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Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 19–25, 2017
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | runDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
Writer's note: Through our combined efforts, Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix and I were able to bring you an abbreviated Walt Disney World Resort Update last week despite Hurricane Irma's path right up the middle of the Florida peninsula. Fortunately, my house and I (mostly) withstood the storm. My neighborhood's electricity was restored about 15 hours after the storm's eye wall knocked it out on Monday, and all four theme parks were up and running again by the morning on Tuesday, September 12. After "hunkering down" indoors (albiet with some good friends) for two days (and in a windowless back corner of my house for 6-8 hours), I was glad to have plenty of opportunity this past week to explore the Resort in the sunshine of Irma's wake.
In addition to our usual Views Around the World below and the sprinkling of photos throughout of the aftermath of Irma around the Resort, you can peruse a more full recounting of what we (plus Disney, some news outlets, and another friendly site that used our suggested #wdwAfterIrma tag) were Tweeting in this Twitter Moment which contains lots of photos from September 11-14. Regular readers may also recall that I have appeared a couple of times on The Garry Meier Show talking about the sorts of things we cover here on MousePlanet; Garry Meier checked in with me last Monday before the Hurricane Irma curfew expired and before I was able to venture back outside. Since my appearance this time was included a premium episode of his podcast, Garry graciously provided me with a clip for you to listen in on our conversation, including my (sleep-deprived) first-hand reactions to the storm.
The "One Passholder's Tip" feature is continuing to recover from Hurricane Irma; it will return in a future Update. The rest of our usual content is back to normal. At the moment, the good news for those of us in the Resort area is that Hurricane Maria, the latest Category 5 storm to form in the Atlantic Ocean, is forecast to stay away from Florida; our thoughts are with those that are in its path, and especially those folks that are trying to recover from Irma. Be safe out there!
News and Views
Irma Departs Disney World | Holiday Season Returns on November 9| Walt Disney Presents Now Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios | Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Irma Departs Disney World
The foresight of Walt Disney's team that selected pretty much the very center of the state for the location of the Walt Disney World Resort again was in evidence during and after the passing of Hurricane Irma. As you probably know by now, the Parks do not shut down very often, and this time they did for an unprecedented two consecutive days, September 10-11. Thanks to the Resort's leadership, combined with the hardworking teams of cast members (and contractors, plus the utilities and local authorities), and by applying the lessons learned from past storms, suffice to say that this could have been a lot worse for the vacation kingdom and those of us that live nearby.
As of this writing, all four Walt Disney World theme parks, both Disney water parks, and Disney Springs have returned to normal, advertised operating hours. Disney Resorts also have resumed normal operation, with the exception of Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground which is expected to reopen this week. As a result of the closure of Fort Wilderness, all shows at The Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue and Mickey’s Backyard BBQ have been canceled up to and including today (Tuesday, September 19th) and Disney has said that existing reservations will be automatically canceled and refunded.
Meteorologists say that the more land a tropical storm or hurricane passes over, the more the storm decreases in its intensity both for lack of the "fuel" of the warm water of the sea and due to friction. As 2 a.m. EDT on Monday, September 11 approached, so too did the eye wall of Irma to the Resort area, the focal point of the potentially most dangerous winds. Watching the radar as the storm approached, however, I noted that behind the eye wall, the storm had begun to substantially weaken. Indeed, the back "half" of the storm for those of us situated in the middle of Florida, turned out to be mostly strong winds and very little precipitation.
While my community and the surrounding ones literally just down the block from Magic Kingdom lost power (notwithstanding my community's underground power lines), we have seen no reports of Walt Disney World Resort losing its power during the storm. As of this Update nearly a week after Irma, there are still numerous folks throughout the State (and even in the immediate Central Florida region) that are still without power. Our thoughts are with them as well.
When the mandatory curfew expired on Monday night, September 11, and we got our first look around the Resort (but not the Parks), we saw numerous trees down. Drainage areas were at near-flood stage, but all of the internal roads we traveled on within the Resort remained passable. Even as of this writing a week later, some of the roads just north of the Resort still have significant standing water on them, but all remain passable.
On Tuesday, September 12, the Parks reopened with some attractions remaining closed or limited. Even as of this writing, Jungle Cruise at Magic Kingdom remains closed because of the extensive amount of vegetation and debris that needs to be cleared to make its waterways navigable (as well as to repair any other damage that may have occurred). Again, if you would like a broader look around the Resort in the days immediately following the storm, take a look at this Twitter Moment containing numerous photos.
Italy pavilion trees at Epcot were bent by the winds of Hurricane Irma. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As Adrienne Vincent-Phoenix reported last week, 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.
We also noted last week that the storm forced Disney to cancel a media event for the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival that was scheduled to take place last weekend. It has now been rescheduled for later this month, so look for our expanded coverage of the Festival in a couple of weeks.
Almost immediately after the storm passed, The Walt Disney Company announced a commitment of $2.5 million to aid those impacted by Hurricane Irma. This commitment followed the prior week's donation and fundraising effort which resulted in nearly $16 million for victims of Hurricane Harvey. During and after Irma, Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Line donated meals and provided other assistance to shelters and first responders. Epcot's main parking lot, for example, served as a staging ground for numerous power-utility crews and vehicles in the region to assist with recovery efforts, and remained so throughout many days following the storm.
Holiday Season Returns on November 9
We got our first "taste" of Walt Disney World Resort's plans for the upcoming holiday season back at a Christmas in July media event we covered in our August 1 Update. With the Autumnal Equinox upon us this Friday, it should come as no surprise that even more of the details of this year's celebration of Holidays at Walt Disney World – starting November 9 – have been announced. Folks planning to visit during the Holidays may want to bookmark this page of DisneyWorld.com for the latest details of all of the Holiday events and tours offered around the Resort. Here is the rundown of the newly unwrapped details; our Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar remains as up-to-date as the official announcements we have seen.
Disney's Hollywood Studios: "Flurry of Fun"
We previously reported that Disney's Hollywood Studios will see a return of the "Jingle Bell, Jingle BAM!" show, complete with even more projection details and pyrotechnics. We now know it will be joined by another nighttime experience in the park: Sunset Seasons Greetings. Billboards along Sunset Boulevard and The Hollywood Tower Hotel (yes, the Tower of Terror), will become projection surfaces for Disney characters "sharing their favorite Christmas stories" as Disney "snow" fills the air. Scenes include Mickey and Minnie, Toy Story characters, The Swedish Chef from The Muppets, and Olaf the snowman from Frozen. The Tower itself will be transformed (by projections) into "a pile of Christmas gifts, a gingerbread house, and a frozen winter wonderland."
As was true last year, Santa will take over the Once Upon a Time shop on Sunset Boulevard from November 9 through December 24. Santa Goofy will appear there from December 25-31.
The Echo Lake area is currently undergoing refurbishment that began just before Hurricane Irma arrived. This holiday season, the area's newly enhanced holiday decor will include a giant Christmas tree centered on the water, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be topped with a Santa hat.
Epcot International Festival of the Holidays
The latest announcement for Epcot's former Holidays Around the World celebration is that it has a new name that more closely resembles those of the other seasonal festivals at the park (Arts, Flower & Garden, and Food & Wine). The Epcot International Festival of the Holidays will run from November 19 through December 30, and, as in the past, includes the Candlelight Processional (starting November 24) and 15 Holiday Kitchens, and adds additional entertainment including a new interactive musical group that mixes the music of Hanukkah with jazz, rock and hip-hop. Returning entertainment includes JOYFUL! A Gospel Celebration of the Season and Canadian Holiday Voyageurs. Nightly showings of IllumiNations will include the special holiday finale.
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom
As we have reported before, tickets went on sale this summer for the selected nights of this year's edition of Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom. You can purchase them on this page of DisneyWorld.com.
The biggest change to the hard-ticketed party this year is to its start time and its related effect on day guests that are not attending the Party. On Party nights, Magic Kingdom will close to guests without tickets (which, once admitted to the park, result in wristbands that cast members vigilantly look for) at 6 p.m. Party ticket holders may enter the park as early as 4 p.m. The party then runs from 7 p.m. until midnight. If you are carefully planning your days in the parks, are not a regular visitor, and do not plan to park hop, be sure to note the park operating hours before deciding to make Magic Kingdom your destination on a party night if you are not also purchasing a ticket to the party!
This year's party entertainment is scheduled to be much like last year: "A Frozen Holiday Wish" where the Frozen royal sisters transform Cinderella Castle; "Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration" stage show; "Mickey's Once Upon a Christmastime Parade" steps off on the parade route twice during each party; and the "Holiday Wishes Fireworks-Celebrate the Spirit of the Season" includes the perimeter fireworks launch sites as well as the usual launch sites. (Note: After the new Happily Ever After fireworks debuted earlier this year we were told that the new projection technology used in that show is not expected to be incorporated into this year's Holiday Wishes, and it has not been in this year's HalloWishes shows either.)
Disney Springs for the Holidays
Following the Christmas in July briefing, we reported the plans for expanding the Christmas tree trail that debuted in the former bus loop in the Marketplace area of Disney Springs this Holiday season. We now know that the trail will also be a stop on the expanded version of Stitch's Holiday Gift Hunt that will be available this year. Like the similar games at Epcot festivals, this "Hunt" allows families to follow clues to find where Stitch is hiding and, upon completing the mission, receive a limited edition button. More details will follow when the season gets closer.
Walt Disney Presents Now Open at Disney's Hollywood Studios
As we previously reported, the One Man's Dream attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios has been open but undergoing (to use the Disney term) re-imagining over the past several months to become Walt Disney Presents. While Hurricane Irma delayed some of the final touches until after the storm passed, the new version of the attraction is now officially open.
The focus of the first corridor of the attraction continues (largely unchanged) to provide an overview of the life and early carrer and studio highlights of Walt Disney. The focus then shifts to Disney Parks around the world, starting with Disneyland, of course, but continuing with particular emphasis on the "coming attractions" for Disney's Hollywood Studios: Toy Story Land (Summer 2018), Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (2019), and Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway (date unknown). The character meet and greet opportunity continues to be Star-Lord and Baby Groot; the One Man's Dream documentary film continues to play in the theater (though, it will be replaced from time to time for other previews, like Disney-Pixar Coco (starting November 3).
Toy Story Land
Cast members on hand (and, of course Disney Parks Blog), are more than happy to explain that the "story" of Toy Story Land takes guests to Andy's backyard where, after being shrunk to the size of a toy, guests will find the Slinky Dog Dash family roller coaster built to look as though Andy used his "Mega Coaster Play Kit" to build a coaster for Slinky Dog. The other major attraction of the new land, Alien Swirling Saucers, resembles a toy play set Andy got from Pizza Planet: the three-eyed aliens in their toy flying saucers pull around guests in toy rockets being pursued by "The Claw." To our ears, it sounds like the park is taking the former "Honey I Shrunk the Kids" playlot to a whole new level.
The model of Toy Story Land, expected to open in Summer 2018, is on display inside Walt Disney Presents at Disney's Hollywood Studios. There is also a display of a portion of the model for Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge, coming to the park in 2019. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.
Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge
The Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge model is not much more than a tease. Cast members on-hand describe it as only 2 of 51 pieces of the full model of Disneyland's version of Galaxy's Edge that was displayed in Anaheim during D23 Expo. Cast members say that as the land's 2019 opening approaches, we should expect to see other pieces of the model swapped in to the exhibit.
From D23 Expo, we know that Galaxy's Edge in Anaheim is expected to open first, and we know that the major attractions are to be the same on both coasts. But we also know that the physical "footprints" of the two lands are a bit different and, indeed, how the new lands will "connect" to the rest of their respective parks will be quite different. So, to that end, the new model display really does not provide any new information or clues as to what is coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in 2019.
Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway
The single wall display for the Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway attraction coming at some unknown future date to the Chinese Theatre (formerly the home of The Great Movie Ride), includes some concept art that is described as inspiring the new attraction. The paragraph explaining the display includes information announced at D23 Expo that the ride will make use of "2 1/2 D" technology, creating a 3D-like experience without the need for guests to wear special glasses, and that the attraction takes its style from current Disney Channel animation. No significant new information or expected opening date is currently on display.
Epcot Concerts & Candlelight Calendar
With Walt Disney World Resort getting back to regular operations following Hurricane Irma, we again present our calendar listing the upcoming scheduled events at Epcot's America Gardens Theatre. Although we may not be able to update it to reflect the latest cancellations, our new calendar of all the announced performers and the scheduled performances remains available. If you keep scrolling into later November and December, the Candlelight Processional narrators announced to date are listed as well. 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.
Views Around the World
Hurricane Irma preparation ahead of the storm meant that some of the construction scrims were removed around the parks, providing some previews of things to come and work underway. In addition to all the photos you can see following the storm in this Twitter Moment, we have some additional Views to share with some additional news in the captions.
Magic Kingdom
Epcot
Topiary Mickey is once again at the BBQ grill in World Showcase Plaza. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Disney Springs
Disney Quest demolition is underway. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Apex has closed and the shop will become Oakley. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil is scheduled to be dark, with no performances through September 25. This hiatus is not related to the hurricane.
No performances of La Nouba are scheduled through September 25. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
…The dates for this year's hard-ticketed "Disney After Hours" events at Magic Kingdom have been set: January 19, 26, and 30, February 8 and 15, March 1 and 8. Ticket holders may be able to enter the park as early as 7 p.m. on an event night, and the park remains open to ticket holders for three extra hours, including over 25 attractions and character greetings, a DJ Dance Party at Castle Stage, as well as complimentary ice cream novelties, snacks and beverages. Tickets are limited to attempt to create short attraction standby times. Advanced tickets are $119/person plus tax and are available on this page of DisneyWorld.com. After logging in to the page, Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members can purchase discounted tickets for $89/person. The events are scheduled so as to not interfere with regularly scheduled Extra Magic Hours nights at the park for Resort guests.
…Disney-Pixar's latest animated feature film, Coco, is set to arrive in theaters across the United States on November 22 (the day before Thanksgiving). The newly renamed Walt Disney Presents attraction at Disney's Hollywood Studios will host a preview and a display about the production of the film starting on November 3. (Out in Anaheim, Disney California Adventure will show a 3D preview with in-theater effects at "It's Tough to Be A Bug!" theater.)
…In our "everything gets a day" celebration department, today, September 19, is International Talk Like a Pirate Day. To celebrate, Disney PhotoPass Service has a (weather permitting) Magic Shot opportunity from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. at Magic Kingdom across from the Pirates of the Caribbean clock tower in Adventureland.
…Beyond our usual "everything gets a day" celebration department, we also know some things get a whole month of celebration. In September, it's National Bourbon Heritage Month, and the Kentucky spirit is being celebrated at restaurants, bars, and lounges all over Walt Disney World Resort. Here are some of the highlights we have heard about (though not sampled):
- Morimoto Asia (Disney Springs)
Smoked Manhattan: Junmai Sake, Maker's Mark Bourbon, ginger liqueur, orange bitters and hickory smoke - Paddlefish (Disney Springs)
Southern Sangria: Medley Bros. bourbon, peach liqueur, Tempranillo and seasonal fruit. - AbracadaBar (Boardwalk)
Coney Negroni: A Boulevardier inspired by the piers of Coney Island. Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Campari, and Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth. - Belle Vue Lounge (BoardWalk Inn) and Victoria Falls Lounge (Animal Kingdom Lodge)
Smoked Turkey: Wild Turkey 101 Bourbon, Red Stag Black Cherry Bourbon, Grenadine, Odwalla® Lemonade, with a hint of Hickory Smoke garnished with Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherries - Trattoria-al-forno (Boardwalk)
Italian Manhattan: Jim Beam Black Extra Aged Bourbon, Amaro Nonino Liqueur, and Angostura Bitters garnished with a Luxardo Gourmet Maraschino Cherry. - STK (Disney Springs)
Double Down: Woodford Reserve, Simple Syrup, Lemon Juice, Egg Whites, Pinot Noir float. - Citricos (Grand Floridian)
Antica Umber: Buffalo Trace Bourbon, Solerno Blood Orange, Carpano Antica Sweet Vermouth, Lemon, and Bitters.
…Finally, we note the passing of Francis Xavier "X" Atencio, a Disney Legend, who was an animator and Imagineer during his long career. For Disney Parks fans, he is best remembered for his work on attractions such as The Haunted Mansion and Pirates of the Caribbean. He is credited with co-writing the lyrics to both "Yo, Ho (A Pirate's Life for Me)" and "Grim Grinning Ghosts." He was 98.
…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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Crowd Forecast
As cleanup from Hurricane Irma continues, be sure to check the latest information about Park operating hours and, in particular, attraction closures, at DisneyWorld.com or on the My Disney Experience App before making plans this week or, possibly, in coming weeks.
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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 19, 22, 24, 26, 29;
October 1, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 19, 20, 22, 24, 26, 27, 29, 31; November 1 - 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
- 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. We have noted additional closures due to repairs required following Hurricane Irma accordingly and these could 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
- Jungle Cruise – closed for refurbishment related to Hurricane Irma.
- Splash Mountain – closed for refurbishment.
- The Hall of Presidents – New show opening "Late 2017."
- Stitch's Great Escape – often closed on a "seasonal" basis.
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
- Aerophile-The World Leader in Balloon Flight (formerly, Characters in Flight) – Closed for Refurbishment due to Hurricane Irma
- 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 has been announced for Town Center 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.
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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 |
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! |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA Credit Card Holders |
20 percent off Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks Disney Visa cardholders receive 20 percent off their entire purchase at Joffrey's coffee/tea kiosks throughout Walt Disney World, including Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's, and online at Joffreys.com with code: VISABEANS 15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
10 percent off select restaurants Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol. Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:
Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:
Disney's Contemporary Resort:
Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:
Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:
Disney's Old Key West Resort:
Disney's Port Orleans Resort:
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:
Disney's Wilderness Lodge:
Disney's Yacht Club Resort:
Disney's Hollywood Studios:
Epcot:
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. Cardholders also receive 10% off select merchandise purchases of $50 or more at the following Walt Disney World® Resort Operating Participant merchandise locations including Basin®, Basin White®, Chapel Hats, Good Fortune Gifts and House of Good Fortune, kidsHeritage and Marrakesh Emporium Arts & Crafts. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service most days at the spas and salons at Walt Disney World Resort listed below: Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas
Disney's Contemporary Resort
Disney's Coronado Springs Resort
Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
10% off select recreation experiences Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of the recreation experiences listed below:
Free character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Imagination Pavilion at Epcot (enter near the jumping fountains near the exit to the Magic Eye Theater). You'll receive one free character photo download per day. |
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Travel Discounts for Military Personnel |
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. |
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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! |
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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! |
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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! |
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