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Walt Disney World Resort Update for May 10–16, 2016
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | Merchandise Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Tickets now on sale for holiday parties at the Magic Kingdom | Disney Springs prepares for debut weekend | Views From Around the World | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Tickets now on sale for holiday parties at the Magic Kingdom
'Tis the season for sticker shock, as Walt Disney World announced pricing for the 2016 editions of Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party. The after-hours events grow more popular each year, and Disney clearly sees room to raise rates on the nights that sell out every year.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party
The event expands to 29 nights in 2016, up from a previous high of 26 nights in 2014. Along with more nights, there are now seven tiers of ticket prices, based on the date you want to attend, instead of the three used in 2015.
For 2016, the least expensive advance-purchase ticket is $72 per adult, a $4 increase from 2015. If you want to attend on Halloween night, be prepared to pay $105 per adult, a 21 percent jump from the previous year. Dates and pricing are below, including the discounts available to annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
The 2016 event includes the return of the popular "Hocus Pocus Villain Spelltacular" that debuted in 2015. The event also features the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade, Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, special Halloween decorations throughout the park, and all of the candy you can stuff into your trick-or-treat sack.
New this year is a costume policy that really changes the game for adults who have previously enjoyed the once-a-year opportunity to wander the Magic Kingdom in full costume. As before, children ages 13 and under can wear most costumes and even some masks, as long as the costumes are family-friendly and do not include real or fake weapons, sharp objects, or anything that could strike or injure another patron.
The new policy for people ages 14 and up says:
Layered costumes or costume props that surround the entire body are strongly discouraged and may be subject to additional security screening. Costumes may not reach or drag on the ground. (e.g. full-length Princess dresses). Capes may be worn if the length does not go below the waist. Themed T-shirts, blouses, sweatshirts, and hats are acceptable. Acceptable accessories include: transparent wings, plastic light sabers, toy swords, and tutus. Headwear may be worn as long as it does not cover the face. May not wear masks of any kind.
While likely to be disappointing for some (Darth Vader costumes are certainly banned under these rules), patrons have more than enough time to adjust their plans.
Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party – 2016 prices
Note: DVC members can purchase discounted tickets to more event nights than can passholders, so people who fall into both categories should make sure to get the best discount for which you're eligible. Purchase tickets from the Walt Disney World website.
| Date(s) | Advanced purchase price | Same-day purchase price | Annual Passholder | Disney Vacation Club |
| September 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 25 | $72 adult ($67 child 9 and under) | $79 adult ($74 child 9 and under) | $67 adult ($62 child 9 and under) | $67 adult ($62 child 9 ad under) |
| September 29, 30 | $79 ($74) | $88 ($83) | $73 ($68) | $73 ($68) |
| September 23 | $85 ($80) | $85 ($80) | $78 ($73) | $78 ($73) |
| October 2, 6 | $86 ($81) | $95 ($90) | $80 ($75) | $80($75) |
| October 4, 10, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 27 | $91 ($86) | $100 ($95) | $91 ($86) | $88 ($83) |
| October 7, 14, 21, 28, 30 | $95 ($90) | $95 ($90) | $95 ($90) | $95 ($90) |
| October 31 | $105 ($100) | $105 ($100) | $105 ($100) | $105 ($100) |
Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package
If you want to splurge even more, book the Happy HalloWishes Dessert Premium Package, which includes reserved viewing areas for both the Boo-to-You Halloween Parade and Happy HalloWishes Fireworks, plus a private dessert party at Tomorrowland Terrace.
Tickets are $79 for adults ($47 for children ages 3 to 9), plus tax, and can be made by calling (407) 939-3463. A ticket to Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party is also required to attend the dessert package, and is not included in the price.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party
If you time your visit just right, you could attend both the Halloween party and Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party during the same trip. The 2016 Christmas parties begin November 7, and continue through December 22. There are five pricing tiers for the 21-night event, based on the date you want to attend.
For 2016, the least expensive advance-purchase ticket is $86 per adult, a hefty $12 increase from 2015. Tickets to the most popular nights just before Christmas are $99 per person, a 20 percent jump. Dates and pricing are below, including the discounts available to annual passholders and Disney Vacation Club members.
New for 2016 is "Mickey's Most Merriest Celebration," a character show performed on the stage in front of Cinderella Castle. It's not clear from the information provided thus far by Disney whether this show is in addition to "A Frozen Holiday Wish," which debuted in 2015 and featured four stars from Frozen.
Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party – 2016 prices
Once again, note that DVC members can purchase discounted tickets to more event nights than can passholders, so people who fall into both categories should make sure to get the best discount for which you're eligible. Purchase tickets from the Walt Disney World website.
| Date(s) | Advanced purchase price | Same-day purchase price | Annual Passholder | Disney Vacation Club |
| November 10, 13 | $86 adult ($81 child 9 & under) | $91 adult ($86 child 9 & under) | $79 adult ($74 child 9 & under) | $79 adult ($74 child 9 & under) |
| November 7, 8, 11, 15 | $91 ($86) | $91 ($86) | $84 ($79) | $84 ($79) |
| November 18, 27, 29 | $92 ($87) | $96 ($91) | $92 ($87) | $89 ($84) |
| December 1 | $91 ($86) | $91 ($86) | $84 ($79) | $84 ($79) |
| December 2, 4, 8, 11, 13 | $92 ($87) | $96 ($91) | $92 ($87) | $92 ($87) |
| December 6 | $92 ($87) | $96 ($91) | $92 ($87) | $89 ($84) |
| December 9, 15 | $96 ($91) | $96 ($91) | $96 ($91) | $96 ($91) |
| December 16, 18, 22 | $99 ($94 | $99 ($94 | $99 ($94 | $99 ($94 |
Disney Springs prepares for debut weekend
The grand opening of the new Town Center section of Disney Springs is this coming Sunday, May 15, and MousePlanet will be there to share all of the happenings from the big debut, as well as pass along word of any soft-openings we hear about this week. As the countdown continues, a few other Disney Springs locations are making news as well.
STK Orlando
The grand opening of STK Orlando is expected on May 25, and you can now make reservations starting that date through the restaurant's website. The 14,000 square foot restaurant features a two-story floor plan with a main dining room at ground level, and an indoor/outdoor "rooftop" dining room and lounge.
The red neon of the STK Orlando Steakhouse sign has been lit. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Morimoto Asia
Street food—the types of dishes you might buy from a sidewalk vendor—is the theme of the soon-to-reopen concept at Morimoto Asia, the Disney Springs restaurant headed by Iron Chef star Masaharu Morimoto. The Street Food window opened briefly last year, but closed due to construction of the nearby Landing area of Disney Springs. With the construction walls down and the new section about to open, service resumes at Street Food on May 15. The restaurant will also open a new patio adjacent to the window, offering casual seating and water views.
The menu at Street Food combines some signature flavors from the Morimoto Asia menu, with new dishes created specifically for this concept. The menu sent over by Street Food includes:
• "Snacks" including takoyaki (octopus, nori, okonomiyaki sauce), Morimoto sticky ribs, curry rice croquette, taiyaki (snapper shaped sweet pancake filled with sweet adzuki red bean paste) and pork egg roll (pork, cabbage).
• "Bao Tacos" including kalbi (kimchi, scallions), chicken teriyaki (spicy mayo, cucumber, lettuce, teriyaki) and pork (spicy mayo, cucumber, lettuce)
• "Donburi" (rice bowls) in a variety of styles including Japanese beef curry, char-siu don (braised pork belly, scallions, pickled ginger) and chicken teriyaki don (braised chicken, carrots, broccoli).
• "Sushi (rito) and Onigiri" including California roll (guacamole), shrimp tempura roll (lettuce, cucumber), orange chicken roll (lettuce, sesame, orange glaze), vegetable roll (cucumber, lettuce, carrots, guacamole), sake onigiri (grilled flaked salmon, Morimoto premium white rice [editor's note: "sake" is Japanese for salmon; not to be confused with Japanese rice wine; this is a rice ball made with salmon flakes.]) and edamame & shiso onigiri (Morimoto premium white rice).
"Street food holds memories of my childhood. It reminds me of the local festivals and events of my hometown," said Chef Morimoto. "I am excited that our new street food will transport guests to Asia and the marvelous cuisines that inspired my menu creations."
Sprinkles
We mentioned last week that the iconic Cupcake ATM is set to open on May 15. If you're a Sprinkles fan, or would just like a chance to see what all the fuss is about, be sure to register for the Sprinkles Perks program to receive a free cupcake. You must redeem your free treat within 30 days, so plan your membership to coincide with your visit to Disney Springs.
Views from around the World
Contributing photographer Alan Dalinka shares his photos from around Walt Disney World this week.
Hollywood Studios
Epcot
Disney Springs
We're Hiring!Do you love Disney and have a flair for writing? We're currently looking for columnists to cover new areas of the Disney universe for MousePlanet.com.If you are interesting in adding your voice to MousePlanet, please contact us—we'd love to hear from you! |
This and That
...Turtle Talk with Crush now includes characters from the upcoming Disney/Pixar movie Finding Dory.
...The 2017 Star Wars Celebration, a convention billed as "Lucasfilm's love letter to fans" will take place in Orlando April 13–16, 2017. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, May 25, at Noon ET (9:00 a.m. PT) at www.starwarscelebration.com. Note that this event takes place the weekend before the 2017 Star Wars Half Marathon weekend at Walt Disney World, which provides serious Star Wars fans a great excuse to plan a 10+ day trip to Florida. If you're looking to attend both events, mark your calendars for August 9, 2016, which is when runDisney will open registration for their event.
...Amazon.com announced yesterday that their PrimeNOW delivery service is now available in Orlando. PrimeNOW offers members of Amazon's subscription Prime service to receive delivers of items ordered through a special app in as little as an hour. The delivery fee is $7.99 for one-hour delivery; two-hour delivery is available at no charge. The Prime subscription fee is $99 per year.
We've confirmed that the new delivery area does include the Walt Disney World resort zip codes, but we have not been able to speak with a Disney representative to let us know how (or if) the company plans to work with Amazon and its contract delivery drivers. If Disney is willing to welcome Amazon into the World, this will definitely be a major benefit to Prime members who find themselves in need of more sunscreen or a case of water during their vacation, or to Disney Vacation Club members who don't want to deal with a grocery store run to stock their villas for the week.
...Disney's Hollywood Studios has debuted a new collection of desserts based on the classic whoopie pie. Each pastry is $4.99, and available in flavors like banana cream, orange cream, and maple bacon.
…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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Resort Events
Check here to see if a park event might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. If you know of any in-park events, official or unofficial, that should be listed here, please send us an e-mail (link).
2016 Resort events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
- 2016 Flower & Garden Festival – Through May 30
- MouseAdventure Silly Symphonies (unofficial event) – Saturday, May 14. A puzzle hunt at Epcot and the Epcot Resorts. More information at the event website.
- Gay Days at Walt Disney World (annual unofficial event) – June 2–5. More information on the event website. To whatever degree there are "organized" events, the schedule calls for attendees to visit the parks on these days:
- Thursday, June 2 - Animal Kingdom
- Friday, June 3 - Disney's Hollywood Studios
- Saturday, June 4 - Magic Kingdom (the busiest day of the event)
- Sunday, June 5 - Epcot
- Night of Joy – September 9 & 10
- 2016 Epcot International Food & Wine Festival –September 14 – November 14, 2016.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –September – 2, 8, 11, 13, 16, 18, 20, 23, 25, 29, 30; October – 2, 4, 6, 7, 10, 11, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, 30, 31
- "Jersey Week" – November 6 – 13. Expect larger crowds this week as New Jersey students and families take advantage of a Fall Break created by their school's participation in the New Jersey Teachers Convention.
- Dapper Day at Epcot (unofficial event) – Saturday, November 12, 2016. More information at the event website.
- Holidays at Walt Disney World – dates to be announced.
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party – November 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27, 29; December 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18, 22
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot – dates to be announced.
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot – dates to be announced.
runDisney events
If you participate in (or are considering signing up for) runDisney events, visit our Team MousePlanet forum on the MousePad discussion board, where you can join our community of health-minded readers and staff.
2016
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 3–5. All races are sold out, with the exception of the runDisney Kids races. Proof of time must be submitted by August 2, 2016
2017
- Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 4–8, 2017. Registration opens at Noon (Eastern) on Tuesday, April 26. Proof of time must be submitted by October 4, 2016.
- Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 24–26, 2017. Registration date has not been announced. Proof of time must be submitted by November 15, 2016.
For current information on registration dates and capacity, see Lorree Tachell's runDisney Race Capacity Updates in the Team MousePlanet forum on our MousePad discussion board.
ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex Events
Check here to see if a sporting competition might fall during your next trip to the Walt Disney World Resort. We don't list all events here, but focus on the larger sport and cheer events that might result in extra visitors to the theme parks, and make it harder to secure a hotel room. The All-Star and moderate resort hotels are often the home base for these larger events, so it's worth avoiding those properties if possible.
2016 ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex events
- Varsity All Star’s Cheerleading Championship – April 29 – May 1.
- Special Olympics Florida Summer Games – May 20–21.
- AAU National Club Championship – June 30 – July 3.
- Special Olympics Florida Fall Classic – November 11–12.
- 2016 Pop Warner Super Bowl –December 3–10.
Merchandise Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| May 6 |
Epcot
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| May 7 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
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| May 9 |
Epcot
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| May 11 |
Disney Springs
|
| May 12 |
Disney Springs
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| May 13 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
|
| May 14 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
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| May 15 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
|
| May 27-29 |
Epcot
|
| June 1 |
Disney Springs
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| June 2 |
Disney Springs
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| June 3 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
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| June 4 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
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| June 5 |
Disney Springs
Epcot
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| June 15–19 |
Disney Springs
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| June 24 |
Epcot
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| June 25 |
Epcot
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| June 26 |
Epcot
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| June 29–July 5 |
Disney Springs
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| July 7–8 |
Epcot
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Refurbishments and Attraction Closures
Magic Kingdom
2016
- Swiss Family Robinson Treehouse – closed July 7 – September 24 for refurbishment.
- Big Thunder Mountain Railroad – closed August 8 – November 18 for refurbishment.
- Liberty Square Riverboat – closed August 15–21 for refurbishment.
- "it's a small world" – closed August 22 – September 15 for refurbishment.
Epcot
2016
- Soarin' – closed as of January 4, 2016. Reopens sometime in "summer of 2016" as Soarin' Around the World, with a new ride film.
- Maelstrom – permanently closed for construction of Frozen Ever After attraction. New ride expected to open May 2016.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
2016
- Magic of Disney Animation – building permanently closed for future expansion. Part of the space has been converted to the Star Wars Launch Bay.
- One Man's Dream theater – an expanded sneak peek at Alice Through the Looking Glass began May 6.
- Pizza Planet restaurant – closed for refurbishment. Reopening date TBD.
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show – permanently closedto make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure – permanently closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Studio Catering Co. – closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America – closed to make way for the Star Wars Land expansion.
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- Tiffins – the park's new table-service restaurant will open Memorial Day weekend for lunch and dinner.
Blizzard Beach
- None scheduled
Typhoon Lagoon
- None scheduled
Disney Springs
- Fulton's Crab House – closed for refurbishment. Scheduled to reopen in Fall 2016 as Paddlefish
- Planet Hollywood – closed through June 1, 2016 for refurbishment and transformation into a Planet Hollywood Observatory.
- Disney Springs Bridge 4 and restrooms on Pleasure Island – temporarily closed for ongoing construction work.
- Disney Springs Lots A-G – closed through August 1, 2016.
- Disney Springs Lots H, I, J, and K (in Westside area) – closed until further notice for construction.
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close sometime in 2016.
May 15 openings:
- Disney Springs Town Center
- The Daily Poutine
- B.B. Wolf’s Sausage Co.
- Amorette’s Patisserie
- Sprinkles Cupcakes
May 22 openings:
- Aristocrepes
Resorts
- Boardwalk Inn
- Flying Fish Cafe closed through September 30 for refurbishment.
- Seashore Sweets – closed as part of the Flying Fish refurbishment.
- Wilderness Lodge and Villas – Hidden Springs pool, resort beach, playground, and Recreation fire pit closed. No opening date provided, but the pool is expected to be closed through 2017. Expect construction-related closures and noise due to construction of the as-yet-unannounced Disney Vacation Club cabins.
Elsewhere
- Disney Osprey Ridge Golf Course – permanently closed.
Current Discounts & Promotions
Note: MousePlanet does not edit past Updates to reflect price increases; for up-to-date prices, check the most recent Walt Disney World Resort Update. For your convenience, we have grouped the discount offers based on the intended audience. Check out the category that best matches you, and pick the offer that works best for you. And keep those tips coming—let us know if you find a better or different offer, so we can share it with other readers.
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Discounts for Everyone |
Thanks to Sue Pisaturo from Small World Vacations for the details. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. Fall Free Dining offer
Back to School room-only offer
Kid-sized Vacation offer
Late Summer Family Time offer
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. |
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Discounts for Annual Passholders |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Disney Rewards VISA & Debit Card Holders |
15 percent off select guided tours Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of selected guided tours for up to 10 people. The cardholder must participate in the tour, and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card. Tours included:
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:
10 percent off merchandise Disney Visa cardholders receive 10 percent off at participating Disney-owned retail location when you spend a minimum of $50 and pay with a Disney's Visa Card and/or Disney Rewards Redemption Card (be sure to request the discount). Read all of the restrictions on the Disney Visa website. 15 percent off all Disney spa and salon services Disney Visa cardholders receive 15 percent off the non-discounted price of any salon treatment valued at $45 or greater or any 50-minute or longer spa service 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
Free 5" x 7" character photo at a private meet and greet location at Epcot Present your Disney's Premier Visa Card or Disney Rewards Visa Card for access to a private character meet and greet at Epcot for the cardholder and up to five guests. The event is hosted daily from 1:00 to 7:00 p.m. inside Innoventions West at Epcot. You'll receive one free 5" x 7" character photo per day. |
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Discounts for Military Personnel |
2016 Military Salute – 4-Day Military Promotional Ticket discount Through December 16, 2016, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:
Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used January 3 through December 19, 2016, except that the tickets may not be used March 20 – 2016 April 1, 2016. Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by December 19, 2016. 2016 Military Salute – Hotel discount Disney does not publish the actual discounted rates offered to service members under this program, and instead asks eligible U.S. military personnel to call 407-939-7830 to check pricing, availability and to make reservations. The website Military Disney Tips.com says the offer is 30-40%, based on room category. |
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Discounts for Florida Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for Canada Residents |
None at this time. |
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Discounts for U.K. Residents |
None at this time. |
Don't keep it to yourself! Send us your news tips, rumors, and comments.
Comments
Hi - you are still showing there being no special offers for UK residents yet, but our special offers have been available since 21 April!