Writer’s Note, News & Views
Central Florida really did get some beautiful Fall weather, at long last, in recent days. A colder blast is even just ahead, with tonight’s overnight low forecast down to 44º according to a smart speaker next to my couch at home. I joined some friends at EPCOT on Sunday night and a light hoodie and jeans were more than ample for keeping this former Chicagoan very comfortable in the mid-60s after sunset.
But early last week, rather than experiencing Central Florida’s much-improved weather, I drove the more than 300 miles up to Hilton Head Island in South Carolina. Of course, there was no way to know exactly what the weather was going to be roughly six months ago when I booked my first ever stay at Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. While this Disney Vacation Club Resort property opened in 1996, and I have been a member since 2000, I had just not gotten around to visiting before–and, indeed, I had only previously been to Hilton Head Island in the late 1970s on a family trip as a kid. Now, except for the new DVC Tower at Disneyland Hotel, I have visited every DVC property and have stayed at most of them at least once each.
The funny thing about Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort, like Disney’s Vero Beach Resort on Florida’s Atlantic Coast, is that it is run as though it were located at Walt Disney World Resort. The in-room TVs show the park operating hours; literature welcomes you to the Walt Disney World Resort, and, indeed, the credit card charge hold for incidentals even says Walt Disney World Resort. Make no mistake though, it’s a long commute to the parks and there is no Disney transportation that will take you to them. The buildings of the Resort have traditional Disney story-telling elements to them; the rooms have plenty of Disney touches (and, of course, hidden Mickeys). The grounds of the Resort include the usual DVC mix of Studios, One Bedroom, Two Bedroom, and Three Bedroom Grand Villas. There is one pool, a small quick service food and beverage window, a merchandise shop, and a community hall. The grounds also include the sort of yard-games you might see at other Disney (and other) resorts, like corn hole, a putting green, and over-sized checkers. For those considering a visit and wondering where to get a meal, the closest table service restaurants are just across the bridge over in the rest of the Shelter Cove Harbour area, there are plenty of other places from fast food to formal dining on Hilton Head Island, and, of course, the One Bedroom and larger rooms have full kitchens like other DVC accommodations, so you can stock them and cook if you prefer). The historic town of Savannah, Georgia is about an hour’s drive away, and my friends and I drove over and spent the better part of an afternoon and evening exploring and dining there one day too.
In any event, the Resort recently underwent its major hard refurbishment. My two bedroom villa looked like it was practically brand new on the inside, rather than part of a 30 year old resort. Before the trip, I knew that the Resort itself was not on the Coast. It is located in the Shelter Cove Harbour area, with a harbor and boat dock on one side, and marshland and some navigable water on the other–indeed, the Resort is on a very small island attached to the rest of Hilton Head Island by a short bridge. I did not know that the Resort also operates Disney’s Beach House, a mile and a half from the main Resort actually on the Atlantic Coast, with beach access; the Beach House has its own heated pool, a Community Hall, and quick service restaurant plus a seasonally operating pool-side bar (at least, I assumed it was seasonally operating because it was closed during my visit).
Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort is a Disney Vacation Club property in South Carolina that operates like DVC resorts at Walt Disney World Resort. It is available for booking by members with points and to the public for cash, but, be aware, it is a very small resort in a place that has a major influx of visitors from around Memorial Day through Labor Day, making reservations a bit harder to get. Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
And, with that, let’s get to the Florida Resort’s news and views as I wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving…
Muppets SuperStar Limo?
Since Disney announced at last summer’s D23: The Ultimate Disney Fan Event that a new Monsters, Inc. land would be coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios with the long-awaited suspended door vault scene coaster, folks have been speculating where in the park it would go. This week, Disney dropped the news that the new land will replace Muppets Courtyard, including Muppet*Vision 3D. Disney has said that the new land will include shopping, dining, and a new theater show, and, based on the concept art, it seems that several of the existing buildings will be repurposed, with a new one being built at the back of the land and likely stretching into what is currently backstage and cast parking areas.
That was not the end of the announcement though, as Disney Parks Blog said, “”To make way for the monsters, Kermit the Frog, Miss Piggy and more of their friends will be moving right along to Sunset Boulevard! But there’s more to the story: The Muppets will be taking over Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster, teaming up with some of music’s biggest stars for a rockin’ music festival!” And, while no timeline was announced, Disney added that, ” the meantime, “there’s still enough time to catch a super-stretch limo to the Forum to enjoy Rock ‘n’ Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith and catch Muppet*Vision 3D again before their final curtain calls.” That sentence, in particular, made me think back to Disney’s California Adventure’s opening day attraction, the much-derided SuperStar Limo, and hope that the Electric Mayhem take on Disney’s first coaster in the United States with inversions is more popular and enjoyable. Funny enough, as I typed that last sentence, it occurred to me that Monsters, Inc. took over SuperStar Limo out at DCA, didn’t it?
Muppet*Vision 3D was the last project Jim Henson worked on before he passed away. Longtime followers of Disney may recall that it was to be the first of many projects, as Disney was also in the process of closing on a deal to acquire The Muppets and other Jim Henson creative assets. When Jim Henson passed away, the original deal died with him, and, eventually, Disney acquired a smaller scope of Jim Henson-created intellectual property which amounted to mostly The Muppets. With regard to the closing of the only place still showing Muppet*Vision 3D, Disney has said, “As we move forward with these changes, we are having creative conversations and exploring ways to preserve the film and other parts of the experience for fans to enjoy in the future.”
This & That & Reminders…
…NEW. Elton John took the stage at Cinderella Castle in Magic Kingdom last week to record a song for Disney’s upcoming Holiday television special. This week, Disney shared the details: “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” will air this Sunday, December 1, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on ABC-TV, and it will stream the next day on Hulu and Disney+. “The Wonderful World of Disney: Holiday Spectacular” includes Elton John, John Legend, Leslie Odom, Jr., Seth MacFarlane and Liz Gillies, Anika Noni Rose, Ava Max, Carly Pearce, Auliʻi Cravalho, SEVENTEEN and Pentatonix, and the playlist is posted on Disney Parks Blog. Plenty of social media reports also shared that the traditional Christmas Parade recordings were done earlier this month, and Disney has yet to share the details for this year’s Christmas Day broadcast of the “Disney Parks Magical Christmas Day Parade” (though it is safe to say it will be on ABC-TV, and then stream on one or more Disney-owned platforms like Hulu and Disney+).
…NEW. Disney D23 announced the 2025 return of Destination 23 to Walt Disney World Resort. Billed as “the biggest Disney fan event of 2025,” Destination D23: A Journey Around the Worlds of Disney will be August 29-31, 2025. This edition will be held at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, and D23 says the event has more than doubled in size. A block of rooms is available for reservation at: https://www.mydisneygroup.com/destd25/. D23 Gold Membership seems to be required for ticket purchases, though the on-sale date and information has not yet been published. Just in time for Black Friday though, D23 has announced new Gold Membership tiers are going into effect on January 1, 2025, and effect existing Gold Members upon their renewals. Read more about all that, on this page of D23.com.
Save the Date – Destination D23, the biggest Disney fan event of 2025 is coming to Walt Disney World Resort, August 29-31, 2025: https://t.co/1lkl0J7zYT #D23 pic.twitter.com/peEUCu6OQ7
— Disney D23 (@DisneyD23) November 25, 2024
…REMINDER. For those looking for the after hours holiday fun, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party after hours hard ticket events are underway on select nights through December 20, 2024. At publication, tickets for the Christmas Party nights remain only for December 17 ($209 plus tax), and December 19 ($219 plus tax). Disney invited MousePlanet to attend the party on media night on November 11, and I shared a highlights Reel on our Instagram and Facebook pages. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com to check availability and buy tickets. For those that do not know, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party is an extra ticket required after-hours event. On event nights, those without the extra ticket are gently sweep out of the park ahead of the party’s 7 p.m. start, and no additional day guests are admitted starting at 6 p.m. On event nights, there is no showing of the Happily Ever After Fireworks show, but there is an opportunity to see a 6:15 p.m. showing of the “Frozen Holiday Surprise” with Olaf and his snowgie siblings, Elsa, Anna and Kristoff decorating the castle (with lighting, projections, and some pyrotechnics, but without the dream lights that the park used to install for the holidays) before exiting the park. Those with a party ticket can start to mix in with day guests as early as 4 p.m., and can see the 6:15 show, and they can see the encore presentation during the party at 8:15 p.m.; those with a party ticket who are already inside the park with a day ticket or Annual Pass need to locate one of the inside the park wristband distribution locations so that they are not swept out of the park as the party starts at 7 p.m. The party runs until Midnight. By the way, for those hoping to see “Happily Ever After” fireworks, be aware that December 18, 2024 will be the last time it is scheduled through the end of the year, as the park “treats” all park guests to some of the holiday entertainment nightly after the party night ends, including the Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks Show that is also shown on party nights at 10 p.m. If you’re an Annual Passholder with anything other than an IncrediPass, blockouts mean you will not see the end-of-year holiday entertainment without purchasing an additional day ticket or upgrading your pass
…REMINDER WITH NEW PHOTOS. When the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays gets underway this week on Black Friday, November 29, and running through December 30th, there will be an assortment of new treats to try around the park. Disney Parks Blog has published a Foodie Guide. Be aware that since the Festival gets underway during the Thanksgiving weekend blockout dates for the Sorcerer Pass (and all the others except the IncrediPass) and Disney has not invited MousePlanet to a media day at the Festival, I am not sure when I will see this year’s Festival. Indeed, with the Festival of the Holidays having the shortest run of any of the EPCOT festivals, and with its last 12 days blocked out for all but the IncrediPass, my attending this festival has become much less common in recent years than had been true before the global pandemic and the pass restructure that followed. For Passholders with passes other than the IncrediPass, the dates for attending the Festival this year are limited December 1 to December 18th.
…NEW. Speaking of EPCOT, Soarin’ Around the World at The Land pavilion got a minor update of note: the finale of the ride now shows the center of the north part of the park now called World Celebration (formerly Future World — though, last I rode the monorail earlier this month, its spiel still says “Future World”) as it appears today after EPCOT’s “transformation,” with CommuniCore Hall, Creations Shop, Connections Café, and the lighting (although, as often reported on social media and seen in person, the new in-the-ground lighting does not always work as designed). The images in the projection also received one long-overdue tweak: the Eiffel Tower scene has been altered so that the historic structure does not look bent out of shape when viewed from the seats on the sides.
Soarin’ Around the World at The Land pavilion has received some minor but significant visual updates. Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
…REMINDER. Disney Jollywood Nights are underway on select nights through December 21, 2024, at Disney’s Hollywood Studios from 7:30 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Tickets start at $159/person (plus tax) are still available for most event nights on this page of DisneyWorld.com. Disney did not invite MousePlanet to a media event at one of the parties this year; last year, my late friend and occasional MousePlanet Contributor Tim Ellison attended on our behalf, and his report is available in the Walt Disney World Resort Update for November 21, 2023 (apologies in advance, though, that this page of the site has suffered a bit in its migration to our new server, but Tim’s comments about the event are all there). This party celebrates the holidays with Hollywood “glitz and glam” with stage shows, character meet and greets, exclusive showings of the “Jingle Bells, Jingle BAM!” show that used to be party of regular park operations, and a bunch more. I did get over to the park before the parties got underway to get a look at some of the seasonal decor that is available to all park guests through the holiday season and usually into the first days of the new year.
Even on non-party nights, Disney’s Hollywood Studios celebrates the Hollywood that never was but always will be. Photos by Alan S. Dalinka.
…REMINDER: Big Thunder Mountain Railroad will close as of January 6, 2025 for a year-long refurbishment, and will reopen sometime in 2026. Disney says the refreshed ride will reopen “with a little bit of new magic” The last day for fans to ride before the closure is January 5, 2025.
…REMINDER: The opening of “The Little Mermaid – A Musical Adventure” has been postponed until 2025. The updated show replaces “Voyage of the Little Mermaid” at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Park. That show closed with the theme parks at the start of the pandemic, and never reopened.
…REMINDER: Disney has officially announced the first phase of closures in DinoLand U.S.A. at Disney’s Animal Kingdom to make way for the Tropical Americas land scheduled to open in 2027. First to close as of January 13, 2025, are TriceraTop Spin, the Fossil Fun Games, and the Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures gift shop. The last day to visit these three Dino-Rama area attractions is Sunday, January 13. The rest of DinoLand USA, including the DINOSAUR attraction and Restaurantosaurus will remain open for now, but will eventually close as the Tropical Americas construction expands.
…REMINDER: Disney’s Blizzard Beach reopened November 4, 2024, which also means that Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon has closed for seasonal refurbishment. The Disney Water Parks Seasonal Pass remains available for $79 plus tax for a limited-time, providing admission through May 23, 2025. Disney Water Parks offer free parking for all guests. For more information on the seasonal pass, visit DisneyWorld.com.
…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club announced a new option for those members eligible for Membership Extras named, “Membership Magic Beyond.” It is a new slate of optional benefits available to members that pay an annual fee (on top of the usual DVC dues). Its initial offering is $99, and will be available for purchase starting December 3, 2024, with benefits available January 12 through December 31, 2025. The monetary value of the benefits offered in that first year can exceed that price for those members that already plan to spend money on some of the categories offered. For example, a 30-day Disney PhotoPass service Memory Maker entitlement for Walt Disney World is included (which Disney values at up to $210.) Also included are available discounts (amounts not yet published) for 5-day weekday Walt Disney World theme park tickets (plus one water park admission) for the Member and up to 7 family members in the same household; 3-day weekday Disneyland theme park tickets including Lightning Lane Multi-Pass for the Member and up to 7 family members in the same household; and waiver of the $95 transaction fee when booking Disney Collection Resorts and experiences (think Adventures by Disney, Disney Cruise Line, Disney hotels that are not part of DVC, etc.). An interesting benefit for those that enroll (that DVC has not yet published a point chart for) is that members can use DVC points to purchase the Walt Disney World Disney Sorcerer Pass; and for those that purchase One-Time-Use Points for bookings other than hotel exchanges, a bonus One-Time-Use Point for each purchased (up to 12 Points for a total of 24 One-Time-Use Points in a Use Year). There are also some lounge benefits with character meet and greet opportunities when staying on a points reservation for those that enroll. The details published so far are posted on this page of the DVC website.
…NEW. While we’re talking about DVC, it released new concept art for the new Members Lounge coming to Magic Kingdom in the Frontierland spot that used to be the shooting gallery. Earlier this fall, DVC reopened the EPCOT Disney Vacation Members Lounge: after refurbishment, it now has a name: the ImaginAtrium and I finally got over and took a look this past weekend.
…REMINDER: Reservations are now open at Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows for stays in the new Disney Vacation Club Island Tower addition which opens December 17, 2024. MousePlanet has been invited to a preview and dedication of the Island Tower on December 14, and we will share highlights on our social media and in a future Update.
…NEW. Disney Vacation Club also confirmed today that its development of the former River Country site is back on the active list again. In a press release about the new Island Tower and the on-going sales of the cabins at Fort Wilderness, DVC said, “Projected to open in 2027, this proposed new Disney Vacation Club property will be located alongside the shores of Bay Lake at Walt Disney World Resort. The resort will be inspired by the majesty of nature and its enduring influence on Disney artists. The proposed Disney Lakeshore Lodge will be located within the same footprint of the previously announced Reflections – A Disney Lakeside Lodge resort. Additional information will be released at a later time.”
…REMINDER: Disney Vacation Club announced Moonlight Magic events for 2025 at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, EPCOT, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and Typhoon Lagoon. Registration for these events is complimentary for eligible members (“eligible” generally only includes members who have purchased their membership points from Disney) and their guests. Full details and reservation requirements are on this page of DVC’s website.
- Disney’s Hollywood Studios: January 26 and September 1
- Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park: February 12
- EPCOT: April 30 and July 17
- Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park: May 20, June 9, and August 11
Registration details for these events have not been published as yet. They probably will be posted to this page of the DVC website as the events approach.
…NEW. The Cake Bake Shop at Disney’s Boardwalk finally opened its doors this Fall in the space that previously was the ESPN Club. Interestingly, its opening was not marked by a flurry of publicity on official Disney sources like Disney Parks Blog and such, and although I have seen some social media influencers post that they had been invited to previews, MousePlanet was not. Nevertheless, when I walked past earlier this month, it had quite a line out the door for the counter offerings and more than a couple hour wait for tables. MousePlanet’s Chris Barry was in town a few weeks ago and provided and had lunch including Ham and goat cheese quiche and Millionaire Cake. He said it was delicious!
The Cake Bake Shop is now open at Disney’s BoardWalk. Photos by Chris Barry.
…REMINDER. On Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 28th, roast turkey fans can enjoy a classic Irish Thanksgiving feast served all day at Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant. Its special menu ($39.99 adults/$19.99 children):
- Butter and herb roasted turkey
- Sausage meat stuffing and red wine jus
- Mashed potatoes
- Duck fat roasties
- Honey glazed carrots
- Bacon braised Brussels sprouts
- Cranberry sauce
Guests who prefer to order from the restaurant’s All-Day menu can choose from a variety of seafood, meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes. Raglan Road Irish dancers and bands will perform throughout the evening.
…REMINDER. And, speaking of Thanksgiving, some of the other Disney Springs venues and one at EPCOT have shared special seasonal offerings too:
The Edison
The Edison, Disney Springs’ roaring 20’s themed-eatery, will be offering a few specials just for Thanksgiving Day, in addition to their full menu of flavorful comfort foods and crafted cocktails.
- Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner: Roasted heritage turkey, herbed stuffing, dreamy mash, house gravy, green bean casserole. $39
- Children’s version also available for $18
- Pumpkin Cheesecake: whipped cream, crunchy caramel pearls, caramel sauce. $15
Be sure to also pair it with a Fall cocktail, available November 1 – December 31:
- Fall for You: Angel’s Envy, Italicus Rosolio di Bergamotto, spiced apple tincture, Fee foam, lemon juice, ghost leaf. $18
- Peppermint Patty: peppermint-infused vodka, Caffè Borghetti espresso liqueur, Tempus crème de cacao, half-crushed peppermint rim. $16
- Cosmic Poinsettia: infused Stoli Elit, Belle de Brillet pear brandy, St. George spiced pear, cinnamon syrup, lime juice. $30
- Cup o’ Cheer (Non Alcoholic): apple cider, cinnamon syrup, cranberry juice, lemon juice. $12
On Thanksgiving and throughout the Fall season, sip on a delicious Orchard Chill at Pizza Ponte. Made with Absolut Vanilia, Pinnacle salted caramel, apple cider, allspice dram, this cocktail is the perfect accompaniment to the largest pizza slice on Disney property. Available
November 1 – December 31 for $8.95.
Earl of Sandwich at Disney Springs
Earl of Sandwich will provide its fan-favorite seasonal offering this year, the Holiday Turkey with turkey, cornbread stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce & mayonnaise for $9.49.
Via Napoli Ristorante at EPCOT
The Italian eatery has debuted a Fall-inspired pizza, the Autunno, topped with butternut squash, fresh ricotta, fried crispy prosciutto and arugula, available until Nov. 30. This dish is perfectly paired with the new Amaro Sour cocktail — made with Artichoke-infused Amaro ($18). The pizza is $25 for an individual, $42 for large (serves 2-3), or $58 for mezzo metro (serves 3-4).
…Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs announced that its popular holiday celebration, 12 Beers of Christmas, will take place on December 8. This culinary tradition features holiday-themed beers and gourmet bites, including some of Central Florida’s best breweries, like Ivanhoe Park, Ravenous Pig and Crooked Can, and 12 stations of Morimoto Asia’s mouthwatering Pan-Asian cuisine. This year, guests will sip on Black Frost Schwarzbier, Cranberry Crisp and Gingerbread Red, plus sample bites like A-5 Katsu Sliders, Wonton Ramen, Pecking Duck, Lobster Toast, sushi and raw bar. An option for an early Christmas gift or a holiday-themed night out. Two different seating options are available — 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Tickets for adults are $95++ and tickets for kids nine and under are $55++. Upgrades to booths are available for $500+++. Seats are limited, purchase them online HERE.
…REMINDER: Tickets are on sale for Breakfast with Santa at Maria and Enzo’s at Disney Springs. Offered on select dates in December, this breakfast experience will include a spread of classic menu items, visits from Santa’s merry band of elves, holiday carolers and take-home treats. After enjoying breakfast, guests will get to meet Santa himself. Children can share their holiday wishes with him, and will receive a keepsake photo from their special meet and greet. Tickets are $45 for children and $79 for adults, and are available with more information here.
…REMINDER: Patina Restaurant Group’s The Edison at Disney Springs has launched a new “Happy Hour.” The Edison invites guests to “indulge in a sampling of signature appetizers and crafted cocktails at reduced prices.” The Happy Hour options include Fried Pickles, creamy Spinach Dip and Electri-Fries, plus a Buffalo Trace Old Fashioned, Edison Lager, Frenzy Sauv Blanc and Strawberry Fields Forever, made with Wheatley Vodka, St-germain liqueur, honey, lime juice, strawberry and mint. The Happy Hour runs Sunday through Friday, 3 – 6 p.m. The Edison also continues to offer Cocktail Classes, and it has announced new November dates for its Shaken & Stirred Cocktails Classes where guests can learn the skills to create expert-level cocktails during a hands-on experience with a private bartender. Featuring three cocktails and a light lunch: “Big Screen Cocktails” on November 23. Tickets start at $100 and begin at 1 p.m. Visit this page on the Tock event site for more details….
…REMINDER: Cirque du Soleil has released its performance schedule and opened tickets sales for 2025. Performances will be offered twice a day at Disney Springs, five days a week in 2025, Tuesdays through Saturdays at 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. Matinee shows will continue to be offered on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. The Page to Stage Signature Experience is also be available five nights per week following the second performance each day. Tickets for all performances can be purchased at cirquedusoleil.com/drawn-to-life or at the Disney Springs box office and are subject to availability.
…NEW. Following Disney Treasure‘s christening in New York City last week, Disney Cruise Line shared first looks inside the latest ship in the fleet that will have its maiden voyage on December 17, 2024 from Port Canaveral, Florida. See the Grand Hall, Skipper Society, Plaza de Coco, and The Haunted Mansion Parlor. MousePlanet has been invited on a preview cruise ahead of the maiden voyage and we will share highlights on social media and on MousePlanet.com.
…REMINDER: Give Kids The World Village will again host its Holiday VIP Tours this upcoming winter holiday season. Guests can enjoy the opportunity to experience the Village all decked out for the holidays with these special features:
- A behind-the-scenes, themed storytelling tour.
- Festive dessert party.
- Access to select venues on the Avenue of Angels, illuminated with more than 1 million holiday lights.
- Decorated vignettes from Village partners.
- Fun props and holiday photo backdrops.
Proceeds from the event help to ensure that the Village can provide magical, cost-free vacations to children with critical illnesses. Tickets are onsale for December 5, 6, 7, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, and 22. Tickets are $88.13 (including EventBrite service fees) per person. Be aware that the tour entails 90 minutes of walking and storytelling, and may not be suitable for young children. MousePlanet was invited to a media preview earlier this month attended by Dave & Nan Kent, and we learned that the Village is also encouraging folks looking for a place to hold their holiday event to consider the Village to find out about options it has available too!
Give Kids the World Village is decked out for the holidays again this year, but it is not generally open to the public, only the Wish children and their families get to enjoy it anytime during their stay. The Village is offering a limited number of VIP Tours this holiday season and opportunities are available to businesses and organizations that want to hold their seasonal parties at the village. Photos by Dave & Nan Kent.
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Resort Reservations, Ticket Advice & Special Offers
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.
Caribe Royale Orlando, the resort located just minutes from Walt Disney World, announced a special deal for Black Friday and Cyber Week. Those looking to get ahead on 2025 travel planning and save some money can book a room for 30% off the best available rate, and receive a $25 F&B credit during their stay. Book by December 4, 2024 for travel through December 15, 2025. Blackout dates apply.
Disney Rewards Visa Card users can get a free dining plan when using the card to purchase a non-discounted 4-night/4 day Walt Disney Travel Company Package including room at select hotels and tickets with Park Hopper Option for arrivals most nights December 9 – 21, 2024. More details, restrictions, information, and the opportunity to book are on this page of the DisneyWorld website.
Florida residents can save most Sunday to Thursday nights from November 24 to December 25, 2024, with the details on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
The current Florida resident theme park ticket offer is available on this page of DisneyWorld.com which starts at $119 plus tax for a one day ticket and can be as low as $72/day plus tax for a four day ticket (before the various add-ons). As a date-based ticket, the first date of use has to be selected when purchased and users of a Florida resident ticket will be required to provide proof of residency either at the time of purchase or at a park ticket window prior to first use.
Details and more special offers are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
MousePlanet’s travel partner Get Away Today is available to help you book rooms and packages. Here’s a current sample 2025 package including room, tickets and dining:
REMINDER: Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages can now be booked completely on its website! No cumbersome quotes needed! Simply compare all your favorite Walt Disney World Resort hotels and Get Away Today’s hand selected off-property hotels in a few clicks, and then customize for your included tickets for your vacation.
Get Away Today’s Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages now have the option to add Layaway Plans, which allow you to pay the total balance up to eight days prior to travel. You can also add their popular “Peace of Mind Plan” when booking a Walt Disney World Resort Hotel, which allows any reschedules and cancellations up to five days prior to travel with no penalty.
When booking with Get Away Today, all Walt Disney World Resort on-site packages include Get Away Today’s e-concierge, which includes its Best Price Guarantee, Dining Reservation Reminders, access to their Concierge Team email for help before and during your vacation, and more.
Looking to go beyond Walt Disney World Resort when visiting Central Florida? Check out Get Away Today’s Universal Orlando Resort ticket offers and resort package stay offers too. Right now, for example, you can get 2 days free with a 2-Park, 3-Day ticket for 5 days of fun when you book with Get Away Today! Enjoy all of the thrills, entertainment and fun that Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure has to offer for as low as $62 per day. Upgrade to a 3-Park ticket to experience Universal Volcano Bay water theme park (which may be closed on some dates). This offer is valid for travel now – April 16, 2025.
Only purchase Disney theme park tickets directly from Disney, an authorized seller, or a travel agency like MousePlanet travel partner Get Away Today! As always, we remind our readers that Walt Disney World Resort theme park tickets are rarely offered at deep discounts unless you are a resident of Florida or eligible for U.S. Military Personnel benefits. Historically, non-Florida residents tend to benefit the most by purchasing tickets in advance (and, of course, being mindful of the rules relevant to those tickets). Don’t get scammed! Never buy tickets from an unofficial or secondary outlet, such as through eBay or Craigslist. Never rent or purchase tickets from people approaching you outside Disney property stating they have remaining days or leftover tickets. This practice is against the terms of use for Walt Disney World Theme Park admissions, and may result in denial of entry. There is no way to determine if these tickets are valid until you try to use them to enter the parks.
