Category — p. News and Changes

ADDED DATES FOR DISNEY WORLD ROOM-RATE DISCOUNT

Walt Disney World currently has three general public discounts running, one for spring room rate discounts, covered here, one for room rate discounts later in the year, and one for free tickets for kids.

(See this this for more on these last two deals.)

These deals cover varying periods.

One of them–the room rate discount–now covers dates through April 16, 2011.

[Read more →]

Joel recently commented on Large Families at Walt Disney World as follows:    

“You don’t need to post this comment, but I’m wondering why you don’t at least mention some off-site alternatives for large families. We have 5 in our family and since we don’t have the budget for a deluxe on Disney we nearly always stay off-site.    

We usually are able to find a really nice 3-bedroom (or more) condo with kitchen and living room within a couple of miles of the front gate for under $600/week.    

I realize it’s not for everybody, but a lot of large families would probably enjoy the off-site option if guided to something good like a condo or pool house.    

Love your site, especially the “pick a week” application. Spot on!” [Read more →]

GETTING A WALT DISNEY WORLD DISCOUNT DURING THE CHRISTMAS/NEW YEAR’S PERIOD

The stretch of time around the Christmas and New Year’s holidays is by far the most expensive period to be at Walt Disney World.

Resort prices are higher than they are at any other period in the year, and these days are blocked out from Disney’s deals and discounts.

However, my friends at Destinations in Florida have let me know that they can get you a discount even during this period, of $50-$200, depending on your package. [Read more →]

(This page is one of a series explicating Walt Disney World lingo, abbreviations, and FAQ for first time family visitors to Walt Disney World.)

WHAT’S NEW AT DISNEY WORLD IN 2011?

Disney’s theme parks division is in the middle of a massive multi-billion dollar capital spend.

(The link is to a PDF.)

Unfortunately, not much of this spend will show up as new rides and attractions at Walt Disney World in 2011.

The bulk of what’s new in 2011 will be new Disney cruise ships and major new stuff at Disney California Adventure park at the Disneyland Resort.

What’s new at Disney World in 2011 will largely be the result of tweaks and rehabs.

2012 and later, however, will be a different story…although one whose unfolding plot is still a little hard to predict. [Read more →]

TRANSFER YOUR DISNEY WORLD RESERVATION AND SAVE $50-$500!!

My friends at Destinations in Florida have a special deal for their friends, including visitors to yourfirstvisit.net.

If you transfer your Walt Disney World reservation to them, they can save you, depending on your package, another $50-$500!

You can get these savings whether you’ve made your reservation with Disney online or over the phone, and even if you’ve already taken advantage of one of Disney’s current deals!

THIS OFFER IS ONLY GOOD THROUGH MONDAY NOVEMBER 22

This chance to save another $50-$500 on your already-booked Walt Disney World vacation is only good if you do it between today, November 15, and Monday November 22.

To transfer your reservation, e-mail Allison at allison@destinationsinflorida.com.

And thanks to Destinations in Florida for making this deal available to my visitors!

DEEPLY DISCOUNTED TICKETS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

Update April 2011: Disney’s Military Salute program will be renewed into September 2012. See this for more on the extension of the military salute.

Disney Military Sales sent me a press release last night (10/23/2010) with the following information:

“At Walt Disney World Resort – now through Sept. 28, 2011 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 $138 each, plus tax
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Parks Fun and More Option for $138 each, plus tax AND
• Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun and More Options for $165 each, plus tax”

The release continues with this scope and eligibility info:

• “Disney Military Promotional Tickets can be purchased by active and retired U.S. military personnel 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 Oct. 1, 2011 (certain block out dates apply).”

And it contains this how-to and contact advice:

• “For information regarding Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort, or to make room reservations at the Walt Disney World Resort, military personnel may call 407/939-7830 or participating U.S. military base ticket offices.
• Information is also available at www.disneyworld.com/military.”

Note that as I write this the hotel deal is up on the link, but the ticket deal still refers to the past one.  No doubt this will be updated shortly.

For much more detail, see this page on MilitaryDisneyTips.com.

LINKS FOR MILITARY FAMILIES AT WALT DISNEY WORLD

• Military Families at Walt Disney World
• Deals and Discounts
  • Military Discounts and Deals
  • Other Walt Disney World Discounts and Deals
• Shades of Green
  • Review of Shades of Green
  • Splitting Your Stay Between Shades of Green and Another Resort
  • Overflow Rates at Shades of Green
  • Shades of Green website
• Other Resources for Military Families
  • DisneyMilitarySales.com
  • Disneyworld.com/military
  • MilitaryDisneyTips.com