Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 24 –30, 2017
Writer's note: As your regular weekly Walt Disney World Resort Update Writer, I am introducing a new regular section of the Update: “One Passholder's Tip.” Your feedback on that or any other aspect of the Update is always welcome on any of the MousePlanet channels, including by clicking on the envelope next to the byline at the top of the Update.
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | RunDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Trying the New Express Transportation Option | 2017 NFL Pro Bowl Experience at ESPN Wide World of Sports This Week | Next “Brunch With a Twist” Details Announced | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Trying the New Express Transportation Option
As we have discussed in prior Updates, in December, Walt Disney World introduced a new Express Transportation Option. Exclusively for guests with Park Hopper Tickets (including Annual Passholders), the Express Transportation Option provides direct, backstage-to-backstage access between all Four Theme Parks from 10:00 a.m. until around the time each Park closes (in fact, a Cast Member told me at a check-in location that the last bus to Disney's Hollywood Studios would arrive at that Park after the Guest Relations staff at the inside-the-Park location had left for the day after Park closing, so that bus would drop passengers off outside the Park gates, but more on this in a little bit). Whether purchasing the One Day or Multi-Day (up-to-seven consecutive days) version of the service, the virtual “ticket” is added to your MagicBand or Park Ticket Card which is then scanned by a Cast Member each time you check in to travel to another Park.
This past Saturday, I purchased the Multi-Day version at the Express Transportation check-in podium in Disney's Hollywood Studios just past the entrance to Rock 'n' Roller Coaster near the new (but rarely open to the public) Sunset Showcase building. For now, the only glitch here of note is that to purchase the Option from the podium, you must use a credit card (not even a Disney Gift Card will work with the software on the tablet currently in use). If you wish to purchase the Option at a Ticket Booth or Guest Relations, all the usual forms of payment are welcome there.
On Saturday, I used Express Transportation to visit all Four Parks, and, but for one bus driver missing a turn (which then required another Cast Member to help the bus back up to get to the correct driveway), the transportation between the Parks was the most pleasant set of bus experiences I have ever had at Walt Disney World (and I will spare you from my general rant on Disney Transport and its buses for now). The buses each departed precisely on the schedule that the Cast Members said they would, and no trip between two Parks took longer than 21 minutes from the time of departure until the time of arrival. Further making my experience pleasant—but likely making this service which Disney has publicly said is only a “test” have a very short life in its present form—was the fact that at no time were there more than seven passengers on any of the buses I rode. (Indeed, on one ride, I was the only passenger.) Even the Cast Members working at every step of the experience—from check-in to backstage escort to the bus drivers to the backstage escort off the bus—were among the friendliest I have encountered: except for the bus drivers, all of the working Cast Members seemed to be dressed in the typical Guest Relations plaid costumes so the friendliness part comes as no real surprise.
| Departing Park: | Departing To: | Times | Departing To: | Times | Departing To: | Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studios | Magic Kingdom (15 min.) | :20 & :50 | Animal Kingdom | :10 & :40 | Epcot | :00 & :30 |
| Magic Kingdom | Animal Kingdom (20.5 min.) | :00 & :30 | Epcot | :10 & :40 | Studios | :20 & :50 |
| Animal Kingdom | Epcot (21 min.) | :20 & :50 | Studios | :10 & :40 | Magic Kingdom | :00 & :30 |
| Epcot | Studios (15 min.) | :00 & :30 | Magic Kingdom | :10 & :40 | Animal Kingdom | :20 & :50 |
By using the Express Transportation, I easily visited all Four Parks between noon and 8 p.m., arriving back at Disney's Hollywood Studios early enough to catch and broadcast on the MousePlanet Periscope page the 7:45 p.m. showing of Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular. (In fact, if you were following on Social Media, I broadcast something live from All Four Parks!)
I did not get a chance to find out whether the Cast Member was correct that the final bus of the day actually does drop off its passengers outside the Park (I have several more days left to use the service and will provide an additional report). But, by only going through the mandatory security check once the whole day, this service really did reduce the hassle-factor for someone like me that visits the parks with an iPhone, camera, extra batteries, and cables, plus a belt buckle that seems to set off most metal detectors.
One, not totally unexpected, plus of using the service for any Disney Parks fan is the bus tour of some of the backstage area of Disney's Animal Kingdom (unfortunately, not narrated), from the tree farm just off of Western Way all the way around the back of the Kilimanjaro Safari habitats and savannah (including the backside of the new “sunset” effect for the nighttime safaris) to the bus stop. The backstage areas may also be of interest to anyone who has not been to Magic Kingdom or Epcot when the overflow backstage pedestrian routes are opened on peak days (like around Christmas at Magic Kingdom and Epcot on New Year's Eve). The backstage travel inside Disney's Hollywood Studios is minimal, as the bus stop is fairly close to Buena Vista Drive (a main road across Walt Disney World).
Note, though, that because of these backstage experiences, and, as others have written, the Express Transportation Option would not be an “ideal” way to preserve the “Magic” for younger visitors or even for adults making their first visits. For repeat visitors who like to Park-hop and want to minimize their transportation delays, this Option is almost “Magic” on its own. I will keep you posted about the Express Transportation Option in future Updates.
2017 NFL Pro Bowl Events at Walt Disney World This Week
The 2017 NFL Pro Bowl will be played on Sunday, January 29th and broadcast on ESPN and ESPN Deportes at 8:00 p.m. ET from Camping World Stadium (formerly known as The Citrus Bowl) in Orlando. As part of the week-long celebration leading up to the game, fans will be provided access to a range of free football-related activities, many of which are scheduled to take place at Walt Disney World's ESPN Wide World of Sports facility and around the Resort.
2017 NFL Pro Bowl Experience
The NFL Pro Bowl Experience will be open starting at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 25th, through Saturday, January 28th, at ESPN Wide World of Sports at Walt Disney World Resort. (Note: the event closes at 6:00 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday; 7:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.)
The event is billed as a “free-admission, family-friendly football fan festival” that will include interactive games. A full list of the attractions is available at the NFL Pro Bowl website. No tickets are required. Announced highlights include
- Disney Food Trucks – Enjoy selections from Disney’s theme parks and best restaurants in a “taste of the town” tailgate.
- EA SPORTS – Check out the EA SPORTS Madden NFL experience and get in the game with Madden NFL 17 and the free-to-play Madden NFL Mobile.
- Family Tailgate Photo Opp Presented by Ford Trucks – Snap a photo with your friends in front of an NFL tailgate set up
- Family Football Zone – An interactive area for kids and families to play together. Play catch in the field or take part in a range of football and tailgate-themed games.
- Long Snap Accuracy Challenge Presented by Verizon– Test your aim by long snapping footballs through a variety of obstacles.
- NFL Pro Bowl Trophy – Take a photo with the official NFL Pro Bowl Trophy.
- NFL Shop at Pro Bowl – Stop by for official NFL Pro Bowl merchandise and shop for your favorite NFL team gear at the NFL Shop trailer.
- Panini – Panini America, the exclusive physical trading card partner of the NFL, will give fans the opportunity to interact with their Panini Gridiron digital trading card app and make their own digital trading card. Fans can win packs of Panini NFL trading cards and get the Panini NFL Sticker Album.
- Run-A-Route – Test your wide receiver skills and run a see-and-react route to catch a pass down field.
- Touchdown Celebration GIF Booth presented by Aquafina – Immortalize your best touchdown celebration as a free, digital GIF.
- Wilson – Put yourself into the game with the Wilson X Connected Football, the world’s first smart football, get your very own Wx rating and find out how you stack up against your friends!
AFC and NFC Team Pro Bowl Practices
The AFC and NFC teams will practice at ESPN Wide World of Sports from Wednesday, January 25th through Saturday, January 28th. Practices are free and open to the public, but fans can pre-register for priority access and opportunities for VIP seating upgrades here. Space is limited.
Special Olympics Flag Football Game
The NFL has partnered with Special Olympics to expand Special Olympics Unified Sports flag football, where individuals with and without intellectual disabilities play flag football together on the same team. The NFL and Special Olympics will host a flag football game featuring local Special Olympic athletes on Wednesday, January 25 from 2-3:00 p.m. at ESPN Wide World of Sports. Pro Bowl players will serve as coaches and cheer athletes on during the game.
USA Football's 2017 Women's World Football Games
The 2017 Women’s World Football Games will take place Wednesday, January 25th to Saturday, January 28th at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The fourth-annual event brings together more than 250 female tackle football players from around the world for five days of training, skills sessions and 11v11 competitions.
The NFL will also host the first-ever Women’s Careers in Football Forum Thursday, January 26th and Friday, January 27th in conjunction with USA Football’s 2017 Women’s World Football Games at ESPN Wide World of Sports. The forum is open to all Women’s World Football Games participants and will feature panel discussions, presentations and networking sessions aimed to educate and prepare women for positions in football operations, including coaching, officiating and scouting.
Disney Springs Pro Bowl Bash
Disney Springs will host a Bash featuring dancing, live radio broadcasts (Thursday and Friday, starting at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m), NFL cheerleaders and team mascots. There will be giveaways and hours of free music hosted by Disney DJs. The Disney Springs Pro Bowl Bash will culminate with the Pro Bowl Dance Party on Saturday, January 28th from 4-7 p.m.
Pro Bowl Parade at Magic Kingdom
Current Pro Bowl players will take part in a special Pro Bowl parade at Magic Kingdom on Friday, January 27 at 2:30 p.m. The four Pro Bowl team captains will be joined by Mickey and his pals, as well as kids and families from Make-A-Wish Central and Northern Florida and the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, in the parade down Main Street U.S.A.
We hope to bring you coverage of some of the events around Walt Disney World in next week's Update.
Next “Brunch With a Twist” Details Announced
The official Disney Parks Blog announced that the “Brunch With a Twist” event which debuted during the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival will return on February 11th, to Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa. The noon event hosted by Cítricos will feature “some of Disney’s top chefs for the five-star, five-course brunch, tasting the creations of Executive Chef Scott Hunnel, Chef Dominique Filoni, Chef Noah Estabrook, Chef Nick Mussara, Chef Lawrence Searl and Executive Pastry Chef Erich Herbitschek. The chefs represent Victoria & Albert’s, Cítricos, Narcoossee’s, Grand Floridian Cafe and the Grand Floridian Bakery.”
Cítricos has an “on-stage” kitchen which the event's chefs will use to share cooking techniques involved in preparing the courses. Dishes will be paired with Champagne.
The event menu is available on Disney Parks Blog.
Cost is $169 plus tax (gratuity and valet included). For reservations and to pre-pay, call 407-939-3463.
Another “Brunch With a Twist” is scheduled for noon on May 6th.
Views Around the World
In addition to my visits to All Four Disney Theme Parks and a brief visit to Disney Springs, MousePlanet's Bonnie & Donald Fink had a chance to check out more of the Epcot International Festival of the Arts for this week's installment of Views Around the World.
Magic Kingdom (and the TTC area)
Construction along World Drive continues near the Epcot Monorail beam. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Exterior refurbishment continues around Space Mountain. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Liberty Square riverboat has returned from its brief refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
It turns out that the refurbishments at the Canada pavilion last week were for the installation of two new totem poles carved by Tsimshian artisan David Boxley who previously created a totem pole for the Trading Post in the 1990s. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka. Read more about the totem poles at the Official Disney Parks Blog.
Figment is hiding in “art” all around World Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
The Darkroom on Hollywood Blvd. is closed for refurbishment . Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
DiVine was making appearances last week at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
You can see a 360º view of the amphitheater here. Panorama by Alan S. Dalinka.
A tiger paces in the water in its Maharajah Jungle Trek enclosure. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
You can see a 360º view of the inside of Nomad Lounge here. Panorama by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
One Passholder's Tip
As a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder (the past two of which I have also been not only a Florida Resident, but a close neighbor of the Resort), I plan to use this section of the Update to provide our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of those years of experience, and lots of trial and errors. By reading MousePlanet—and exploring all that the site has to offer—you are already taking probably the most important steps necessary to get the most out of your visit to Walt Disney World: you are doing your homework. This section is intended to give you one more, “now why didn't I think of that” kind of moment.
One Passholder's Tip: Week 1
Take a photo of your row number in the parking lot!
Take a photo of the number of the row in which you parked. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The days of having only a limited number of photos per roll of film that need to be developed before you can see the pictures is long passed. Taking just one more photo with your digital camera (like the one on your phone) really costs you next to nothing today and, in all but the rarest of cases, you will still have your digital camera with you at the end of the day (though, I cannot speak about your battery usage—I may cover that in a future Tip—more than one member of your party can take a photo too). Heck, even many flip phones have cameras where, even without a data plan, you can go back and look at the photos later.
Years before the iPhone came along, I pulled out my flip phone to take a picture of the row I parked in at Disney's Animal Kingdom and a woman who watched me do that said something like, “Why the heck would you want a picture of the ground?” I responded with, “Will you remember where you parked in eight hours?” She said, “Oh, I hadn't thought about that,” and pulled out her flip phone to snap a photo too.
Generally, you can find your row number on the ground at the entrance and exit of each row. In long rows (like those at Epcot and the TTC/Magic Kingdom), you can often also find the number painted several additional times on the ground in front of the parked cars as you walk to and from your car.
Don't keep it to yourself!
|
This and That
…The Fairy House Ladies that were included in last week's Update will next appear at the Epcot International Festival of the Arts February 10-13 and 17-20.
…Orlando Business Journal reports that Planet Hollywood Observatory has had to delay its planned preview party and opening again due to construction delays. The restaurant is now taking reservations for January 27, but this date has changed before and we remain unable to reach the restaurant's spokespeople.
…Numerous sites are reporting that the Tomorrowland rental cabanas will be no longer be available at some point in February. Reports are that the current “discounted” rate is $500/day.
Expect that the Tomorrowland rental cabanas will be removed in February. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…Chef Tony Mantuano, a James Beard Award winner and Top Chef Master, will be hosting a ravioli cooking class at Portobello at Disney Springs on March 11th from noon to 2:00 p.m. The class costs $55/person (not including tax and gratuity). For more information visit Portobellorestaurant.com.
…Tables in Wonderland still has space available for its Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Sneak Preview buffet lunch on February 19th, from noon-2:30 p.m. in the World ShowPlace pavilion at Epcot. Price is $145/person. Registration is first come, first served at this website.
…Beyond Central Florida, Disney Cruise Line announced this week that it is again offering its “Marvel Day at Sea” aboard select cruises aboard the Disney Magic. The Day is offered on select 7- and 8-night Bahamian and Canadian Coast cruises from New York in fall 2017, and 5-night Western Caribbean cruises from Miami in early 2018. Read more about it on this page on the Official Disney Cruise Line website.
 |
 |
 |
|
||
|
|
||
 |
|
 |
|
||
Crowd Forecast
|
Advertisement “Do more. Wait less.”
|
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 – January 27, 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
Magic Kingdom
2017
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed January 9 – March 2, 2017 for refurbishment.
Fantasyland Station is closed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
- 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 – closes 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
- Kali River Rapids – closed January 3 – February 13, 2017 for refurbishment (or, perhaps longer?).
Kali River Rapids is closed for winter refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Typhoon Lagoon
- Closed December 24 – March 11, 2017 for seasonal refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed for refurbishment. Scheduled to reopen in Early 2017 as Paddlefish
- Planet Hollywood – closed for refurbishment and transformation into Planet Hollywood Observatory to reopen soon.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2017.
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 the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
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.
|
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. |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
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! |
||||||||||
|
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. |
||||||||||
|
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, except that the tickets may not be used April 9–23, 2017. 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. |
||||||||||
|
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! |
||||||||||
|
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! |
||||||||||
|
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! |
