Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 3-8, 2018

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer
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Walt Disney World Resort Update for January 3 - 8, 2018

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

Sadly, we note the passing of cast member Stacy Fulford, known best around Walt Disney World for her portrayal of Citizen of Hollywood "Mimi Kaboom" at Disney's Hollywood Studios. She will be missed. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Writer's note: 2017 drew to its close at Walt Disney World Resort with the usual very large crowds. On New Year's Eve, the folks at the Resort's official @WDWToday Twitter account announced Magic Kingdom had stopped admitting new guests at 11:30 a.m. and re-opened the gates at 5:30 p.m. My Disney Experience App also showed a pop-up screen noting the closure. The other parks remained open throughout the day.

As you might expect, we have a slightly abbreviated Update for you this week, as the bigger news will come as folks end their winter vacations and the Disney marketing machine takes aim at people suffering the winter blues who start thinking about planning their next Walt Disney World adventures (like I used to be back in Chicagoland). News about celebrating Disney's Animal Kingdom's 20th Anniversary on April 22, the opening of Toy Story Land this summer, and more will surely be along soon.

In the meantime, the new concepts from Patina Restaurant Group at Disney Springs continue toward their full operation: The Edison held its Grand Opening Gala on New Year's Eve, but has not yet started regular service (though soft openings without "formal" reservations are expected later this week with reservations to open not long after that). Tomorrow (January 4), we have been invited to preview Maria & Enzo's Ristorante at Disney Springs, and we should have some initial impressions to share on social media and in next week's Update.

Our regular features, including at least monthly editions of One Passholder's Tip, will return in coming weeks. We salute those participating in the 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Events this weekend (while everyone else like me needs to be aware of road and walkway closures). We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2018!


News and Views

Ringing in 2018 | Special Preview of A Wrinkle in Time Coming in February | Disney Dining Plan Updates for 2018 | Epcot Disney on Broadway Concert Series Calendar | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

Ringing in 2018

Just as forecast, this has been the busiest time of the year at the Walt Disney World Resort. As noted in the Writer's Note (above), and as the Crowd Forecast from TouringPlans predicted, crowds (10 out of 10) descended on the parks to ring in 2018. Following my own nearly-annual routine dating back to December 2003, I visited Epcot (briefly) on December 30, and then journeyed over to Magic Kingdom by monorail. This year, I made it over in time to see Frozen's Queen Elsa freeze Cinderella Castle from Main Street, the 6:30 p.m. showing of Fantasy in the Sky fireworks (from Frontierland), a few rides (thanks to long-booked FastPass+ reservations and, of course, the PeopleMover and Carousel of Progress), a showing of Mickey's Most Merriest Christmas Celebration, the 11:50 p.m. showing of Fantasy in the Sky fireworks; then, as the temperatures dropped and the crowds thinned as Extra Magic Hours got underway at 1 a.m., I got to enjoy a whole bunch of rides in the wee-hours of the final day of the year.


At 11:50 p.m. on December 30, 2017, Magic Kingdom presented Fantasy in the Sky fireworks with a countdown to midnight. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Fantasy in the Sky fireworks were presented four times on December 30-31, 2017 (and into the early minutes of 2018). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

At 11:30 a.m. on New Year's Eve, Magic Kingdom reached capacity and stopped admitting additional guests. At around 2 p.m., thanks to the newly configured bypass roads around the Magic Kingdom parking and toll plaza, I was able to see cars backed up from the toll plaza on World Drive all the way back to Epcot. I then ventured over to Disney's Animal Kingdom where, following the advice I posted last week, I enjoyed visiting the animal enclosures, a showing of It's Tough to be a Bug, the second-to-last performance of Flights of Wonder, and even a stroll through Pandora-The World of Avatar with a meal at a fairly empty Satu'li Canteen (and, of course, a long-in-advance-booked ride on Avatar Flight of Passage) before ultimately heading over to check out the New Year's celebrations and welcome 2018 at Epcot. To my very experienced eyes (but with no official data to back me up), Epcot seemed to be more crowded on New Year's Eve than ever.


Disney Parks Blog provided a live stream of the December 31 presentation of Fantasy in the Sky and countdown to midnight. Video replay ©Disney.


Meanwhile at Epcot, after the final 2017 showing of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, Epcot saluted the nations around World Showcase that rang in 2018 earlier in the day and then counted down to the New Year in the United States, Canada, and Mexico too. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

For my video slide show and tour of the last two days of the year at the Resort, jump to the Views of the World below. For future reference (for myself and those who may plan to visit the Resort on New Year's Eve), Disney's Animal Kingdom did not distribute hats or horns, as the other parks did. Thanks to Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix who visited Epcot, my personal hat collection has a new addition which, I noted, was made of a new hard-paper construction (which is likely more environmentally friendly than the prior years' thin plastic and, in any event, as Adrienne noted, seemed entirely compressible). Even from my prior experience, hat and horn distribution usually goes pretty quickly, and, by all accounts, it did again this year.

Another year, another "free" hat and, it is made of new material and represents the first graphic design change in years! Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Special Preview of A Wrinkle in Time Coming in February

Starting February 9, the Walt Disney Theater inside the Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios will have a temporary display of costumes and a sneak peek of Disney's A Wrinkle in Time which opens in theaters on March 9. The film from director Ava DuVernay is based on Madeleine L'Engle's book which follows one girl's journey across dimensions of time and space led by three celestial guides.


"A Wrinkle in Time" stars Mindy Kaling, Oprah Winfrey, and Reese Witherspoon and opens in theaters on March 9. Video copy;Disney.

Disney Dining Plan Updates for 2018

With the start of the New Year come the latest changes to the various dining plans that Resort guests may add to their stay. There are still three types of dining plan packages offered: Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, Disney Dining Plan, and Disney Deluxe Dining Plan. New for 2018 are the guest beverage options that now include non-alcoholic specialty beverages, and for guests 21 and older: beer, wine, and cocktails. All guests on a reservation ages 3-and-up must be on the same dining plan. Each guest on a dining plan receives a refillable drink mug eligible for refills at self-service beverage islands at quick service locations at any Disney Resort hotel. Plan entitlements issued for each night of stay (and which may be used in any order) for each guest are:

Disney Quick Service Dining Plan Disney Dining Plan Disney Deluxe Dining Plan
  • 2 Quick-Service Meals
  • 2 Snacks
  • 1 Quick-Service Meal
  • 1 Table-Service Meal
  • 2 Snacks
  • 3 Meals
  • 2 Snacks

 

Each Quick-Service meal includes (for breakfast, lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Beverage (now including alcohol for guests ages 21 and older)

Each Table-Service meal includes (for breakfast):

  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Beverage (now including alcohol for guests ages 21 and older)

-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal

Each Table-Service meal includes (for lunch or dinner):

  • 1 Appetizer (Disney Deluxe Plan only)
  • 1 Entrée
  • 1 Dessert*
  • 1 Non-alcoholic Beverage (including alcohol for guests 21 and older)

-OR-

  • 1 Full Buffet** or Family-Style Meal

*Ask your server about potential substitutions, but substitutions are not guaranteed.
**If available.

Snacks:
At Quick-Service restaurants, most Outdoor Carts and select merchandise locations, snacks may include a single serving of items such as:

  • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
  • Popcorn scoop
  • 12 oz. coffee, hot chocolate or hot tea
  • Prepackaged milk or juice
  • Piece of whole fruit
  • Bag of snacks
  • 20 oz. bottle of Coca-Cola, Sprite, or Dasani water
  • 20 oz. fountain soft drink

Beverages:
Guests under 21 years of age can choose one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered). Guests 21 and older can choose either one non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) or one single-serving mixed cocktail, beer, or wine (where offered) within their meal entitlement.

A single-serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Artisanal Milkshakes
  • Fresh Smoothies
  • Premium Hot Chocolate
  • Soda, Coffee or Tea

A single-serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

  • Beer or Cider
  • Wine or Sangria
  • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Most beer, wine, and mixed drink beverages included; some exceptions apply. Guests 21 and older must present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic beverages may only be redeemed with a Quick-Service or Table-Service meal entitlement.

Not Included:

  • Items that are more than a single serving (such as a box of doughnuts or a jar of peanut butter)
  • Items (such as popcorn or drinks) that are served in a souvenir container
  • Items sold from recreational rental counters
  • Items considered to be merchandise (such as bottle toppers, glow cubes and bottle straps)
  • Special dining events offered at certain Table-Service locations

Table-Service meal entitlements may also be used for other "Magical Dining Experiences" including character dining, Signature dining restaurants, dnner shows, private in-room dining, and pizza delivery. Some exceptions apply and some dining experiences require two table-service credits per guest. Also, please be aware that merchandise, photo imaging products, and gratuities usually are not included.

Quick Service dining options include the ABC Commissary at Disney's Hollywood Studios which began offering deliver-to-table service to its indoor seating area during the spring of 2017. Photo by Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix.

Tables in Wonderland

Completely separate from the Disney Dining Plans, Tables in Wonderland membership is an exclusive dining discount and special event program available only to Florida residents, annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members. After purchasing a membership, the benefits include a 20% discount on food and beverage (including alcohol) purchases at over 100 participating restaurants at Walt Disney World Resort for a party of up to 10 guests including the member as long as everyone is on the same check and the member is paying the bill. Members also receive complimentary resort valet and theme park parking when dining. Note: blockout dates apply for both the discount and parking benefits.

Membership is $175 for Florida residents and $150 for passholders and DVC members. Tables in Wonderland members may add a second membership for a spouse or partner who lives at the same address for an additional $50. All members must be 21 years old or older. (When a member and their spouse/partner who has a supplementary membership dine together, they can cover a party of up to 20 people.)

The latest information and participating Tables in Wonderland locations are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com. Membership can be purchased at Guest Relations at any of the theme parks or Disney Springs and by phone at (407) 566-5858.

Epcot Disney on Broadway Concert Series Calendar

The America Gardens Theatre on the shore of World Showcase Lagoon opposite the entrance to The American Adventure is home to numerous shows throughout the year. Starting January 12, the Disney on Broadway Concert Series takes the stage three times nightly on Fridays through Mondays during the Epcot International Festival of the Arts. For a refresher on the Festival, you can read my article about the Festival's debut last January.

For the convenience of our readers, we list all of these performances in our Google Calendar of Epcot Events. You can also add it to any Calendar that supports the iCal format (like iPhone and Mac) by copying this link.

The calendar is provided "As is, where is" and without any guarantees, as a courtesy. 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.

Ashley Brown and Josh Strickland sang a refreshingly powerful duet version of "Let It Go" from the upcoming stage version of Disney's "Frozen" during the inaugural run of the Disney on Broadway Concert Series at last year's Epcot International Festival of the Arts. The pair are scheduled to perform again during the final two weekends of this year's Festival. File Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Views Around the World

A few of the more newsworthy views from this past week are below. Rather than our usual photo-filled journey around the resort, I gathered my December 30-31 strolls around Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and Epcot into a video slideshow roundup that also includes a few short video clips. Our regular Views will resume next week. (If you would prefer the video format for future Updates, suggestions are always welcome!)

Disney's Animal Kingdom


Nighttime brings the out the most activity in the lions at Disney's Animal Kingdom. Video from December 27, 2017, by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Skyliner

Outside Epcot's International Gateway, the construction walls now include concept art and a map of the Disney Skyliner transportation system under construction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The new map of the Disney Skyliner transportation system shows that it includes separate (proposed) stations for Disney's Riviera Resort (the next Disney Vacation Club property announced at D23 Expo in July 2017) and Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Resorts

There were widespread media reports this past week that the monorail resorts began to provide "Room Occupied" room door hanger-signs that indicate that staff may still knock and enter resort rooms. This is the older-format sign still in use this weekend at Disney's Beach Club Villas. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Some media reports featured guest concerns about privacy. Of course, resort guests wishing for additional privacy while they are in their rooms still can use the deadbolt and privacy latch like those shown in this room at Disney's Beach Club Villas. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Since this was my first stay at Disney's Beach Club Villas in two years, this is my first opportunity to show off the new hallway carpet design. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Also, within the past two years, Disney's Beach Club Villas completed their room refurbishments that, in Deluxe Studios, included replacement of a dresser with a single bed that folds back under the television, increasing the room capacity to five guests. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Like other resorts we reported on during 2017, Disney's Beach Club Villas has also completely surrounded its swimming pool with a perimeter fence. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The swimming pool perimeter fence includes additional signage reminding guests of the hours when the pool is open. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Construction continues on Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Convention Center expansion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs

Construction walls have been removed from the still-vacant storefront next to the Lime Garage entrance in Town Center. There has been no official announcement yet regarding the future use of this location. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

December 30-31, 2017 (and a bit of early 2018) Video Slideshow


With over 200 photos and video clips, here are some highlights of the final days of 2017 at Walt Disney World Resort. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Music credit: "I Can Feel it Coming" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)
Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License
http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

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This and That

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Crowd Forecast

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Our Disney World Crowd Calendar shows you the least crowded park to visit every day of the year, customized Touring Plans save you hours in line for Disney's best rides, honest restaurant reviews, how to save on Disney tickets, the best hotel rooms to ask for, and so much more. Everything can be accessed on our site or on Lines - Mobile Wait Times App which also shows to current and estimated wait times for attractions.

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, January 2, 2018 10 / 10
Wednesday, January 3, 2018 10 / 10
Thursday, January 4, 2018 9 / 10
Friday, January 5, 2018 8 / 10
Saturday, January 6, 2018 7 / 10

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

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Join Our Networks


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.

2018 Resort Events

  • 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3-7, 2018.
  • Epcot International Festival of the Arts – January 12 - February 19, 2018
  • Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom – January 19, 26 & 30; February 8 & 15; March 1 & 8.
  • 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018.
  • MouseAdventure (unofficial event) – March 3, 2018. See mouseadventure.com for more information.
  • 25th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – February 28 - May 28, 2018
  • Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 19-22, 2018.
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – TBA
  • Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – TBA
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – TBA
  • Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 26-27, 2018
      –Sunday Bubbles Brunch – October 28, 2018.
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – TBA
  • Holidays at Walt Disney World – TBA
  • Epcot International Festival of the Holidays – TBA
  • Candlelight Processional at Epcot – TBA
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. For current information on runDisney registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.

2018 Disney Vacation Club Moonlight Magic Events (Including Event Reservation Opening Dates)

  • Moonlight Magic at Magic Kingdom – January 11 & 28; February 6, 2018
    Members with Resort Reservations: Now open!
    All Members (pending remaining availability): Now open!
  • Moonlight Magic at Disney's Animal Kingdom – March 21; April 17; May 16, 2018
    Members with Resort Reservations: February 8, 2018
    All Members (pending remaining availability): February 22, 2018
  • Moonlight Magic at Disney's Typhoon Lagoon – May 30; June 11, 2018.
    Members with Resort Reservations: April 19, 2018
    All Members (pending remaining availability): May 3, 2018
  • Moonlight Magic at Epcot – July 16; August 13, 2018
    Members with Resort Reservations: June 6, 2018
    All Members (pending remaining availability): June 20, 2018
  • Moonlight Magic at Disney's Hollywood Studios – September 19 & 26; October 3, 2018
    Members with Resort Reservations: August 30, 2018
    All Members (pending remaining availability): September 13, 2018
Introduced in 2017 as part of Membership Magic Ever After, complimentary Moonlight Magic events invite Disney Vacation Club Members (that are eligible for the Membership Extras benefits) and their guests to visit Disney Parks at the end of their regular operating hours and after the park has closed to the public. Members (and their parties) with reservations find shorter-than-usual wait times on popular attractions, meet rare characters, enjoy complimentary refreshments, have dance parties, and more. Please note that, in order to allow as many Members as possible to enjoy Moonlight Magic, only one event date for each participating park is available per Membership. Visit disneyvacationclub.com during specified reservation windows to (attempt to) secure access to the event as well as to find additions to the Moonlight Magic event slate, updated party hours, and transportation information.

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

  • Pirates of the Caribbean – will close for refurbishment scheduled from late February through mid-March 2018.
  • Splash Mountain – will close for refurbishment scheduled early January through early February 2018.
  • Stitch's Great Escape – will close after the "peak" "seasonal" opening. Its future status is unknown.

Epcot

  • The American Adventure – will close for refurbishment scheduled early January through early February 2018.
  • Ellen's Energy Adventure at Universe of Energy – Closed August 13, 2017
    Guardians of the Galaxy-themed attraction in approximately 2021.

Disney's Hollywood Studios

  • The Great Movie Ride – Closed August 13, 2017.
    Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction to open in Chinese Theatre at a date to be announced.

Disney's Animal Kingdom

  • Kali River Rapids – Closed for refurbishment January 2 until early February 2018.
  • Flights of Wonder (Caravan Stage) – Show Closed on December 31, 2017.
    New show starring Russell and Dug from "Up" and their bird friends coming in Spring 2018

Blizzard Beach

  • Closed for Seasonal Refurbishment through January 6, 2018
    Note: closure includes Winter Summerland Miniature Golf

Typhoon Lagoon

  • Seasonal Refurbishment scheduled to begin January 7, 2018.

Disney Springs

  • DisneyQuest – Closed as of July 3, 2017.
    The NBA Experience expected to open Summer 2019.
  • Portobello Country Italian Trattoria – Closed April 24, 2017.
    Terralina Crafted Italian expected to open early 2018.

Additional exterior construction is now underway at the future Terralina Crafted Italian restaurant. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

  • Wolfgang Puck Grand Café – closed August 1, 2017.
    Location is being transformed into Jaleo, a restaurant featuring Spanish cuisine, expected to open 2018.
    A new Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill is under construction next door to the Coca-Cola Store, expected to open 2018.
    Wolfgang Puck Express continues to operate in its existing location in the Marketplace.
  • La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil – Show closed on December 31, 2017.
    A new Cirque du Soleil show is now in development with its premiere date to be announced.

Resorts

  • Caribbean Beach – Centertown, the resort's marketplace, will be expanded with new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in Summer 2018, with the overall project completed 2019-20. Due to the work, the following food service and retail locations are currently 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. DisneyMeetings.com offers an extended look at concept art for the re-imagined convention facilities and hotel.

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 for the discount. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund. Both the immediate and discount version of Memory Maker can be purchased at this page of DisneyWorld.com.

Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders

THE 45th ANNIVERSARY OF WALT DISNEY WORLD RESORT DINING DISCOUNTS ENDED ON DECEMBER 23, 2017. BE AWARE THAT THE PASSHOLDER (GOLD) CARD AND PHOTO I.D. MUST BE SHOWN TO RECEIVE A DISCOUNT AND OTHER BENEFITS.

For the most up-to-date list of locations offering dining discounts to Annual Passholders, visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.
Many dining locations offer Passholders 10% discounts during some or all meal periods (also excluding alcoholic beverages, tax and gratuity).

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts at many merchandise locations across Walt Disney World Resort, including locations that continue to offer 20% discounts off regularly priced merchandise.

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for special events and tours at locations around Walt Disney World Resort.

The latest information on this page of DisneyWorld.com lists discounts for sports, recreation, and spas around Walt Disney World Resort.

Magic Strollers, "a Disney featured stroller provider," is continuing to honor its $5 discount on stroller rental when staying at a Disney Resort Hotel and using coupon code WDWAP17 to arrange your rental. It is once again listed on the Passholder website.

Visit the DisneyWorld.com Special Offers page (filtered for Passholders) and log in with a My Disney Experience account linked to your Annual Pass for information, or call (407) 939-4232 to book by phone.

Additional information about available "Passholder Extras" are available here, including discount game tickets to the NFL Pro Bowl at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, an Orlando Magic Jersey Offer for purchasing or renewing an Annual Pass at Amway Center in Orlando, a 15% discount on the Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour at Disney's Animal Kingdom, Spa & Salon Discounts around Walt Disney World Resort, Amphicar Tour discounts at Disney Springs, runDisney Early Registration discounts, Best Friends Pat Care discounts, Children's Activity Centers discounts, and more (including discounted stays at Aulani, a Disney Resort & Spa in Ko Olina, Hawaii).

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

REMINDER TO MAGICBAND USERS: YOU MUST STILL SHOW YOUR DISNEY VISA CREDIT CARD TO RECEIVE DISCOUNTS AND OTHER PERKS; DISCOUNTS ARE NOT AUTOMATICALLY APPLIED EVEN IF YOU HAVE LINKED YOUR DISNEY VISA CREDIT CARD TO YOUR MAGICBAND.

To conserve space, we have eliminated some of the participating location details of the Disney Visa Rewards offers from this section. Visit Disney Visa Rewards website for the latest participating location information.


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. Discounts are not available on Premium VIP tours, programs exclusive to groups, or group team building programs.


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). Offer excludes alcoholic beverages, merchandise, tobacco, room service, holiday buffets, tax and gratuity. Discount does not apply to the following dates: 12/31/17, 1/1/18, 2/14/18, 4/1/18, 5/13/18 and 7/4/18, and may not be available at all meal times. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for the latest list of restaurants and restrictions.


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 this page of disneyrewards.com.

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, Luxury of Time, Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts, Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks and Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, Sperry and Volcom.


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. Visit this page of disneyrewards.com for participating locations and restrictions.


10 percent off select recreation experiences

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

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

Free character photos 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 complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the MyDisneyExperience App (or website).


Free character photos at a private meet and greet location at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at the Star Wars Launch Bay in the Animation Courtyard at Disney's Hollywood Studios for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You'll receive complimentary downloads of your photos (one time per day), which may be accessed in the MyDisneyExperience App (or website).

Travel Discounts for Military Personnel

Thanks to our reader Dr. Smith who alerted us to the website militarydisneytips.com.


2018 Armed Forces Salute Tickets

January 1 through December 19, 2018

  • Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets: $226.00
  • Four-Day Park Hopper PlusTickets: $266.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Tickets: $246.00
  • Five-Day Park Hopper Plus Tickets: $286.00

NOTE: Spring Blockout Dates have not yet been announced! Tickets must be used by December 19, 2018.


Read more information at militarydisneytips.com, visit your base ticket office, or when at Walt Disney World, visit Shades of Green.


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

Travel Discounts for Florida Residents

Florida Residents save 30% with the 4-Day Disney Select Ticket (compared to the price of a 4-Day Magic Your Way ticket). There is a smaller discount for a 3-Day Select Ticket, and there is also a discount for 1–Day Tickets with the Park Hopper Option only. For more information visit this page of DisneyWorld.com.

 
  1–Day Ticket+
Park Hopper Option
Florida Resident General Admission
  Ages 10+ Ages 3-9 Ages 10+ Ages 3-9  
  Value Day

$134.50

$128.50

$162.00

$156.00

 
  Regular Day

$142.50

$136.50

$170.00

$164.00

 
  Peak Day

$149.00

$143.00

$174.00

$168.00

 
 
 

Florida Resident
Select Tickets

3-Day Select Ages 10+

3-Day Select Ages 3-9

4-Day Select Ages 10+

4-Day Select Ages 10+

 
 

1 Park Per Day

$199.00

$185.00

$219.00

$204.00

 
 

Park Hopper

$226.50

$212.50

$253.50

$238.50

 
 
  • Florida Select tickets expire 6 months after first use or by June 30, 2019, whichever comes first.
  • Florida Select tickets do not need to be used on consecutive days.
  • All adults who will use Florida resident tickets must show an acceptable form of proof of Florida residency at a theme park ticket window, or at any Guest Relations location, prior to first use. Pass certificates can be exchanged for valid passes at the same locations.

Spring into 2018 rates for Florida Residents are available for most nights through April 14, 2018. Visit this page of DisneyWorld.com for information or call (407) 939-2752.

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

Travel Discounts for Canada Residents

Canadian Residents can now receive special pricing on theme park tickets to Walt Disney World Resort in Florida until February 10, 2018. Save 20% on advance purchase of 4-Day or Longer Magic Your Way Tickets

Savings compared to the price of the same ticket sold online at Disneyworld.ca. Tickets are valid for one Theme Park per day unless Park Hopper option is purchased. Tickets and options must be used within 14 days of first use. First use must be on or before December 31, 2018. Proof of Canadian residency required. Offer not valid at Theme Park ticket window.

All adult Guests who will use Canadian resident tickets or passes must present valid proof of Canadian residency that includes government-issued photo ID to exchange the certificate for a valid ticket at the Theme Park ticket window or Guest Relations prior to first use. Tickets and options are nontransferable, nonrefundable and exclude events/activities separately priced. Admission is subject to capacity closures and to other restrictions.

Check disneyparks.ca for the latest offers from Disney.

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!