • Sunshine Tree Terrace
  • Tortuga Tavern
  • Columbia Harbour House
  • Pinocchio Village Haus
  • Tomorrowland Terrace
  • Cosmic Ray's Starlight Caf
  • The Crystal Palace

Event merchandise, including a pin, T-shirt, ornament, and limited edition Magic Band, are available at:

  • Emporium
  • Frontier Trading Post – pin only
  • Ye Olde Christmas Shop – shirts, pin, ornaments only
  • Big Top Souvenirs – Magic Band only
  • Star Traders – shirt and pin only

Most park rides are open during the event, including the Jingle Cruise and the new Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Based on wait times during Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party, cast members said the line for the Mine Train is only about 30 minutes. I'm not a big fan of doing rides during the special events, since you can do those during normal operating hours, but people who could not get a Fastpass+ for this new ride may want to take advantage of the shortest standby lines you're likely to see.

Epcot

Epcot is beautiful and lots of fun during the holiday season with a series of events that all ages will love:

An International Yuletide Extravaganza – Experience a world of cheer with unique entertainment celebrating the spirit of the season. Share in the sights and sounds of some of the world’s greatest holiday festivities during Holidays Around the World at Epcot. Amid joyful music and seasonal food favorites, time-honored traditions come alive as costumed performers share their country’s holiday heritage throughout World Showcase.

Candlelight Processional – World Showcase, American Gardens Theatre at 5:00pm, 6:45pm, and 8:15pm

One of the most beloved holiday traditions at Epcot is the Candlelight Processional, a retelling of the Christmas story by a celebrity narrator accompanied by a 50-piece orchestra and a mass choir.

  • November 28 and 29 – Jodi Benson
  • November 30 to December 2 – Neil Patrick Harris
  • December 3 and 4 – Jonathan Groff (new on the schedule)
  • December 5 and 6 – Whoopi Goldberg
  • December 7 to 9 – LeVar Burton. Community Relations Night is December 7 at 5:00pm. No day guest bookings are available for the 5:00 show.
  • December 10 and 11 – Edward James Olmos
  • December 12 to 14 – Joe Morton (new on the schedule)
  • December 15 to 17 – Chita Rivera
  • December 18 to 20 – Ana Gasteyer (new on the schedule)
  • December 21 to 23 – Marlee Matlin
  • December 24 and 25 – Isabella Rossellini
  • December 26 and 27 – Blair Underwood
  • December 28 to 30 – Steven Curtis Chapman

Located at the America Gardens Theater. This spectacle is held on select nights, and due to its popularity, often fills up quickly. Unless Guests have purchases a Candlelight Dinner Package, attendance is on a first-come, first-served basis. All entertainment and celebrity narrators are subject to change without notice.

For the hearing impaired, an American Sign Language interpreter translates the legendary account, allowing guests of all kinds the opportunity to enjoy the event.

Candlelight Processional Dining Packages – If you want to ensure that you have a seat at a Candlelight Processional performance, you can purchase one of Disney's Candlelight Dining Packages that are available on select nights during the holiday season. These packages include a meal and a guaranteed seat for one Candlelight performance. Call 407-WDW-DINE (407-939-3463) to make your reservation. These packages are popular and sell out quickly, so don't wait too long to book it.

Illuminations: Reflections of Earth – World Showcase Lagoon, nightly at 9:30pm

The World Showcase Promenade comes alive nightly with the brilliance and splendor of music, lights, lasers, water fountains, and custom pyrotechnics in Disney's signature nighttime spectacular, Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. From November 28 through December 30, Disney presents a unique finale to celebrate the season. With the song “Let There Be Peace on Earth” at its center, this special musical finale features a special message of peace and good will.

Holiday Storytellers – World Showcase, daily from November 28 through December 29

Throughout the holidays, World Showcase comes alive with the legends and lore of the season. Listen to the stories of France's Père Noël, Italy's La Befana, and the United Kingdom's Father Christmas. Please refer to the Times Guides for show times.

Epcot Holiday Merchandise

Be sure to stop by Santa’s Village in The American Adventure where you can get your favorite gifts from toys to stocking stuffers and all your Christmas tree trimmings. No matter where you go in Epcot you will find the perfect holiday gift.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios offers its Frozen Holiday Premium Package November 7 through 19, November 21 through December 9, and December 11 through January 4, 2015. The new VIP package gives fans exclusive opportunities throughout their day at the park, including:

  • Reserved seating for a performance of “For the First Time in Forever: A Frozen Sing-Along Celebration”
  • Reserved viewing for the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights
  • A Frozen-themed dessert party with special Anna and Elsa cupcakes and other sweets
  • A holiday-themed lithograph
  • A Frozen pin

Tickets for this VIP experience costs $89 (plus tax) per adult, and $59 (plus tax) per child ages 3–9. These prices include gratuity.

To make a reservation, call (407) 939-1854.

Views from Around “the World”

Want to see what's happening around Walt Disney World this week? Take a photo tour with MousePlanet through the eyes of our photographer, Jeff.

Magic Kingdom

New lighting is being installed around the central hub. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The Royal Majesty Makers in Magic Kingdom's Fantasyland host a Sword in the Stone ceremony as part of one of their many daily shows. It's uncertain if this is a seasonal or long-term entertainment offering. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Downtown Disney/Disney Springs

The new Springs Bottling Company sign is a contrast to the old Pleasure Island sign at Downtown Disney. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The former Pleasure Island street has re-opened in time for the holidays. None of the new shops and restaurants have yet opened their doors. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Construction around the Planet Hollywood area as seen from the bridge connecting to Pleasure Island. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The sign in front suggests what will become of the Adventurer's Club, which is behind it. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

The food truck park is open. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

It opens towards a plaza area, and invites food trucks beyond the ones that Disney created. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Additional elevated rail theming is now found in front of Starbucks. Photo by J. Jeff Kober.

Discussion of the Week

MousePad forum member Goodnplenty shared a wonderful character experience at Magic Kingdom:

Late one night at Magic Kingdom, [Dear Husband] and I were sitting and taking a break in Fantasyland's Circus area. We were watching the fireworks start and enjoying the fact that no one was around (a very rare thing, indeed). Well lo and behold Goofy, Minnie, and Daisy came out of the meet-and-greet circus tent. There was no one there to see them, so they came out with their [cast members] and were watching the fireworks. Minnie was clasping her hands to her face and her heart and Goofy and Daisy were pointing and nodding at the sky. …There was absolutely no one in this area.

…And then the magic began.  Goofy walked towards the Dumbo ride and came back to the fireworks. Some adults saw him and followed him back to our area. There were 30 adults and maybe eight kids. Well no one went up and asked for autographs or pics. Everyone simply stood in a very open random grouping and looked up at the fireworks with our Disney pals. There was one 7-year-old girl standing near Goofy looking up, and Goofy side-stepped to her and quietly took her hand in his. She squeezed his hand back and they watched the entire fireworks show together… There wasn't a dry eye around.

How wonderful, how magical it was to see this. A very special surprise moment that everyone enjoyed.

Have a magical moment to share? Head over to the MousePad Discussion Forum and talk about it!

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Crowd Forecast

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“Do more. Wait less.”

Watch out for large groups of cheerleaders in the first weeks of December. Magic Kingdom crowds are dominated by the schedule of Christmas Parties. If a party is scheduled crowds will be very light during the day. If not, expect above average wait times. Christmas crowds start on the 24th and peak on the 27th through the 31st. Consider touring plans mandatory in late December.

TouringPlans.com can help you avoid falling into the typical tourist pitfalls 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, December 2, 2014 3/10
Wednesday, December 3, 2014 3/10
Thursday, December 4, 2014 3/10
Friday, December 5, 2014 4/10

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!

  • Thursday is the best day to visit the Magic Kingdom.
  • The resort crowd level on Saturday 4 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.
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Resort Events

2014

  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 30; December 2,4, 5, 7, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19
  • Richard Petty's Junior Ride-Along Experience – at the Richard Petty's Driving Experience

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.

2015

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 7–11, 2015. Most events sold out.
  • Disney Castaway Cay Challenge – January 12, 2015 – sailing on the Disney Dream cruise ship.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 19–22, 2015. All races are sold out, but some associated events are still available.
  • Expedition Everest – May 1–2, 2015. Registration opens December 16, 2014
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 6–7. Registration opens March 17, 2015.

2016

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 6–10, 2016. Registration opens April 28, 2015.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 18–21, 2016. Registration opens July 14, 2015.

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

  • The Haunted Mansion – closed December 1–19 for refurbishment.
  • Wishes Nighttime Spectacular – replaced December 20–31 by Holiday Wishes.
  • Splash Mountain – closed January 4–30, 2015.
  • Cinderella's Royal Table – closed January 5 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
  • Liberty Square Riverboat – closed January 23–27, 2015 for refurbishment.
  • Under the Sea – Journey of the Little Mermaid – closed February 2 through March 6, 2015 for refurbishment.
  • Harmony Barber Shop – closed February 2 through March 30, 2015 (dates subject to change).

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • Fantasmic! – closed November 19–21 for refurbishment.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Kali River Rapids – closed January 20 through February 4, 2105.

Resorts

As previously reported by MousePlanet, 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.

  • All Star Music Resort – refurbishment of its Intermission Food Court is scheduled for reopening on December 21, according to our sponsor TouringPlans.com.
  • Polynesian – Never Land Club Children's Activity Center closed for refurbishment through January 1, 2015.
  • Polynesian – refurbishment of the lobby ongoing.
  • Wilderness Lodge – refurbishment of its Silver Creek Springs Pool through late November 2014.

Water Parks

  • Typhoon Lagoon – the entire park closed 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.
  • 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 Stay/Play/Dine Discounts through December 29, 2014. Offer details:

Stay / Play / Dine Discounted Magic Your Way Packages

  • Stay, Play and Dine Discount Requires a 3-night stay with at least 2 days of tickets.
  • Booking Dates: Now through December 29, 2014
  • Travel Dates: December 14–20, 2014; January 5 through March 7, 2015.
  • Not all dates and resorts available. Subject to availability
  • Disney Value Resorts: Magic Your Way with Quick Service Dining Package Required
  • Disney Moderate, Deluxes and Deluxe Vacation Villa Resorts: Magic Your Way Plus Dine Package Required
  • Excludes: Little Mermaid Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation, Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian, Disney's Bay Lake Tower, Disney's Fort Wilderness Campsites, Disney's Polynesian Villas, 3 bedroom Villas at Disney's Deluxe Vacation Villa Resorts

Room Only Discount – Tickets and Dining Can be Added

  • Booking Dates: Now through December 29, 2014
  • Travel January 5 through March 28, 2015
  • Excludes Little Mermaid Rooms at Disney's Art of Animation, Disney's Grand Floridian Villas, Disney's Bay Lake Tower, Disney's Fort Wilderness Campsites, Disney's Polynesian Villas, all 3-bedroom villas at Disney's Deluxe Villa Resorts
  • All Discounts are not guaranteed and are subject to limited availability.

Specific discounts:

  • Disney Value Resorts (except Disney's All Star Movies) – 15% weekends; 20% weekdays

    • Disney's All Star Movies – 10% weekends; 15% weekdays
  • Disney's Moderate Resorts (except as listed below) – 25% weekdays; 20% weekends

    • Disney's Port Orleans French Quarter – 10% weekend; 15% weekday
    • Disney's Coronado Springs Suites – 10% weekday and weekend
  • Disney Deluxe Resorts (unless listed below) – 30% weekday and weekend

    • Disney Animal Kingdom Lodge Savannah View and Club Level – 20% weekday and weekend
    • Disney Deluxe Resort Suites – 10% weekday and weekend
    • Disney Deluxe Vacation Villas – 30% weekday and weekend: Saratoga Springs, Old Key West, Beach Club Villas and BoardWalk Villas 
    • Villas at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge – 20% weekday and weekend 

Call your travel agent, contact Small World Vacations, or call Walt Disney Travel at (407) 939-7741 to book these offers.


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

Rates starting at $79 per night on select dates this fall

Disney released new fall discounts for annual passholders for the following travel dates: Now through December 23, 2014. Rates begin at $79 for value resorts (Sunday through Thursday stays) and go up from there. Book through December 20, 2014.

Sample rates:

  • Disney's All Star Sports Resort: S–Th $79/night; F–Sa $95/night.
  • Disney's Pop Century Resort: S–Th $87/night; F–Sa $104/night.
  • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort: S–Th $136/night; F–Sa $151/night.
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge Resort: S–Th $207/night; F–Sa $234/night.
  • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: $228/night.

Advance reservations required. No group rates or other discounts apply.

Length of stay requirements

  • Minimum stay: 1 night
  • Maximum stay: 14 nights

Discounts only applied to travel dates that are valid offer travel dates

Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults per room

Number of rooms allocated for this discount is limited.

Offer excludes:

  • 3-bedroom villas
  • Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid standard rooms
  • The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian & Spa
  • Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort.

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

  • December 12–23

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″ x 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 five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5″ x 7″ character photo per day.


Discounts for Florida Residents

 None at this time.

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 seven-day ticket depending on travel dates. These particular offers are valid for U.K. residents only.


Discounts for Canada Residents

Fall 2014 Free Dining offer for Canada residents

Offer details:

Free Quick Service Plan

  • Valid travel dates: December 12–23, 2014
  • Value resorts included:

    • Disney's All-Star Music Resort
    • Disney's All-Star Sports Resort
    • Disney's All-Star Art of Animation Resort – Family suites only
    • Disney's Pop Century Resort

Free Table Service Dining Plan for moderate resorts

  • Valid travel dates: December 12–23, 2014
  • Moderate resorts included:

    • The Cabins at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort
    • Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
    • Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

Free Table Service Dining Plan for deluxe resorts

  • Valid travel dates: December 12–23, 2014
  • Deluxe resorts included:

    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge
    • Disney's Beach Club Resort
    • Disney's BoardWalk Inn
    • Disney's Contemporary Resort
    • Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
    • Disney's Polynesian Resort
    • Disney's Wilderness Lodge
    • Disney's Yacht Club Resort

Free Table Service Dining Plan for deluxe villa resorts

  • Valid travel dates: December 12–23, 2014
  • Deluxe Villa resorts included:

    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas–Jambo House
    • Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas–Kidani Village
    • Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort
    • Disney's Beach Club Villas
    • Disney's Boardwalk Villas
    • Disney's Old Key West Resort
    • Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
    • The Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge

Offer Restrictions

  • Advance reservations required
  • Not valid with any other discount or promotion
  • Theme park tickets must be used within 14 days of first use.
  • Walt Disney World Resorts limits the number of free dining rooms.
  • Offer excludes 3-bedroom villas at Disney Vacation Villa Resorts and campsites
  • Dining plans exclude alcoholic beverages and gratuities
  • Children ages 3 to 9 must choose from children's menu, if available


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  • Marie Rossiter
    Marie Rossiter

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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