Monday, February 10, 2014

Disney Discounts - Week of February 10, 2014



Disney Digest – Week of February 10, 2014  
Discounts with Destinations in Florida Travel

 
photo: disneyworld.com

Walt Disney World® Resort

  • New!  Free Memory Maker to Cherish Your Disney World Moments:  Imagine capturing your favorite pictures from your Disney World vacation!  You can do that with Disney’s Memory Maker.  Book a package from August 15-September 30 for at least 3 nights with 2-Day tickets and get the new Memory Maker free.  Prices start from just $899 plus tax for a family of 3 at a Disney Value Resort.  
  • Save up to 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World® Resort Hotels:  Savings apply for stays most nights March 14, 2014 - April 12, 2014 and April 20, 2014 – June 15, 2014.  Upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket and get one more ticket day FREE!  Visit Destinations in Florida for more details.
  • Florida Resident Rates:  Florida Residents can take advantage of great rates on rooms at select Disney Resorts hotels for stays through May 29, 2014.  Plan a winter getaway to Disney or a Spring Break trip to the Disney Water Parks.  Book today with this incredible deal, just for Florida Residents.
  • Military Discount:  Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at Disney Resort most nights through September 27th, 2014.  Thank you for serving our country.  



source: disneyland.com

Disneyland® Resort

  • Save Up to 25% on Rooms at a Disneyland® Resort Hotel:  Save up to 25% on rooms at a Disneyland Hotel most Sunday through Thursday nights through April 10, 2014.  Book by March 6, 2014.
source: Google Search



Disney Cruise Line®

  • Special Rates for Florida Residents and US Military:  Take advantage of special deals from $135 per person per night plus tax/port charges for Florida Residents and active/retired United States Military.  Special cruises are available for select dates in February.
  •  New!  Last Minute Restricted Deals:  If you are flexible about the location of your stateroom and willing to book last minute you may be able to save BIG! Disney offers Restricted Guarantee rooms 15-60 days before departure dates, sometimes just a few days before departure. These are very restricted and with many rules, but if you are not picky you can save up 40%.


source: Disney.com


Aulani Hawaii 

  • Get a Free Night and Free Breakfast:  For a limited time, when you purchase a minimum 4-night stay at Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you’ll get the 4th night free - including breakfast daily for two adults at the new Ulu Cafe.  This discount is good for most stays through April 7, 2014.
  • Get up to a $500 Room Credit to Spend During Your Visit:  Book a 1 or 2-Bedroom Villa from April 23-June 16, 2014 and receive up to a $500 resort credit for a 4-Night vacation.  Book a Deluxe Studio or regular room for 4 nights and receive a $400 resort credit.   
  •  
Be sure to follow me on Pinterest, Facebook or Twitter for the latest and greatest in Disney Travel news!  If you have any questions, or would like a *free* *no obligation* quote for your next Disney adventure, email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com

{have a most magical day}

Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Walt Disney World Closures and Refurbishments 2.5.14



Magic Kingdom
    source: TripAdvisor
  • Casey's Corner Jan. 6 - Feb. 15, 2014
  • Splash Mountain Jan. 6 - Mar. 21, 2014
  • Splashdown Photos Jan. 6 - Mar. 21, 2014
  • Agrabah Bazaar Jan. 7 - Feb. 13, 2014
    • Aladdin and Jasmine will be greeting Guests at the entrance to Adventureland (just before the bridge).
  • Liberty Square Riverboat Jan. 21 - 30, 2014
  • Monorail - MK Express Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014
  • Barnstormer Feb. 3 - 5, 2014
  • Tomorrowland Transit Authority Feb. 10 - Mar. 27, 2014
  • source: TripAdvisor
  • Pinocchio's Village Haus Feb. 17 - Mar. 30, 2014
  • The Plaza Restaurant Feb. 17 - Mar. 15, 2014
  • Big Thunder Mountain April 7 - 9, 2014
  • Pirates of the Caribbean April 28 - May 1, 2014
Disney's Hollywood Studios
  • Monsters Inc. Meet & Greet Jan. 29 - Feb. 8, 2014
  • Backlot Tour Jan. 5 - Mar. 1, 2014
Epcot
  • None
Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
  • Festival of the Lion King  Jan. 6, 2014 - tbd
  • Camp Minnie-Mickey Jan. 6, 2014 permanent closure
source: TripAdvisor
Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park
  • Closed for annual refurbishment Dec. 22, 2013 - Mar. 17, 2014
Disney's All Star Sports Resort
  • Grand Slam Quiet Pool Deck Feb. 11 - 13, 2014
  • Sports - Resort Lobby Construction Feb. 17 - March 9, 2014
  • Game Point Arcade - Closed due to Lobby/Corridor work Feb. 17 - March 9, 2014
Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas
  • Kiddie Pool Wet Deck - Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open Jan. 21 - Feb. 14, 2014

Disney's Boardwalk Villas
  • Villas Quiet Pool & Spa Feb. 10 - Mar. 14, 2014
Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Pool slides - pools remain open Jan. 27 - Feb. 7, 2014
    source: TripAdvisor
Disney's Contemporary Resort
  • Bay Lake Tower Kiddie Pool Wet Deck - Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open Feb. 10 - 28, 2014
  • Monorail - Magic Kingdom Resort - Restricted Service - Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available.Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished starting in early January and scheduled to complete in August. Guest buildings will be taken out of inventory and will not be occupied by Guests while work is being performed.
  • Monorail - Magic Kingdom Resort - Restricted Service - Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available.Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014
source: TripAdvisor
Disney's Old Key West
  • Gurging Suitcase Feb. 5 - 28, 2014
Disney’s Polynesian Resort ­ 
  • General Construction Dec. 2013 - Mar. 2015
  • The Never Land Club Jan. 28 - Apr. 27, 2014
  • Great Ceremonial House Lobby March - December 2014
  • Beach & Sunset Point ­ Access to the east portion of the beach, near the Transportation and Ticket Center, and Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. However, all other amenities will not be affected. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period.
  • Monorail - Magic Kingdom Resort - Restricted Service - Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available. Jan. 21 - Mar. 21, 2014
Disney's Port Orleans Resort - French Quarter
  • Doubloon Lagoon Pool - transportation will be provided for Guests to swim at Ol' Man Island Pool at Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside Jan. 13 - Feb. 28, 2014
Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort
  • Paddock Pool Feb. 1 - 13, 2014
    Source: TripAdvisor
Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts
  • Yacht Club Quiet Pool Jan, 21 - Feb. 7, 2014
  • Beach Club Quiet Pool Feb. 3 - 4, 2014
Downtown Disney® Area
  • Cap'n Jack's Marina - Closed
  • Parking Lots H,I,J,K Closed
  • Fuego - closed
  • Wetzels Pretzels - closed 10/20/13
  • Team Mickey Athletic Club 1/27/14 - 6/13/14
  • Bridge between the West Side and Pleasure Island is temporarily closed through this fall as work on The Landing continues. Additional temporary closures include the “top of the hill” on Pleasure Island and the nearby restrooms
  • Walls are up in Keith’s Park (between LEGO and T-REX) to divert Guest traffic around the site of the upcoming Marketplace Causeway project. When complete later this year, this land bridge will span between Rainforest CafĂ© and LEGO Imagination Center and will provide Guests with multiple ways to explore the Marketplace and will offer picturesque views of Village Lake.
source: TripAdvisor
Disney Golf Courses / Miniature Golf
  • Winter course at Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf will be closed due to refurbishment.
 Be sure to check back for the latest Disney News and Tips; follow me on Pinterest for Disney {and many other} pins; "like" my Facebook Page for news, tip and maybe a contest or two; or email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com with questions or vacation    planning advice! 



***closures and refurbishments are subject to change at anytime***
***the owner/author of this blog, nor the agency they work for is not responsible for any changes to current closures/refurbishments; always check with your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner or with Walt Disney World directly for the latest closures/refurbishments ***

Walt Disney World News You Can Use 2.5.14


source: disneyworld.com


There is SO much going on at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida!  Keep checking back for the latest and greatest WDW updates!




Seattle Seahawks Linebacker & MVP Malcolm Smith 'Going to Disney World' to Celebrate Super Bowl XLVIII Victory

source: Destinations in Florida

Malcolm Smith of the Seattle Seahawks continued a magical tradition Sunday night following his team's 43-8 win over the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XLVIII. During the post game, on-field celebrations, Smith beamed into the cameras and shouted those five words that for decades have become synonymous with Super Bowl victory celebrations: "I'm Going to Disney World!" He appeared the following day, Feb 3, 2014 in the Disney Super Bowl Parade at Magic Kingdom.





New! Special "Valentine's Day" Items on Walt Disney World Resort Menus

source: Destinations in Florida
Though completely unadvertised, you may find there to be special Valentine's items on some Walt Disney World Resort menus. When you call 407-WDW-DINE, they will have no information on these items. They appear to be at the complete discretion of the restaurant. One that we have come to know and love in recent years is found at Kona Cafe. It's Red Velvet Pancakes with Cream Cheese Topping, Choice of Bacon or Sausage! The price in the past was $9.99. Destinations in Florida will be checking them out on Thursday, Feb 6th! Items such as this may appear or disappear from the menu at any time.




New! Update Coming to My Disney Experience App 

source: disneyworld.com
A new, significant update of My Disney Experience will be available soon for Apple devices. (The corresponding update for Android devices will be released this spring.) With this update, the app’s performance will be improved significantly, and the ease of navigation will be enhanced. Additional enhancements in this update to the Apple app include the following.

  • A new home screen immediately displays the Guest’s plans and includes a quick-access menu that features streamlined navigation to information about attractions, characters, dining, restrooms, entertainment, shopping and more.
  • The Attractions tab on the quick-access menu tells users what the closest attractions are (as well as their current wait times) and pinpoints them on the map. There’s even a button that takes Guests right to the FastPass+ selection screen for that attraction, if applicable.
  • The Characters tab lists Disney characters alphabetically and tells Guests where they can meet them.
  • The Dining tab lists restaurants nearby and includes links to view menus and make reservations.
  • The Restrooms tab helps Guests quickly find the nearest facilities.
  • Using the Entertainment tab, Guests can find offerings throughout the day and add it to their itinerary to generate a reminder prior to show time. (This is not a reservation.)


New! Rosetta joins Tinker Bell in Tinker Bell's Magical Nook


source: Google Search
Rosetta joins Tinker Bell in Tinker Bell’s Magical Nook on Feb. 4. At this time, Periwinkle will fly back home and will no longer be available for meet and greets.



New! Epcot's Ziti Sisters Final Performance


source: flickr


Effective Sunday, February 23, the Ziti Sisters atmosphere entertainment group that performs in World Showcase/Italy will be closing. The last day of performance will be Saturday, February 22. Epcot continues to have a rich mix of atmosphere entertainment throughout the World Showcase pavilions.





New! Flower Power Concert Series Lineup Announced


source: Google Search
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival is just about one month away and today we’re happy to share this year’s Flower Power Concert Series lineup with you. concerts taking place Friday – Monday at 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8 p.m., at the America Gardens Theatre.

  • March 7-9 - The Guess Who
  • March 14-16 – Gary Lewis and the Playboys NEW
  • March 21-23 – The Orchestra Starring Former Members of ELO
  • March 28-30 – The Lovin’ Spoonful
  • April 4-6 – Paul Revere & The Raiders
  • April 11-13 – Village People
  • April 18-20 – The Grass Roots
  • April 25-27 – Herman’s Hermits Starring Peter Noone
  • May 2-4 - STARSHIP Starring Mickey Thomas
  • May 9-11 – Chubby Checker & The Wildcats
  • May 16-18 – Alan Parsons Live Project NEW


New! Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future Art to Debut at Disney Parks

Steampunk and Disney fans alike, this one’s for you! On February 22, The Disney Gallery at Disneyland park will unveil a new exhibit titled Mechanical Kingdoms ~ Steam-Driven Visions of a Victorian Future. Steampunk, a subgenre of science fiction loosely built around retro-futuristic visions of a steam-powered society, has been gaining popularity over the past several years. If you are a fan of Steampunk then mark your calendar now, because as part of the Steampunk launch, we will host artist signings at Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney World Resort. Disney Design Group artists, Costa Alavezos, Alex Maher and Mike Sullivan will appear from 2-5 p.m. at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace on Feb 22.



New! Portable Mobile Phone Chargers Sold at Walt Disney World

If your cell phone or tablet is in need of a charge, you can now purchase portable chargers in various Merchandise stores in the theme parks and resorts. As we become more reliant on our mobile devices for MyMagic+, it's a good idea to pick one of these chargers up.



New! Disney Vacation Club launches Membership Magic



source: Disney Parks Blog
Disney Vacation Club is giving Members even more to love with the launch of Membership Magic on Jan. 29. The new program offers Membership enhancements, exclusive experiences and special offers just for Members and their Guests.  Initial offerings as part of the program launch include:

  • Recreation Magic featuring Magic Kingdom Fireworks Cruises and weekly largemouth bass tournaments on Bay Lake and Seven Seas Lagoon
  • Culinary Magic with special dining experiences at some of the top Disney restaurants
  • Weekly Member Night at Splitsville Luxury Lanes
  • "Me Time" Magic that gives Members and their Guests exclusive access to Senses - A Disney Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Limited time Annual Pass offers for Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort
  • And much more! Contact Member Services for details.


Reminder: Guest Room Refurbishments at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort

source: DisneyWorld.com
  

Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished through August. The current building under refurbishment is Boca Chica. Work began Feb. 2.



 

New! Merchandise Events:


  • February 7 – 9: Heather Swanepoel from Rinse Bath and Body Co. will be at Port of Entry in Epcot each day throughout the weekend as she showcases the latest skin moisturizers, facial masks and scented soaps, among other items. A guest favorite: The flavored lip balm.
  • On Feb. 8, Rosemary Begley will be at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park to sign some of her latest pieces from 1-3 p.m. at Disney Outfitters, located on Discovery Island. Rosemary has four deluxe prints that were inspired by Kilimanjaro Safaris including lions, zebras, elephants and a giraffe.
  • February 12 – 16: Artist Greg McCullough will be on hand for a special artist showcase at Art of Disney in Epcot. Greg will also be available February 26 – March 2 at Art of Disney in Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Be sure to check back for the latest Disney News and Tips; follow me on Pinterest for Disney {and many other} pins; "like" my Facebook Page for news, tip and maybe a contest or two; or email me at chrissy@destinationsinflorida.com with questions or vacation planning advice!

Saturday, January 18, 2014

Current Walt Disney World Closures and Refurbishments


Magic Kingdom

photo: disneyworld.com
 

▪ Casey's Corner 01/06/14 - 02/15/14

▪ Splash Mountain 01/06/14 - 03/21/14

▪ Splashdown Photos 1/6/14 - 3/21/14

▪ The Magic Carpets of Aladdin 01/13/14 - 01/16/14

▪ Agrabah Bazaar 1/13/14 - 1/16/14 - Aladdin and Jasmine will be greeting Guests from the Adventureland Veranda porch while the Bazaar is closed.

source: disneyworld.com
▪ Liberty Square Riverboat 01/21/14 - 01/30/14 


▪ Barnstormer 2/3/14 - 2/5/14

▪ Tomorrowland Transit Authority 2/10/14 - 3/27/14

▪ Pinocchio's Village Haus 2/17/14 - 3/30/14

▪ The Plaza Restaurant 2/17/14 - 3/07/14



Disney's Hollywood Studios

source: disneyworld.com



▪ Monsters Inc. Meet & Greet 1/5/14 - 1/19/14

▪ Backlot Tour 1/5/14 - 3/1/14 

Epcot

source: disneyworld.com


▪ American Adventure Restrooms Mid January - End of January




Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park

source: disneyworld.com


▪ Festival of the Lion King 1/6/14 - opening tbd

▪ Camp MinnieMickey 1/6/14 permanent closure


Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park

source: disneyworld.com


▪ Closed for annual refurbishment 01/06/14 - 03/17/14









Disney's All Star Sports Resort
source: disneyworld.com


▪ Grand Slam Quiet Pool Deck 2/11/14 - 2/13/14

Disney's Animal Kingdom Villas

▪ Kiddie Pool Wet Deck; Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open 1/21/14 - 2/14/14

Disney's Boardwalk Villas

▪ Villas Quiet Pool & Spa 2/3/14 - 3/7/14

 
source: disneyworld.com

Disney's Caribbean Beach Resort

▪ Pool slides pools remain open 01/27/14 - 02/07/14
 
Disney's Contemporary Resort

▪ Bay Lake Tower Kiddie Pool Wet Deck; Only wet deck is closed, pool will remain open 1/13/14 - 2/7/14

▪ Monorail; Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available. 1/21/14 - 3/21/14

source: disneyworld.com

Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa

▪ Victoria & Albert's 1/19/14 - 1/29/14

▪ Guest rooms and buildings throughout Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa will be refurbished starting in early January and scheduled to complete in August. Guest buildings will be taken out of inventory and will not be occupied by Guests while work is being performed.

▪ Monorail; Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available. 1/21/14 - 3/21/14

source: disneyworld.com


Disney's Old Key West

▪ Goods to Go 1/20/14 - 1/30/14

▪ Gurgling Suitcase 2/5/14 - 2/28/14






Disney’s Polynesian Resort

source: disneyworld.com
 ▪ Volcano Pool Slide 1/13/14 - 1/31/14

▪ The Never Land Club 1/24/14 - 4/11/14

▪ Beach & Sunset Point; Access to the east portion of the beach, near the Transportation and Ticket Center, and Sunset Point will be unavailable due to a scheduled refurbishment. However, all other amenities will not be affected. Some rooms in certain room categories in impacted buildings have been taken off the market during the renovation period.

▪ Monorail; Magic Kingdom Resort Restricted Service Monorail service will be temporarily suspended on weekdays between 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Buses and watercraft transportation will be available. 1/21/14 - 3/21/14


Disney's Port Orleans Resort French Quarter

▪ Doubloon Lagoon Pool; transportation will be provided for Guests to swim at Ol' Man Island Pool at Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside 01/13/14 - 02/28/14

Disney's Port Orleans Resort Riverside

▪ Magnolia Bend Bldgs. 80, 85 Pool Deck 1/20/14 - 1/21/14

source: disneyworld.com


Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort

▪ Congress Park Pool 01/22/14 - 01/23/14

Disney's Yacht & Beach Club Resorts

▪ Yacht Club Quiet Pool 1/21/14 - 2/7/14

▪ Beach Club Quiet Pool 2/3/14 - 2/4/14



source: disneyworld.com


Downtown Disney® Area 

▪ Cap'n Jack's Marina Closed

▪ Parking Lots H,I,J,K Closed

▪ Fuego closed

▪ Wetzels Pretzels closed 10/20/13

▪ Team Mickey Athletic Club 1/27/14 - 6/13/14

▪ House of Blues; Starting on November 14, The House of Blues at Downtown Disney West Side is expanding its patio, building a new stage and adding a barbecue smokehouse. The House of Blues ticket sales window has moved inside the House of Blues retail shop. The expansion is expected to be complete in mid-January 2014.  During this time, there will be no live entertainment on the Front Porch stage.
▪ No performances of "La Nouba" by Cirque du Soleil Jan. 12-20, 2014



***closures and refurbishments are subject to change at anytime***

***the owner/author of this blog, nor the agency they work for is not responsible for any changes to current closures/refurbishments; always check with your Authorized Disney Vacation Planner or with Walt Disney World directly for the latest closures/refurbishments ***