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Walt Disney World Resort Update for March 8–13, 2017
Writer's note: Sure, the Walt Disney World Resort Update is going up on Wednesday instead of Tuesday this week, but my Views Around the World this week also include a moment during a break in the recording of this coming Friday's episode of ABC-TV's The View at Disney's Animal Kingdom. When I set my DVR, I will be looking for a certain guy in an orange t-shirt. Anyway, we have lots of photos from the launch of the 24th Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, more Views Around the World, news and even an update to a previous edition of One Passholder's Tip.
Go directly to: News & Views | Join our Networks | Resort Events | RunDisney Events | Refurbishments and Attraction Closures | Discounts and Promotions
News and Views
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Kicks Off its Long 2017 Run | La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Ends its Run on December 31 | Joffrey's at Magic Kingdom Now Open | Views around the World | One Passholder's Tip | This and That | Crowd Forecast
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Kicks Off its Long 2017 Run
The 24th Annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival began March 1, and runs through May 29. Epcot Vice President Melissa Valiquette said that at this time of year, "our already beautiful park becomes even more spectacular." As fans have seen, the Festival has evolved over the years from focusing just on the beautiful gardens and topiaries, like the other Epcot Festivals, food is now a staple. To that end, this year, two new outdoor kitchens (Disney Festival-speak for food kiosks) are available around World Showcase Promenade: The Northern Bloom (representing Canada) and The Berry Basket.
Fun fact: this year's entry topiary display was suggested by an intern. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Berry Basket is one of the new Festival Kitchens this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Disney Parks Blog published the berry buckle recipe last week.
The sample of Key Lime Pie I tried at the Festival was outstanding. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
For the youngest guests, in addition to the play areas in Future World West near the rose garden and Future World East near the Disney-Pixar Cars-themed topiaries, there is a new third "play garden" this year, between France and Morocco, named the Florida Fresh Garden. Be aware, though, it is the smallest of the three play areas.
The popular Easter egg hunt which, in the past, just ran for a brief time around Easter, this year will run the entire length of the Festival. Maps are already available for sale at several locations around the park and the "eggs" will be in place all the way through Memorial Day weekend.
Since one of the big hits of the recently concluded Festival of Arts was the immersive photo opportunities around the park, the horticulture and landscape teams included two opportunities to have photos taken inside the topiary displays. The Fresh Epcot display near the Future World Fountain featuring Chip 'n' Dale and the Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs topiaries at the Germany pavilion both offer opportunities to take photos within the display. Having said that, however, it is unclear what hours the Snow White display will allow guests to enter the display with a Disney PhotoPass photographer on hand. Over the weekend, I passed the display several times and the interactive section was only open occasionally.
The Festival this year also welcomes (as shown in the photo at the top of this week's Update) Captain Ron, a pocket beagle that works on the Disney Conservation Team. He will be part of presentations at the Festival Center (formerly known as the Wonders of Life pavilion in Future World East) on March 31 – April 2 that focus on Disney's Conservation and Environmentality efforts.
Mickey, Minnie, and Goofy topiaries stand in front of the Festival Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Pluto and Donald Duck topiaries are also in front of the Festival Center. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The popular Garden Rocks concert series returns this year, and like the just-concluded Festival of Arts did, creates "Disney Weekends" of concerts from Fridays through Mondays for the run of the Festival at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m., and 8 p.m. Rather than reiterate the scheduled acts here, it is always best to go check this page of the official Disney Parks website for the latest, as there occasionally are changes to the schedule.
Jon Secada performed on Saturday at the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
As always, there is lots of merchandise to see and purchase.
Mouse Gear has a large selection of Festival merchandise. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Several Limited Release and Limited Edition pins are available. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
And, of course, the gardens and topiaries are sights to see. We have highlighted some in the weeks leading up to the Festival, here are some more.
Throughout World Showcase, different themed gardens are on display. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Purple Martins can be spotted nesting in Future World East. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Chinese Topiary Dragon is again on display this year. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
The Three Caballeros topiaries are near the Mexico pavilion. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil Ends its Run on December 31
Just days after celebrating its 19th anniversary, La Nouba by Cirque du Soleil will have its final show at Disney Springs on December 31. "We are incredibly proud of the success that La Nouba has had for nearly two decades," said Jerry Nadal, Senior Vice President of the Resident Shows Division for Cirque du Soleil. "We want to thank Walt Disney World Resort for a wonderful run over the years. We look forward to announcing what’s next."
As we previously reported, Florida residents can still, subject to availability, get discounts for groups of three or more tickets for shows now through April 29. With the discount, a family of four can purchase tickets for as low as $32.25 per ticket for Category 3 seating. Discounted Family Pack tickets are also available for Category 1, Category 2, and Front and Center. For tickets, call (407) 939-7328 or visit the La Nouba box office. (Proof of Florida residency required for discount.)
No replacement show has been announced for the West Side theater building that is currently home to the show. There are a number of unconfirmed rumors about what will take the stage next and whether or not Cirque du Soleil will be involved in that production. We will keep an eye out for news and will pass that along when we have some confirmed details.
The Disney Parks Blog did say that, "[g]iven Disney’s strong relationship with Cirque du Soleil over the years, we may soon have news to share about exciting new entertainment coming to Disney Springs so stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog." In any event, we do not expect the space will remain empty for long. As you know, the very nearby DisneyQuest building will also be closing later this year to make way for the future NBA Experience, and Disney Springs likely will not want to have two very large closed venues on the West Side for very long (if at all).
Joffrey's at Magic Kingdom Now Open
The theme of the new Joffrey's kiosk fits its Tomorrowland surroundings. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Joffrey's, the Official Specialty Coffee of the Walt Disney World Resort, opened its newest coffee and espresso kiosk in Tomorrowland at Magic Kingdom on Tuesday. The new location offers a new signature latte, Mission to S'Mores, exclusive to the Magic Kingdom location. Of course, if you crave Joffrey's when you're not near a Disney Park, you can visit online, and Joffrey's offers free ground shipping on orders over $50.
Views Around the World
More sights from Magic Kingdom, Disney's Animal Kingdom, and The View in this week's Views Around the World.
Magic Kingdom
Disney's Animal Kingdom
Epcot
Living with the Land boat ride also includes elements of the Festival. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot's monorail station is lit for the Festival each night. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
One Passholder's Tip
This section of the Update provides our MousePlanet readers with the benefit of my years of experience as a longtime Walt Disney World Four Parks Annual Passholder, and lots of personal trial and errors, one (hopefully weekly) tip at a time.
One Passholder's Tip: Week 7 (Updating Week 1)
Be aware of conflicting parking row markers!
In my first One Passholder's Tip several weeks ago, I wrote about taking a photo of the row number that you park in when visiting one of Walt Disney World's four Theme Parks to help you find your car at the end of the day. That advice still stands, but just yesterday, when visiting Disney's Animal Kingdom, I learned that the parking lot is undergoing some numbering revisions and the painted numbers on the ground no longer always match the numbers on nearby posts and signs. As a result, you need to be mindful whether you look to the posts and signs when hunting for your car at the conclusion of your park visit.
Especially when you are hunting for that rental car that you picked up at Orlando International Airport (or whichever airport got you on your way to Walt Disney World) that you never saw before your visit, pay a little bit more attention to where you parked than you otherwise do at your local shopping center. You and your tired family members will thank you for it later.
Don't keep it to yourself!
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This and That
…The apparently very successful first ever Epcot International Festival of the Arts has already been called upon for an encore appearance in 2018. On the same day as the 24th annual Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival debuted, Disney announced that the Festival of Arts will return next year. No specific dates have been announced yet.
…At long last, as of today, Disney Vacation Members can now add-on to their membership at DVC's newest Resort, Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge. The new DVC property at Disney's Wilderness Lodge includes studios, 1- and 2-bedroom villas, 3-bedroom grand villas, and private waterfront cabins. Sales to folks who are not currently DVC Members begin April 5. The resort is scheduled to open July 17. Visit http://disneycoppercreek.com/ for more information.
…Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park will debut Miss Adventure Falls, a new family-style raft attraction, on March 12. Disney is expected to release additional details in the coming days and we will bring them to you in an upcoming Update.
…Raglan Road Irish Pub and Restaurant at Disney Springs celebrates the Mighty St. Patrick’s Festival from March 16-19, 2017, 11 a.m. to 2 a.m. There is a full line-up of entertainment scheduled, and a wide selection of beers (although none green), spirits and craft cocktails served with Irish fare. While Irish holiday attire is not required, it is encouraged, and, in fact, complimentary face painting will be available from noon – 8 p.m. daily during the festival. On St. Patrick’s Day itself (March 17), guests will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis with a $10 cover charge (guests age 18 and older). To make reservations for other festival days, call 407-938-0300.
…Disney PhotoPass Service has introduced a limited time photo opportunity near Magic Kingdom's Rapunzel Tower (also known as the Tangled restrooms). The photographer has a luminous lantern like those shown in Disney's Animated feature Tangled to include in your photos. Weather permitting, the photo opportunity begins around dusk and is scheduled to be available through March 15. Rapunzel meet and greet opportunities are located over in Princess Fairytale Hall (check the signs for which side to enter to meet her).
…Disney Pin collectors will want to take note of the recent launch of Pandora–The World of Avatar limited release collectible pins. In all, it is a five pin set designed like the Pandora travel posters that have appeared on the construction wall at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The first pin in the collection was released on March 2. The second pin will be released on April 6. The final limited edition pin will be released on May 4.
Each pin has an edition size of 1,250 and is available at Discovery Trading Company at Disney's Animal Kingdom. The final two pins in this collection, called "Completer pins," will only be found in the five-pin boxed set containing all five travel posters. The boxed set will have an edition size of 250, and will be released during May 27 opening of the new land. There will be a purchase limit of two limited edition pins, per style, per guest, per release. These pins will not be available via Shop Disney Parks app or the Disney Parks online store. See Disney Parks Blog for more information.
…Just over a half an hour's drive north of Walt Disney World, Disney Chefs will present the 4th annual Field to Feast dinner at Long & Scott Farms in Mt. Dora, Florida on March 25, beginning at 4:30 p.m. The menu includes local cuisine from nine of Disney’s chefs: Chef Dennis Thompson, California Grill; Chef Daniel Sicilia, Jiko—The Cooking Place; Chef Michael Gonsalves, Artist Point; Chef David Njoroge, Tiffins; Chef Dom Filoni, Cítricos; Chef Michael Deardorff, Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival; Chef Leonard Thomson, Park Event Operations and Premium Events; Pastry Chef Michael Craig, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Bakery; and Chef Chocolatier Amanda Lauder, The Ganachery. Master Sommelier George Miliotes, from the soon-to-open Bar George at Disney Springs, is pairing beverages with each dish. There will also be live music and tours of the farm on the back of a tractor. Tickets are $175 per person, but Tables in Wonderland members receive a special rate of 2 tickets for $300. Proceeds benefit Second Harvest Kids Café, an after-school program through the YMCA.
...Guests visiting Senses Spa at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa, as well as other Walt Disney World salons can now "add a touch of Disney magic to their manicures with new Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry." More than 50 Disney character designs are available, including Belle, Cinderella and Pocahontas, as well as designs inspired by films like Frozen and The Lion King. Disney Nail Designs by Jamberry can be added to any nail service for $2.50 per nail.
…Our friends at MouseAdventure held The Florida Project game at Magic Kingdom on Saturday. Sixty teams were registered and with great weather, the teams had fun despite the crowds. We expect a full recap article here on MousePlanet on Friday, but in the meantime, we congratulate the winning team, Conflicting Weenies Social Club, who are now a Masters Team after this their third win in Florida in a row.
MouseAdventure teams had fun in the Magic Kingdom. Photo by Stephanie Wien.
…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).
2017 Resort events
- Star Wars Experiences – Opened December 1, 2015
- Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom – March 9 (9 p.m.-12 a.m./midnight).
- Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival – March 1 - May 29, 2017.
- Epcot International Food & Wine Festival – August 31 through November 13, 2017.
- Swan and Dolphin Food & Wine Classic – Dates TBD
- Mickey's Not So Scary Halloween Party –Dates TBD
- Holidays at Walt Disney World –Dates TBD
- Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party–Dates TBD
- Holidays Around the World at Epcot –Dates TBD
- Candlelight Processional at Epcot –Dates TBD
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
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 20–23, 2017. Registration is now open. Proof of time deadline has passed.
- Disney Wine & Dine Half Marathon Weekend – November 2–5, 2017. Registration now open. Proof of time must be submitted by August 1, 2017.
2018
- 25th Anniversary Walt Disney World Marathon Weekend – January 3–7, 2018. Registration now open. Proof of time deadline October 3, 2017.
- 10th Anniversary Disney Princess Half Marathon Weekend – February 22–25, 2018. Registration opens May 2, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- Star Wars Half Marathon – The Dark Side Weekend – April 18–22, 2018. Registration opens May 23, 2017. Proof of time deadline TBD.
- 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. 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
2017
- Walt Disney World Railroad – closed January 9 – approximately March 11, 2017 for refurbishment.
- The Magic Behind our Steam Trains guided tour – closed during the Walt Disney World Railroad refurbishment.
- The Hall of Presidents – closed January 17, 2017 to add an audio-animatronic figure of the 45th president of the United States. Expected to reopen July, 2017.
The Hall of Presidents is closed until this summer. Photo by Alan S. Dalinka.
Epcot
Permanently closed:
- Sum of All Thrills.
- Storm Struck.
Disney's Hollywood Studios
Permanently closed:
- Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
- Honey, I Shrunk the Kids Movie Set Adventure
- Studio Catering Co.
- Meet & Greet: Mike and Sulley at Streets of America
- Magic of Disney Animation
- The Writer's Stop
- Academy of Television Sciences Hall of Fame
Disney's Animal Kingdom
- No known closures at this time!
Typhoon Lagoon
- Closed December 24 – March 11, 2017 for seasonal refurbishment.
Disney Springs
- Disney Quest – scheduled to close July 3, 2017 to make way for The NBA Experience.
Resorts
- 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 Disney Vacation Club's Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney's Wilderness Lodge which is officially scheduled to open in July 2017.
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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Travel Discounts for Everyone |
Walt Disney World released several new discount offers for the start of 2017, and Small World Vacations shared the details with us. All of these packages can also be booked through MousePlanet's partner travel agency Get Away Today. 25% off room offer Save up to 25% on rooms at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for stays most nights from February 20 through June 10, 2017. Book your stay by March 30, 2017.
Get a free day added to your ticket when you upgrade to a Magic Your Way package with a minimum 4-day ticket. Book Through: Travel Dates: Terms and Conditions:
Offer Restrictions
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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Travel Discounts for Annual Passholders |
Spring into 2017 room offer Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $70 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, January 16 through February 15, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays through April 8. 2017, with rates from $103 at the All-Star Resorts to $293 per night at Disney's Animal Kingdom Lodge. Booking Window – Must book by April 7, 2017
Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. Kick Off Your Spring room offer Passholders can book rooms at the Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort starting at $86 per night under this offer. The discount is valid most Sunday through Thursday nights, April 23 through May 25, 2017. Additional resorts and dates are available for stays April 9 through April 22 and May 26 through June 10, 2017, with rates from $101 at the All-Star Resorts to $292 per night at Disney's BoardWalk Inn Booking Window – Must book by June 9, 2017
Visit the Annual Passholder website for details, or call 407-939-7676 to book by phone. 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 |
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 |
None at this time. 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 |
MousePlanet reader Scott S. alerted us to a new offer for Canadian residents. Canadian residents receive a 25% discount on 4-day or longer tickets purchased by February 28, 2017. The discounted rate for a 4-Day adult base ticket is $244.00 USD, compared to $325.00 USD when purchased at the gate. A 10-day adult base ticket is $300 USD, a savings of $100 from the main gate price. This offer is only good for Canadian citizens with valid passport, or residents of Canada with valid proof of Canadian residency. The tickets are sold as an exchange certificate, and must be exchanged for park ticket upon arrival. There is no expiration date on the unused tickets, but once activated the tickets must be used within 14 days of first entry. You can see the full details on the Walt Disney World website. Thanks Scott for the heads up! 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 |
MousePlanet reader Ben from the U.K. wrote to tell us about his recent booking of a 2017 Disney World holiday using a current promotion for U.K. residents. Ben reports:
If you know of an offer we haven't listed, please drop us an email with the details! |
Comments
I was at Epcot last night with my 2 and 4 year old (we're Orlando locals, so quick trips to Epcot are normal for us). The new playground at Florida Fresh is fantastic for little ones. Black rubber mulch covers the ground (it's more bouncy so it will take you by surprise at first but it's great for less than stable feet of little ones). Theres some tunnels to climb through, some ramps and a slide which is perfect for them. The playground is themed to look like a farm (appropriate) and is immediately adjacent to the rest rooms. As a note it doesn't appear on the Festival webpage, so it's a bit of a surprise.