Walt Disney World Resort Update for July 6 – 11, 2016
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News and Views
2016 Candlelight Processional – dates, narrators and dining package details | Disney Springs celebrates grand opening season with Summer Celebration | World of Coke debuts in Disney Springs | More alligator aftermath | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
2016 Candlelight Processional – dates, narrators and dining package details
Walt Disney World recently announced the dates and a partial list of narrators for the 2016 Epcot Candlelight Processional, as well as details of the popular dining packages.
The Candlelight Processional features a celebrity narrator backed up by a live orchestra and choir to tell the Christmas story. Performances run from November 25 – December 30, 2016 at the American Gardens Theater. The preliminary list of narrators is below, with additional narrators to be announced in the weeks to come:
- November 25 to 27 – Steven Curtis Chapman
- November 28 to December 1 – Neil Patrick Harris
- December 2 to 3 – Whoopi Goldberg
- December 4 to 12 – TBD
- December 13 to 15 – Meredith Vieira
- December 16 to 18 – TBD
- December 19 to 21 – Joe Morton
- December 22 to 27 – TBD
- December 28 to 30 – Cal Ripken, Jr.
In conjunction with the event, several Epcot restaurants offer dining packages that guarantee visitors a seat inside the venue for one of the evening shows. New this year are breakfast packages at The Garden Grill Restaurant and Akershus Royal Banquet Hall in Epcot, along with dining packages at Trattoria Al Forno (Disney's Boardwalk Resort), and at Captain's Grille (Disney's Yacht Club Resort).
This year, the dining package includes the choice of an appetizer, entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic, non-specialty beverage from the chosen restaurant's menu or one full buffet, where applicable. Prices exclude tax and gratuity, and park admission is not included. Guests can use the Disney Dining Plan to pay for the package.
Here is the current listing of Candlelight Processional dining package restaurants, meal options, and prices (children's prices, where available, are in parentheses):
| Restaurant | Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner |
| Akershus Royal Banquet Hall |
$54
($32) |
n/a
|
n/a
|
| Biergarten |
n/a
|
$39
($22) |
$53
($29) |
| Captain's Grille |
$31
($17) |
$47
($20) |
$64
($23) |
| Coral Reef |
n/a
|
$69
($24) |
$69
($24) |
| Garden Grill |
$39
($23) |
$57
($34) |
$57
($34) |
| La Hacienda de San Angel |
n/a
|
n/a
|
$76.50
($17.50) |
| Les Chefs de France |
n/a
|
$65.99
($17.99) |
$75.99
($22.99) |
| Nine Dragons |
n/a
|
$41
($14) |
$51
($18.50) |
| Restaurant Marrakesh |
n/a
|
$50
($21) |
$58
($21) |
| Rose and Crown |
n/a
|
$58 |
$58
($23) |
| San Angel Inn |
n/a
|
$57.25
($15.50) |
$71.50
($17.50) |
| Spice Table Road |
n/a
|
$50
($21) |
$58
($21) |
| Teppan Edo |
n/a
|
$62
($16.99) |
$74
($20.25) |
| Tokyo Dining |
n/a
|
$62
($16.99) |
$74
($20.25) |
| Trattoria Al Forno |
$27
($14) |
n/a
|
$58
($23) |
| Tutto Italia |
n/a
|
$64
($22) |
$70
($25) |
| Via Napoli |
n/a
|
$54
($20) |
$57
($24) |
Reservations are now available via the event's official webpage.
Disney Springs celebrates grand opening season with Summer Celebration
Disney is looking to lure visitors to the newly opened and expanded Disney Springs complex with a Summer Celebration that includes live entertainment and special offers at participating retailers.
Soon to open at Disney Springs are a Levi's flagship store, joined by Superdry (clothing); Sugarboo & Co. (home goods and decor); Shore (apparel); and Columbia Sportswear.
A disc jockey and other cast members entertain guests splashing in the water play area at the eastern edge of the Disney Springs Marketplace next to the new Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique location and Once Upon a Toy. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Grand Opening Summer Celebration banners are displayed at some of the landmarks and entertainment venues around Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Here is a list of the stores and discount offers currently available:
- Columbia Sportswear – 25% off entire store
- Lucky Brand – 40% off entire store
- Sperry – 50% off select items
- Kipling – 25% off the entire store, with 40% off select colors
- Alex and Ani – 30% off select styles
- UNOde50 – 30% off select accessories and jewelry
- francesca's – buy one, get one 50% off accessories
- Erwin Pearl – 10% off Maya Collection
- Melissa Shoes – 40-60% off select styles when you buy 2 or more pairs
- JOHNNY WAS – 20% off in-store
- ZARA – summer sale happening now
- LACOSTE – up to 50% off select items
- Johnston & Murphy – buy one, get one 50% off apparel
- American Threads – buy one, get one 50% off regular priced apparel, exclusions apply
Disney Springs Summer Celebration began on July 5 and runs through Labor Day. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The performance stage opposite the World of Disney store on the Disney Springs Marketplace lakefront hosts visiting artists (often students) most days. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
World of Coke debuts in Disney Springs
Fans of Epcot's Club Cool will certainly enjoy the newest store to open at Disney Springs. The new Coca-Cola Store Orlando offers two stories of shopping for Coca-Cola collectors, and a rooftop cafe where you can purchase a variety of Coca-Cola beverages.
Coca-Cola Store Orlando is now open at Disney Springs. The store has two levels of merchandise and a roof deck cafe that sells many different Coca-Cola Company beverages, including floats and products from their Icee brand. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Inside the Coca-Cola Orlando Store at Disney Springs hangs a sculpture depicting carbonated bubbles. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Coca-Cola Orlando Store has many unique items, including hand-crafted sculpture made from recycled materials. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Bags made from the pull-tops of Coca-Cola cans are one of the many unique items sold in the store. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Coca-Cola Orlando Store at Disney Springs has Orlando-exclusive merchandise along with more common branded products. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
In addition to elevators, ramps wind around the Coca-Cola Store between the building's brickwork and the Coca-Cola bottle-colored plate glass that surrounds the building. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Coca-Cola Orlando store sells “authentic” branded glassware in Coca-Cola bottle green, which happens to match the plate glass surrounding the entire building. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The ramps to the upper levels of the new Coca-Cola Store provide new views of Disney Springs. Panoramic photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A “collectible” Orlando-exclusive bottle is available for sale at Coca-Cola Store Orlando at Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The upper level of the new Coca-Cola Store Orlando at Disney Springs is an outdoor “cafe” that sells a large assortment of Coca-Cola Company's beverages, including floats and Icee products. Peanuts are available for purchase as well. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
More alligator aftermath
Walt Disney World continues to make operational changes in the wake of an alligator attack on a beach near Disney's Grand Floridian Resort. We reported last week that Disney had reopened all of the beaches on property after adding rope fences and warning signs. Disney has since installed additional netting on those fences. Crews also installed modifications to railings at Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. Warning signs are even posted along irrigation canals in the parking lots, and along the Rivers of America inside the Magic Kingdom.
The beaches at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort reopened with netting added to the recently installed rope fences at the shoreline. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Crews installed modifications to railings at Bora Bora Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Village Resort last week. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Like the beaches along Seven Seas Lagoon, the Bay Lake beach near the South Garden Wing of Disney's Contemporary Resort has reopened with a new fence and new alligator and snake warning signs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Although Central Florida summer temperatures in the mid 90s and above may discourage mid-day use, the beach at Bay Lake near the South Garden Wing of Disney's Contemporary Resort has reopened. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
New alligator and snake warning signs have been installed in the Magic Kingdom's main parking lot along the drainage canals separating the sections of the lot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Warning signs like those at the beaches have been installed along the Rivers of America in the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Regular raft service to Tom Sawyer Island inside the Magic Kingdom continues. As noted in last week's update, an alligator trap is slightly camouflaged along the bank of the river near where the logs of Splash Mountain make a turn after the ride's big drop. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
An alligator trap is slightly camouflaged along the bank of the Rivers of America near the Tom Sawyer Island raft launch (which is also near the flume for logs of Splash Mountain making a turn after the ride's big drop). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
All of the rental marinas have reopened, including rentals of SeaRaycers on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Guests can once more book waterski or parasailing excursions from Sammy Duvall's on the Bay Lake side of Disney's Contemporary Resort.
In addition to the reopening of the beaches at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort, the SeaRaycer boats are available for rental again on the Seven Seas Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Sammy Duvall's on the Bay Lake side of Disney's Contemporary Resort has resumed water skiing and parasailing excursions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Views Around the World
Alan Dalinka shares a few more photos from around Walt Disney World.
Disney Springs
Construction of Planet Hollywood Observatory at Disney Springs continues and, notwithstanding its sign, is now expected this fall. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction continues at The Edison in The Landing area of Disney Springs toward its expected debut next year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Artwork on the construction walls at the future site of The Edison now includes a rendition of its future signage. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The walkway between the Marketplace and The Landing near the future site of Paddlefish (formerly Fulton's) is now blocked by construction walls next to the entrance of the T-Rex Restaurant, redirecting traffic through the Town Center area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The area under the “abandoned” elevated tracks throughout the West Side of Disney Springs are often used as performance venues in the evenings and now have been decorated with Grand Opening Summer Celebration banners. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Epcot's China pavilion now hosts a display about the lands of the newly opened Shanghai Disneyland Resort (next to the entrance to the Wonders of China Circlevision 360 attraction). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Shanghai Disneyland Resort exhibit includes artists' renditions, models, and sample costumes designed for the new mainland China resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Shanghai Disneyland Resort exhibit includes a large park map. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
With the late summer sunset comes the rare opportunity to view Epcot's Illuminations: Reflections of Earth by twilight. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
At this time of year, the sunset is just minutes before the start of Epcot's nightly presentation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The last of the day's light fades away during Epcot's nightly presentation of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth in summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
The tarps and scaffolding have been removed from Liberty Square. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The reopened beaches of Disney's Polynesian Resort provided twilight viewing of the Magic Kingdom's Independence Day fireworks which included launch locations around the Park's perimeter as well as the Seven Seas Lagoon on both July 3 and 4. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The barges of the Electrical Water Pageant were lit with flags and stars on the Seven Seas Lagoon for the finale of the Magic Kingdom's Independence Day fireworks display on both July 3 and 4. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
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This and That
…Tickets for D23's Sip and Scream event go on sale at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) on Monday, July 11. More information is available at the event website.
…Tickets for D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Midnight Soirée at the Tower of Terror event go on sale at 2:00 p.m. (PDT) on Monday, July 11. More information is available at the event website.
…The 2016 Sounds Like Summer concert series continues this week with Stayin' Alive – A Tribute to the Bee Gees. Show times are 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8:00 p.m. each day through July 9.Bruce in the USA – A Tribute to Bruce Springsteen from July 10 – 16.
…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).
2016 Resort events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
- Night of Joy – September 9 & 10
- 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival –September 14 – November 14, 2016.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30; October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
- D23's Sip & Scream – Wednesday, October 5. Tickets go on sale at 10:00 a.m. (PDT) on Monday, July 11. More information is available at the event website.
- D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Midnight Soirée at the Tower of Terror – Wednesday, October 5. Tickets go on sale at 2:00 p.m. (PDT) on Monday, July 11. More information is available at the event website.
- “Jersey Week” – November 6 – 13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
- Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot –November 25 – December 30, 2016
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –November 25 – December 30, 2016
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.
2016
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–5. All races are sold out, with the exception of the runDisney Kids races. Proof of time must be submitted by August 2, 2016
2017
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 4–8, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, April 26. Proof of time must be submitted by October 4, 2016.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, July 12. Proof of time must be submitted by November 15, 2016.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, August 9. Proof of time date has not been released.
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.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Events
Check here to see if a sporting competition might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. We don't list all events here, but focus on the larger sport and cheer events that might result in extra visitors to the theme parks, and make it harder to secure a hotel room. The All-Star and moderate resort hotels are often the home base for these larger events, so it's worth avoiding those properties if possible.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events
2016
- AAU National Club Championship – June 30 – July 3.
- Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11–12.
- 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl –December 3–10.
2017
- Pro Bowl week festivities – take place the week prior to the 2017 game on January 29. Additional schedule information to be released.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 29 – July 5 |
Disney Springs
|
| July 7 – 8 |
Epcot
|
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
2016
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
- Carousel of Progress – closed for refurbishment July 25 – 28.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed August 8 – November 18 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15 – 21 for refurbishment.
- “it's a small world” – closed August 22 – September 15 for refurbishment.
Epcot
2016
- None scheduled
Disney's Hollywood Studios
2016
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- One Man's Dream theater – an expanded sneak peek at Alice Through the Looking Glass began May 6.
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closed for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – permanently closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – permanently closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Studio Catering Co. – closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America – closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- One Man's Dream theater – closed July 16 – 19 for refurbishment.
- MuppetVision 3*D – closed August 15 – 22 for refurbishment.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Dinosaur – closed for refurbishment July 25 – October 16.
Blizzard Beach
- None scheduled
Typhoon Lagoon
- None scheduled
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed for refurbishment. Scheduled to reopen in Fall 2016 as Paddlefish
- Planet Hollywood – closed for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016.
Resorts
- Boardwalk Inn
- Flying Fish Cafe closed through September 30 for refurbishment. Will reopen simply as “Flying Fish.”
- Seashore Sweets – closed permanently. Will reopen as the “AbracadaBar” later this year.
- 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.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Thanks to Sue Pisaturo from Small World Vacations for the details. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. Fall Free Dining offer
Back to School room-only offer
Kid-sized Vacation offer
Late Summer Family Time offer
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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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
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. 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
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. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. 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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Discounts for Military Personnel |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 16, 2016, 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 3 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 – 2016 April 1, 2016. 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, 2016. 2016 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%, based on room category. The new offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid March 20, 2016 through April 1, 2016. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. |
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