Walt Disney World Resort Update for April 25 – May 1, 2017
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | runDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: Some say that absence makes the heart grow fonder. Well, dear readers, just when you have gotten used to me, I am going to be engaged in another fun endeavor that will keep me away from the Walt Disney World Resort and the weekly MousePlanet Walt Disney World Resort Updates for a little while. I will tell you more about it before the summer arrives. Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix, Bonnie & Donald Fink, and the rest of the MousePlanet crew will keep you informed while I am otherwise occupied. If all goes as planned, you should see me on our MousePlanet Twitter feed, Facebook page, and Instagram when my slot to attend Passholder previews of Pandora – The World of Avatar arrives, if not before, and then I will be right back on the Updates. In the meantime, we will turn to this week's news, Views from all four parks and Disney Springs, One Passholder's Tip, This and That, and more, but only so long as you remember to please stand clear of the doors, por favor, manténgase alejado de las puertas.
News and Views
Drought and Wildfires Threaten Central Florida | New Star Tours Adventure Coming in December | Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side Weekend Dominated by Samuel Souza Do Nascimento | Maharajah Jungle Trek May Welcome Tiger Cubs Sometime Next Winter | New Disney Springs Shopping Events for DVC Members | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Drought and Wildfires Threaten Central Florida
Since just after Hurricane Matthew sideswiped Central Florida's east coast back in October 2016, the area has experienced increasingly worsening drought conditions. While it is not unusual for Central Florida to have a rather dry season from October through May, the current rain deficit of around 10 inches places Orange County, where Walt Disney World Resort and many of the other attractions in the region are located, into a severe drought.
Severe drought means that wildfires (which are a year-round threat in Florida), become even more likely. Earlier this month we showed you views of one of the fires that got as close to Walt Disney World Resort as International Drive at Daryl Carter Parkway (a few miles from the eastern edge of the property). Now, with conditions worsening, burn restrictions are in place.
Orlando Sentinel reported earlier this month that Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs instituted a burn ban within the county, making permits necessary for certain types of fires. In response, Disney has curtailed some outdoor fire activities, such as those at campsites and cabin-side fires at Fort Wilderness Campgrounds. Other resorts with campfires also are cutting back, though some resort marshmallow roasts continue, and, at least as of this weekend, the torches around Disney's Polynesian Village Resort continue to be lit. In the parks, show pyrotechnics, including nightly fireworks shows, have not yet been noticeably limited.
Until the rainy season gets underway when the summer approaches, additional restrictions are likely. In the meantime, on the positive side for those spending time outdoors and in the parks, the low humidity has made even the hot days more comfortable than usual for Central Florida.
New Star Tours Adventure Coming in December
As we first noted back in the Fall, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek announced at the D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures event that new “adventures” would continue to be added to Star Tours with releases of the new films in the Star Wars series, including this year's release of Episode VIII. Fans attending Star Wars Celebration in Orlando learned that, like the the official “teaser trailer” for Star Wars: The Last Jedi, the next Star Tours adventure will take guests to the planet of Crait in the middle of an epic battle.
Star Wars: #TheLastJedi. Arriving in your galaxy December 15. pic.twitter.com/txUht2OtO8
— Star Wars (@starwars) April 14, 2017
In case you were not aware, the next Star Wars movie opens in theaters this December. Video ©Lucasfilm/Disney.
Star Tours, of course, is located at Disney's Hollywood Studios (as well as at Disneyland in California). Inside the park (and in California at Disneyland), construction continues toward the expected 2019 opening of the new Star Wars land(s).
Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side Weekend Dominated by Samuel Souza Do Nascimento
The second annual runDisney Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side weekend took over parts of Walt Disney World Resort over this past weekend. Samuel Souza Do Nascimento of Limeira, Brazil turned in a dominating performance by winning all three race weekend events: the 5K, the 10K and the half marathon. The 28 year-old's run through Disney's Animal Kingdom, Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios in 1:07:14 smashed last year's race record of 1:13:39. Tyler Andrews of Arlington, Virginia was second. Sam Monclair of Durham, North Carolina was third.
Twenty-five year-old Sydney Devore of nearby Lakeland, Florida, was the first female half marathon finisher with a winning time of 1:20:15. The second-place female finisher was Jacki Wachtel of New Port Richey, Florida; third place female finisher was Georganne Watson of Gainseville, Florida.
runDisney banners decorated Disney Springs all weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Star Wars Half Marathon-The Dark Side is the fourth race in runDisney's nine-race series across Walt Disney World Resort, Disneyland Resort in California, and Disneyland Paris. Next month, runners will compete in the Tinker Bell Half Marathon Weekend, May 11-14, at Disneyland Resort in California.
Maharajah Jungle Trek May Welcome Tiger Cubs Sometime Next Winter
Maharajah Jungle Trek is the Asian themed wildlife walking trail in Disney's Animal Kingdom. Located near the exit of the Kali River Rapids water raft ride, the trail is home to several species of animals, including Bengal tigers. Normally, there are two tiger enclosures that are viewable by guests. Currently, the first of these enclosures along the trail is closed for refurbishment.
Cast members at Maharajah Jungle Trek this weekend explained that the habitat is undergoing refurbishment to add more shaded areas for the tigers and to otherwise “baby-proof” the habitat. Cast members eagerly shared that since tiger gestation is only around three or four months, and since Florida weather can unexpectedly cause construction delays, the habitat needs to be fully ready for tiger cubs before attempting to breed the big cats. While these viewing areas are expected to be closed for 3-5 weeks, they hope that the habitat will welcome tiger cubs before year end.
We asked Disney to provide us with further information about the refurbishment and the park's tiger breeding program plans. A spokesperson told us, “We are constantly looking for ways to enhance the habitats of our animals and this project is focused on providing a den-like structure that will provide additional shade and resting spots for our tigers. We also hope the new 'den' will increase tiger viewing opportunities for our guests.”
New Disney Springs Shopping Events for DVC Members
In a Disney Springs retail variant of Extra Magic Hours, beginning in May, Disney Vacation Club Members and their guests may visit a different participating Disney Springs retailer each Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. The participating retailer will make special DVC Member offers available during the early hours and for the remainder of the shop's business day.
Disney Resort bus service to Disney Springs begins at 8 a.m. A valid DVC Membership Card and government-issued photo ID must be presented at time of purchases to receive discounted prices. Participating stores and offers may change (and may not be combined with other offers, including sale items). DVC Members can check this page of the DVC Members Website for changes.
The current list of participating retailers and offers for the first 10 weeks is below:
| Event Date | Store | Offer |
|---|---|---|
| May 3, 2017 | kate spade new york | Save 15% on purchases |
| May 10, 2017 | Origins | Save15% on purchases |
| May 17, 2017 | Pandora Jewelry | Save 10% and receive a cosmetic bag with purchase of $100 or more |
| May 24, 2017 | Basin | Spend $30 and get one Bath Bomb; Spend $50 and get 2 Bath Bombs; spend $150 and get a Bath Bomb Barrel |
| May 31, 2017 | Vera Bradley | Complimentary monogramming and gift with a purchase of $100 or more |
| June 7, 2017 | UGG | Complimentary Disney customization (up to $35) with any purchase |
| June 14, 2017 | Sephora | Complimentary makeover (by appointment) and gift with a $50 purchase in product; complimentary gift with a $25 purchase in product |
| June 21, 2017 | L'Occitane en Provence* | Save 15% on purchases of $65 or more |
| June 28, 2017 | American Threads | Save 10% on purchases |
| July 5, 2017 | Sugarboo & Co. | Save 15% on purchases |
*L'Occitane en Provence will not be open early for Members; however, the store will feature a private shopping area for Members from 10 to 11 A.M.
Views Around the World
This week's Views Around the World include all Four Parks, Disney Springs, and more of the on-going road construction projects around the Resort.
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Moana's meet and greet inside One Man's Dream has closed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Enjoy a few minutes watching one of the silverback bachelor gorillas at Gorilla Falls as he observes Earth Day. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
Road Construction
One Passholder's Tip
This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (hopefully weekly) tip at a time.
One Passholder's Tip: Week 14
Take a break from time to time
When visiting the parks, take a break from time to time. Pace yourself and your traveling companions, especially the little ones.
While it sounds obvious, lots of folks just fail to do it. Maybe they have not accounted for the fact that the Central Florida climate is vastly different from what they are used to back home, or, maybe they did not realize just how much time they would be spending on their feet and walking around the parks and resorts when they set out to visit Walt Disney World Resort.
Especially if you are traveling with kids who usually have early bedtimes, ask yourself how they are going to get through the day if you hit the parks first thing in the morning for Extra Magic hours or rope-drop, and want to watch the nighttime spectaculars or even experience Magic Kingdom's unscheduled post-closing “kiss goodnight.” Breaks are the answer. And, whether those breaks are back at your resort or in a quiet corner somewhere, they can make all the difference between having “a magical day” or “a meltdown.” That goes for adults too, especially folks whose usual routine does not involve 5-10 miles of walking under a hot Florida sun.
Be governed accordingly, as your mileage may vary.
Enjoy this final moment of a Magic Kingdom kiss goodnight. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…While Disney and its Reedy Creek Improvement District administrators have made no official comments of substance, Orlando Sentinel reports that publicly filed documents confirm that Walt Disney World Resort is planning to build a gondola lift system connecting Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort, and the lakeside area between Disney's Pop Century and Disney's Art of Animation Resorts. Unlike the Magic Kingdom's former skyway, the passenger compartments would be enclosed and would reportedly hold up to 10 passengers each. We will report in more detail as further facts become known.
…At the D-Living shop in the Town Center area of Disney Springs, the Beauty and the Beast theming and merchandise focus is going to be removed May 6. We do not yet know (and the Cast Members on hand either did not know or would not say) what the shop may feature next.
…In the “I didn't know that” department, Cubby O'Brien, one of the original Mouseketeers, appeared in concert this weekend at the Dr. Phillips Center For Performing Arts, Walt Disney Theatre, in downtown Orlando. Multiple Tony Award winner Bernadette Peters introduced him to the audience, as he is the drummer for her current tour. Cubby's photo appears in the Mouseketeer display inside One Man's Dream at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
Cubby O'Brien (upper left) is one of the original Mouseketeers. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…This past weekend, Disney shared another behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the new “Happily Ever After” nighttime fireworks spectacular set to debut on May 12. The video is a peek inside the recording session for the show's score.
“Happily Ever After” replaces “Wishes” on May 12 at Magic Kingdom. Video ©Disney.
Wishes final scheduled performance is May 11. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…Yesterday, we published an article about Copper Creek Villas & Cabins, the new Disney Vacation Club resort at Disney's Wilderness Lodge that is scheduled to open on July 17, 2017.
Copper Creek Villas & Cabins is scheduled to debut on July 17, 2017. Video ©Disney.
…Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique locations at both Disney Springs and Magic Kingdom now have Princess Elena of Avalor dresses, crowns and more to help transform little guests into Princess Elena, “Disney's first princess influenced by Latin cultures.” Guests wishing to meet Princess Elena in person, can still do so in her meet and greet inside Princess Fairytale Hall at Magic Kingdom.
…Coca-Cola is running a “Share the Magic Vacation Social Sweepstakes” for a chance to win a Walt Disney World Vacation for four. To enter, take a photo that “captures that magic you feel when your life is touched by Disney magic” and post it to Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #ShareTheMagicSweepstakes by May 30, 2017, for your chance to win. You must be 18 years old or older, and a legal resident of the 50 United States or District of Columbia to enter, and your Twitter or Instagram account must be public for your entry to count. Limit 3 entries per day regardless of method of entry. Full official rules (including the prohibition of photographs of children under 13 drinking Coca-Cola products) on Coca-Cola's website.
…Do you know a kid that plays soccer? Walt Disney World Resort teamed up with IdeaSport, LLC to host a soccer program for youth athletes (ages 4-18) at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex starting in June. The program will provide year-round training and development teaching the Spanish style of soccer with coaches, players and officials associated with LaLiga, the Spanish professional soccer (or, as most of the rest of the world says “football”) league. The multi-year partnership expects to bring multiple events and exhibitions at the complex, beginning with an open house and open enrollment June 1-4. For more information, visit idea-sports.com.
…For those dreaming of (or remembering) one of “Disney's Fairy Tale Weddings,” on Sunday, May 7 at 8 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on the Freeform channel, Disney Parks is presenting a new television special exploring “the magic behind happily ever after.” Hosts Ben Higgins and Laren Bushnell from ABC's The Bachelor follow a few Disney Destination weddings and proposals in several locations: American Adventure Rotunda in Epcot, Castaway Cay (Disney's private island in the Bahamas), Disney's Animal Kingdom, and in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland. Read more about the 90 minute show on Disney Parks Blog.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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Crowd Forecast
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Resort Events
Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2017 Resort Events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017.
- Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events)– April 29 & November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; April 30 & November 19, 2017 at Epcot
- GayDays | #RedShirtDay (unofficial events) – June 1, 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom; June 2, 2017 at Disney's Hollywood Studios; June 3, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; June 4, 2017 at Epcot
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 – November 13, 2017.
- 35th Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – September 8 and 9, 2017
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29;
October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1 - Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 - Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates TBD
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates TBD
2018 Resort Events
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts – “Early” 2018
- 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – “Spring” 2018
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.
2017
- Virtual Running Shorts – June 1-August 31, 2017 (Virtual). Registration now open.
No proof of time required. - Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration opens January 17, 2017.
Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.
2018
- 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018. Registration now open (some events sold out). Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
- 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. General Registration opens May 2, 2018. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – TBD.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBD
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
Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.
Magic Kingdom
- Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – has its final showing on May 11, 2017, to make way for the May 12 premier of the new fireworks show named Happily Ever After.
- Stitch's Great Escape – closed except for occasional “seasonal” openings.
- The Hall of Presidents – closed January 17, 2017, through June 29, 2017, to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States.
The Hall of Presidents is closed until this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Scheduled closure:
- Mission:SPACE – June 5, 2017 through late July, 2017
Permanently closed:
- Innoventions West (except Character Meet and Greets)
- Innoventions East (except Colortopia and a Passholder shop)
…including Sum of All Thrills and Storm Struck
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Permanently closed:
- Streets of America
- Premiere Theatre
- The Writer's Stop
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Studio Catering Co.
- Meet & Greets: Mike and Sulley, Phineas and Ferb, Mater and Lightning McQueen
- Magic of Disney Animation
- Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- No known closures at this time!
Blizzard Beach
- Runoff Rapids. Expected completion: TBA.
Typhoon Lagoon
- No known closures at this time!
Disney Springs
Portobello is now closed for refubishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
- Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017 for enhancements through Fall 2017
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close July 3, 2017 to make way for The NBA Experience.
- La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – ends its run on December 31, 2017. Next use of the theater on the West Side TBA.
Resorts
- Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. As construction gets underway, it is possible some existing venues will close. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
- Coronado Springs – A new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms featuring suites and concierge level services, and a rooftop dining facility that will include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows at the Theme Parks. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
- Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, and playground closed. The opening of Disney Vacation Club's Copper Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is expected July 17. In the meantime, Roaring Fork is also closed and continue to expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction. Read more about it in my article published on MousePlanet yesterday.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
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.
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Travel Discounts for Everyone |
DisneyWorld.com has released its Fall 2017 Free Dining offer. Get a free dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package with a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option. Book through July 7, 2017.
Additional restrictions and exclusions may apply. Thanks to Mary Kraemer of Masterpiece Travels for the tip. Our friends at Small World Vacations let us know that Disney has a made a summer discount offer where you can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights May 28-Aug. 31, 2017 when you book March 27-July 14, 2017. You can also see all of Disney's current special offers on DisneyWorld.com. Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 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 $149, a $20 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders. Purchase 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. |
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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Kick Off Your Spring room offer Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $86 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, April 23 through May 25, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays April 9 through April 22 and May 26 through June 10, 2017, with rates from $101 at the All-Star Resorts to $292 per night at Disney's BoardWalk Inn Booking Window – Must book by June 9, 2017 Travel Window – Most nights from April 9, 2017 through June 10, 2017 Terms and Conditions:
Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 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:
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 and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
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. Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage and Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
10% off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free 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. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 19, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1 through December 19, 2017. Thanks to our reader Dr. Smith who alerted us that the website militarydisneytips.com notes that April 9-23 are no longer listed as blockout dates for Disney's Armed Forces Salute. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017. Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40 percent, based on room category. The 2017 offer is valid most nights from January 1 through December 19, 2017. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Subject to availability, Florida residents can get discounts for groups of three or more tickets for shows now through April 29. With the discount, a family of four can purchase tickets for as low as $32.25 per ticket for Category 3 seating. Discounted Family Pack tickets are also available for Category 1, Category 2 and Front and Center. For tickets, call (407)939-7328 or visiting the La Nouba box office. (Proof of Florida residency required for discount.) If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
MousePlanet reader Scott S. alerted us to an offer for Canadian residents. Canadian residents receive a 25% discount on 4-day or longer tickets purchased. The discounted rate for a 4-Day adult base ticket is $244.00 USD, compared to $325.00 USD when purchased at the gate. A 10-day adult base ticket is $300 USD, a savings of $100 from the main gate price. Scott S. just alerted us that the offer has been extended to tickets purchased through May 20, 2017. This offer is only good for Canadian citizens with valid passport, or residents of Canada with valid proof of Canadian residency. The tickets are sold as an exchange certificate, and must be exchanged for park ticket upon arrival. There is no expiration date on the unused tickets, but once activated the tickets must be used within 14 days of first entry. You can see the full details on the Walt Disney World website. Thanks Scott for the heads up! If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
Reader Stuart D. let us know about Disney's 2018 free dining offer for folks traveling from the U.K. You can see the offers on Disney World's U.K. packages website. There are lots of details about the free dining, a $200 Disney Gift Card, a 14-Day Ticket for the price of 7 (including Water Parks and Memory Maker) and a lot of fine print. Here are the highlights of the 14-night packages during summer 2018 holidays and all include Memory Maker photos, 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-Day ticket (including FastPass+), and 12-month DisneyLife subscription:
Sample package prices are for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-9) , including a two-week stay, arriving 27th May, 2018 – 5th September, 2018, for new bookings only, subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions on Disney's U.K. website, but a few more details follow. Free Dine and Free Breakfast Offers are available to book 6 April, 2017 – 6 July, 2017, for selected arrivals 1 January – 18 March, 2018 and 6 April – 30 November, 2018. Minimum length of stay is 5 consecutive nights, and a maximum of 21 consecutive nights. Dining plan must be selected for all members of the traveling party aged 3 and over. In addition to the minimum stay, Disney Tickets for the whole party must be booked to qualify. Gratuities are not included. *$200 Disney Spending Money Offer is available to book 6 April, 2017 – 6 July, 2017, for selected arrivals 1 January – 18 March, 2018 and 6 April – 30 November 2018. Booking must include 5 nights minimum stay at a Moderate Resort or participating Deluxe Resort or Villa. Spending money will be in the form of a Disney Gift Card valid at Walt Disney World and select U.S. Disney Stores only. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
