Walt Disney World Resort Update for February 21–27, 2017
Writer's note: As a long time DVC Member, I plan to attend the Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic after-hours event at Magic Kingdom this Friday, February 24. If you are planning to attend, I'd be happy to meet you; just drop me a note! Now, on with this week's Update…
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | RunDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Major Expansion Coming to Two Moderate Resorts | Rivers of Light: Now Showing at Disney's Animal Kingdom | New Chefs, New Menu at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Major Expansion Coming to Two Moderate Resorts
In the final months of 2016, there was a good deal of rumor and speculation about whether Disney Vacation Club was about to announce an expansion into the “moderate” resort market with a possible expansion at Disney's Coronado Springs or Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. That speculation grew louder when DVC announced that its annual condominium association meeting in December would be held at Coronado Springs Convention Center. But the annual meeting came and went without any announcement or even official “hint” like those that were long made with respect to the upcoming Copper Creek expansion at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The complex regulatory filing requirements of the numerous places in which DVC operates and sells necessarily means that “official” DVC expansion announcements come along very slowly, and only after dotting many “i's” and crossing many “t's.”
It came as a bit of surprise last week when Disney announced major hotel and amenity expansion projects coming to two Walt Disney World Moderate Resorts over the next two years—Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach. The announcement, however, made no mention of any DVC-related projects at those locations. Of course, given the slow regulatory filing process, DVC-related projects may still be in the works for those locations, but they may not be announced until well after construction begins or even nears completion.
At Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, a new 15-story tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resort's central lake, will add 500 rooms, featuring suites and concierge level services. Disney also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform the landscape with “floating gardens and an island oasis that connects the resort through a series of bridges.”
Like California Grill at Disney's Contemporary Resort and Top of the World Lounge at Bay Lake Tower, the new tower at Coronado Springs plans to offer rooftop dining experiences that include panoramic views of nighttime fireworks shows. Given the Resort's location on Buena Vista Drive, the new tower likely will have fairly close views of fireworks at Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios to the east, and, quite possibly, slightly more distant views of fireworks at Magic Kingdom to the north.
Details of the expansion at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort are a bit less specific right now. Disney announced that there will be “new additions to the resort's current marketplace, Centertown, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas.” Interestingly, back in the “rumor and speculation” department, the day before Disney's announcement about the resort, several fan sites and then local news outlets like Orlando's ABC-TV Affiliate WFTV, analyzed recent Disney permit filings to consider whether Disney is considering connecting Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and this resort by a new skyway or gondola system. You can see WFTV's report here.
Rivers of Light: Now Showing at Disney's Animal Kingdom
On Friday, February 17, Disney's Animal Kingdom's new nighttime show, Rivers of Light, finally made its official debut in the new 5,000 seat amphitheater along the Discovery River—from the Asia section of the park at the base of Expedition Everest to the Theatre in the Wild (home of Finding Nemo: The Musical) in DinoLand U.S.A. The 15-minute show celebrates “the majesty of nature and the connection between animals and humans in the world” through live performers, giant floating lanterns, fountains, lasers and lighting effects, and animal imagery projected on giant water screens.
Spoiler Alert: We show the entire show in this video in just under four minutes. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
About fifteen minutes before the show begins, a subtle pre-show takes place all around the amphitheater; animal sounds are heard, and fireflies appear to descend from the Tree of Life to surround the lagoon. Five lotus flower-shaped floating fountains move about the water on their own as well. When the show begins, as Joe Rohde, Creative Executive, Walt Disney Imagineering describes it, “we take this combination of light and water which create life, and out of that comes this fantastically rich explosion of animal life that ultimately rises up and joins the stars.”
The eleven show floats are independent of each other and are programmed to perform a choreographed “dance” across the water. Renowned Broadway production designer Michael Curry was called upon to create the animal guide “lantern” vessels which stand 15 feet tall and 30 feet long. More than 50,000 programmable color-changing light emitting diodes (LEDs) illuminate these lanterns from within. The show's musical score was composed by Don L. Harper, and the show's signature song, “We Are One,” was written by Mark Mancina (who also created the score for the recent animated film Moana.)
Although the show has formally opened, it is advertised as being performed only on “select nights.” Be sure to check the MyDisneyExperience App (or website) and/or the park's Times Guide for show times. For the next several weeks, Rivers of Light is scheduled only on Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, usually at 7:15 p.m. Occasionally, a second show is scheduled at 8:30 p.m. Starting the week of March 12, the showtimes are listed as 8:45 p.m. on those select nights. For the weeks of April 9 and April 16, the show is scheduled twice nightly, at 8:30 p.m. and 9:45 p.m. Fastpass+ reservations, and Dining Packages (at Tusker House and Tiffins) are available. Standby seating may also be available. Except for Dining Packages (and souvenirs), admission is included with your park ticket.
As I reported after the “soft opening” in last week's Update, Rivers of Light is not a “nighttime spectacular” in the sense of a fireworks-type show that ends with a bang. Even the exit music is the more subtle atmospheric-type music that plays around Disney's Animal Kingdom. Nevertheless, the show is beautiful: it is visually stunning and the technology is very impressive. My enjoyment has increased upon my second viewing, and I firmly agree that this show fits the overall theme of Disney's Animal Kingdom quite well.
New Chefs, New Menu at Jiko – The Cooking Place at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Jiko, which means “cooking place” in Swahili, is an African-themed dining room located at Jambo House at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. On Thursday, MousePlanet Contributing Writer Donna Fesel brings us along on her recent visual and culinary exploration of Jiko in her article, “Savor the Magic with Dinner at Animal Kingdom Lodge's Jiko.” Coincidentally, just last week, Disney Parks Blog reported on the numerous changes to Jiko's menu brought on since Chef Daniel Sicilia took the helm in the kitchen about six months ago and was joined by new Pastry Chef Michael Craig.
The new menu includes some ingredients sourced from Africa, as well as dishes that change seasonally. Desserts have been tweaked, including pairings with teas and after-dinner drinks. Jiko boasts “the largest offering of South African wines anywhere in the United States, with more than 125 of South Africa’s boutique wineries showcasing their vintages at the restaurant, and was awarded Wine Spectator’s Award of Excellence.” For reservations, call (407)WDW-DINE, online on MyDisneyExperience.com or the MyDisneyExperience App.
Views Around the World
This weekend, as the first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts wound down its inaugural run, I took a look at the state of the on-going construction at Disney's Hollywood Studios and then walked over to Epcot to see all of the preparations underway for the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival which is due to start March 1. Enjoy some photo highlights.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Epcot
Topiary Woody again stands near The American Adventure. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Panda topiaries “play” at the China pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Norway has a new topiary this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
But, fear not, Elsa and Anna topiaries are again nearby too. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Resorts
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 5
Be an alert pedestrian!
I have long been surprised at how pedestrian un-friendly Walt Disney World can be. This is especially true in the parking lots where, other than the usual plea from the parking cast members to please walk in front of your parked car, there is often little attention or guidance given to where guests may walk to get to their next destination. Signs sometimes warn against pedestrians in places—the tram loading zones, for example, and the more-recently installed signs warning of snakes and alligators near almost every bit of standing water.
A few signs or pavement markings, however, do mark out more pedestrian-friendly areas like that shown in the photo above in the Minnie section of Disney's Hollywood Studios parking lot. All of this means (especially in this time where many are focused more on their smartphone than where they are walking), is that for your own safety and that of your traveling party, you need to pay a bit more attention to your surroundings when walking around while your fellow guests are driving nearby.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…Major League Baseball's Atlanta Braves are celebrating 20 years of Spring Training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. The first of their eighteen Spring Training home games at Champion Stadium is February 25th against the Toronto Blue Jays. Some of their other highlighted games include visits by the Boston Red Sox (March 3), New York Yankees (March 9) and New York Mets (March 10, 25, and 29).
Player workouts are open to the public with ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex admission ($18/Adult; $13/Child). Spring Training game tickets are available through Ticketmaster and the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Box Office. For more information, visit www.espnwwos.com/braves. Note: it is widely believed that this will be the final year the Braves conduct their Spring Training at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex.
…From now until February 26, guests are able to take their picture with the iconic Oscar® statuette at Walt Disney: One Man’s Dream located inside Disney’s Hollywood Studios, during regular park hours. Disney's ABC-TV will broadcast The Oscars® LIVE with host Jimmy Kimmel on Sunday, February 26, starting at 7 p.m. Eastern/4 p.m. Pacific.
…BB-8, the droid introduced in the 2015 film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, will soon begin character greetings at Disney's Hollywood Studios Star Wars Launch Bay. Kylo Ren and Chewbacca character greetings will continue as well. Advertisements for the Star Wars: Galactic Nights April 14th after-hours event at the park note that the event will mark the official “Character Greeting” debut of BB-8, so if you would like to be among the very first to meet and greet this droid, be sure to reserve one of the limited tickets to the Galactic Nights event ($129/Adult; $124/Child age 3-9; price does not include tax). Call (407) 827-7036 or visit the event's website for details.
…Though the first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts ended its apparently successful inaugural run yesterday, February 20, DVC Members and their guests can continue its spirit with the new “Painting with a View” painting class offered at Top of the World Lounge atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Every Thursday from March 2 through May 25, from 1-3 p.m., award-winning artist Marla E will teach an interactive painting class that brings “the magic of Disney to life using basic art supplies.” Complimentary snacks, water, and soda, plus a complimentary glass of wine or beer for adults over age 21, are included, and you can take your creation with you at the conclusion of the class.
Price is $50/person, plus tax (full advance payment required). Reservations may be made by calling DVC Member Services up to 90 days in advance at (800) 800-9800; you may check for same-day availability by calling the Community Hall at Bay Lake Tower at (407) 824-1347. Guests must be at least 12 years old and those under 18 must be accompanied by a paying participating parent or guardian. Only DVC Members eligible for Membership Extras may participate (which means, for example, if you purchased all of your DVC points on the secondary market after April 4, 2016, you may not be eligible to book this experience.)
…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
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts – January 13 through February 20, 2017
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom – March 2 & 9 (9 p.m.-12 a.m./midnight); February 2, 9 & 16 (8-11 p.m.).
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017.
- MouseAdventure – Saturday, March 4, 2017
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 through November 13, 2017.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – Dates TBD
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –Dates TBD
- Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party–Dates TBD
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates TBD
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates TBD
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
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time deadline has passed.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by January 17, 2017.
- 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 opens February 14, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2017. Registration opens May 2, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 18–22, 2017. Registration opens May 23, 2017. Proof of time deadline 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
2017
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed January 9 – March 2, 2017 for refurbishment.
- The Magic Behind our Steam Trains guided tour – closed January 9 – March 2, 2017 during the Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
- The Hall of Presidents – closed January 17, 2017 to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. Expected to reopen July, 2017.
The Hall of Presidents is closed until this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Permanently closed:
- Sum of All Thrills – closed permanently on September 14.
- Storm Struck – closed permanently on September 14.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Permanently closed:
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Studio Catering Co.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America
- Magic of Disney Animation
- The Writer's Stop
- Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- No known closures at this time
Typhoon Lagoon
- Closed December 24 – March 11, 2017 for seasonal refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close July 3, 2017 to make way for The NBA Experience.
Resorts
- Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of Disney Vacation Club's Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge which is scheduled to open in 2017 (though not yet fully registered or available for sale).
- Disney's BoardWalk Villas – Luna Park Pool and slide closed until March 3; based on the signs, guests may be shuttled to Disney's Yacht & Beach Club's pools.
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 |
Walt Disney World released several new discount offers for the start of 2017, and Small World Vacations shared the details with us. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. 25% off room offer Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights from February 20 through June 10, 2017. Book your stay by March 30, 2017.
Get a free day added to your ticket when you upgrade to a Magic Your Way package with a minimum 4-day ticket. Book Through: Travel Dates: Terms and Conditions:
Offer Restrictions
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 |
Spring into 2017 room offer Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $70 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, January 16 through February 15, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays through April 8. 2017, with rates from $103 at the All-Star Resorts to $293 per night at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Booking Window – Must book by April 7, 2017 Travel Window – Select stays through April 8, 2017 Terms and Conditions:
Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. 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. Star Wars meet and greet at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Launch Bay Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a character meet and greet at Star Wars Launch Bay for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. 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. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid April 9–23, 2017. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. 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 a new offer for Canadian residents. Canadian residents receive a 25% discount on 4-day or longer tickets purchased by February 28, 2017. 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. 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 |
MousePlanet reader Ben from the U.K. wrote to tell us about his recent booking of a 2017 Disney World holiday using a current promotion for U.K. residents. Ben reports:
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
