Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 1 – 7, 2016
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News and Views
Walt Disney World adopts Seasonal Pricing for one-day tickets | Flower & Garden Festival begins this week | Disney Springs welcomes 28 new tenants to Town Center | Diamond Horseshoe to debut table service at lunch and dinner | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Walt Disney World adopts Seasonal Pricing for one-day tickets
On Sunday, February 28, both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World resorts introduced the Seasonal Pricing program for single-day admission, possibly the biggest change in Walt Disney World's admission strategy since the introduction of the Magic Your Way program in 2004.
The new pricing creates three ticket “seasons”: Value, Regular, and Peak. At Walt Disney World, the price of a one-day adult admission ticket during Value season is $97 ($105 at the Magic Kingdom), no change from the previous price. However, one-day admission during peak season increased to $114 ($124 at Magic Kingdom), a jump of 18%.
Disney spokeswoman Suzi Brown tells MousePlanet in a written statement:
“The demand for our theme parks continues to grow, particularly during peak periods. In addition to expanding our parks, we are adopting seasonal pricing on our one-day ticket to help better spread visitation throughout the year. Multi-day tickets, annual passes and visiting during non-peak periods also provide our guests with options and savings.”
The seasonal calendars are not the same for the Walt Disney World Resort and the Disneyland Resort. Walt Disney World's calendar, currently published through the end of 2016, shows large seasonal blocks, with whole weeks and months designated as a particular season. Disneyland's calendar is more granular, with some months and even weeks having days in each of the three seasons. Disney says the Seasonal calendar will be posted online eight to 11 months in advance.
For 2016, 54% of the remaining year is designated Regular Season. Peak Season (32%) includes the Spring Break period; Memorial Day weekend through to late July; Thanksgiving week; and December 22 through 31. The Value season (14%) runs August 22 through September 29.
Seasonal pricing does not apply to multi-day tickets or annual passports, which should be a relief to vacation planners (and travel agents), who feared the rumored new pricing system would add another layer of complexity to the already-complicated Magic Your Way system. However, multi-day tickets were also subject to the second price hike in under a year, with increases of up to 9 percent. The domestic Disney theme parks last raised prices on October 4, 2015, increasing the cost of annual passports at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Daily admission tickets last went up in February, 2015.
The new system creates a strange situation where it may be less expensive to purchase two one-day tickets than to purchase a two-day ticket, depending on when you visit. The cost for a one-day ticket for a Value season day is $97, whereas a two-day ticket is $202, or $101 per day. If you are visiting on two Value days and do not intend to purchase a park-hopper ticket, you save $8 by purchasing separate tickets for each day.
MousePlanet has confirmed that tickets purchased prior to February 28 will be accepted on any day (Value, Regular or Peak) through the expiration date of that ticket. However, this new pricing structure comes with a new expiration policy for one-day tickets. One-day Walt Disney World tickets purchased on or after February 28, 2016 will now expire at the end of the following calendar year. (A ticket purchased on March 1, 2016 will expire on December 31, 2017; a ticket purchased in 2017 will expire December 31, 2018). The purchase price of an unused, expired ticket can be applied towards the purchase of a new ticket at the then-current price, but unused, expired tickets cannot be returned.
The cost of the Park Hopper add-on increased by $5, as did the price of the Park Hopper and the Water Park Fun & More add-on. There are no changes to parking or stroller rental fees. A chart of all new pricing is below.
The Wall Street Journal wrote about the possible change last October, quoting Walt Disney Parks and Resorts Chairman Bob Chapek as saying, “We have to look at ways to spread out our attendance throughout the year so we can accommodate demand and avoid bursting at the seams.”
Universal Studios Hollywood also implemented a new pricing structure earlier this year, charging a premium on peak days and for all same-day ticket purchases. Their new system has five pricing tiers. Universal Studios visitors can receive discounts of up to $20 when they visit on low-demand days, but only if they purchase a date-specific ticket online in advance.
Disney's Seasonal Pricing plan does not require visitors to select a specific date when purchasing tickets online, and the ticket price is the same online as at the ticket booths. A Value Season ticket is good on any Value Season day, and tickets can be upgraded to Regular or Peak season after purchase if the visitor decides to use it a different day.
Some media are referring to this pricing schedule as “dynamic pricing,” but that's somewhat of a misnomer. Disney's prices will be determined and published months in advance, and not subject to demand-based increases. As of publication time, Disney had released the seasonal calendar through the end of 2016. You won't get to the Main Entrance on a given Value season day and find that the company changed that day to Peak season pricing because of crowds.
Walt Disney World Resort – Prices Effective February 28, 2016
Note: Prices below do not reflect sales tax.
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Adult admission, ages 10+ |
Child admission, ages 3–9 |
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One Day – Value |
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One Day – Regular |
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One Day – Peak |
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Two Day |
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Three Day |
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Four Day |
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Five Day |
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Six Day |
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Seven Day |
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Eight Day |
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Nine Day |
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Ten Day |
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Optional Add-Ons:
- Park Hopper Add-on to 1-, 2- or 3-day Magic Your Way base ticket: $55 (10% increase)
- Park Hopper Add-on to 4+ day Magic Your Way base ticket: $69 (+8%)
- Water Park Fun & More Add-on: $64 (no change)
- Park Hopper + Water Park Fun & More Add-on: $95 (+6%)
Flower and Garden Festival begins this week
The 2016 Epcot Flower & Garden Festival begins Wednesday, March 2. Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka visited Epcot last week to get a peek at the preparations for the annual event.
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival begins March 2 and nearly all of the landscaping is in place. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The former Wonders of Life pavilion will once again be the Festival Center this year for the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Buzz Lightyear greets guests at Mission: Space again this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Topiary Lightning McQueen is almost completely assembled for this year's Flower & Garden Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Chip 'n' Dale topiaries are located in a prominent location in Future World near the Fountain of Nations. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The temporary “kitchen” (as the promotional materials refer to the food kiosks) for the Mexico pavilion is located along the World Showcase Lagoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Opening dates for the Frozen attractions at the Norway pavilion have not yet been announced, but Queen Elsa and Princess Anna topiaries now stand along the World Showcase promenade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Lady and The Tramp topiaries stand in front of the Italy pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Springs welcomes 28 new tenants to Town Center
Disney released Monday a list of nearly 30 new tenants expected to open stores in the Town Center district of Disney Springs, joining already-announced vendors and Disney-operated locations in the new expansion.
“Disney Springs has quickly become a favorite destination for our guests and they are going to love what's to come,” said George A. Kalogridis, president Walt Disney World Resort. “Guests will enjoy an experience unlike any other in Central Florida with even more opportunities to shop in unique and distinctive stores and enjoy world-class dining. Disney Springs offers something for everyone and does it in a way that only Disney can. It truly is the place to be.”
The announcement provided details of Coca-Cola's new location in Disney Springs, which will include a “Coca-Cola Polar Bear experience,” (a meet-and-greet), and a “refreshing rooftop bar.”
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To this writer, much of this tenant list reads like the directory at any upscale shopping mall in North America, as many of these brands are staples in malls across the country. Seven of these new tenants have locations at the Orlando Vineland Premium Outlet mall, located less than four miles away from Disney Springs.
There's not much here that's unique or exclusive to Walt Disney World, but that probably won't matter to the crowds who—thanks to Magical Express—don't have a rental car and probably aren't eager to take a cab or bus to the mall up the road.
Disney's announcement also provided some updated details of some of the restaurants and eateries going into Disney Springs. Chef Rick Bayless' previously-announced Frontera Fresco has been renamed Tablas Frontera, and seems to have a new menu focus. Disney will open and operate a gourmet burger concept called D-Luxe Burger, featuring signature hamburgers and a menu of hard sodas, alcoholic (or non-alcoholic) gelato shakes, and draft beer.
Another Disney-operated location will be called Amorette's Patisserie, a “high-end pastry shop” with a champagne menu.
No specific opening dates were given for any of the locations, saying that they would open in phases starting May 15.
Diamond Horseshoe to debut table service at lunch and dinner
The Diamond Horseshoe in the Magic Kingdom will begin offering a prix-fix table service menu at lunch and dinner starting March 13. The three-course “Saloon Feast” is $33 for ages 10+, and $19 for ages 3-9. The menu is the same at lunch and dinner, and includes soft drinks, tea, coffee, and milk:
Starter
- Cornbread service for the table
- Frontier Salad – greens, tomatoes, roasted corn, cornbread croutons, and a house-made chipotle-ranch dressing
Choice of entree, served with seasonal vegetables:
- BBQ pulled turkey served over cornbread
- Spit-roasted ham served with country beans
- Stewed beef served with mashed potatoes
Choice of dessert:
- Apple tart
- Campfire brownie
Disney describes this as an “all-you-care-to-eat” meal, but that is definitely an unusual approach for a table-service meal with plated entrees. We have not yet been able to verify if there is a stage show or other entertainment as part of this experience, or what discounts or dining plan options may apply. We will provide an update once we have more information from Disney.
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This and That
…The World Famous Jungle Cruise is closed March 1 – 3 for refurbishment.
…2016 Atlanta Braves Spring Training begins this Friday, March 4, and runs through April 4. See website for game schedule.
…The 2016 Egg-stravaganza begins this Wednesday, March 2 at Epcot. More information is in the Merchandise Events section below. The promotion runs through March 27, while supplies last.
…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 MouseAdventure 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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Advertisement “Do more. Wait less.”
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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 – December 1, 2015 – March 20, 2016 (tentative end date)
- 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – March 2 – May 30, 2016
- Dapper Day at the Magic Kingdom (unofficial event) – Saturday, April 16, 2016. More information at the event website.
- MouseAdventure (unofficial event) – Saturday, May 14. A puzzle hunt at the Walt Disney World Resort. More information at the event website.
- Gay Days at Walt Disney World (annual unofficial event) – June 2–5. More information on the event website. To whatever degree there are “organized” events, the schedule calls for attendees to visit the parks on these days:
- Thursday, June 2 – Animal Kingdom
- Friday, June 3 – Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Saturday, June 4 – Magic Kingdom (the busiest day of the event)
- Sunday, June 5 – Epcot
- Night of Joy – dates to be announced
- 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival –September 14 through November 14, 2016.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – dates to be announced.
- “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 – dates to be announced.
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – dates to be announced.
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – dates to be announced.
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
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 14 – 17, 2016. All races are sold out. The deadline to submit proof of time for these events has passed.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3 – 4, 2016. Pre-sale begins March 8, 2016. General registration opens March 15, 2016.
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.
2016 ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events
- 2016 Atlanta Braves Spring Training – March 4 – April 4. See website for game schedule. Tickets, including season tickets, mini plans and single-game tickets are now on sale.
- Contest of Champions – March 4-6.
- International All Star Championship – March 12 – 13.
- ICU Cheerleading and Dance Worlds Championship – April 21 – 22.
- USASF Cheerleading and Dance Worlds Championship – April 23 – 25. This event draws over 12,000 participants.
- Varsity All Star’s Cheerleading Championship – April 29 – May 1.
- Special Olympics Florida Summer Games – May 20 – 21.
- AAU National Club Championship – June 30 – July 3.
- Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11 – 12.
- 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl – dates to be announced, but likely either December 3 – 10, or 10 – 17, 2016.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
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| March 2–27 |
Egg-stravaganza 2016 Egg-stravaganza returns for the fourth time March 2 through 27. A dozen oversized eggs decorated with images of Disney characters will be placed around the World Showcase lagoon. Egg hunters first purchase a special map and stickers to help locate these eggs, and then place the stickers in the corresponding spots on the map. The maps are $5.95 plus tax (a $1 increase from 2015), and no discounts apply. Maps are sold at the following locations:
Once complete, participants return the map to a redemption location to claim their prize—one of six different two-inch-tall “eggs” featuring all-new character designs for the 2016 promotion. The redemption centers is located at the Point of Entry store in Epcot. If you are only in it for the eggs, you don't need to complete the egg hunt to claim your prize—just buy your map at the redemption center and receive your egg. The eggs are awarded randomly, but you may be able to trade with other collectors to complete a set if that is your goal. |
| Mar. 2 |
Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Epcot
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Disney Springs
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Disney Springs
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Disney Springs
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Disney Springs
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Disney Springs
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
2016
- Jungle Cruise – closed March 1 – 3 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed April 4 – July 15 for refurbishment.
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 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
- Soarin' – closed as of January 4, 2016. Reopens sometime in “summer of 2016” as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film.
- Circle of Life – closed February 7 through April 2 for refurbishment.
- Maelstrom – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May, 2016.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
2016
- Toy Story Midway Mania – closing for one day, Tuesday March 15, to connect the new ride track.
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closed January 11 for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Studio Catering Co. – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America – closes on April 3, 2016 to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Flights of Wonder – show dark January 25 – March 17
- The Boneyard play area – closed February 22 – March 17 for refurbishment.
Blizzard Beach
- None scheduled
Typhoon Lagoon
- Entire park closed January 3 – March 13, 2016 for refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closes April, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Planet Hollywood – closed January 1 – June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for construction.
- Cirque du Soleil La Nouba – performs Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016. Will be replaced with an NBA Experience venue.
Resorts
- Art of Animation – Schoolyard Sprayground closed through March 11 for refurbishment.
- Bay Lake Tower – Bay Cove Pool closed February 1 – March 18 for refurbishment.
- Boardwalk Inn
- Exterior painting and repair during daylight hours, through May 5, 2016
- Flying Fish Cafe closed February 1 – September 30, 2016 for refurbishment.
- Seashore Sweets – closes February 1 as part of the Flying Fish refurbishment.
- 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 |
Spring 2016 Family Time package The Family Time package offers a 5-day/4-night Walt Disney World vacation package for a family of 4 for as low as $1,714. The package includes 5-day theme park tickets and a 4-night stay in standard rooms at Disney's All-Star Music Resort for as low as $1,714 for a family of 4. Book this offer through February 28, 2016 for stays most Sunday through Thursday nights February 22 through March 3, 2016 and April 3 through May 26, 2016. Other great rates are also available for alternate lengths of stay and party sizes for stays most nights February 22 through June 11, 2016. Travel must be booked from December 28, 2015 – Feb. 28, 2016. The Magic Your Way package offers up to 25 percent off on rooms for travel from April 14 to June 11 with a booking window from February 29 to March 31, 2016. Find a full list of resorts and discounts on the Small World Vacations blog. 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:
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 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 5″ x 7″ 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 5″ x 7″ character photo 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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