Walt Disney World Resort Update for June 12–18, 2018
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: Right after we published last week's Update and noted the scheduled Silver and Weekday Select Passholder blockouts, Walt Disney World Resort announced that they were lifted through June 29 (of course, Weekday Select passholders still are blocked on weekends). Gold and higher Passholders are even being encouraged to “Bring-a-Friend” with $79 (plus tax) one day Park Hopper tickets. Perhaps the folks who see the numbers feel there can be a bit of improvement in these weeks leading up to the opening of Toy Story Land on June 30.
Here in Central Florida, for the most part, schools are out for summer, so there are certainly local families thinking about making a few additional visits. As always in the parks, be prepared for crowds and, like I was on Saturday afternoon, be delighted when they feel smaller. With the Flower & Garden Festival kiosks mostly removed from the World Showcase Promenade, Epcot certainly “feels” bigger than it has in a long time.
You can get a bit more of my take on the Walt Disney World Resort summer season (and hear the head cold I picked up in the parks earlier this month) by listening to my latest appearance on The Garry Meier Show podcast. You can jump to 23:45 in Episode 339 to listen to just my segment or, as I do regularly, listen to the whole show, which is embedded below (while my segment is family and all-location friendly, other portions of Garry's shows may include bits of adult language and humor that may not be appropriate for all ages or in all settings and this episode's title hints at that too).
News and Views
Guardians of the Galaxy Join the Incredible Summer | Passholders Get Some Perks and Some Can “Bring-a-Friend” | A Chance to Sleep Beneath the Floating Mountains of Pandora-The World of Avatar | Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar | Views Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Guardians of the Galaxy Join the Incredible Summer
As we discussed last week and the week before, the resort-wide “celebration” (marketing theme) right now is the Incredible Summer, which runs through September 3 (Labor Day). The celebration includes Donald's Dino-Dash in DinoLand U.S.A., which debuted at Disney's Animal Kingdom (and is mostly permanent), and the Incredible Tomorrowland Expo at Magic Kingdom, which is temporary and currently runs only through Labor Day, September 3.
This past weekend, an even briefer piece of Incredible Summer entertainment debuted: Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! concerts at the America Gardens Theatre at Epcot. It runs only until August 19, since that stage becomes the home of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Eat to the Beat concert series starting August 30.
America Gardens Theatre is the Incredible Summer home to Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live concert series, five times daily through August 19. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As explained by a voiceover recording from a spokes-alien on Xandar, Capital of the Nova Empire, at the beginning of the show, recent events brought our “interesting planet” to the attention of the people of Xandar. Because Star-Lord, a “representative” from our world, explained to them that Epcot is “a cultural epicenter” on Earth, Xandar selected their “finest and brightest symphonic artists to share [Xandar's] harmonious sounds” and be their first extraterrestrial ambassadors to Earth.
The Xandarian Chamber Orchestra members begin their live performance of “alien” music, but they are quickly interrupted by Peter Quill (a/k/a) Star-Lord and joined by Gamora to “save the galaxy” from “bad music.” Star-Lord notes the similarity of the alien instruments to those found on Earth and, then, with the remote help of Groot patching Star-Lord's playlist into the headphones of the musicians, teaches them some of his familiar Earth favorites. As Dewayne Bevil wrote in his coverage for Orlando Sentinel this weekend, “Don't over think this.”
The alien music of Xandar is interrupted by Star-Lord and Gamora to “save the galaxy” from “bad music.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Star-Lord teaches the Xandarian Chamber Orchestra how to play some of his favorite music from Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
For those who recall the “Sounds Like Summer” cover bands that used to play at Epcot during this time of year, the “Awesome Mix Tapes” playlist consists of pop music hits mostly of the 1970s and 1980s; you can think of this show as a re-themed version of those concerts. Fans of the Guardians of the Galaxy films seem to especially enjoy the thematic overlay with Star-Lord and Gamora engaging in the sort of playful bickering expected of those characters. Personally, I found it to just be a fun twenty-minute show on the stage at Epcot that serves as a multi-purpose concert venue pretty much all year round; I certainly appreciate live musicians and singers performing familiar tunes.
With Groot remotely patching “Awesome Mix” music into the headphones of the aliens, Star-Lord tries to teach them how to become the “Galaxy's greatest cover band.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Star-Lord's cowbell playing does not impress Gamora. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The last major piece of Incredible Summer limited-time entertainment, Disney H20 Glow Nights (hard ticket events) at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon, debuts June 21, which is after our next Update. The week after that, the Incredible Summer brings us the hoopla and dedication ceremonies leading up to the June 30 opening of Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Stay tuned!
Passholders Get Some Perks and Some Can “Bring-a-Friend”
Through June 29 (you know, the day before Toy Story Land opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios) Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Passholders may buy up to six 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper tickets for $79 each plus tax. The “Bring-a-Friend” tickets may only be purchased at the theme park ticket windows, the Passholder must be present and show photo ID, and the tickets must be used on the date purchased.
While we parenthetically mentioned Toy Story Land's opening in the last paragraph, another just-announced Passholder perk all but confirms that there will be no official Passholder preview for the new land. Instead, Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, and Premier Passholders should be “on the lookout for an event invitation with registration details in your email” for some exclusive access to Toy Story Land at specific times on select dates in September. Eligible passholders that want to attend will need to follow the email instructions to register for an event date and time in advance and, if they would like to register a guest, that guest also must have a Gold, Platinum, Platinum Plus, or Premier annual pass and be listed on the Friends & Family list sharing “All My Plans” in My Disney Experience. Attending the event will require the valid pass and a matching photo ID, but there will be no additional charge.
While Silver and Weekday Select Passholders are left out of the June “Bring-a-Friend” and September Exclusive Toy Story Land access perks, they do get an unexpected perk in June too: blockouts have been lifted through June 29. So, after last week's brief blockout, Silver and Weekday Select Passholders can park hop for nearly three weeks longer than previously announced (of course, the Weekday Select passes remain blocked on weekends). My Disney Experience is always your best source for such last minute changes—look in the “Park Info & Entry” section under “AnnualPass Blockouts” for your pass category.
For all Passholders interested in early access to the latest Toy Story Land-themed MagicBands, visit Mickey's of Hollywood, Celebrity 5 & 10, Keystone Clothiers, Once Upon a Time, and Walt Disney Presents, where you can now purchase them by showing your pass and matching photo ID (quantity limits apply, but, so does your 20% discount).
Likewise, all Passholders can now get a “double dining discount” (20% instead of 10% off) at Hollywood & Vine through June 29. Discount is valid for the Passholder and up to three additional guests off the regular price of food and non-alcoholic beverages (excluding tax and gratuity, and does not apply during special events).
Finally, there is one more Passholder perk at Disney's Hollywood Studios that is so inconsequential it previously escaped our notice, but it is available none-the-less: Passholders can view the extended sneak peek preview of Incredibles 2 playing at Walt Disney Presents, from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. At 10 a.m., Walt Disney Presents opens to all park guests, and the preview is shown continuously during the attraction's operating hours through June 22. The film opens in U.S. theaters on June 15.
A Chance to Sleep Beneath the Floating Mountains of Pandora-The World of Avatar
Over a decade ago, the Disney Parks marketing team brought us the “Year of a Million Dreams” promotion which included rare opportunities to win a night sleeping in a Disney Park royal suite (in Cinderella Castle at Magic Kingdom and in New Orleans Square at Disneyland, respectively). Now, Oh My Disney, an official blog of The Walt Disney Company, offers one Grand Prize Winner and their guest an opportunity to win what it calls “the ultimate 'glamping' experience in Pandora-The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom.” (For those that have not heard the term, “glamping” is glamorous camping, in this case, in a tent in the Valley of Mo'ara “with all the comforts of the modern world.”)
The floating mountains of Pandora-The World of Avatar show off their bioluminescence at night. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
To win the chance, visit disney.com/dcamp and follow all of the rules, which include making and submitting a video explaining why you deserve the “escape” to this #HappyPlace. (Pay careful attention to those Do's and Don'ts!) Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia over age 18, you must be available for a phone/Skype interview on July 9 or 10 to win, and you must travel in the time period of July 28-31 if you win the Grand Prize. Not only does the Grand Prize winner get the night of “glamping” in Pandora, but the entire prize includes a 4-day/3-night package of accommodations and roundtrip airfare, 2 Park Hopper tickets, Disney VIP Tour Guides, Memory Maker, a $250 Disney Gift Card and more “unique experiences and surprises along the way.”
Walt Disney World Resort calls it “the ultimate escape to your #HappyPlace.” Video © Disney.
Epcot Concert & Candlelight Processional News & Calendar
With the Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live! concert series now running daily through August 19 (with published showtimes at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m.), Disney has now announced the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival's Eat to the Beat concert series performers starting August 30 (for all dates but October 11-12 and October 13-14, and we have updated our calendar accordingly). Passholders can take advantage of early booking for select Festival and dining package events starting today; starting this Thursday, June 14, all guests can book Eat to the Beat dining packages, as well as other Food and Wine Festival events like Party for the Senses, seminars, and more. Visit TasteEpcot.com or call (407)939-3378 for reservations and information.
America Gardens Theatre is the Incredible Summer home to Guardians of the Galaxy-Awesome Mix Live concert series, five times daily through August 19. In the distance, beyond (and above) the Mexico pavilion, the first of many more views this week of the construction of the Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster at the Universe of Energy pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Looking even further ahead, starting November 18 and running through December 30, the Festival of the Holidays returns to Epcot with its Candlelight Processional beginning its seasonal run on Thanksgiving Day itself, November 22. Narrators for the three-times-nightly retelling of the traditional Christmas story accompanied by a massed choir and live orchestra have not yet been announced, and dining package information is not yet available.
The Candlelight Processional will debut at Epcot this year on Thanksgiving Day, November 22, and is scheduled to run three times nightly through December 30. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
For the convenience of our readers, we list all of the scheduled acts in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. You can also add it or any events on it to any calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link. When the Candlelight Processional celebrity narrators are announced, we will add the events to our calendar as well.
The calendar is provided as a courtesy “as is, where is” without any guarantees. Given the effort it took to create it, we do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. Walt Disney World Resort does provide schedules in the My Disney Experience app, but does not allow you to add dates to calendars outside the app itself.
Views Around the World
Like last week, we have quite a few views the construction of the new Guardians of the Galaxy-themed coaster coming to Epcot. I also visited Disney Springs, so we have views of some of the on-going construction projects there too. Some bits of news are sprinkled in the captions as always.
Epcot
From the parking lot, a whole bunch of additional vertical construction at the site of the future Guardians of the Galaxy-themed coaster can be seen. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Compare the view of the construction from just nine days earlier. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Monorail red glides over bag check and the ticket booths at Epcot's main gate with the Guardians of the Galaxy attraction construction in the distance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Note that the new structure is more than twice as tall as the trees at the park's perimeter. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The terrain and existing Universe of Energy pavilion no longer hide the vertical construction for the building to house the new attraction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From inside the Disney Vacation Club Members Lounge on the upper level of the Imagination pavilion, lots of the new construction can be seen. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From the far shore of World Showcase Lagoon (near the America Gardens Theatre), it is also possible to see the construction site. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Some of the Future World West ponds were drained this week. It is likely that this is just a routine maintenance project. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The show building for the future Ratatouille-themed attraction continues to take shape between the Morocco pavilion and the France pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiaries of Donald Duck and his nephews are no longer on display in Future World as the park continues its transition to its summer plantings. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs
Construction of the new building for the NBA Experience continues on the former site of DisneyQuest. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The exterior shape of the new building for the NBA Experience increasingly resembles the concept art on the construction walls at the site. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The NBA Experience is expected to open in 2019. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Spanish-themed Jaleo restaurant continues to take shape on the West Side. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
From Disney's Saratoga Springs across Lake Buena Vista, the many curved surfaces of the future Jaleo restaurant can be seen in front of the AMC Dine-In 24 Theatres. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction cranes working on the new parking structure across Buena Vista Drive from Disney Springs can also be seen from Saratoga Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction continues at the new parking structure on Buena Vista Drive from Disney Springs. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction walls in the plaza next to the bridge between the West Side and Landing neighborhoods have been removed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
AMC Dine-In Theatres banners now advertise both “Solo: A Star Wars Story” (now playing) and “Incredibles 2” (opening June 15). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Construction of the new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane in the Marketplace Co-Op has a large selection of Dooney & Bourke bags. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
If your Duffy the Bear needs another friend, or you just like stuffed bears, “Carmel the Bear” is now available at Ghirardelli in the Marketplace. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
This and That
…Just a reminder from our Refurbishment section: Toy Story Mania is closed for scheduled refurbishment this week, through June 18, relating to reconfiguring its queue for its new entrance location inside Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
…Passholders looking to get their summer-themed Donald Duck complimentary gift magnet will now find them at Mouse Gear in Future World at Epcot through June 29, rather than Disney's Hollywood Studios. Be sure to have a valid photo ID matching your Annual Pass.
Donald Duck passholder magnets are no longer available at Disney's Hollywood Studios. They are now available at Mouse Gear at Epcot through June 29. File photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…Last week we noted that Walt Disney World Resort announced that Minnie Van Service is now available to anyone visiting the Resort using the Lyft app (in other words, it is no longer limited to guests at specific resorts). Introduced last summer after Disney announced the service at D23 Expo, Minnie Van Service provides private, point-to-point service around the property for a flat fee (currently $25) in a van driven by a Disney Cast Member. When visiting the Resort and using the My Disney Experience App, you may be prompted to set up the Minnie Van service on your device.
While visiting Walt Disney World Resort, opening the My Disney Experience app may result in a pop up screen prompting you to get more information about the Minnie Van Service and to download the Lyft app. Screenshot by Alan S. Dalinka (underlying content by Disney and Lyft).
…Walt Disney World Golf is now offering an “after-work” 9-hole league play for FootGolf. Featuring eight weeks of play (six weeks divisional and then two weeks playoffs) in two-person teams, the league will offer weekly and end of season prizes. Round 1 begins at 6 p.m. on Thursday, June 28, on Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course. Read more and follow the links to register by visiting Walt Disney World Golf Blog.
…Father's Day is this Sunday, June 17. To celebrate, Wine Bar George at Disney Springs is serving a 32 oz. porterhouse in a family style plate for two (or more) alongside potatoes au gratin and seasonable vegetables. George Milotes' hand-picked pairing is a bottle of Round Pound Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. For the full menu and reservations, visit WineBarGeorge.com.
…Paddlefish at Disney Springs has a few special offerings coming up (updated with with one additional special):
- NEW! Through June 30, guests can get a half a dozen oysters and a bottle of rosé for $40 on the third deck (usual age restrictions apply to alcohol purchases, of course).
- Starting today, Tuesday, June 12, Paddlefish will be hosting wine tastings the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of each month through September. The in-house Sommelier team will lead tastings on the rooftop deck and wine flights will be served with light bites and tastings. Guests must be 21+ to attend. Tickets and additional details can be found here.
- On Wednesday June 13, to celebrate its 2018 Orlando Magazine Dining Awards win as “Best Seafood Restaurant,” Paddlefish is serving “a decadent 5-course wine pairing dinner showcasing the Best of Paddlefish.” The rooftop deck will greet attendees with Mini Maine Lobster Rolls and champagne, and then will feature “carefully crafted dishes that feature fresh catches, full flavors and fabulous wine.” Guests must be 21+ to attend. Tickets and the complete menu can be found here.
- The following Wednesday, June 20, guests can celebrate National Vanilla Milkshake Day will Paddlefish's “famous vanilla brownie milkshake” for just $5.
…Registration is now open for the 15th Annual Festival Disney competition for choirs, bands and orchestras from around the world. Student performers will take the stage at Walt Disney World Resort on select weekends from March 1 to May 4, 2019. Read more 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 email in the box below.
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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 email.
2018 Resort Events
- Disney H20 Glow Nights at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
- Every Thursday and Saturday, June 21 to August 11; 8–11 p.m.
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom:
- June 28, 30, July 7, 9, 14, 21, 28, August 4 & 11; 10 p.m. – 1 a.m.
- August 30, September 20; 9 p.m.– midnight
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom:
- August 17, 24, 28, 31
- September 3, 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 18, 21, 23, 25, 28, 30
- October 2, 4, 5, 8, 9, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 19, 21, 23, 25, 26, 28, 30, 31
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 30 to November 12
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 1–4
- Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 26–27
- Sunday Bubbles Brunch – October 28
- Dapper Day (unofficial events)
- November 17 – Disney's Animal Kingdom (until 3-5 p.m.) & Magic Kingdom (evening);
- November 18 – Epcot
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom:
- November 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 16, 25, 27, 29, 30
- December 2, 4, 6, 7, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – November 18 to December 30
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 22 to December 30
2019 Resort Events
- 2019 Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 9–13, 2019.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 21–24, 2019.
- Star Wars Rival Run Weekend – April 4–7, 2019.
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. For current information on runDisney registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board. |
2018 Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events (including event reservation opening dates)
- Moonlight Magic at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon – May 30; June 11
All members (filled to capacity; check for cancellations) - Moonlight Magic at Epcot – July 16, August 15 (note date change)
Members with resort reservations – June 6
All members (pending remaining availability) – June 20 - Moonlight Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios – September 19, 26; October 3
Members with resort reservations – August 30
All members (pending remaining availability) – September 13
Introduced in 2017 as part of Membership Magic Ever After, complimentary Moonlight Magic events invite Disney Vacation Club Members (that are eligible for the Membership Extras benefits) and their guests to visit Disney Parks at the end of their regular operating hours and after the park has closed to the public. Members (and their parties) with reservations find shorter-than-usual wait times on popular attractions, meet rare characters, enjoy complimentary refreshments, have dance parties, and more. Please note that, in order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy Moonlight Magic, only one event date for each participating park is available per Membership. Visit disneyvacationclub.com during specified reservation windows to (attempt to) secure access to the event as well as to find additions to the Moonlight Magic event slate, updated party hours, and transportation information. |
Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. All 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
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed for refurbishment (cast say until at least June/July).
- Stitch's Great Escape – My Disney Experience lists as “available seasonally throughout the year.”
Epcot
- American Heritage Gallery at The American Adventure – closed for refurbishment
- Kringla Bakeri Og Kafe at Norway pavilion – closed for refurbishment through summer 2018.
A few Kringla favorites are now available at the Midnattssol Bakeri kiosk along World Showcase Promenade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
- Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Permanently closed on August 13, 2017.
Guardians of the Galaxy-themed roller coaster-type attraction opens in approximately 2021. - Circle of Life: An Environmental Fable – closed February 3, 2018. Theater to be repurposed.
Outside the theater where “Circle of Life” used to run, a new graphic for “The Land” has been installed on the lighted sign. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Toy Story Mania– Closed June 11–18, 2018, for work related to new attraction entrance and queue in Toy Story Land.
- The Great Movie Ride – Permanently closed August 13, 2017. The new “Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway” attraction to open in Chinese Theatre in 2019.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flights of Wonder (Caravan Stage) – Show closed on December 31, 2017. “UP! A Great Bird Adventure” starring Russell and Dug and their bird opened in its place on April 22, 2018.
Blizzard Beach
- No known closures at this time.
Typhoon Lagoon
- No known closures at this time.
Disney Springs
- World of Disney – phased store closings for refurbishment underway.
The Disney Corner now open in Town Center offering select merchandise during refurbishment.
DisneyStyle now open on the West Side offering additional Disney-themed merchandise. - DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017. The NBA Experience expected to open Summer 2019.
- Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017. Terralina Crafted Italian expected to open in 2018.
- La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017. A new Cirque du Soleil show is now in development with its premiere date to be announced.
- Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed August 1, 2017. Location is being transformed into Jaleo, a restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine, expected to open 2018. A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction next door to the Coca-Cola Store, expected to open 2018. Wolfgang Puck Express continues to operate in its existing location in the Marketplace.
Construction continues at Terralina Crafted Italian. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Resorts
- Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2018, with the overall project completed 2019–20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are currently closed:
- Old Port Royale Food Court
- Shutters at Old Port Royale
- Banana Cabana Pool Bar
- Calypso Trading Post
- 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.
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.
Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. It is increasingly true that non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). As prices go up, it becomes even more important to pay heed: Don't get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks. Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today.
Be sure to move the calendar to at least seven (7) days out, to see what ticket options and discounts are available for your planned visit.
Travel Discounts for Everyone |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 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 $169, a $30 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 for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com. |
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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
For the most up-to-date list of locations offering dining discounts to Annual Passholders, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com. Many dining locations offer Passholders 10 percent discounts during some or all meal periods (also excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity). The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20 percent discounts off regularly priced merchandise. The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort. The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort. Magic Strollers, “a Disney featured stroller provider,” offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP18 to arrange your rental. It is listed on the “Passholders Extras” page of the Passholder website. Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone. Additional information about available “Passholder Extras” are available here, including specially priced 1-Day Water Park Tickets for $49 plus tax (must be purchased in-person at the water parks and not available online; must be used on or before December 31, 2019), a new $35 Sunrise 9 golf offer (including nine holes of golf, a hot breakfast and two beverages between 7:00 and 8:30 a.m., subject to availability, at Disney Golf courses), a new $29 Sunset 9 golf offer (including nine holes of golf, a light snack and a beer or soft drink, subject to availability in the late afternoon at Disney Golf courses), an Orlando Magic Jersey Offer for purchasing or renewing an Annual Pass at Amway Center in Orlando, a 15 percent discount on the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Spa & Salon Discounts around Walt Disney World Resort, Amphicar Tour discounts at Disney Springs, runDisney Early Registration discounts, Best Friends Pat Care discounts, Children's Activity Centers discounts, and more. Away from the Resort, Passholders can use code DANCEPARTY to get 20 percent off of tickets to the new Disney Junior Dance Party on Tour in Jacksonville, Melbourne, Clearwater, and Sarasota Florida, for house seats while supplies last. Visit disneyjuniortour.com for more information and tickets. 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 |
To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information. 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. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs. 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). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount does not apply to the following dates: 12/31/17, 1/1/18, 2/14/18, 4/1/18, 5/13/18 and 7/4/18, and may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions. 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 this page of disneyrewards.com. 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, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom. 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. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions. 10 percent off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free character photos 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 complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website). Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios Present your Disney's Premier Visa card or Disney Rewards Visa card for access to a private character meet-and-greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the My Disney Experience smartphone application (or website). |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2018 Armed Forces Salute Tickets January 1 through December 19, 2018
NOTE: Tickets must be used by December 19, 2018. U.S. military personnel can also purchase the Memory Maker product for $98 through December 19. Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets by eligible service members (as defined on Disney World.com) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and only family members and friends, as provided by Disney's rules. These tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold. Limit six (6) tickets purchased by the military personnel (or spouse), and one ticket must be used by that member of the military (or spouse). U.S. military personnel can enjoy discounts at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels when booking by December 19, 2018, for stays most nights from April 6 through December 19, 2018. Offer excludes moderate and deluxe resorts. Call (407)939-5684 for information and reservations. Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green. 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 Florida Residents |
Discover Disney TicketsFlorida Resident Discover Disney Tickets are back: $159 per person plus tax for the Discover Disney 3-Day Ticket; $179 per person plus tax for the Discover Disney 4-Day Ticket. Tickets must be purchased by June 20 and may be used on any day until June 24, 2018. Park Hopper Option is available for an additional $30 per ticket plus tax for the 3-Day Ticket; $37.50 per ticket for the 4-Day Ticket. Further information is available and tickets may be purchased on this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney Select TicketsAt a higher price, but with a whole lot more flexibility that came along with the price increases of February 11, 2018, Florida residents can also save with the 4-Day Disney Select Ticket (compared to the price of a 4-Day Magic Your Way ticket). There is a smaller discount for a 3-Day Select Ticket, and there is also a discount for 1–Day Tickets with the Park Hopper Option only. For more information visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Florida residents can check out the latest hotel package offers on this page of DisneyWorld.com. 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 |
All adults using Canadian resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canadian residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the theme park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions. Check https://disneyparks.disney.go.com/ca/ for the latest offers from Disney. 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 |
You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. It currently includes an offer for UK and Ireland guests: 2018 Disney's 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-day ticket when purchased pre-departure by July 31, 2018, for arrivals up until December 31, 2018. Memory Maker is included with every 2018 Adult Ultimate Ticket purchased. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details. |