Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 5-11, 2017

by Alan S. Dalinka, staff writer
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Walt Disney World Resort Update for September 5–11, 2017

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

Writer's note: If I write the Walt Disney World Resort Update next week, I already know that the lead story will involve Hurricane Irma. Hopefully, the first headline will be something like: Hurricane Irma Spins Harmlessly Away From Populated Areas. As of publication time, the weather forecasts are not that optimistic.

In any event, weather dominates our Update this week. I had hoped to provide a full stand-alone photo tour article about Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but Media Day at the party last Friday was mostly rainy too, even more so than my first visit on opening night. With no ride of the Headless Horseman, and two of three Hocus Pocus stage shows interrupted (one, about mid-way through; the other just showing the non-dancing version of the finale), I will just share some additional photo and video highlights amongst this week's Views Around the World. And, finally, the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival began last Thursday, and while I provide our initial report this week, Media Day at the Festival is scheduled for this coming Saturday, which should be at least a day before any Central Florida impact of Hurricane Irma based on currently available information, but we shall see. More coverage of the Festival will follow when weather permits.

These are just some of the Marketplaces of the 2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. Photos by Alan S. Dalinka

 

As Sergeant Esterhaus used to say at the end of a "Hill Street Blues" rollcall: "Hey, let's be careful out there." One Passholder's Tip will return (when better weather does).

 


News and Views

2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Is Underway | First Slinky Dog Dash Vehicle Has Arrived | Hurricane Irma Threatens Devastation | Views around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast

2017 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival Is Underway

Last Thursday, August 31, was the earliest ever start of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival. This year's Festival runs all the way to November 13, making it also the longest ever Food & Wine Festival at the park. On Fridays and Saturdays, park hours extend in the evenings beyond the usual 9 p.m. closing time until 10 p.m. (followed by nightly showings of Illuminations: Reflections of Earth). We have been invited to a "Media Day" at the Festival (see Writer's Note at the top of the Update); after that, and hoping that the effects of Hurricane Irma are not severe, we will bring you lots of additional details.

Annual Passholder's can collect three buttons at the Festival Center (spread out over the may weeks) during its long run. All guests can pick up a Festival Passport and Guidemap at many locations around Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot's main entry flowerbed is decorated for the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The flowerbed near Future World's Fountain of Nations is a Disney PhotoPass photo location that keeps alive the new tradition begun this past winter at the Festival of the Arts of having photo opportunities that guests can step into. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A Figment topiary celebrates the Festival on the west side of Future World, not far from the Imagination pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

In the meantime, the big picture details are as we explained last week: Epcot celebrates the 35th anniversary of its opening on October 1, so the Festival is celebrating the 35 years of Epcot with a record number of 35 Marketplaces: the kiosks where guests buy their food and wine (and other beverages). Some of the "new" Marketplaces are serving returning favorites - Active Eats will include Loaded Mac 'n' Cheese, for example. Some of the returning Marketplaces have not been in a Festival in years - India, for example, last appeared in 2009, but feature all new dishes.

The expanded Future World Food & Wine Marketplaces have been given the collective name "Culinary Corridor." Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The LightLab is part of the Future World Culinary Corridor. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Located indoors near the Character Spot in Future World west, the new LightLab features beverages only and is part of the Future World Culinary Corridor. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

India Marketplace says "Introduced in 2017," but the Festival Passport says India was last featured in 2009. The menu is new to the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Chocolate, cheese, and wine are the themes of three of the Marketplaces along the pathway from Future World West to World Showcase Promenade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Wine Marketplace includes the colorful bottle display from past years' festivals. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Festival Center is again located in the former Wonders of Life pavilion on the east side of Future World. It is home to many of the seminars and demonstrations offered during the Festival, as well as the Seasons of the Vine film, Annual Passholder button distribution and merchandise, art, and more. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

"Wreck-it Ralph" is the theme of one of this year's chocolate sculptures in the Festival Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Characters from Moana are displayed in chocolate in the Festival Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Interestingly, the Festival has no official over-all presenting sponsor this year. In recent years, Chase was the presenting sponsor of the Festival which meant that there was a "Chase Lounge" and preferred Eat-to-the-Beat seating for Chase Credit and Debit Cardholders. In the absence of a sponsor, there is no official Festival Lounge or special concert seating privileges for cardholders. Of course, dining packages that include reserved concert seating remain available.

Long time Disney Parks sponsor Dole is featured during this year's Festival at Refreshment Port along World Showcase Promenade near the Canada pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Epcot's International Gateway entrance (the "back door") also features a themed display. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On opening day, the folks that manage the Italy pavilion's offerings during the Festival (as well as the pavilion's Via Napoli Ristorante e Pizzeria, Tutto Italia Ristorante, and Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar) invited us to sample some of its culinary and beverage highlights. We learned about some of the highlights of the Donkey Cart (located in the plaza toward the back of the Italy pavilion), the Pizza Window (located all the way in the back of the pavilion next to the entrance of Via Napoli), and the Italy Marketplace on World Showcase Promenade.

The Italy pavilion has several permanent dining locations in addition to those offered only during Food & Wine Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Donkey Cart sells various beverages throughout the year, but has a special menu during the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

During the Food & Wine Festival the Donkey Cart features drinks, gelato and sorbetto. Menu courtesy Via Napoli.

The Via Napoli Pizza Window is located next to the main entrance to Via Napoli at the part of the Italy pavilion that is farthest from the Promenade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Pizza Window at Via Napoli is open during the Food & Wine Festival (and, very occasionally, during other special events at Epcot). Menu courtesy Via Napoli.

Via Napoli Executive Chef Charlie Restivo shows off one of the House Specials: Pizza Bianca, pomodoro, prosciutto, arugula, and fresh mozzarella purposely served at room temperature. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The beverages and these meatballs made from beef and veal are available at the Pizza Window during the Festival (Writer's note: I enjoyed sampling them!). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

On World Showcase Promenade, the Italy Marketplace offers many tasty dishes, but a standout returning favorite is the cannoli. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As we mentioned last week, Remy's Ratatouille Hide & Squeak scavenger hunt is back. Buy your map and stickers at the Festival Center, Pin Central, Disney Traders or World Traveler (at International Gateway), match up your stickers with the global marketplaces of World Showcase, and then redeem for your prize at Disney Traders at World Showcase Plaza (near Future World). Passholders can get 20% discount off the map and stickers as well as other merchandise.

Pin Central is one of the places guests can buy the map and stickers for the scavenger hunt. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Figment is again a prominent theme for Festival merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Figment plush toys themed for the Festival are available as well. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Passholder merchandise is displayed in the Festival Center and is available at select locations around Epcot. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

As always, the Festival Center includes a large shop of themed Festival merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Living with the Land boat ride includes signs highlighting some of the crops used to create dishes around the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Although we may not be able to update it to reflect likely upcoming weather-caused 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.

Eat to the Beat Concerts are performed at the America Gardens Theatre. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

First Slinky Dog Dash Vehicle Has Arrived

In last week's Update, we reported on the intriguing red box we received from Walt Disney World containing a toy Slinky Dog and teasing news related to August 30: National Slinky Day. Sure enough, last Wednesday, Disney's Hollywood Studios celebrated the arrival of the first Slinky Dog Ride vehicle for the Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster, one of the two major attractions coming to the park's new Toy Story Land next Summer. The other attraction is "Alien Swirling Saucers."


Disney says that Slinky Dog Dash will be "a family coaster themed as if Andy built it in his backyard using his Mega Coaster Play Kit and some of his other favorite toys." Video ©Disney.

Disney Parks Blog reports that a model of Toy Story Land will be on display in "Walt Disney Presents" when the transformed attraction officially replaces "One Man's Dream" at Disney's Hollywood Studios on September 8. The new attraction will also include a portion of the model of Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge (the Star Wars-themed land scheduled to be completed in 2019), in addition to historical exhibits and ride vehicle maquettes.

Slinky Dog Dash roller coaster is one of the two new attractions coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios in Summer 2018. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Hurricane Irma Threatens Devastation

With weather, science and technology has not yet gotten us to the point of being able to forecast with a great deal of certainty, especially several days out. As we prepare for publication, we do know for certain there is a ferocious Category 5 hurricane named Irma with sustained wind speeds in excess of 185 miles per hour spinning in the Atlantic Ocean and moving toward the Virgin Islands, the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, the Keys, Florida, and the southeastern United States.

While the storm's exact track is unknown, the current consensus forecast plots all point to impacts across all of Florida, likely including Central Florida's Walt Disney World Resort and the rest of the greater Orlando area. The forecasts as of Tuesday evening suggest the storm starts reaching up to Central Florida on Sunday night and Monday, so we expect that after publication of this Update, we will start seeing some official announcements from Walt Disney World and the other area attractions and resorts about their emergency preparedness plans and closings.

The Governor of the State of Florida already has preemptively declared a "state of emergency" for the entire state which, among other things, eliminates the tolls on the many toll roads in the state to allow for smoother evacuations. As Walt Disney World Resort (and, indeed, this author's house), is located more than 50 miles from both the Gulf of Mexico coast on the west and the Atlantic coast on the east, it is unlikely any evacuation order will be issued for the area.

Store shelves already began running bare of bottled water, bread, and other essentials on Tuesday morning. Guests staying in the Resorts (and, indeed, any of the hotels in the region) will need to remain extra attentive to the direction of the dedicated Cast Members (or team members or staff at non-Disney properties) that ride out the storm away from their own homes. The rest of us will need to monitor broadcasts and official sources of news. Remember, of course, social media is only as reliable as the information's original poster; be extra-watchful for scammers and others who try to upset folks or benefit themselves during difficult times.

The Orange County (FL) Government publishes the OCFL Alert App for iOS and for Android which provides alerts for the region. We find that Orlando Sentinel, WFTV, and News 13 are among the sites that provide useful information during storms; WESH, and WKMG's ClickOrlando.com sites are also timely updated with news.

And beyond Hurricane Irma, Jose is right behind it out there in the Atlantic Ocean too. If you are in the area, please be prepared. If you are not in the area, please send us your well-wishes in the comments! As Disney Parks Blog reported, Walt Disney Company already pledged $1 Million to the American Red Cross to help people affected just days ago by the devastation caused by Hurricane Harvey.

Views Around the World

We were invited to attend Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party for a "Media Day" on September 1. The weather did not fully cooperate, but we still have some new views to share beyond those we did in last week's Update after being lucky enough to attend the Disney Parks Blog meet up at this year's first Party back on August 25. A few additional views around Epcot (including the Muppets Mobile Lab) and Disney Springs wrap up this week's installment of Views around the World.

Magic Kingdom

From now until early November, Magic Kingdom guests can see Halloween decor at Magic Kingdom. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Confirming what we had been hearing, the sign shows the new limited hours for the Pirates Adventure Treasure Hunt in Adventureland. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

With the end of the summer season, Splash Mountain has closed for refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

This Happy Halloween entry "gate" was not on display during the first night of Mickey's Not-So-Scary Halloween Party, but did greet party-goers on September 1. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Fantasyland cast members posed for impromptu photos behind Cinderella Castle (some may have been subtly checking for guest wristbands to confirm that they could remain in the park as the Party start time approached). Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A trick-or-treat station during the Party in Tomorrowland included a Space Mountain pumpkin. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

No "Claw" in sight. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Not-So-Scary projections appear along Main Street U.S.A. during the Halloween Party. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney PhotoPass photographers encourage guests to be photographed with the "Mickey's Boo to You!" Halloween Parade" paddle. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mickey and some of his pals ride in the Halloween Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Gravediggers scraping their shovels on the pavement are one of the more unique highlights of the Halloween Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Weather permitting, The Haunted Mansion's Hitchhiking Ghosts ride in the Halloween Parade. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Hades appears in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Jafar also appears in the Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular show. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


When the Castle stage is deemed not dry enough to perform a full version of the Hocus Pocus show, an abbreviated version like this may be peformed. Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

 

Epcot

 

The cranes in the distance to the left of the Germany pavilion are actually located well outside of Epcot, on the other side of Buena Vista Drive near Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

A sure sign that it is a slower time of year around Walt Disney World is when the Standby time for Soarin' falls. Even during Food & Wine Festival, many guests skip the popular attractions. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Mouse Gear is one of the many merchandise locations around Walt Disney World that has Nightmare Before Christmas themed merchandise. This wreath is also similar to those seen on Disneyland's Haunted Mansion Holiday attraction. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.


Muppets Mobile Lab performs from time to time in Future World. This show ended early because a rain storm was approaching (and, in fact, hit less than 5 minutes after the end of this video). Video by Alan S. Dalinka.

Disney Springs

The Void is moving in to the former middle building of Once Upon a Toy, and will feature "Star Wars: Secrets of the Empire," a virtual reality interactive gaming experience coming this winter. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The Automated Tickets Machines at the AMC 24 Theaters were removed recently. It is possible that upgraded machines may soon be installed in their place according to staff at the theater. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

The movie backdrop billboard outside the AMC 24 Fork & Dine entrance now features the next feature from Marvel Studios coming this Fall. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Exterior signage has been removed from the former Wolfgang Puck Cafe on the West Side. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

Wine Bar George construction continues next door to Raglan Road. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

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

 

This and That

 

…Disney's Animal Kingdom now offers the new Ultimate Nights of Adventure VIP Tour which starts four hours before the nighttime Rivers of Light show. In addition to the show, it includes a walking tour of the park as it "transitions from day to night" and allows guests to visit "certain attractions" with expedited FastPass+ access. Reservations are $249/person (plus tax), though Passholder and Disney Vacation Club Member discounts are available. Interestingly at that price, the reservation does not include admission to the park, but does include snacks and a specialty drink (including alcohol for those over 21). Because Expedition Everest and Avatar Flight of Passage have a 44-inch height requirement, all guests must be at least that tall. Additional information at the link above; information and reservations available at (407)WDW-PLAY.

Speaking of Disney's Animal Kingdom, Disney Vacation Club's first Moonlight Magic after-hours event at the park is tonight. If you are going, let us know! (Writer's note: I'll be there, weather permitting!)

…As we continue to follow the sea turtles released at Disney's Vero Beach Resort earlier this summer in connection with Disney's participation in Sea Turtle Conservancy's TourDeTurtles.org: as of last night: the satellite trackers report that Cruz has traveled 1,184 miles and was last located near Marco Island, Florida Sally was last located near North Captiva Island, but has only traveled 557 miles.

Satellite tracking places Cruz the sea turtle, released at Disney's Vero Beach on July 29, again near the Resort. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

…The MousePlanet Newsletter is here! The newsletter contains a recap of the week's articles (in case you miss a day), news that may have developed since the weekly Updates were published, and tips about what's happening at the Disney theme parks for the coming weekend. We'll also include a fun bonus, such as an Eye Spy or a trivia question. To subscribe to our free newsletter, just enter your e-mail in the box below.

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Crowd Forecast

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Below are the predicted resort-wide crowd numbers for select days generated by the TouringPlans professional statisticians as measured for the upcoming week. For the access to the full year and per-park crowd level predictions, visit our Crowd Calendar.

Date Overall
Tuesday, September 5, 2017 3 / 10
Wednesday, September 6, 2017 1 / 10
Thursday, September 7, 2017 1 / 10
Friday, September 8, 2017 1 / 10
Saturday, September 9, 2017 3 / 10

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Resort Events

Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).

2017 Resort Events

  • Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015 (ongoing)
  • Dapper Day Outing (unofficial events) – November 18, 2017 at Magic Kingdom; November 19, 2017 at Epcot
  • Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 - November 13, 2017.
  • 35th Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex – September 8 and 9, 2017
  • Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – October 27–28, 2017
  • Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party – August 25, 29; September 1, 7, 10, 12, 15, 17, 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
  • Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
  • Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 8, 9, 12, 14, 16, 17, 26, 28;
       December 1, 3, 5, 7, 8, 10, 12, 14, 15, 17, 19, 21, 22
  • Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30
  • Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates November 24 to December 30

2018 Resort Events

  • 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

2018

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. 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 is closed for refurbishment. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.

  • Splash Mountain – closed for refurbishment.
  • Wishes: A Magical Gathering of Disney Dreams – had its final showing on May 11, 2017, and has been replaced by the new fireworks show: Happily Ever After.
  • The Incredibles Super Dance Party – closed. The Rockettower Plaza Stage now hosts "The Cosmic Dance Party."
  • Stitch's Great Escape – often closed on a "seasonal" basis. As of this posting, it is again open for the peak Summer season with limited hours.
  • The Hall of Presidents – New show opening "Late 2017."

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.
  • Epcot Seas Adventures – Dolphins in Depth – Closed for refurbishment.

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 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.


Travel Discounts for Everyone

Memory Maker pre-arrival discount

Disney's PhotoPass service provides a discount on Disney Memory Maker pre-arrival packages. For $169 plus tax, Walt Disney World guests can digitally download any photos associated with their Memory Maker account, including photos taken on attractions. The advanced purchase price is $149, a $20 savings. Applicable taxes are charged to all orders.

Purchase must be made more than three days prior to arrival at the Walt Disney World Resort. All sales are final, and not eligible for an exchange or refund.

Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders

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:

  • Magic Kingdom Park
    • Disney's Family Magic Tour
    • Disney's Keys to the Kingdom Tour
    • Disney's The Magic Behind Our Steam Trains Tour
    • Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom Tour
  • Epcot
    • Gardens of the World (offered seasonally)
    • The UnDISCOVERed Future World
    • Disney's Dolphins in Depth
    • Epcot DiveQuest
    • Epcot Seas Aqua Tour
    • Behind the Seeds
    • World Showcase: DestiNations Discovered
  • Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
    • Backstage Tales
  • Multiple Theme Parks and Backstage Areas
    • Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP Tour
    • Ultimate Day for Young Families VIP Tour
    • Ultimate Day at Epcot International Food & Wine Festival
    • Backstage Magic
    • Disney's Holiday D-Lights (offered seasonally)
    • Disney's Yuletide Fantasy (offered seasonally)
    • Wilderness Back Trail Adventure

10 percent off select restaurants

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off the check when you pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Discount excludes alcohol.

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas:

  • Boma
  • Jiko (see restrictions)
  • Sanaa

Disney's BoardWalk Inn and Villas:

  • ESPN Sports Club
  • Flying Fish Cafe (see restrictions)

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort:

  • Shutters at Old Port Royale

Disney's Contemporary Resort:

  • The Wave

Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground:

  • Trail's End Restaurant

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa:

  • Citricos (see restrictions)
  • Grand Floridian Cafe
  • Narcoossee's

Disney's Old Key West Resort:

  • Olivia's Cafe

Disney's Port Orleans Resort:

  • Boatwright's Dining Hall

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa:

  • The Turf Club Bar and Grill

Disney's Wilderness Lodge:

  • Artist Point (see restrictions)
  • Whispering Canyon Cafe

Disney's Yacht Club Resort:

  • Captain's Grille
  • Cape May Cafe

Disney's Hollywood Studios:

  • The Hollywood Brown Derby (see restrictions)
  • Hollywood & Vine (see restrictions)

Epcot:

  • Biergarten Restaurant (see restrictions)
  • Coral Reef (lunch only)
  • Le Cellier (lunch only)
  • Rose & Crown Dining Room (lunch only)

ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:

  • ESPN Wide World of Sports Grill

10 percent off merchandise

Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website.

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

  • Senses – A Disney Spa
  • Ivy Trellis Salon

Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

  • Senses – A Disney Spa

Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge and Villas

  • Zahanati Massage & Fitness Center

Disney's Contemporary Resort

  • Olympiad Fitness Center

Disney's Coronado Springs Resort

  • La Vida Health Club
  • Casa de Belleza Salon

Disney's Wilderness Lodge

  • Sturdy Branches Health Club

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

  • Ship Shape Massage Salon Fitness

10% 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 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:

  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $209 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $246 each, plus tax.
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $224 each, plus tax
  • Disney 5-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $261 each, plus tax.

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!


 

Comments

  1. By DannyeF

    Our thoughts and prayers are with you from the safe, dry state of Iowa. Hang in there and be careful!

  2. By Dave1313

    Good luck for all in FL to stay safe during the storm.

    Love the Muppets Mobile Lab clip, will need to try to catch that next trip.

  3. Discuss this article on MousePad.