Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 26 – October 2, 2017
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Writer's note:As our thoughts are with those suffering the major effects of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, those of us in the immediate area around Walt Disney World Resort welcomed this past week's opportunity to see things largely returning to normal. In the area, the effects of Hurricane Irma are still being felt and damage still being surveyed and addressed, but the business of making the Magic at the Vacation Kingdom of the World seems to be back in full force.
We are about to enter what we think will be a rather busy news period around here. The media event for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival has been rescheduled for tomorrow. MousePlanet has been invited to get a first look at the new Grand Avenue area at Disney's Hollywood Studios and a first sampling of the new BaseLine Tap House later in the week, and then I will be at Epcot on Sunday for its 35th Anniversary and D23 Fanniversary celebrations. More will follow, but now on with our regular Update.
Reams Road within a quarter mile of Magic Kingdom cast member parking (just north of Walt Disney World property) remained partially flooded well into the week. By yesterday, fortunately, only the shoulders were still flooded in this area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
News and Views
Epcot Celebrates 35 Years on Sunday | Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns (December 16) | Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Epcot Celebrates 35 Years on Sunday
EPCOT Center opened on October 1, 1982. On Sunday, the park–now known simply as Epcot–celebrates its 35th anniversary. As we have mentioned before, the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival includes nods to the anniversary throughout its run through November 13, and on Sunday there are a number of special events scheduled around the park. Weather and technology permitting, we will bring coverage to you on our Facebook, Twitter, and even Instagram throughout the day and into the night.
There will be a special anniversary celebration at the Fountain View stage at 10:01 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time. Mariachi Cobre and Voices of Liberty are scheduled to perform, and we hope to bring that celebration to you live on social media from a prime viewing location. The day will conclude with a special edition of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth.
All guests visiting Epcot on October 1 will be able to get a commemorative Epcot Guidemap and Times Guide at the Main Entrance, International Gateway, and Guest Relations. Special edition “I Was There” merchandise will be available at a one-day-only “pop-up” shop located just past the Art of Disney store inside the park (with additional merchandise available at Mouse Gear and on the Shop Disney Parks app). For a look at some of the merchandise, visit this post on Disney Parks Blog.
In between the official park celebrations and merchandise events, Disney D23's Fanniversary Celebration also salutes the park with a sold-out event; the event features presentations about the park by current leadership and cast members, at least one Disney Legend (Tony Baxter), Imagineers and historians. We have been invited to attend D23's event, and expect to bring you a brief recap in next week's Update, followed by a full wrap-up of the highlights in October.
As of the publication of this Update, we do not yet know whether any of the Epcot 35th Anniversary events will provide breaking news (let alone further details) about the major Epcot reimagining that Walt Disney Parks and Resorts chairman Bob Chapek first mentioned at D23 Destination D last November and then provided some additional details at D23 Expo 2017 in July. We hope Disney uses the anniversary to announce more news. Stay tuned!
As you may know, October 1 also marks the start of a new fiscal year for The Walt Disney Company as a whole, and the 46th Anniversary of the entire Walt Disney World Resort, Magic Kingdom, Disney's Contemporary Resort, and Disney's Polynesian Village Resort. The start of a new year may bring some other changes; we know, for example, that the 45th Anniversary celebration Annual Passholder discounts all expire September 30 and we would assume some new ones will be forthcoming. Stay tuned for that sort of news too.
Star Wars: Galactic Nights Returns (December 16)
When Disney's Hollywood Studios debuted its one night only “Star Wars: Galactic Nights” after hours (extra ticket required) event back in April, we suspected its name's plural form meant that the park intended to offer it again. Well, it returns on December 16, from 7 p.m. until Midnight.
The newest “entertainment” added to the schedule for this edition of the event (albiet somewhat cryptically described) is that the Epic Theater (daytime home to the Indiana Jones Epic Stunt Spectacular! show) will host a “special one-night-only panel discussion” about the new 14-acre land “Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge” which is scheduled to open in 2019 both at Disney's Hollywood Studios in Florida and at Disneyland Park in California. The rest of the evening is billed similarly to its sold out April debut: a red carpet arrival, several attractions open with little to no wait time, Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular fireworks, and Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away stage show (the latter two of which “will both be enhanced with special elements from the entire saga”).
The event also includes a DJ at center stage hosting a Star Wars dance party in between stage shows and the fireworks. Several unique photo opportunities will also be available, including character encounters with Ewoks, AWR Troopers, droids, and others. “Younglings” can participate in Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple.
Tickets are $129 (over age 10) and $124 (ages 3-9), with discounts offered to Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members. Tickets may be purchased at DisneyWorld.com or by calling (407)W-DISNEY (934-7639).
Subject to guidelines, party guests are allowed (and encouraged) to come dressed in Star Wars-themed costumes. In addition, Star Wars-themed foods, beverages, and merchandise will be available for purchase, along with premium offerings like the $30/person (including tax) “Galactic Tasting Sampler,” which allows guests to select five items from a list including Lightsaber churros, root leaf stew, character cupcakes, charcuterie plates, and specialty beverages. Call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529) for information and to purchase the premium offerings.
Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar
For those planning to visit Epcot through the end of the year, our interactive calendar lists the upcoming scheduled events at Epcot's America Gardens Theatre from the remaining scheduled Eat to the Beat Concerts and the announced narrators for Candlelight Processional. We make no guarantee of the accuracy of the information; it is provided “As-Is, Where-Is,” use at your own discretion. You can interact with the Google-hosted calendar below or subscribe to our iCloud hosted version. Given the effort it took to create it, we do respectfully request that you do not post our entire calendar on another site without first asking our permission. We do not know why Walt Disney World Resort has not created this sort of functionality outside of the My Disney Experience app itself.
Air Supply (whose hits date back to Epcot's early days) made its scheduled performances last week during the Eat to the Beat Concert series at Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Views Around the World
As we reported last week, operations around Walt Disney World Resort in the wake of Hurricane Irma have quickly returned to normal. All four theme parks, both Disney water parks, and Disney Springs returned to normal, advertised operating hours before we even published last week's Update. Since then, even Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground reopened, and Aerophile–The World Leader in Balloon Flight (formerly known as Characters in Flight balloon) at Disney Springs is back in the sky (when weather permits flights).
As Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported immediately after the storm passed and we repeat one last time here, guests requiring assistance due to canceled Night of Joy on September 9 or Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party on September 10 should call (407) 939-7818 by January 31, 2018, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. EDT, or email Ticket.Inquiries@DisneyWorld.com. You should have your tickets available during your call and, as always, guests under 18 years of age must have parent or guardian permission to call.
For this week's Views, after noting the recent installation of topiary Mickey at the BBQ grill with construction of the TV stage at World Showcase Plaza at Epcot, we take an extended look around at the post-Irma Magic Kingdom, with the recently reopened Jungle Cruise and Walt Disney World Railroad again providing adventures for guests.
Epcot
Topiary Mickey at the BBQ has finally been installed in his traditional Food & Wine Festival spot at World Showcase Plaza as work got underway this week to install the stage and equipment for upcoming recordings of episodes of ABC-TV's The Chew. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Magic Kingdom
Quite a few trees and lots of other vegetation had to be cleaned up in the wake of Hurricane Irma so that Jungle Cruise boats could again navigate the rivers in Adventureland. Enjoy an adventure with Skipper May. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Nearly all of the Halloween decor is back in place in front of Main Street Station at Magic Kingdom's gate. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Decorative scrims again cover some of the facade work underway along Main Street U.S.A. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Re-installation of decorative scrims along Main Street was not complete as of this past weekend. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A rather inconspicuous sign on a wall at Main Street Bakery notes that the parade may be simulcast to a remote location by video and that guests who do not wish to appear on the video should not stand between the sign and Cinderella Castle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Halloween merchandise is plentiful in Main Street Emporium. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A large stalk of bananas grows from one of the trees on the edge of Adventureland that appears undamaged by Hurricane Irma. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Near the banana tree, several large trees have not been removed from the waterway that surrounds part of the Central Plaza (hub) along Adventureland. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Some refurbishment work underway in Adventureland before Hurricane Irma continues. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
A major technology glitch hit Walt Disney World on Sunday, which knocked out some of the stand by time signs like this one at Pirates of the Caribbean in Adventureland. A cast member at the attraction entrance held a tablet displaying the current estimated wait time. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The My Disney Experience App displayed error messages throughout the day on Sunday, and seemed unable to display Fastpass+ reservations or to allow guests to make additional selections. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Fortunately, existing Fastpass+ reservations apparently were not impacted by the technology glitches. FP+ Kiosks continued to function normally. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The technology glitches also made Mobile Order unavailable to guests during the day on Sunday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Pinocchio Village Haus quick service restaurant, normally available as a Mobile Order location, continued to operate as usual despite its inability to receive Mobile Orders. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The upper level seating at The Pinocchio Village Haus restaurant (when open) provides some unique views of Fantasyland. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Banners in the Story Book Circus area of Fantasyland have been returned to their usual spots. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Walt Disney World Railroad is again making circle tours of Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Much of the landscaping around the railroad track appears as it did before Hurricane Irma. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As the Walt Disney World Railroad pulls in to Main Street Station, large queues of guests awaiting entry for Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party can be seen beyond the park's gates. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As Walt Disney World Railroad travels into Adventureland and Frontierland, damage caused by Hurricane Irma and the park's efforts to clear felled trees can be spotted. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Animatronics and displays along the railroad, like the Native American village, appear undamaged (or have been well-restored). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Gaps in the foliage are more common along the railroad in the wake of Hurricane Irma and the clean-up that followed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The pet cemetery at Haunted Mansion and the surrounding area in Liberty Square are now without many trees that used to fill this area. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
One Passholder's Tip
And, the “Tip” is back! 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 (often weekly) tip at a time.
One Passholder's Tip #29 – Photo Fun Edition #7
Cast Members will take your photo!
Even Citizens of Main Street U.S.A. will take your photo. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As regular readers know by now, Disney PhotoPass photographers will take your photo with not only a PhotoPass camera, but with your personal camera. But the PhotoPass photographers are not always located exactly where you and your party may want to have your photograph taken. Or, perhaps, the PhotoPass photographer has a long queue because of their ideal location or Magic Shot capability, and you just want a quick (maybe-off-centered) shot.
Well, the good news is that nearly every Disney cast member can be called upon to help you. As long as taking the photo does not interfere with the cast member's main duties—especially ensuring the safety of guests, or when they are in the middle of a performance of show—you should feel free to politely ask a cast member to help you take a photo. I spotted a Citizen of Main Street doing just that near Main Street Cinema this weekend.
It should go without saying, of course, that a classic Disney character is not going to be physically able to operate your camera. A Citizen of Hollywood in the middle of performing one of their street “Radio Shows” likewise should not be interrupted during their show. But a merchandise cast member who is not assisting a fellow guest, or a custodial cast member walking the park searching for trash, or even the greeter at an attraction that is not swamped with guests attempting to enter a queue, are all good candidates for your simple, “would you please take our photo” request.
I have tried to say it more gently already, but, as always, your mileage may vary, and please be governed accordingly (and especially be reasonable).
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…If you did not have a chance to tune in to Disney Parks Blog's Live Stream of the “Boo to You” parade from Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party this past week, you can catch a replay here. And for some behind-the-scenes Halloween fun, check out how the Disney Parks Blog team was “transformed” for the meet-up that kicked off this year's parties here.
…This Saturday, September 30, at 2:00 p.m., Paddlefish at Disney Springs presents “Rooftop Cocktails & Cooking 101,” a two hour, hands-on interactive mixology and wine pairing class including a cooking lesson by Executive Chef Steve Richard. For more information visit paddlefishrestaurant.com or call (407)828-8996. Tickets are $53.74/person (including “fee”) and available on eventbrite.
…The My Disney Experience App lists showtimes for American Music Machine at Epcot this week on Thursday, Friday and Saturday only, and then no additional shows in the future. With a new Fiscal Year beginning on October 1, Saturday's shows seem to be the final bow for this show.
…On October 1, the price for attending the Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular Dessert Party at Disney's Hollywood Studios will increase to $79/for guests over age 10, and to $45/for guests ages 3-9 (tax and gratuity included but, of course, admission to the park is not). That increase matches the announced prices for the Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM! Holiday Dessert Party from November 9 to December 15. From December 17-31, the Jingle BAM! party is $89 (over age 10) and $49 (ages 3-9). Discounts are NOT available for Annual Passholders or Disney Vacation Club Members for any of these parties.
…With Fall officially underway now, more and more locations around Walt Disney World are offering pumpkin flavored “treats” on their menus. Some of the highlights in the Parks and Disney Springs we have heard about (though not sampled) include:
- Pumpkin Ice Cream (Plaza Ice Cream Parlor in Magic Kingdom through 11/1)
hand-scooped pumpkin flavored ice cream in a cup, cone, cookie sandwich, float or sundae. - Pumpkin Mudslide (Vivoli il Gelato in Disney Springs)
Pumpkin gelato, tiramisu gelato, crema gelato, chocolate sauce, and whipped cream. - Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes (Sprinkles Cupcakes & Ice Cream in Disney Springs
Pumpkin cake laced with fragrant ginger, clove, nutmeg, cinnamon, and topped with sweet cinnamon cream cheese frosting. - Pumpkin Spice Caramel Shake (Ghirardelli Ice Cream & Chocolate Shop in Disney Springs)
Vanilla shake, Ghirardelli milk chocolate fudge, caramel drizzle, whipped cream, and garnished with a pumpkin spice caramel Ghirardelli square. - Pumpkin Spice Latte Ganache Squares (The Ganachery at Disney Springs)
Chocolate ganache squares elegantly decorated with fall and Halloween-themed designs. - Mickey Pumpkin Candy Apple (Candy Cauldron in Disney Springs)
Green apple, caramel, white chocolate, sugar, and dark chocolate.
…and during Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party nights at Magic Kingdom
- Pumpkin Cheesecake Dome (Main Street Bakery and Gaston's Tavern)
Graham cracker streusel base, orange white chocolate glaze, and topped with a white chocolate Mickey. - Pumpkin Mickey Waffle (Sleepy Hollow)
Vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, sprinkles, and caramel sauce.
…It is time again to check in on the progress of the TourDeTurtles.org sea turtles released on the beach at Disney's Vero Beach Resort this summer. Sally has been tracked for 581 miles and was last located in the Gulf of Mexico several miles offshore from Cayo Costa State Park (Florida). Cruz has been tracked for 1,464 miles, and was last located quite a few miles west of Naples, Florida, in the Gulf of Mexico.
…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 email in the box below.
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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 email (link).
2017 Resort Events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – September 26, 29; October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – Opened August 31 – November 13, 2017.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
- Holidays at Walt Disney World –Starts November 9
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 9, 10, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22 - Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events) – November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; November 19, 2017 at Epcot
- Star Wars: Galactic Nights – December 16, 2017
- Epcot International Festival of the Holidays (formerly known as Holidays Around the World) –Dates November 19 to December 30
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30
2018 Resort Events
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom – January 19, 26 & 30; February 8 & 15; March 1 & 8.
- Epcot International Festival of the Arts – “Early” 2018
- MouseAdventure (unofficial event) – March 3, 2018. See mouseadventure.com for more information.
- 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
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration open (some events sold out).
Proof of time deadline has passed.
2018
- 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018. Registration now open (many events sold out).
Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017. - 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. All events sold out.
The runDisney website says to check with Travel Providers and Charity Groups for additional registration opportunities. - Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 19-22, 2018. Registration now open (10K is sold out).
Proof of time deadline is January 16, 2018. - 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. All 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
- Splash Mountain – closed for refurbishment.
- The Hall of Presidents – New show opening “Late 2017.”
- Stitch's Great Escape – closed a “seasonal” basis.
Stitch's Great Escape was closed this past weekend. The attraction is still listed in the My Disney Experience App, but its operating status was not reflected on Monday. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
- Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Closed August 13, 2017, to make way for a Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction in approximately 2021.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
- The Great Movie Ride – Closed August 13, 2017, to make way for Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway at a date to be announced.
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 as Terralina Crafted Italian in Fall 2017, a new concept from James Beard award-winner and Top Chef Master Tony Mantuano and Chef Justin Plank.
- Disney Quest – Closed as of 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.
- Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed its West Side location on August 1, 2017. A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction int Town Center area and is expected to open in 2018.
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. The resort also plans to refurbish current resort rooms and transform some of its landscape. The project is expected to be completed 2019-20.
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 |
Memory Maker pre-arrival discount Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $199 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 $169, a $30 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 |
NOTE: THE VARIOUS PASSHOLDER BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS FOR THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT END ON SEPTEMBER 30. WE EXPECT TO HEAR AN ANNOUNCEMENT THIS WEEK OF WHAT NEW PASSHOLDER BENEFITS AND DISCOUNTS WILL BE EFFECTIVE OCTOBER 1. Through September 30, the Passholder 45th anniversary dining benefit increases to a 30% discount for dinner (excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity) before 6:30 p.m. or after 8:30 p.m. at the following participating locations: Artist Point, Boatwright's Dining Hall, Captain's Grille, Citricos, Flying Fish, Grand Floridian Cafe, Jiko–The Cooking Place, Olivia's Cafe, The Turf Club Bar and Grill, and The Wave…of American Flavors. Valid Pass and Photo ID are required for discount; not combined with other discounts, packages, promotions or special events. Reservations may be made online or at (407) WDW-DINE. Annual Passholders can “Bring-a-Friend” through September 30, 2017, by purchasing a 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper ticket for $79 plus tax. The tickets are not available online; they can only be purchased at Guest Relations locations and ticket windows. Passholder must be present with valid Walt Disney World Annual Pass card and photo ID. Passholders may buy tickets for up to 6 guests and all tickets must be used on the date of purchase. Magic Strollers, “a Disney featured stroller provider,” offers a $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP17 to arrange your rental. Through October 1, 2017, Passholders may purchase a 1-Day Water Park ticket to Disney's Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon for $45. Tickets may be purchased at Guest Relations or at a vacation planning booth in the ticket area of each water park and may be used for same-day admission to both water parks. Passholders may purchase tickets at the same price for up to three guests. Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) for information, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. Additional information about available “Passholder Extras” are available here. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
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. |
Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Active and retired U.S. Military personnel presenting valid ID can save to 25% on tickets to La Nouba through December 16 for tickets purchased at the theater box office located on the West Side of Disney Springs. 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. |
Travel Discounts for Florida Residents |
Florida Residents can also save 30% on 4 days at the theme parks with a 4-Day Disney Select Ticket. This $54.75 plus tax per day ticket gives you access to one theme park per day for up to 4 days (which do not have to be used consecutively). A 3-Day Disney Select Ticket is also available for $66.34 plus tax per day. Tickets expire 6 months after first use, with the first use on or before December 31, 2018. Proof of Florida Residency is required. More information is available on this page of DisneyWorld.com. The La Nouba “Florida Resident Family Fun Pack” is back. As its final performance of La Nouba approaches on December, Cirque du Soleil is offering Florida resident ticket deals for its least expensive seats: $96.75 for 3 tickets; $129 for 4 tickets. Offer expires on December 16, 2017 and resident ID is required. Discounts may also be available for premium seat categories. Tickets and information on Cirque Du Soleil's La Nouba webpage. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Travel Discounts for Canada Residents |
Check disneyparks.ca for the latest offers from Disney. Canadian residents can save 25% on fall cruises aboard Disney Cruise Line's Disney Magic departing from New York City on October 14 and November 18, 2017, when booking Verandah, Oceanview and Inside Staterooms. Both sailings include festive decor, themed activities, and the “Marvel Day at Sea” along with other entertainment. Both itineraries also include a visit to Disney's private Bahamian island, Castaway Cay, and a one-day visit to Walt Disney World Resort (including a Park Hopper ticket and roundtrip transportation from the ship). For more information and booking, visit this page of the Disney Cruise Line website, or call (800) 491-9744 (mention booking code “CAN”), or your Travel Agent. Offer may be applied to existing bookings, exclusions apply, and Taxes, Fees and Port Expenses not included in offer. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Travel Discounts for U.K. Residents |
The website GetWestLondon.co.uk has an updated list of some of the offers available to folks planning ahead to holiday at Walt Disney World Resort from the United Kingdom. You can see the latest offers for U.K. residents on Disney World's U.K. packages website. If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |