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You are here: Home / Walt Disney World Resort Update / Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 21-March 27, 2017

Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 21-March 27, 2017

March 21, 2017 by Alan Dalinka

Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 21–27, 2017

Writer's note: As we enter the Spring Break “season” (followed closely by summer) around Walt Disney World Resort, be mindful that there is a great deal of road construction going on within the property that can slow you down whether in your own car, taxi, ride-share like Uber, or Disney transport buses. Add to that, there is a continued project underway to automate the Walt Disney World Monorails, meaning you may very well experience more than the usual transportation delays when trying to get around the resort. Personally, I dream of a day when sidewalks connect all the parking areas, parks, and resorts, but, since you are here for news, on to the Update, including a fun surprise visit by Josh Gad (LeFou in Disney's new Beauty and the Beast movie that opened to huge box office numbers over the weekend) to the Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom, and, of course, lots of Views around the World, One Passholder's Tip, and more!

Seeing both the Resort and Express Monorails running at the same time is not as common as you would hope. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | runDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions


News and Views

Josh Gad Visits Magic Kingdom to Promote Disney's New Beauty and the Beast Movie Debut | “Mobile Order” Food Ordering to Debut in Pandora–The World of Avatar | Changes Coming to Transportation and Ticket Center | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Josh Gad Visits Magic Kingdom to Promote Disney's New Beauty and the Beast Movie Debut

While our friends out on the West Coast at Disneyland got some Pirates of the Caribbean 50th Anniversary surprises over the weekend (as our Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported in our Disneyland Resort Update yesterday), Walt Disney World's “surprise and delight” on Friday night was Josh Gad's unannounced visit to Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom to promote Disney's release of the new live-action Beauty and the Beast movie. In the film, Josh Gad plays LeFou, the villainous Gaston's sidekick who sings “Gaston” in tribute. (He also is the voice of Olaf in Disney's Frozen.)

Beast's Castle stands over New Fantasyland in Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney invited me to a late dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom on Friday night to celebrate the opening of the film and promised that there would be a surprise during dinner. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Late Friday night, guests dining at Be Our Guest were interrupted by one of Fantasyland's Royal Majesty Makers with a special announcement followed by a familiar voice speaking the words of introduction to the song “Be Our Guest.” Next, Josh Gad strode into the room singing “Be Our Guest,” interacting with guests, and even dancing with one of the now “surprised and delighted” little girls in attendance. He also gave another child an Olaf-style “warm hug.” As you might expect, he urged everyone to go see the movie this weekend before heading out to the castle's West Wing.

Josh Gad sang and strode around the main dining room of Be Our Guest Restaurant. Reports indicate he also made a surprise appearance in at least one movie theater in the area showing the new “Beauty and the Beast” movie in which he appears.. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


Josh Gad sang “Be Our Guest” to the guests of Be Our Guest Restaurant, and even gave a child a warm hug. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Chef Stephen shows off his special dessert creation “Tale as Old as Time” to celebrate the opening of “Beauty and the Beast.” As you would expect, it was filled with delicious “grey stuff,” and was already sold out of its limited availability by the end of the evening. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Beast is available for Disney PhotoPass photo opportunities for dinner guests at the restaurant. He started making appearances in his new clothes and styling within the past few weeks. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Enchanted Rose glows in the West Wing. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A music box-style Belle and Beast dance above diners in the East Dining Room. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

“Mobile Order” Food Ordering to Debut in Pandora–The World of Avatar

Buried well-below the headline of the recent Disney Parks Blog post about the Satu'li Canteen opening in Pandora–The World of Avatar at Disney's Animal Kingdom on May 27, is the news of Walt Disney World's first large-scale attempt at rolling out “mobile order,” a new way to order and pay for meals within the My Disney Experience app. As guests who (like me) have experienced 30-45 minute waits to order and retrieve a simple meal (as simple as a direct-from-the-menu salad) from one of the many fast-casual or quick service restaurants around the parks of Walt Disney World, this rollout at Satu'li may very well finally bring some 21st century technology to relieve some inefficiencies (and guest frustrations) that date back probably all the way to when the Magic Kingdom opened in 1971 (and, perhaps back to Disneyland too before that). Disney says to expect that additional restaurants will offer mobile order later this year.

While Satu'li will participate in the Disney Dining Plan, guests using those meal entitlements will not be able to use the app. When mobile order debuts, guests will use the My Disney Experience app to select menu items, including customizations, and pre-pay for their meal by credit card only. Once in the restaurant, guests using mobile order skip the queue and instead tap “I'm here” in the app, which triggers food preparation. When the meal is ready, the app will notify guests to proceed to a designated pick-up window.

As with any technology rollout, software bugs and other glitches are inevitable—these is often called the “test and adjust” phase, and some beta testing or “soft opening” of the technology may be introduced before May 27. The quicker the bugs get discovered and resolved, the sooner we expect Disney to follow through on mobile order's rollout to other locations as well. Given the popularity of its Disney's dining plans, their integration into mobile order seems probable as well; likewise, it would make sense for Disney gift card payments to be accepted in the not too distant future.

Changes Coming to Transportation and Ticket Center

Over this past fall and winter, we noted and showed photos of some construction in the tram loading and unloading area of the Transportation and Ticket Center (the TTC), the gateway for folks traveling between Magic Kingdom's main parking lot and the Park, or from anywhere in the Magic Kingdom Resorts area to Epcot. During the construction, we saw lots of construction walls, but very few visible changes. Then the walls were gone.

A new TTC tram load/unload area has been built in the median of the tramway's turn-around. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This week, new striping and rails have been installed in the former median area of the tramway's turn around, designating a (future) new tram loading/unloading area. A cast member shared that new security checkpoints will be built in the original tram load/unload positions when the new area begins use. There are a number of operational issues that need to be worked out before the new load/unload area goes into use, like maintaining guest safety while folks cross the active tramway to reach the new security checkpoints.

Disney's creation of new checkpoints before guests board monorails or ferries at TTC raises a host of other questions, of course. It could mean that each of the monorail resorts will add checkpoints of their own. Magic Kingdom area resorts that provide watercraft transportation to Magic Kingdom could get added checkpoints at their docks, or checkpoints could be established dockside away from the Magic Kingdom's ferryboat dock. Guests arriving by bus or on foot from Disney's Contemporary Resort likely would see a security checkpoint at the eastern edge of the Magic Kingdom's entry plaza (the monorail station is located at the western edge). We will keep an eye out for more news about these security changes and expect to be reporting on them in future Updates.

Views Around the World

Enjoy this week's Views Around the World with a bit more news sprinkled within.

Magic Kingdom

Twilight at Cinderella Castle from aboard the PeopleMover is beautiful. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Frontierland was filled, even on Wednesday in the early afternoon with Spring Break-enhanced crowds. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Tiana's Riverboat Party takes over the dock and riverboat for several hours on either side of showings of the Disney Festival of Fantasy Parade for a reservations-required ice cream social and viewing party daily through the end of March and Sundays, Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays (as currently scheduled) through July. Tickets (in addition to park admission) are $49/adult and $29/children ages 9 and under (tax included). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Fantasyland can be quite busy with Spring Break crowds, and Sir Mickey's is undergoing some exterior refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Sonny Eclipse Starlight Cafe refurbishment continues in Tomorrowland; the restaurant remains open. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival continues through the end of May. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The butterfly special-effect (a form of forced perspective) photo opportunity has been re-oriented towards the Butterfly Garden. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Welcome Home, DVC Members to #DVCMemberLounge #freshepcot @WDWToday via @AlanDalinka Live! https://t.co/onXsJtbvli

— MousePlanet (@MousePlanet) March 19, 2017

Enjoy a stroll around the DVC Member Lounge, down the stairs, past the Fantasia Topiaries and into the Butterfly Garden. (Best if viewed full screen which can be done by clicking on the video while it is playing.) Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The new play area at this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is in the Florida Fresh area between France and Morocco. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Topiary Peter Pan stands high above the United Kingdom pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Goofy stands in front of the Festival Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

China's dragon topiary is dramatically lit at night. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Plaza de los Amigos inside Mexico pavilion provided samples of Vanuato Kakaw Authentic Mexican Chocolate from March 16-20. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney's Hollywood Studios construction is evident from outside the park, including along the pathway to Disney's BoardWalk. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney PhotoPass photographers allowed guests to pose with a cloth “Enchanted Rose” in front of the “Beauty and the Beast” stage show this weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

America's Funniest Videos recorded episodes on Friday morning at Sunset Showcase. Video crews recorded interviews (presumably for the episodes) near Center Stage in the afternoon. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

While Disney confirmed that the Star Wars Lands under construction here and Disneyland will have AT-ATs, Disney's Hollywood Studios has had one for a long time (as shown on the left in front of Star Tours), though you may not want to look too closely at its other side. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Star Wars Land construction dominates the skyline where Streets of America used to be. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Vertical construction can now be seen in the Star Wars Land construction area from PizzeRizzo. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In just one spot in Muppets Courtyard, some of the Star Wars Land vertical construction appears above the construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Over on the Pixar Studios side of the park, the construction is also visible. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Yellow earth-moving equipment and cranes loom over the wall beyond Toy Story Mania. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Another “friend” is building adult-sized new lands in the distance. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some new colors are being painted atop the side of MuppetVision 3D theater that faces into an area we expect will be part of the new Star Wars Land. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

From atop Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, the floating mountains of Pandora rise above the trees. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

From atop Bay Lake Tower, the on-going construction of Disney's Wilderness Lodge's new DVC additions are visible on the shore of Bay Lake while Epcot, Resorts, and Disney's Hollywood Studios lie beyond. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A new boardwalk is under construction from the new cabins along the Bay Lake channel and water bridge to Seven Seas Lagoon and the resort's boat dock. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Wilderness Lodge's Geyser Point Bar & Grill opened just over a month ago just beyond the geyser. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Geyser Point Bar & Grill, on the shore of Bay Lake near where the former fire pit stood is not enclosed. The new firepit is now open (in the foreground). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Geyser Point has a well-stocked bar. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Geyser Point has interior and exterior seating. Solar shades block some of the strongest sunlight, but look under the table to see some local visitors. Table service, bar service, and counter service are all available at this bar and grill. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Geyser Point quick service counter is located just “outside” the bar and grill on the side facing away from Bay Lake. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The theme of the newest buildings at Wilderness Lodge is the railroads of the Northwest. Panoramic Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New DVC Community Hall is expected to open this summer along with the Copper Creek Cabins and Villas. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Roaring Fork, the resort’s original quick-service restaurant, will reopen later this year with a refreshed look and expanded outdoor seating. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs

AMC Disney Springs 24 Theaters has a “Beauty and the Beast” photo backdrop in its lobby. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

West Side of Disney Springs was very crowded on Sunday afternoon as Spring Break season is underway. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

D-Living has been rethemed full of “Beauty and the Beast” merchandise, complete with the music loop from Magic Kingdom's Be Our Guest Restaurant. It is expected to remain this way until mid-April. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


D-Living at Disney Springs is full of “Beauty and the Beast” themed merchandise. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Polite Pig restaurant coming later this year now has signs.. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Amorette's Enchanted Rose Dome Cake almost looks too good (and at $55, expensive), to eat. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

World of Disney Store is also full of “Beauty and the Beast” theming (plus, merchandise). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In the Marvel section of the World of Disney Store, some Guardians of the Galaxy await. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Marketplace Co-op includes many attraction-themed (including retro) items. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


Marketplace Co-op at Disney Springs contains several shops filled with themed merchandise. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Edison is delayed until at least Fall 2017; last week this sign said coming “Spring 2017.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Road Construction

World Drive construction near Magic Kingdom does not directly interfere with traffic most days. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Buena Vista Drive construction, on the other hand, has eliminated some turning and traffic lanes, making traffic congestion an issue in the Epcot – Hollywood Studios – Disney Springs area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One Passholder's Tip

This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (hopefully weekly) tip at a time.

One Passholder's Tip: Week 9
Garbage cans along a parade route are great for adults or taller kids to stand behind.

While it may not be quite as crazy as some of what you read about over at Disneyland in Anaheim, when it comes time for parades at Magic Kingdom (and especially during busy times like Spring Break), finding a spot for parade viewing may require some significant waiting time if you want that “front row” view. Since Disney Parks' garbage cans tend to be about as a clean as a regularly-used garbage can may ever be, standing behind them, facing the parade route is almost always a viable option for folks who don't want to sit on the curb.

While “sitting” at the curb is not required, adults standing at the curb will often be asked—and rightly so—to let little kids get in front of them; their parents may then ask you to move or sit so they can see over your head. Anyone around four feet tall or more can easily see over the top of the garbage cans—but, remember, like the “lean rails” in the 360° theaters, they are not designed to withstand your weight or the weight of your child.

Garbage cans at Magic Kingdom offer an unobstructed view of the parade route for folks around four feet tall or more. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Of course, as I like to say, your mileage may vary. To borrow a line from Jiminy Cricket, let your nose be your guide.

Don't keep it to yourself!
Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments.

This and That

…With Magic Kingdom's regular showings of Wishes fireworks shows drawing to a close on May 11 to make way for the new Happily Ever After show on May 12, Disney Parks Blog will host a #DisneyParksLIVE stream on Thursday, March 23, beginning at 8:55 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) with a “behind-the-scenes look” at the creation of Wishes.

…I was delightfully surprised on Sunday by a Disney PhotoPass Photo taken on the bridge between Epcot's International Gateway and the France pavilion to see Chip from the animated version of Disney's Beauty & the Beast in my hand. We know that which “Magic Shot” is available changes from time to time, but some Disney PhotoPass Photographers are willing to share the ones they help create for you. Just ask.

…On March 31, The Dress Shop on Cherry Tree Lane opens in the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs. Adding to the accessories already sold in the Cherry Tree Lane “boutique,” the new clothing is intended to cater to those who enjoy dressing the Disney lifestyle not with costumes, but with outfits that “include nods to Disney attractions such as Walt Disney's Enchanted Tiki Room, 'it’s a small world,' The Haunted Mansion, and the Twilight Zone Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.” Disney Parks Blog has additional details and reports that on March 31 there will be special activities in the shop as well as throughout the weekend, “including a trunk show of vintage-inspired apparel.”

…In Fall 2016, we reported that Reedy Creek Improvement District (RCID), the Disney-controlled governmental body that oversees the Walt Disney World Resort and, especially, its infrastructure like drainage and roads, approved construction of a third parking structure to serve Disney Springs across Buena Vista Drive from the Orange and Lime Garages (which RCID also operates). Several sites now report that construction of that third 3,000 car garage is set to begin in April, with closures to some of the cast surface lots in the area coming sooner than that. Factor that in with the other Buena Vista Drive construction mentioned in our Updates.

…One of the tasty highlights of the “Kitchens” of this year's Epcot International Flower & Garden festival that I have sampled is the Carne Asada with Spicy Black Bean Cakes and Cilantro-Lime Sour Cream. If you would like to try your hand at making it yourself, Disney Parks Blog has provided a recipe.

…A new Kiehl's store opened at Disney Springs earlier this month. Located in the Town Center area next door to D-Living, the New York-based retailer established in 1851, sells skin and hair care products. The Disney Springs store evokes the company's New York Flagship which began as a neighborhood apothecary, with antique fixtures, marble tables, counters and trim as well as Kiehl's signature motorcycle which is on permanent display.

Kiehl's at Disney Springs evokes a mid-1800s drug store with modern additions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…Disney Vacation Club announced that its Moonlight Magic event originally scheduled for Typhoon Lagoon Water Park for Thursday, June 22 has been moved to Friday, June 23, 2017. The event is also scheduled June 28, July 5, and July 13, 2017. Reservations are not yet open but will be required and available only to DVC Members and their guests (and excluding Members who did not purchase their points directly from DVC after April 4, 2016).

…In legal news, Orlando Sentinel reports that The Walt Disney Company agreed to pay a total of $3.8 million in back wages to over 16,000 hotel and timeshare cast (an average of $233 each) in connection with a U.S. Department of Labor investigation into possible violations of minimum wage, overtime, and record keeping rules.

…Disney Parks Blog reports that the otter triplets in the habitat located on the left side of the Tree of Life at Disney's Animal Kingdom Discovery Island Trails have been named, Raakshas (a Hindi word meaning monster), Pintar (an Indonesian word for smart or clever), and Pitakee Pyaaree (Hindi for daddy's girl, as the only female pup).

…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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Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.

Date Overall
Tuesday, March 21, 2017 7 / 10
Wednesday, March 22, 2017 7 / 10
Thursday, March 23, 2017 7 / 10
Friday, March 24, 2017 7 / 10
Saturday, March 25, 2017 7 / 10

Check out the Disney World Park Crowd Levels page on TouringPlans.com for park-specific predictions and recommendations on which days to visit and avoid particular parks!

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).

2017 Resort Events

  • Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
  • Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017.
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 through November 13, 2017.
  • Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –Dates TBD
  • Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party–Dates TBD
  • Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates TBD
  • Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates TBD

2018 Resort Events

  • Epcot International Festival of the Arts – “Early” 2018
  • 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – “Spring” 2018

runDisney events

If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.

2017

  • Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time deadline has passed.
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration opens January 17, 2017. Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.

2018

  • 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – Registration now open. Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
  • 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2017. Registration opens May 2, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
  • Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 18–22, 2017. Registration opens May 23, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBD

For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.


Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Note: Not all attraction closures have been officially confirmed by Disney, and are all subject to change at any time. Refurbishment schedules are estimates only. We recommend checking for updates as you plan your visit. All information is subject to change without notice. To get the most recent updates, visit DisneyWorld.com or use the MyDisneyExperience App on your iOS or Android device.

Magic Kingdom

2017

  • Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – has its final showing on May 11, 2017, to make way for the May 12 premier of the new fireworks show named Happily Ever After.
  • Stitch's Great Escape – closed except for occasional “seasonal” openings.

Stitch was back in operation briefly last week to absorb peak Spring Break crowds — but only from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. As of this posting, it is again listed on My Disney Experience as “temporarily closed.” Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

  • The Hall of Presidents – closed January 17, 2017 to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. Expected to reopen July, 2017.

The Hall of Presidents is closed until this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot

Permanently closed:

  • Sum of All Thrills
  • Storm Struck

Disney's Hollywood Studios

Permanently closed:

  • Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
  • Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
  • Studio Catering Co.
  • Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America
  • Magic of Disney Animation
  • The Writer's Stop
  • Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • No known closures at this time

Blizzard Beach

  • Runoff Rapids. Expected completion: TBA.

Typhoon Lagoon

  • No known closures at this time

Disney Springs

  • Disney Quest – scheduled to close July 3, 2017 to make way for The NBA Experience.
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – ends its run on December 31, 2017. Next use of the theater on the West Side TBA.

Resorts

  • Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. As construction gets underway, it is possible some existing venues will close. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
  • 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.
  • Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, and playground closed. Opening date expected around July 17, 2017, debut of new Disney Vacation Club's Copper Copper Creek Villas at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. Continue to expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction.

Elsewhere

  • Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.

Current Discounts & Promotions

Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.


Travel Discounts for Everyone

Walt Disney World released several new discount offers for the start of 2017, and Small World Vacations shared the details with us. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today.

25% off room offer

Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights from February 20 through June 10, 2017. Book your stay by March 30, 2017.

Resort Category Discount
Select Deluxe Villa Resorts Save up to 25%
Select Deluxe Resorts Save up to 25%
Select Moderate Resorts Save up to 20%
Select Value Resorts Save up to 15%

Get a free day added to your ticket when you upgrade to a Magic Your Way package with a minimum 4-day ticket.

Book Through:
March 30, 2017

Travel Dates:
Most nights from February 20 through June 10, 2017

Terms and Conditions:

  • The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited.
  • Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room.
  • Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than 2 adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Moderate and Deluxe suites may be available at a lesser discount.
  • Upgrade to a room and ticket package with minimum 4-day Magic Your Way theme park tickets, and receive one more complimentary ticket day.
  • Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use.

Offer Restrictions

  • Offer excludes the following room types: 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion
  • Length of stay requirements may apply.

Memory Maker pre-arrival discount

Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $149, a $20 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.

Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund.

Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders

Spring into 2017 room offer

Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $70 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, January 16 through February 15, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays through April 8. 2017, with rates from $103 at the All-Star Resorts to $293 per night at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge.

Booking Window – Must book by April 7, 2017

Travel Window – Select stays through April 8, 2017

Terms and Conditions:

  • Passholder must present a valid Walt Disney World Pass at check-in.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Maximum – 14 nights
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotions.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone.


Kick Off Your Spring room offer

Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $86 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, April 23 through May 25, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays April 9 through April 22 and May 26 through June 10, 2017, with rates from $101 at the All-Star Resorts to $292 per night at Disney's BoardWalk Inn

Booking Window – Must book by June 9, 2017

Travel Window – Most nights from April 9, 2017 through June 10, 2017

Terms and Conditions:

  • Passholder must present a valid Walt Disney World Pass at check-in.
  • Advance reservations required.
  • Maximum – 14 nights
  • Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotions.
  • Offer excludes the following room types: campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms and Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows.

Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!

Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders


20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks

Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS


15 percent off select guided tours

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:

  • Magic Kingdom Park
    • Disney's Family Magic Tour
    • Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour
    • Disney's The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
    • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
  • Epcot
    • Gardens of the World (offered seasonally)
    • The UnDISCOVERed Future World
    • Disney's Dolphins in Depth
    • Epcot DiveQuest
    • Epcot Seas Aqua Tour
    • Behind the Seeds
    • World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
    • Backstage Tales
  • Multiple Theme Parks and Backstage Areas
    • Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour
    • Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour
    • Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
    • Backstage Magic
    • Disney's Holiday D-Lights (offered seasonally)
    • Disney's Yuletide Fantasy (offered seasonally)
    • Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

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:

  • Boma
  • Jiko (see restrictions)
  • Sanaa

Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:

  • ESPN Sports Club
  • Flying Fish Cafe (see restrictions)

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:

  • Shutters at Old Port Royale

Disney's Contemporary Resort:

  • The Wave

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:

  • Trail's End Restaurant

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

  • Citricos (see restrictions)
  • Grand Floridian Cafe
  • Narcoossee's

Disney's Old Key West Resort:

  • Olivia's Cafe

Disney's Port Orleans Resort:

  • Boatwright's Dining Hall

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:

  • The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Disney's Wilderness Lodge:

  • Artist Point (see restrictions)
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe

Disney's Yacht Club Resort:

  • Captain's Grille
  • Cape May Cafe

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions)
  • Hollywood & Vine (see restrictions)

Epcot:

  • Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions)
  • Coral Reef (lunch only)
  • Le Cellier (lunch only)
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room (lunch only)

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:

  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill

10 percent off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website.

Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage and Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts.


15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below:

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

  • Senses – A Disney Spa
  • Ivy Trellis Salon

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Senses – A Disney Spa

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas

  • Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Olympiad Fitness Center

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

  • La Vida Health Club
  • Casa de Belleza Salon

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

  • Sturdy Branches Health Club

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

  • Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness

10% off select recreation experiences

Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:

  • Carriage Rides at Disney’s Port Orleans Resort and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
  • Horseback Trail Rides at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground

Free character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot

Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive one free character photo download per day.


Travel Discounts for Military Personnel

2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount

Through December 19, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $209 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $246 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $224 each, plus tax
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $261 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1 through December 19, 2017. Thanks to our reader Dr. Smith who alerted us that the website militarydisneytips.com notes that April 9-23 are no longer listed as blockout dates for Disney's Armed Forces Salute.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2017.

Military Salute – Hotel discount

Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40 percent, based on room category.

The 2017 offer is valid most nights from January 1 through December 19, 2017. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid April 9–23, 2017.

Travel Discounts for Florida Residents

La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Subject to availability, Florida residents can get discounts for groups of three or more tickets for shows now through April 29. With the discount, a family of four can purchase tickets for as low as $32.25 per ticket for Category 3 seating. Discounted Family Pack tickets are also available for Category 1, Category 2 and Front and Center. For tickets, call (407)939-7328 or visiting the La Nouba box office. (Proof of Florida residency required for discount.)

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!

Travel Discounts for Canada Residents

MousePlanet reader Scott S. alerted us to an offer for Canadian residents. Canadian residents receive a 25% discount on 4-day or longer tickets purchased. The discounted rate for a 4-Day adult base ticket is $244.00 USD, compared to $325.00 USD when purchased at the gate. A 10-day adult base ticket is $300 USD, a savings of $100 from the main gate price. Scott S. just alerted us that the offer has been extended to tickets purchased through May 20, 2017.

This offer is only good for Canadian citizens with valid passport, or residents of Canada with valid proof of Canadian residency. The tickets are sold as an exchange certificate, and must be exchanged for park ticket upon arrival. There is no expiration date on the unused tickets, but once activated the tickets must be used within 14 days of first entry.

You can see the full details on the Walt Disney World website. Thanks Scott for the heads up!

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!

Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents

MousePlanet reader Ben from the U.K. wrote to tell us about his recent booking of a 2017 Disney World holiday using a current promotion for U.K. residents. Ben reports:

25% off tickets including a 14 day ticket for the price of a 7

Free nights – you can receive up to 4 free nights on a 2 week holiday.

These promotions are valid till 29th March 2017.

If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!


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  • Alan Dalinka
    Alan Dalinka

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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