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You are here: Home / Walt Disney World Resort Update / Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 20-26, 2016

Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 20-26, 2016

September 20, 2016 by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 20–26, 2016

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


News and Views

Food and Wine and pictures | Magic Kingdom's 45th anniversary merchandise debuts | Discounts released for La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil | Views around Hollywood Studios | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Food & Wine and pictures

The 21st annual Epcot International Food & Wine Festival has begun, and runs through November 14, 2016. Our Alan Dalinka had the opportunity to take a guided tour of the festival this past weekend, and shares the highlights in this photo tour.

Marketplaces

Famed Chef Masaharu Morimoto (whose Morimoto Asia at Disney Springs is nearly celebrating its first anniversary) talks about his participation in the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A Trio of Artisan Cheeses is offered at the Wine & Dine Studio, which is located along the path from the Imagination pavilion and World Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

An Epcot chef prepares a sample of the Loaded Greek “Nachos” (pita chips, meatless sausage crumbles, and vegan tzatziki), one of 32 new dishes created for the 2016 event. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The very popular Loaded Mac 'n' Cheese is sold at the Farm Fresh Marketplace, located just to the Mexico side of the World Showcase when approaching from Future World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of Epcot's chefs demonstrates preparing the Liquid Nitro Chocolate Almond Truffle with Warm Whiskey Carmel, which is available at the new Chocolate Studio along the path from the Imagination pavilion and World Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Many of the Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces (like Japan) close during what Disney calls displays of “liquid sunshine” (also known as rain). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some of the Food & Wine Festival Marketplaces may remain open during rainfall, like the Brazil kiosk did this past Saturday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay created exclusively for the International Food & Wine Festival are available at the Chew Collective marketplace. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Odyssey building is home to the Craft Beer Marketplace. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

New for 2016, the Islands of the Caribbean Marketplace is located just off the World Showcase Promenade near the pathway to Future World West. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Next Eats area is located in Future World West between Innoventions West and the Imagination pavilion (in the same location where the butterfly garden was located this year during the Flower & Garden Festival). The area hosts two new marketplaces this year: The Greenhouse Guru and The Chew Collective. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Next Eats area has a few (slightly) shaded areas where guests can stand while consuming food and wine (and other beverages). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

At night, Next Eats is lit with lights strung across the area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Merchandise

Shopping is the unofficial third course of the Food & Wine Festival, with dozens of new collectibles developed each year for the event. Merchandise is available all around the World Showcase, but the largest selection is usually offered at the Festival Shop in the Festival Center.

The Festival Shop in the Festival Center sells a large selection of Food & Wine Festival merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the t-shirts offered for sale lists all of the “Marketplaces” at this year's Food & Wine Festival and the years of their debut. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Figment and Mickey each appear on a number of this year's Food & Wine Festival merchandise offerings. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As reported in last week's update, this year, reusuable plastic utensils are among the Food & Wine Festival merchandise offered for sale. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the styles of the Food & Wine Festival merchandise features a stylized version of Spaceship Earth and the original Epcot Center multi-circle logo. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A small gift shop displays Passholder merchandise for Food & Wine Festival in the former garage of what was once Vision House in Innoventions East. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A Figment themed limited edition Food & Wine pin is sold in the Imagination pavilion's gift shop. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Imagination pavilion's gift shop sells a selection of Figment themed Food & Wine merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Figment themed Food & Wine merchandise is sold at several locations around Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Passholder merchandise is available for the 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival, as shown in this display in the Festival Center. Another Passholder merchandise display is located in the former Vision House (a/k/a House of Innoventions) located in Innoventions East . Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A feast for the eyes

While we often joke that the annual Flower & Garden Festival is just another food and wine event in disguise, the same could be said in reverse about the International Food & Wine Festival. While visitors won't see nearly as many topiaries and garden sculptures around Epcot during this event, the ornamental horticulture department certainly does an impressive job this time of year.

Chef Mickey stands atop the display in the floral box at the entrance of Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The floral box at the entrance of Epcot also features stylized travel posters highlighting food and beverages from around the world. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A stylized cruise ship completes the Epcot entry display upon approaching Spaceship Earth. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Chef Minnie stands in the center of the floral box at the south end of Future World (approaching World Showcase). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A stylized prop plane completes the floral box approaching World Showcase. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Stylized travel posters highlighting foods and beverages from around the world also decorate the Future World floral box. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Topiary Chef Mickey and his barbecue grill stand in the center of the World Showcase plaza between the Mexico and Canada pavilions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Tasting notes

Unlike last year, Fastpass+ is not available for the Eat to the Beat Concert Series. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walt Disney World annual passholders can receive a commemorative glass tumbler featuring Mickey Mouse when they visit the Food & Wine Festival on three separate days. Disney is trying something new for this offer, and is using the annual pass card or a MagicBand to track and validate the visits. There's no need to go anywhere to get a stamp or validation on your first or second trip to the Festival. Sometime during the third trip, just present your annual pass card or MagicBand and valid photo ID at the redemption location in Innoventions East to receive your glass. There is a limit of one glass per passholder during this promotion.

StormStruck and Sum of All Thrills closed in Innoventions East the day before the Food & Wine Festival began. Colortopia and the Passholder gift glass distribution may be accessed from the doors to Innoventions near Universe of Energy. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Festival Center hosts numerous special events throughout the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Seasons of the Vine now plays in the theater in the center of the Festival Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Walt Disney World chefs' chocolate sculptures are again on display in the Festival Center. Just like his Animal Kingdom counterpart, this Yeti does not move. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Chase Credit and Debit Cardholders may visit the Chase Lounge on the third floor of The American Adventure during the Food & Wine Festival. The Lounge includes complimentary Coca-Cola Freestyle machines, a cash bar, some comfortable (air conditioned) seating, interesting views of the World Showcase, and electronics charging stations. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Signs in the Living with the Land greenhouse note which plants make up ingredients in foods and beverages sold during the Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Signs in the Living with the Land greenhouse note which plants make up ingredients in foods and beverages sold during the Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak

Visitors who complete Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak receive one of these six pins. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Returning for 2016 is Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak, a scavenger hunt that sends visitors around the Word Showcase to find 12 statues of Remy. Similar to the Egg-stravaganza event, visitors first purchase a map and sticker sheet from a participating store, and then return the completed map to a designated redemption area to receive a reward. There are six new pins available this year, each different than the collection released in 2015. The maps cost $8.95. This is a fun activity to engage children who might otherwise get restless when their adults stop at each and every pavilion to sample the local fare.

Maps for Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak game are sold at the Pin shop between Innoventions East and West in Future World. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Statues of Remy with various ingredients for ratatouille are placed on Marketplace kiosks and other locations throughout Epcot. For those playing Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak game, we will refrain from disclosing the location where this photo was taken. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Magic Kingdom's 45th anniversary merchandise debuts

Walt Disney World's Magic Kingdom marks its 45th anniversary on October 1, but visitors can start shopping for anniversary souvenirs this week. The Disney Parks Blog yesterday posted a final preview of the merchandise that is about to hit store shelves as soon as Thursday, September 22.

A new collection of 45th anniversary logo merchandise will debut at the Magic Kingdom this Thursday. Photo © Disney.

The good news is that quite a lot of the merchandise is open edition product, and so should be available through much of the anniversary year. Disney's Steven Miller suggests visiting these four shops for the best selection:

  • Main Street, U.S.A. – Emporium
  • Tomorrowland – Mickey’s Star Traders
  • Storybook Circus Area – Big Top Souvenirs
  • Frontierland – Briar Patch

Some of the merchandise from the anniversary collection will also be offered for sale through the Shop Disney Parks app.

These limited-release items will be sold on October 1, 2016 to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Magic Kingdom. Photo © Disney.

There are a few items that Disney is holding to release on the October 1 anniversary, including “I Was There” pins, and t-shirt designs for visitors and annual passholders.

The Disney Store website will help commemorate the anniversary with a limited release of t-shirts commemorating original 1971 attractions, including the Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion, Hall of Presidents, and Mad Tea Party. The shirts will be available through a special Disney Store page October 1–9.

Discounts released for La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil

Families and Florida hospitality workers can save 36–50% off tickets for La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil at Disney Spring now through December 16 by taking advantage of two offers released this week.

50% off kids tickets

Children ages nine and under can purchase tickets starting at $24 when they join an adult with a regular-price ticket. This deal is valid for performances Tuesday through Saturday nights, now through December 16, 2016. Tickets can be purchased through the Cirque du Soleil website.

Discounts for Florida hospitality workers

Floridians who work in the hospitality industry, including hotels, theme parks, restaurants and cruise lines, can save on tickets to Thursday night performances. Discounted tickets are available for Thursday night performances October 4 through December 16, and start at $48. Tickets can be purchased through the Cirque du Soleil website.

Views Around Hollywood Studios

Hollywood Studios

As of this past weekend, all but one of the buildings that made up the forced-perspective New York City skyline have been removed in the former Streets of America area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The exterior of the rest rooms in the Muppets Courtyard now has Muppets themed signage (the restrooms themselves are still closed for renovations). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Very little of New York Street remains standing in the former Streets of America area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

PizzeRizzo restaurant (the former Pizza Planet) has even more new themed signage as construction continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The main entrance of the future PizzeRizzo includes a tribute to the former Pizza Planet (including its tiny print, the sign reads “The Best Pizza on the Planet”). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

One of the very few remaining visible parts of Streets of America can be seen from the exit of the MuppetVision 3-D Theater. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some of the former Phineas and Ferb meet-and-greet area still stands next to Mama Melrose's Ristorante Italiano behind construction walls. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Chrysler Building is all that remains of the New York City skyline in the former Streets of America area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the removal of the New York City skyline, perhaps a final opportunity to view the remains of Streets of America from a public area of Disney's Hollywood Studios. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

From the steps of The Writer's Stop shop at Disney's Hollywood Studios, the Chrysler Building appears like a rocket over the Star Wars land construction wall. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On the other side of the construction area, from near the exit of Toy Story Mania, another, perhaps, final view of the remains of the former Streets of America. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Beyond the exit of Toy Story Mania, demolition continues toward the eventual construction of Toy Story and Star Wars lands. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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

This and That

…We don't have any additional details, but multiple sources have told MousePlanet that a new castle show will debut this year at Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at the Magic Kingdom.

Tomorrowland Light & Power Co. serves as the exit to Space Mountain and includes a gift shop with D-Tech print-on-demand customization for MagicBands and smart phones. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…A portion of the Tomorrowland Light and Power Co. shop in Tomorrowland has been converted for use as a secondary Guest Relations center at the Magic Kingdom, offering visitors an option to returning to City Hall for certain services. The new desk can help with ticket upgrades, sell tickets to special events like Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, or help make dining reservations. This new operation is reportedly a limited-time test at the Magic Kingdom.

…One Man's Dream in Disney's Hollywood Studios will again go on hiatus so the theater can be used to present a sneak preview of an upcoming Disney film release. The extended preview of Doctor Strange will debut October 7, and run until sometime after the film opens in theaters on November 4.

…Disney has also posted an audition call for male actors to portray Doctor Strange in a “limited engagement appearance” this fall at Walt Disney World. There were no additional details included in the audition posting.

…Runner's World has added the full marathon and Goofy Challenge Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend events to their VIP program. The VIP program offers runners guaranteed entry to the races, personalized training plans, and special race weekend perks like a welcome dinner in Epcot, early entry to the race expo with private packet pickup, and post-race amenities including massage and private bathroom facilities.

These added benefits come with a hefty surcharge—the Dopey Challenge VIP package is $1150, compared to the $560 basic entry fee through Disney. Likewise, the marathon package is $475, versus $180 without all the extras. The offer of guaranteed entry may be enough to lure runners who wanted to participate in the Goofy Challenge event, which has sold out through Disney, but available as a VIP package for $775.

To register for the VIP packages, visit the special Runner's World registration website. If you want to register for the races without the added perks, visit the runDisney website.

…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, September 20, 2016 3 / 10
Wednesday, September 21, 2016 5 / 10
Thursday, September 22, 2016 5 / 10
Friday, September 23, 2016 3 / 10
Saturday, September 24, 2016 6 / 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).

2016 Resort events

  • Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
  • 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – September 14 through November 14, 2016.
  • Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – Friday and Saturday, October 29 and 30.
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30; October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
  • D23's Sip & Scream – Wednesday, October 5. The event is sold out
  • D23 Behind-the-Scenes Experience: A Midnight Soirée at the Tower of Terror – Wednesday, October 5. The event is sold out.
  • “Jersey Week” – November 6–13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
  • Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
  • Destination D – November 19-20, 2016. D23 Members are invited to join the excitement of D23 Destination D: Amazing Adventures, a celebration of Disney adventures of the past, present, and future. More details at the event website.
  • Holidays at Walt Disney World – November 7 through December 31, 2016
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
  • Holidays Around the World at Epcot – November 25 through December 30, 2016
  • Candlelight Processional at Epcot – November 25 through December 30, 2016

2017 Resort events

  • MouseAdventure – Saturday, March 4, 2017

runDisney events

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

2016

  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–5. All races are sold out, with the exception of the runDisney Kids races. Proof of time deadline has passed.

2017

  • Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 4–8, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by October 4, 2016.
  • Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by November 15, 2016.
  • Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time must be submitted by January 17, 2017.

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

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Events

Check here to see if a sporting competition might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. We don't list all events here, but focus on the larger sport and cheer events that might result in extra visitors to the theme parks, and make it harder to secure a hotel room. The All-Star and moderate resort hotels are often the home base for these larger events, so it's worth avoiding those properties if possible.

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events

2016

  • Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11–12.
  • 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl – December 3–10.

2017

  • Pro Bowl week festivities – take place the week prior to the 2017 game on January 29. Additional schedule information to be released.

Refurbishments and Attraction Closures

Magic Kingdom

2016

  • Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
  • Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed August 8 – November 18 for refurbishment.

Epcot

Permanently closed:

  • Sum of All Thrills – closed permanently on September 14.
  • Storm Struck – closed permanently on September 14.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

2016

  • Pizza Planet restaurant – closed for refurbishment. Will reopen in Fall, 2016 as PizzeRizzo
  • Rock 'n' Roller Coaster – closed for refurbishment October 27 though November 9.

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

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Dinosaur – closed for refurbishment July 25 – Fall, 2016

Blizzard Beach

  • Closed October 23 – December 24 for seasonal refurbishment.

Typhoon Lagoon

  • Closed December 24 – March 11, 2017 for seasonal refurbishment.

Disney Springs

  • Fulton's Crab House – closed for refurbishment. Scheduled to reopen in Fall 2016 as Paddlefish
  • Planet Hollywood – closed for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
  • Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016.

Resorts

  • Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
  • Disney's All-Star Sports – the Grand Slam Pool closes October 10 for refurbishment, and is expected to reopen by December 2. The Surfboard Bay Pool will remain open.
  • Disney's Pop Century Resort – the Computer Pool closes October 31 for refurbishment, and is expected to reopen by December 23. The Hippy Dippy Pool will remain open.

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

Thanks to Sue Pisaturo from Small World Vacations for the details. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today.

Holiday Season Savings room-only offer

Save 15–20% off the published rate for stays most nights from November 6-10, November 13-22 and November 26 through December 21, 2016.

  • Save up to 20% off Disney Deluxe Resort or Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
  • Save up to 15% off Disney Moderate Resorts
  • Save up to 10% off Disney Value Resorts

The offer excludes the following hotels and room types:

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

You must book by October 8, 2016.

Holiday Season Kid-sized Vacation offer

This package is a variation of the holiday offer, but includes park tickets. The sample offer advertises a 2-day/3-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney's All-Star Resort, with one park per day Magic Your Way base tickets for $1,055 for a family of 3.

Valid for arrivals most nights from November 6-10, November 13-22 and November 26 through December 21, 2016. As with the Holiday Season Savings offer, you must book by October 8, 2016 and the following room types are excluded:

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

Holiday Season Family Magic offer

Another variant of the Holiday Season offer, this package is targeted towards families with older children. The sample package is based on two adults, a teen and a 'tween, and includes a 4-day/4-night stay in a standard room at a select Disney's All-Star Resort with one park per day Magic Your Way base tickets for $1,980.

Valid for arrivals most nights November 6-10, November 13-22 and November 26 through December 21, 2016. As with the other two offers, you must book by October 8, 2016 and the following room types are excluded:

Campsites, 3-bedroom villas, Disney's Art of Animation Resort—The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms, the Bungalows at Disney's Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, The Villas at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, Bay Lake Tower at Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's All-Star Movies Resort and Disney's Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter.

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

None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!

Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders

15 percent off select guided tours

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

  • 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
  • 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…of American Flavors

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.


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

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. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free character photo download per day.


Star Wars meet and greet at Disney's Hollywood Studios' Star Wars Launch Bay

Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a character meet and greet at Star Wars Launch Bay for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. inside Star Wars Launch Bay at Disney's Hollywood Studios. You'll receive one free character photo download per day.


Travel Discounts for Military Personnel

2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount

Through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $196 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $196 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $230 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 – 2016 April 1, 2016.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2016.

2016 Military Salute – Hotel discount

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

The new offer is valid most nights from January 3 through December 19, 2016. Like the ticket offer, the hotel discounts are not valid March 20, 2016 through April 1, 2016.

Travel Discounts for Florida Residents

None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!

Travel Discounts for Canada Residents

None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!

Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents

None at this time. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details!


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  • Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix
    Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix

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Filed Under: Walt Disney World Resort Update

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