Walt Disney World Resort Update for May 23–29, 2017
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | runDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: With Walt Disney World Resort hosting the global press (including me) starting later today through Thursday for a preview and dedication of Disney's Animal Kingdom's brand new land, Pandora–The World of Avatar, and to introduce the rest of the Resort-wide summer offerings, plus Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales opening in U.S. Theaters on May 26, then Pandora opening to the public on May 27, and the 2017 Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival concluding its long run on Memorial Day, Monday, May 29, there is very little news to report from the past week. Of course, we are betting there will be a lot going on around Disney's property in the coming days, so be sure to keep an eye on our Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram for updates during the week and, when technology permits, live reports. If you are planning to visit, keep in mind that as more school kids start their summers, crowds around the Resort are sure to grow and add to those coming out to see the new land and Happily Ever After at Magic Kingdom; also note that the daily high temperatures already have started topping 90° and the dry season is showing signs of ending.
Now, on with the Update, and, as usual, be sure to read the captions of the Views Around the World for a few bits of news sprinkled in there too.
News and Views
Pandora–The World of Avatar Officially Opens This Saturday | Pirates Activity Packet Available to Celebrate the Latest Film | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Pandora–The World of Avatar Officially Opens This Saturday
Unless this is your first visit to MousePlanet or have not watched commercials on television the past several months, you are probably aware that Pandora–The World of Avatar makes its official debut this Saturday, May 27, at Disney's Animal Kingdom. It has been nearly six years since Disney announced it was partnering with filmmaker James Cameron to create a whole new land at Disney's Animal Kingdom based on the fictional off-Earth setting of Cameron's 2009 blockbuster film Avatar. After more than three years of construction following the closing of the park's Camp Minnie-Mickey area, previews of the new land began several weeks ago; early reviews (including our Donald Fink's and my own) have been extremely positive (with the caveat noted in the next paragraph).
See some of the scenic beauty of the new land during a Passholder Preview. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Designed by Walt Disney Imagineering under the creative direction of Joe Rohde and by Lightstorm Entertainment with Avatar filmmakers Cameron and Jon Landau consulting (under a licensing agreement that also includes Fox Filmed Entertainment, the film's distributor), the highly-themed new land includes two brand new attractions: Na'vi River Journey, a gentle, family-friendly boat ride showing the many (mostly friendly and never menacing) lifeforms of Pandora, including what has to be the most advanced Audio-Animatronic character ever created; and Avatar Flight of Passage, a simulated ride aboard a banshee using some of the latest in theme park technology and effects to create very realistic physical sensations from little bits of actual physical movement. As I wrote last week, note that while I thoroughly enjoyed Flight of Passage, it is not a ride for everyone: be aware that it is amongst the most aggressive-feeling rides yet built at Walt Disney World (Orange-side Mission Space and the backward-moving portion of Expedition Everest have been used by some as comparisons), where all guests will feel like they are at a great height (and some are), and guests must transfer to the seat where guests may not fit within the safety restraints.
Pandora also includes what Disney is calling a “fast-casual” restaurant named Satu'li Canteen. As we have previously mentioned, it is the first restaurant at Walt Disney World to give guests the opportunity to use Mobile Order to select menu items and pay by credit card before even entering the restaurant. Mobile Order is found within the My Disney Experience App, though folks with specific dietary needs or, for now, folks using Disney Dining plans will need to order the old-fashioned way.
Disney Parks Blog announced that since many guests will head to Pandora at park opening, Satu'li will also offer a breakfast menu including Vegetable Goat Cheese Frittata with Wood-Fired, Herb-Crusted Beef and Chimichurri, Pork Shoulder Potato Hash with Chorizo Sausage and Natural Jus, and Steamed Pod (bao bun) with Scrambled Egg, Bacon, Spinach and Pickled Vegetables. There will also be sweet breakfast options for all and three child-menu meal choices for those 9 years old and under.
Pandora's specialty beverage and snack stand is Pongu Pongu. It offers several adult beverage options, as well as a very sweet (but tasty) frozen non-alcoholic concoction, plus water and themed snacks.
Pongu Pongu is Pandora's specialty beverage and snack stand. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Windtraders is Pandora's primary retail store. A large array of Pandora-themed merchandise has been created to stock the shelves. At least for now, if you are searching for Mickey and friends plush toys, you will not find them here. The land also includes a kiosk named Colors of Mo'ara for themed face-painting and related accessories.
Windtraders is the Pandora retail store. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Colors of Mo'ara is a themed face-painting and accessories kiosk. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Beginning with the opening of Pandora on Saturday, guests entering the land will also be able to use “Connect to Protect” within the My Disney Experience App to participate in conservation “missions” with a digital scientist while exploring its Valley of Mo'ara. The virtual ecological specialist, Fitsimti “Fits” Buckley is your guide. Complete a mission, and Disney Parks will contribute $10 through the Disney Conservation Fund (or $5 just for discussing conservation) toward helping protect or restore habitats of threatened animals here on Earth.
Finally, #DisneyParksLIVE plans to live stream the dedication “moment” at 9:25 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Wednesday, May 24. The “moment” is not open to the public, but the media has been invited, so again, keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter feeds for our coverage too.
Pirates Activity Packet Available to Celebrate the Latest Film
With Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales opening in U.S. Theaters this Friday, May 26, Disneynature Educational Team launched an activity packet to celebrate. Including several puzzles, crafts and games to inspire “outdoor exploration and adventure,” the packet highlights not only the film (of course), but some of the ocean animals the Disney Conservation Fund helps protect.
Guests that attended Disney Springs previews' of the film received paper copies of the packet. More likely will show up around the Resort throughout the week. Disney Parks Blog provided this link to download a copy at home.
Like The Rusty Cutlass Band's appearance at the film preview noted at the top of this week's Update, it would not be surprising to find a few other Pirates touches around the Resort this week though nothing specific has been announced. One Man's Dream at Disney's Hollywood Studios continues to show the extended preview trailer version of the film in the Walt Disney Theater.
Views Around the World
In this week's Views Around the World, I visited Epcot (a few times), and went for a nice walk from International Gateway over to and around Disney's Hollywood Studios and back. As usual of late, I have a road construction photo to share here too.
Epcot
Enjoy a bit of Herman's Hermits starring Peter Noone from our Facebook Live presentation during Monday's first (of the night's three) Garden Rocks concert. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Road Construction
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 17
Stay hydrated!
Staying well-hydrated when visiting the parks is important for a whole host of health reasons that you did not come here to read about. But, I would bet that you do want to get the most out of your day or days in the parks. To do that, you really do need to keep yourself and your family or group well-hydrated.
Our bodies lose a lot of water to sweat, especially in the heat of Central Florida. Add in some salty snacks or meal options too. Then mix in the fact that adult beverages that those of legal age may decide to buy and consume are actually also further dehydrating, and the human ability to keep going (and going, and going) will start to wear down. Water helps stem that tide.
As I have mentioned in a previous Tip, I usually have a bottle carrier on my belt for that purpose. Water stations like that shown above and water fountains are also plentiful around the parks. If those sources do not seem filtered enough for you but you do not want to repeatedly pay for Disney's bottled water options, the counter-service restaurants that sell fountain beverages also provide cups of water, free of charge. Sure, you really are supposed to wait in line with everyone else to get them, but they are FREE!
Be governed accordingly, but unless you are part-camel, for this Tip, I do not think your mileage may vary.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…Beyond the parks, but sometimes departing from nearby Port Canaveral, Disney Cruise Line's Disney Dream will premier a new stage version of “Beauty and the Beast” this fall. Read more about the show and its creation on Disney Parks Blog.
…Also speaking of DCL, Disney Fantasy just completed a round of major enhancements with a new Star Wars: Command Post for kids to train with heroes of the saga to go up against the First Order, a new ice cream shop, a new Tiffany & Co. jewelry store and a Mavel Super Hero Academy, among its highlights. Read more on Disney Parks Blog
…Cross-promoting where due, I am a regular listener, subscriber and occasional (unpaid) correspondent to The Garry Meier Show, a podcast hosted by the Radio Hall of Fame inductee of my former hometown of Chicago, Illinois. On Friday last week, he mentioned me and MousePlanet's upcoming coverage of the opening of Pandora–The World of Avatar. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, his podcasts are free! Friday's show is embedded below and our mention starts 8:07 into the program.
Radio Hall of Fame Member and now podcaster Garry Meier reads one of my emails and discusses Pandora–The World of Avatar.
…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.
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Crowd Forecast
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Resort Events
Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2017 Resort Events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 – May 29, 2017.
- Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events)– November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; November 19, 2017 at Epcot
- GayDays | #RedShirtDay (unofficial events) – June 1, 2017 at Disney's Animal Kingdom; June 2, 2017 at Disney's Hollywood Studios; June 3, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; June 4, 2017 at Epcot
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 – November 13, 2017.
- 35th Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – September 8 and 9, 2017
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 19, 22, 24, 26, 29;
October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1 - Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 - 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
- Virtual Running Shorts – June 1-August 31, 2017 (Virtual). Registration now open.
No proof of time required. - Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration opens January 17, 2017.
Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.
2018
- 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018. Registration now open (some events sold out). Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
- 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. General Registration opens May 2, 2018. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – 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
- Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – had its final showing on May 11, 2017, and has been replaced by the new fireworks show: Happily Ever After.
- Stitch's Great Escape – closed except for occasional “seasonal” openings.
- The Hall of Presidents – closed to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. My Disney Experience App says the closure is through June 29, 2017, but one cast member outside the attraction last week said it may not reopen until September.
- Prince Charming Regal Carrousel – closed for refurbishment through mid-May.
- The Incredibles Super Dance Party – closed. The Rockettower Plaza Stage is being refurbished for “The Cosmic Dance Party” that our friends at TouringPlans.com say to expect to open as early as, perhaps, May 19, 2017.
Epcot
Scheduled closure:
- Mission:SPACE – June 5, 2017 through late July, 2017
Permanently closed:
- Innoventions West (except Character Meet and Greets)
- Innoventions East (except Colortopia and a Passholder shop)
…including Sum of All Thrills and Storm Struck
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Permanently closed:
- Streets of America
- Premiere Theatre
- The Writer's Stop
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Studio Catering Co.
- Meet & Greets: Mike and Sulley, Phineas and Ferb, Mater and Lightning McQueen
- Magic of Disney Animation
- 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
- Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017. Will reopen in Fall 2017 with a new concept from James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano.
- 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. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are 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. Construction around some of the bus stops started earlier this month. 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. The opening of Disney Vacation Club's Copper Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge is expected July 17. In the meantime, Roaring Fork is also closed.
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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Travel Discounts for Everyone |
DisneyWorld.com has released its Fall 2017 Free Dining offer. Get a free dining plan when you purchase a non-discounted 5-night/6-day Magic Your Way room and ticket package with a Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus Option. Book through July 7, 2017.
Additional restrictions and exclusions may apply. Thanks to Mary Kraemer of Masterpiece Travels for the tip. Our friends at Small World Vacations let us know that Disney has a made a summer discount offer where you can save up to 25% on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights May 28-Aug. 31, 2017 when you book March 27-July 14, 2017. You can also see all of Disney's current special offers on DisneyWorld.com. 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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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Kick Off Your Spring room offer Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $86 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, April 23 through May 25, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays April 9 through April 22 and May 26 through June 10, 2017, with rates from $101 at the All-Star Resorts to $292 per night at Disney's BoardWalk Inn Booking Window – Must book by June 9, 2017 Travel Window – Most nights from April 9, 2017 through June 10, 2017 Terms and Conditions:
Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage and Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
10% off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
2017 Military Salute – 4-Day or 5-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 19, 2017, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 1 through December 19, 2017. 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. |
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Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
An “Enchanting Staycation” for Florida Residents booking through June 4, offers a limited number discounted room rates. Check out DisneyWorld.com for details. Florida Residents can still purchase Discover Disney 3-Day Tickets for $139 plus tax or the Discovery Disney 4-Day Tickets for $159 plus tax. The tickets may be used to visit one park per day through June 5 (and the days do not need to be consecutive). Note, however, the tickets are not valid after May 27 for Disney's Animal Kingdom admission. 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 |
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 |
Reader Stuart D. let us know about Disney's 2018 free dining offer for folks traveling from the U.K. You can see the offers on Disney World's U.K. packages website. There are lots of details about the free dining, a $200 Disney Gift Card, a 14-Day Ticket for the price of 7 (including Water Parks and Memory Maker) and a lot of fine print. Here are the highlights of the 14-night packages during summer 2018 holidays and all include Memory Maker photos, 14-Day Ultimate Ticket for the price of a 7-Day ticket (including FastPass+), and 12-month DisneyLife subscription:
Sample package prices are for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 3-9) , including a two-week stay, arriving 27th May, 2018 – 5th September, 2018, for new bookings only, subject to availability. Additional terms and conditions on Disney's U.K. website, but a few more details follow. Free Dine and Free Breakfast Offers are available to book 6 April, 2017 – 6 July, 2017, for selected arrivals 1 January – 18 March, 2018 and 6 April – 30 November, 2018. Minimum length of stay is 5 consecutive nights, and a maximum of 21 consecutive nights. Dining plan must be selected for all members of the traveling party aged 3 and over. In addition to the minimum stay, Disney Tickets for the whole party must be booked to qualify. Gratuities are not included. *$200 Disney Spending Money Offer is available to book 6 April, 2017 – 6 July, 2017, for selected arrivals 1 January – 18 March, 2018 and 6 April – 30 November 2018. Booking must include 5 nights minimum stay at a Moderate Resort or participating Deluxe Resort or Villa. Spending money will be in the form of a Disney Gift Card valid at Walt Disney World and select U.S. Disney Stores only. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
