3 NEW Ways to Celebrate Christmas at Disney Springs
New offerings and returning favorites this year at Disney Springs
The holiday season is underway at Walt Disney World Resort with festive decorations in every corner. This is an ideal opportunity for guests to enjoy joyful activities with their loved ones, indulge in tasty seasonal treats, and make lasting memories together.
Here are 3 new holiday offerings that guests can experience this year:
Experience Holiday Magic at the World of Disney Windows
For the first time, the windows at the World of Disney store interact with guests' MagicBand+ to create enchanting holiday experiences for the whole family. Each window features festive themes along with unique animations and personalized elements activated by tapping a MagicBand+.
Guests can enjoy two storylines starring beloved characters that shouldn’t be missed this holiday season.
Don’t forget to explore all the windows, which may spark ideas for writing letters to Santa.
Visit Santa’s Marketplace
Guests can Santa’s Marketplace near Disney’s Pin Traders and share their Christmas list with Santa in person! Or if guests are looking to spread holiday cheer with a family Christmas card, the Disney PhotoPass team is ready to capture the perfect photo of the whole family.
When guests arrive at Disney Springs, they can join the virtual queue to visit Santa and enjoy holiday shopping while they wait.
Christmas Tree Stroll
One of my favorite things to do during the holiday season is to see all the different trees on the Disney Springs Christmas Tree Stroll. I'm excited that it has returned this year with some new additions!
My family and I stroll across Disney Springs to see the entire collection of beautifully decorated Christmas trees celebrating some Disney, Pixar, Star Wars, and superhero favorites.
This year be sure to look for those that offer interactions with MagicBand+ experiences
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Black Friday Sale on Star of the Seas 2026 - 2027 Itineraries from Orlando
Save BIG on the world’s largest cruise ship: Star of the Seas coming to Orlando this summer. Itineraries available for 2025, 2026, and 2027 sailings. Book early and save!
Star of the Seas is a stunning cruise ship that operates within the fleets of Royal Caribbean International. Designed for an exceptional travel experience, it features a wide array of amenities and entertainment options that cater to various guest preferences.
Star of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship ever built when it arrives in Orlando (Port Canaveral) this summer.
The Icon Class ship boasts a variety of dining experiences, ranging from casual eateries to formal dining rooms, offering diverse cuisines to satisfy any palate. Guests can enjoy a mix of international fare and specialty restaurants, providing choices for both quick bites and upscale meals.
Entertainment on board is vibrant and plentiful. Passengers can watch live performances, including Broadway-style shows and musical acts, along with outdoor movie screenings. The ship also features a state-of-the-art theater, providing a platform for talented performers.
For those looking to stay active, Star of the Seas offers numerous recreational facilities, including multiple pools, a water park, and a rock-climbing wall. Fitness enthusiasts can utilize the well-equipped gym or participate in group fitness classes.
Families will find plenty of activities designed for children and teens, including youth clubs and age-appropriate organized outings. The ship aims to create an enjoyable experience for guests of all ages.
Star of the Seas also emphasizes relaxation with its luxurious spa and wellness center, where guests can indulge in personalized treatments and therapies.
Overall, Star of the Seas promises an unforgettable voyage with something for everyone, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and entertainment on the high seas.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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McKim’s Mile House Coming to Magic Kingdom Park | Walt Disney World
See the new lounge coming to Magic Kingdom this summer.
Disney shared concept art for McKim’s Mile House, the new lounge that replaced the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade. The “McKim” name is a nod to the late Disney Legend Sam McKim, a Western-film-star-turned-Disney Imagineer whose visionary artwork helped shape some of Disney’s most iconic places in Frontierland and beyond.
McKim’s Mile House will be located on the former site of the Frontierland Shootin’ Arcade.
The new lounge will be exclusively for Disney Vacation Club members and their guests. This will be the third DVC lounge at Walt Disney World, along with lounges at Epcot and Disney Springs. (see the Disney Springs Lounge here).
The Magic Kingdom DVC lounge will open by the summer of 2025.
Highlights of McKim’s Mile House, A DVC Lounge
Make yourself at home in the Member Lounge that features:
Comfortable seating
Complimentary soft drinks
A children's entertainment area
Wi-Fi
Charging cords are available upon request on a first-come, first-served basis
When & Where
Hours of Operation: To be announced
Location: Frontierland in Magic Kingdom park
Mickey wants you to know:
Valid Membership Card and photo ID required at check-in. The name on the Membership Card must match the name on the photo ID.
A Member can bring in up to 4 Guests per Membership Card, or the number of Guests on their Resort reservation, booked within their Membership.
Guests and Associates must be accompanied by a Member with a valid Membership Card and photo ID.
No automatic reentry allowed. Members and their Guests who leave the space must follow the same entry policy.
Strollers must be parked at the attraction stroller parking outside.
Children may not be left unattended in the Member Lounge.
Members should remain with their Guests.
Personal devices should not be left unattended.
Personal cups may not be used with the Coke Freestyle machines.
Theme park admission is required for entry to Magic Kingdom park and is not included.
Access to the Member Lounge is part of Membership Extras.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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These Universal Orlando Attractions Will be Temporarily Closed This Winter
Winter 2024 Ride and attraction closures announced for Universal Orlando Resort
Universal Orlando often schedules attraction and ride maintenance during the off-season, especially on water rides when the weather is too chilly to operate them. The most notable on the list is, Hogwarts Express Train because this is a major attraction.
Keep in mind that during the fall and winter seasons, Volcano Bay is closed on select dates. The UOR park calendars have been updated through December.
Me-Ship, The Olive: closed October 21st - December 4th
Dudley Do-Right's Ripsaw Falls: closed November 7th - December 19thMEN IN BLACK Alien Attack™: closed November 8th - December 15th
Volcano Bay's Raki of Taniwha Tubes & Tonga of Taniwha Tubes: closed November 13th - November 22nd
Volcano Bay's Honu of the Honu ika Moana & ika Moana of the Honu ika Moana: closed December 2nd - December 12th
Jurassic Park River Adventure: closed January 6th - January 23rd, 2025
Popeye & Bluto’s Bilge-Rat Barges: closed January 24th - March 15th, 2025
Hogwarts Express: closed January 28th - February 1st, 2025
Pteranodon Flyers: closed, dates TBA
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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How Universal Orlando Resort Spends the Holidays 2024
Holiday happenings you don’t want to miss at Universal Orlando resort
Beginning November 22, 2024 through December 31, 2024, Holidays at Universal Orlando Resort are merry and bright, naughty and nice.
Take in the spectacle of Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Witness a stunning seasonal celebration when Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s takes to the streets.
And get a little naughty as they laugh along with The Grinch™ as Seuss Landing is all spruced up for the holidays.
There’s festive fun around every corner with holiday-themed entertainment, exclusive limited-time holidays food and drink offering, and New Year's celebrations at both parks.
Plus, there are even more festivities at Universal Orlando Resort's spectacular hotels!
Rejoicify for “Wicked,” in theaters November 22, 2024, with an all-new, magically immersive experience opening November 16th in Universal Studios Florida. It’s time to fly with enchanting film costume and prop replicas, Elphaba and Glinda-themed photo ops, and bewitching merch. Plus, you will be able to try some popular food and drinks at Universal Studios Florida and Universal CityWalk. Glinda and Elphaba will make “surprise and delight” and unscheduled appearances for guests at Wicked: The Experience during the movie’s opening. However, a permanent meet-and-greet experience is not planned at this time.
Staying at Universal Orlando for Thanksgiving? All of the on-site hotels will be offering Thanksgiving feasts on November 28th! Reservations can be made through Resy.
On December 31st, both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure will be open through 1:00am for your guests to ring in the New Year!
Rock the Universe 2025 will take place on January 24th & 25th.
Beginning February 1st through March 30th, 2025, celebrate Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval! You’ll enjoy a spectacular parade, beads by the handful, live music, and more. You can now reserve a spot on a parade float and enjoy a meal at select Universal Orlando restaurants with the Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience. Spots are limited!
Contact me now to book your Universal Orlando holiday vacation for 2024 or even 2025.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Universal Orlando Mardi Gras Package 2025
Experience the Ultimate Party Feb 1 - Mar 30, 2025 at Universal Orlando Resort this spring.
Universal Mardi Gras: International Flavors of Carnaval
Feb. 1 – Mar. 30, 2025
Universal Orlando Mardi Gras is an annual celebration held at Universal Studios Florida, running from February through early April. This event combines vibrant parades, live concerts, and a variety of delicious food options, all inspired by the festive spirit of New Orleans.
The highlight of the Mardi Gras festivities is the night parade, featuring elaborate floats, costumed performers, and the traditional throwing of beads to guests. Various themed floats are included, often representing different aspects of New Orleans culture and more.
In addition to the parade, Universal Orlando hosts a lineup of musical performances featuring a mix of both well-known artists and emerging talent. Concerts take place on select nights throughout the event, covering genres that appeal to a wide audience.
Food is another significant element of Mardi Gras at Universal. Guests can enjoy a menu that includes classic New Orleans dishes such as gumbo, jambalaya, beignets, and more, often available at food booths located throughout the park.
Overall, Universal Orlando Mardi Gras provides a festive atmosphere that celebrates the culture, cuisine, and music of New Orleans, making it a popular seasonal event for park visitors.
And now you can pre-book special experiences when you book your Universal Orlando Resort Vacation Package.
There’s nothing quite like savoring mouthwatering food, including authentic Cajun specialties and flavors from around the world available for purchase.
Best of all, the Mardi Gras festivities are included with my theme park admission or Annual Pass, so I usually try to make it over there once a week.
Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Package
One (1) 3-course meal at a select full-service restaurant located at Universal Studios Florida or Universal CityWalk. 3-course meal includes one (1) appetizer, one (1) entrée, one (1) dessert, and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage per person from the full menu.
Access to one (1) Mardi Gras Parade Float Rider reservation on the same day as 3-course meal**. Guests will receive Mardi Gras Parade Float Rider credentials at the restaurant after their meal. The credential will specify the parade check-in information, including location and time.
Location:
Dinner: Choose from full-service restaurants at Universal Studios Florida, Islands of Adventure, and Universal CityWalk.
Restaurant Options:
The Cowfish Sushi Burger Bar
NBC Sports Grill & Brew
Finnegan’s Bar & Grill
Lombard’s Seafood Grille
Confisco Grille (2-Park ticket required)
Antojitos Authentic Mexican Food (Dinner only)
Bob Marley-A Tribute to Freedom ℠ (Dinner only)
Pat O'Brien's (Dinner only)
Float Riding: Universal Studios Florida (Check-in at Animal Actors On Location!)
Prices, dates, times, experience details, and benefits are subject to availability, change, and/or cancellation without notice.
Mardi Gras Parade Float Riders must be 18 years or older or accompanied by a legal guardian aged 18 or older. All riders must have a minimum height of 48 inches, be able to board the floats, and be able to stand throughout the parade.
^Price does not include admission to Universal Studios Florida theme park. A separate theme park admission is required and must be for the same date as the parade and three-course meal.
Prices for Mardi Gras Parade Float Riders 2025
You’ll save money by booking the float riding experience during the week (Monday - Thursday) at $95.84. If you want to ride a float on Friday through Sunday, the price is $106.49. Prices are tax-inclusive.
The Mardi Gras Float Ride and Dine Experience ticket entitles one (1) guest to one (1) 3-course meal at a participating restaurant, and one (1) Mardi Gras parade float rider reservation at Universal Studios Florida on the same day. The 3-course meal consists of one (1) appetizer, one (1) entrée, one (1) dessert, and one (1) non-alcoholic beverage. Menu varies by location. To ride a parade float, Guests must be 18 or older, or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian age 18 or older. All riders must be at least 48” in height, able to board the floats, and able to stand for the duration of the parade. Riders who are sensitive to motion are not recommended to ride. Riders with a disability may request an accommodation by calling 407-224-7840; spots are limited. Guests are required to sign the Parade Float Rider Waiver upon check-in, and wear “The Krewe” costume to participate. Universal Orlando will try to keep all parties together, but larger groups may need to be split into different dining parties and floats. Please arrive 45 minutes prior to parade start time. Parade times subject to change without notice. Valid Government Issued Photo Identification will be required to confirm Party Name and must be presented at restaurant upon arrival. Theme Park admission is not included.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney Selects Godparents for the Disney Treasure
What a great way to honor those who work for the Walt Disney Company!
Disney Cruise Line (DCL) announced the new “godparents” for its new ship, Disney Treasure…the entire Walt Disney Company cast, crew, Imagineers, and employees around the world!
Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse greet the Disney Treasure in Port Canaveral, Florida
Disney said it selected its employees as a heartfelt tribute to the more than 200,000 dreamers and doers who make every Disney entertainment, vacation and at-home experience possible. DCL will celebrate the magic makers from across the globe who have created meaningful, lifelong Disney memories for generations of families at a special ceremony at the West Side piers in New York City on Nov. 19.
“At the core of everything we do at Disney are the dedicated Cast Members and employees who create the magic that brings joy to millions of people around the globe,” said Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company. “That’s why we are proud to honor all Disney employees as the godparents of the Disney Treasure. This is our way of paying tribute to the dreamers and doers who continue to tell our stories in the most compelling and innovative ways.”
Fulfilling a longstanding maritime tradition, the time-honored role of a ship godparent symbolically bestows good fortune on the vessel and its travelers with a special blessing during the ship’s Christening ceremony.
In 2022, DCL reimagined the tradition by naming all Make-A-Wish children—including past, present and future recipients—as godchildren of the Disney Wish, sister ship to the Disney Treasure.
Inspired by the theme of adventure, Disney Treasure will feature both new and signature DCL experiences steeped in captivating Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars and Disney Parks stories. These include an original Broadway-style retelling of “Moana”; immersive dining experiences inspired by Pixar’s “Coco” and Marvel Super Heroes; a splashtacular Mickey Mouse-themed water attraction; signature fireworks at sea; imaginative clubs for kids of all ages; and new lounges inspired by the beloved Jungle Cruise, Haunted Mansion and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea” Disney Parks attractions.
Disney Treasure is part of a multi-year expansion of the DCL fleet, which currently includes six ships and seven more ships on order or being built by 2031. The period of growth strengthens DCL’s role as an ambassador of Disney storytelling, bringing beloved entertainment and characters to families across the globe.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney Treasure Arrives in Port Canaveral
Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship, the Disney Treasure, has arrived in Port Canaveral, Florida. Where she will sail, and when in my article…
Disney Cruise Line’s new ship, Disney Treasure, docked in its home port of Port Canaveral yesterday morning for the very first time. Following its initial visit to Florida, the ship will sail to New York City for a special christening celebration in the evening of Nov. 19, which will be streamed live on the Disney Parks Blog.
The Disney Treasure, themed to adventure and inspired by Walt Disney’s love of exploration, will immerse families in captivating stories from beloved Disney, Marvel, Pixar, Star Wars and—for the first time onboard Disney Cruise Line—Disney Parks adventures.
Spaces on board the Disney Treasure will invite guests to venture to the imaginary town square of Santa Cecilia in the world’s first theatrical dining experience themed to the Disney and Pixar film, “Coco;” indulge in themed cocktails at venues inspired by the iconic Disney Parks attractions, the Haunted Mansion, Jungle Cruise and “20,000 Leagues Under the Sea;” hop into a sweet shop reminiscent of Disney’s “Zootopia;” and embark on a tale across land and sea during the Broadway-style production, “Disney The Tale of Moana.”
Disney Treasure will embark on its maiden voyage, a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise, out of Port Canaveral on Dec. 21, followed by an inaugural season of seven-night itineraries to the Eastern and Western Caribbean from Port Canaveral.
To learn more about DCL or to book a vacation, contact me now.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney Treasure Rescues People from Sinking Boat
Disney Treasure crew saves 4 people from sinking boat, 80 miles away
Disney Cruise Line’s newest cruise ship, Disney Treasure, rescued four people from a sinking boat near Bermuda.
On Sunday around 8:30 a.m., the U.S. Coast Guard said they received a call from a 50-foot catamaran, the Serenity, located 265 miles off the coast of Bermuda.
According to reports, the boat had become disabled due to a gasket failure in the escape hatch before taking on water.
The boat requested assistance, and the Coast Guard issued a broadcast.
The brand new Disney Treasure was on its first transatlantic sailing from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its new home in Port Canaveral, Florida, when crew members received the call.
The Disney Treasure was the closest ship to the distress call, which was 80 miles away.
#disneycruiseline #disneytreasure
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Royal Caribbean Extends Black Friday Sale 2024
Royal Caribbean has extended its Black Friday Preview sale on Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas and more.
Royal Caribbean has extended it’s 2024 Black Friday cruise sale for Wonder of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas out of Port Canaveral. Plunge into adventure on the world's boldest cruise ships. Take on thrills like the largest waterpark at sea. Opt for nonstop pool hops on the splashiest decks ever. And go culinary course charting with a different cuisine every single night. All at a deal that takes the value to the max. Start planning with me now and get more out if your cruise.
See all my cruise deals from Port Canaveral, Florida here.
BLACK FRIDAY PREVIEW SAVINGS
Score up to $750 in instant savings on itineraries departing on or after November 9, 2024.
BRING THE WHOLE CREW
Get 60% off your second guest.
KIDS SAIL FREE*
Little adventurers sail free of charge.
AIRFARE LOVE
Get up to $500 USD towards airfare on 2025 Europe and Alaska itineraries.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Secret Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Lounge at Disney Springs
I finally found the Disney Vacation Club (DVC) Lounge at Disney World. Where to find it and how to inside.
Did you know if you’re a Disney Vacation Club member or a prospective member, you can visit this secret lounge in Disney Springs? In this post you see where to find the lounge and how to go inside.
Inside there’s comfortable seating, complimentary soft drinks, coffee, snacks and more. There’s also a mockup of a 2 Bedroom Villa at Disney’s Riviera Resort
The DVC lounge at Disney Springs is located right behind Anthropology. You will need to be escorted up to the lounge by a Disney Vacation Club Cast Member.
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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These are the Best Royal Caribbean Cruise offers of the year (2024)
Royal Caribbean’s Early Black Friday sale is happening now for most major cruise itineraries. If you’re a cruiser, this is the offer you wait for all year.
Royal Caribbean's early Black Friday sale for 2024 is officially underway, offering me a variety of exciting deals on cruise vacations that I cannot ignore. I find that they provide enticing discounts on select sailings, up to $750 off most cruises, along with special perks such as generous onboard credits kids sail FREE, and 60% off your second guest.
The offer strategically targets a wide range of destinations, making it appealing for different types of travelers with diverse interests and preferences.
I truly appreciate how the promotion encourages booking early, as it allows me to secure my preferred dates and itineraries at a fantastic value, ensuring a memorable vacation experience.
Royal Caribbean Early Black Friday Sale 2024
Royal Caribbean BOGO60
Booking Window: November 8 - December 9, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024
Offer Details: Buy One Guest, Get Second Guest 60% Off & 30% Off on 3/4 Guest
Royal Caribbean Kids Sail Free
Booking Window: November 8 - December 9, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024
Offer Details: Guest 12 and under sail free on sailings 3 nights or longer*
Black Friday Preview Sale
Black Friday Preview Sale
Booking Window: November 8 – 11, 2024
Sailing Window: Sailings departing on or after November 9, 2024
Offer details: Up to $750 Instant Savings
*Kids Sale Free Offer excludes:Thanksgiving Sailings (Departing between November 22, 2024 – November 29, 2024); (Departing between November 20 - November 28, 2025), Holiday Sailings (Departing December 20, 2024 – January 3, 2025); (Departing between December 18, 2025 – January 1, 2026), Spring Break Sailings (Departing between March 7, 2025 – March 28, 2025); (Departing between March 6, 2026 – April 9, 2026), Holy Week/Easter sailings (Departing between April 12, 2025 – April 24, 2025), Radiance Alaska Cruise Tour Sailings (Departing May 16, 2025 – September 12, 2025); Summer sailings (Departing between May 22, 2025 – August 29, 2025); Anthem of the Seas sailings (Departing November 21 – December 28, 2024); Chinese New Year sailing on Anthem of the Seas (Departing January 27, 2025) except for Alaska Summer Sailings (Departing May 23 – August 29, 2025)
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Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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7 Disney World Attractions Closing in 2025
Disney is preparing for major refurbishments and new ideas, but some attractions will need to close.
Disney World announced multiple, significant projects that will cause some areas of the theme parks to close, and some will even close forever. My name is Darren from OrlandoParksGuy.com, and I’m sharing my list of 7 must-see Disney World attractions before they close. And stay tuned to the end, because I’ll share some new experiences coming in 2025 that you won’t want to miss.
Planning a Disney Vacation in 2025? Watch my video:
7
TriceraTop Spin is a fun, family-friendly attraction in Disney's Animal Kingdom Park, specifically in the DinoLand U.S.A. area. The ride features colorful, spinning dinosaur-themed vehicles that resemble Triceratops. Guests can control the height of their ride by raising or lowering the dinosaur's head, adding a bit of interactivity to the experience.
The attraction is designed for younger guests, making it a great choice for families. As you spin around, you'll enjoy views of DinoLand and experience a playful atmosphere filled with dino-themed decor. Triceratop Spin is sometimes criticized for being an off-the-shelf ride, and a little unremarkable for a Disney Park. But kids think fun.
Now that i’ve told you how good it is, I need to also tell you that the last day to ride Triceratop Spin will be January 12, 2025, as Disney begins a phased closure of DinoLand USA. DinoLand will be transformed into a Tropical Americas-themed land featuring attractions based on Encanto and Indiana Jones. I am a huge fan of Indiana Jones, so I’m ready to say goodbye to DinoLand. DinoLand to me
6
Just like Triceratop Spin, much of the DinoRama Area of DinoLand USA will start to close beginning January 13th. If you‘ve been to DinoLand USA, you will remember the carnival-style games - here they are called Fossil Fun Games, which never really impressed me. I get that this is supposed to be a cheap roadside carnival - but it comes across as a cheap, roadside carnival built by Disney.
To me, DinoLand never really matched the beauty and authenticity of the rest of Animal Kingdom Park. The idea of a roadside carnival is funny, but I think most guests didn’t get that - it looked more like Disney ran out of money over here and never finished the park.
But that’s all going to change soon. Oh, and Chester & Hester’s Dinosaur Treasures will also close. I actually like this gift shop, so I’m a little sorry to see it go. It’s out of the way so it’s never crowded and they have merch that can’t be found in other areas of the park. Your last day to shop here is January 12, 2025.
5
In my video on Disney’s Darkest Rides, you know that I am terrified of bugs. So I won’t miss it’s tough to be a bug at Animal Kingdom. To me, it’s one of the most frightening rides at Disney World and I actually do not care for it. I mean Spiders drop from the ceiling, you’re blasted with bug spray, and your seat comes alive as insects make their way across the theater. That being said, it really is a clever attraction with an amazing queue, offering up-close views of the Tree of Life and even some hilarious moments like the Broadway show posters in the lobby. Beauty and Bees - that’s funny!
While we don’t have a closing date for It’s Tough to be a Bug, Insiders tell me that it will likely close in the fall of 2025. The Tree of Life Theater will reopen with a Zootopia-themed show likely around the same time as Zooptopia 2 hits theaters. But without any official news from Disney on a closing date, I would see it’s tough to be a bug one last time, sooner rather than later.
Do you want more travel planning tips for Disney World, Universal Orlando Disney Cruise Line, and Royal Caribbean? Then I think you need to subscribe to my channel right now. Go ahead, i’ll wait.
4
There’s one more Animal Kingdom closure: DINOSAUR. While Disney hasn’t shared an official closing date, we do know that it will not be part of the initial closures coming to DinoLand USA. So while Triceratops Spin and DinoRama close, DINOSAUR will remain open - at least for now.
Indiana Jones will replace DINOSAUR which makes sense beause. Disneyland Resort in California and Tokyo Disneyland have copies of the DINOSAUR ride track but with an Indiana Jones overlay instead. However, insiders tell me that when DINOSAUR is replaced with Indiana Jones, it will not be a copy of any previous version of the ride.
In this new attraction, Indiana Jones stumbles upon a Maya temple, and of course, he takes us inside to do some exploring. Apparently, there may be some kind of creature hidden deep inside, and probably snakes too.
Disney has shared that Tropical Americas will open sometime in 2027. If I had to guess, based on other attraction rethemes like Maelstrom and Tiana, I think DINOSAUR will probably close for good in the spring or summer of 2025
3
Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in Magic Kingdom won’t be closing permanently but it will do down for a lengthy refurbishment starting January 6, 2025 and lasting through 2026. This is going to be a long time! Insiders say that the closure will solve two problems. The first is that Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is long overdue for a major refurbishment, likely to include new ride vehicles, track and scenery. Disney has said that when Big Thunder reopens in 2026, it will also have new special effects. Big Thunder at Disneyland underwent major refurbishment and it really came out smooth, less jerky and it felt much faster.
The other reason Big Thunder is likely closing is to allow for construction to begin on the new Cars land and Villians land.
And that brings me to…
2
The Walt Disney World Railroad closed for 4 years during the construction of Tron Light Cycle Run at Magic Kingdom and it appears the trains will need to stop once again. Disney hasn’t announced any closures for the railroad but in construction permits filed, it appears the railroad tracks will pass through a staging area that will be used for the construction of Cars Land and Vilians Land.
While Disney hasn’t said to much about the exact location of Cars and Vilians Lands, concept art suggests that the railroad tracks would have to be rerouted.
It’s my guess that the railroad will close at some point in 2025 so I would ride it while you can just in case.
1
Disney confirmed that the new Cars Land will be built on top of Tom Sawyer Island and Rivers of America. Details are still vague on Vilians Land but according to concept art, it appears that it will incorporate at least some of Rivers of America and Tom Sawyer Island with Cars Land taking the rest. I have to say that if it’s anything like Cars Land at the Disneyland Resort in California, I think that will be a huge improvement. The scenery surrounding Cars Land is one of the most beautiful works of art in any Disney theme park, especially at night.
Disney has not confirmed a closing date for Tom Sawyer Island or the Liberty Bell Riverboat, but I would be very surprised if these attractions make it through 2025. And when they do close, it will be a permanent
So now is the time to take the raft over to Tom Sawer, explore the tunnels and windmill, and make your way out to Fort Langhorn. And you should ride the Liberty Bell Riverboat and check out the Rivers of America one last time. I expect a closing date will be announced soon.
Now at the top of the article, I mentioned that there are a few new attractions to look forward to in 2025.
A few that I am most looking forward to are the Pirates of the Caribbean theme lounge, remember it wasn’t that long ago that alcohol wasn’t allowed at Magic Kingdom, so this will be a big change. Plus a new lounge is coming to Spaceship Earth that will have amazing views of Epcot.
Speaking of Epcot, the new Test Track should come out of refurbishment with a new theme - one that pays tribute to the original World of Motion attraction. Meliiuimun Falcon Smugglers Run at Disney’s Hollywood Studios will get a brand new Mandolorian adventure.
A new nighttime parade called Disney Starlight will waltz down Main Street at Magic Kingdom, expected to open in the summer of 2025. Disney hinted that this new parade is inspired by the Main Street Electrical Parade and will feature Disney characters from “Peter Pan,” “Encanto,” “Frozen,” and more.
Which attraction are you going to miss the most? Which rides do you think need a major refurbishment or need to be replaced? I have one major ride that comes to mind. See it in the comments, I’ll be following along.
Earlier I mentioned Cars Land at Disney’s California Adventure Park in California and, I recently made a video on why fans of Disney World will love exploring Disneyland in California. Is Disneyland better than Magic Kingdom? They have Mr Toads wild ride, just sayin. Come see that video now - I’ll see you there.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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These New Events Make EPCOT Extra Christmasy
A giant, gingerbread Spaceship Earth is only the beginning.
A lot of people think of Magic Kingdom as the Christmas Park at Walt Disney World, but it’s really Epcot! Other than Main Street USA, Magic Kingdom doesn’t have too many things going on, other than Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party of course.
But here are some brand new reasons I recommend visiting Epcot this holiday season. I just found out about these so I don’t have photos yet. I’ll post as soon as I can.
8 foot tall Ginger Bread Spaceship Earth
The innovative talents of the EPCOT Festival Team, in collaboration with Walt Disney Imagineering and the skilled EPCOT Pastry team, have come together to produce an impressive 8-foot-tall gingerbread display inspired by Spaceship Earth. This geodesic sphere, constructed from hundreds of handcrafted gingerbread triangles, will be showcased within CommuniCore Hall for all festival attendees to admire. Additionally, akin to its park icon original, this gingerbread rendition will illuminate and perform to music at intervals throughout the day.
Communicore Hall Will Host Artificial Christmas Trees
I wrote that headline to be a little sarcastic, I’m not a fan of the new Communicore Hall building as some of you know. We were promised that this would be the hub of all festivals at EPCOT. Instead, we got a high school cafeteria (that took 5 years to build).
But I must admit a hall of artificial Christmas trees does sound a little intriguing, as long as it’s not a showroom of trees - because this is going to be sponsored by Balsam Hill.
My fingers are crossed that Disney will use it’s imagination here, and I think it will. It’s a step in the right direction anyway.
The cafeteria kitchens will be cranking out gingerbread Spaceship Earth triangles - just like the ones used on the 8ft. tall gingerbread copy of Spaceship Earth.
I’m actually looking forward to both!
The Communicore Hall kitchens will also be serving what Disney describes as, “best-loved dishes from previous years with Favorites of Festivals Past.”
Sounds good but I have no idea what that means.
JOYFUL! A Celebration of the Season
This band’s performances aren’t new at Epcot during Christmas, but they will move to a new location: Communicore Plaza. While they perform, little ones will be able to decorate snowflakes.
Seasonal Scents
Along the walkway between the Imagination! pavilion and World Showcase, guests can stop by to see an all-new seasonal display, open to all guests throughout the festival.
Festive Fragrances presented by Scentsy is a gift for the senses – guests can stroll through a snow globe garden with seasonal aromas! Guests who visit CommuniCore Hall can purchase some of their favorite holiday fragrances, reliving the festival experience long after their vacation.
And there it is – all new experiences to look forward to during the EPCOT International Festival of the Holidays, November 29-December 30!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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First Look at Epic Universe Monster Animatronics
Get your first glimpse at the stunningly lifelike animated figures in Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment attraction coming to Universal Epic Universe.
Universal Orlando Resort is sharing a first glimpse at some of the Universal monsters that will come to life like never before in the all-new “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” attraction at Dark Universe, one of the five immersive worlds coming to Universal Epic Universe in 2025.
The groundbreaking ride will feature 14 of the most ambitious and life-like animated figures ever created, each one depicting one of the legendary monsters that will prey upon guests in what promises to be Universal Orlando’s most terrifying attraction yet (see video above).
“Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will take guests deep into the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, where Dr. Victoria Frankenstein—the great-great-granddaughter of the infamous Henry Frankenstein—conducts her twisted and misguided experiments. In a vain display of her genius, she invites guests to witness a demonstration of her ability to control monsters, but her plans go awry when a horde of enraged monsters are unleashed. Guests then embark on a terrifying ride through the darkness as they try to evade Dracula, The Wolf Man, The Creature from the Black Lagoon and more.
With some of the most visceral, powerful and fast-moving animated figures ever created, here’s a first look at a few of the terrifying, technologically advanced monsters that are wreaking havoc in “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment:”
Frankenstein’s Monster: Created by science and feared by most, Frankenstein’s Monster walks tall at nine feet and weighs over 800 pounds. Guests will first encounter this figure within the queue of the attraction—where he will actually walk within Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s lab during the preshow.
Dracula: No creature of the night strikes terror into the hearts of mortals like the iconic vampire Dracula. And to Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s dismay, he is the most dangerous of monsters she’s trying to control. Guests will encounter Dracula at various moments throughout the attraction, as he’s behind the horde of enraged monsters terrorizing the Manor.
The Wolf Man: Among the monsters unleashed within the attraction is the fearsome Wolf Man. As guests try to escape the catacombs of Frankenstein Manor, they’ll come within inches of his razor-sharp teeth and jagged claws.
The Creature from the Black Lagoon: Guests will also witness the amphibious “Gill-man” emerge from the inky depths of the Black Lagoon, ready to terrorize guests alongside his fellow monsters.
Guests not yet ready to brave “Monsters Unchained: The Frankenstein Experiment” will still have the opportunity to meet, greet and take photos with legendary Monsters and characters as they explore Dark Universe, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s Monster and the alluring Bride of Frankenstein. They will also encounter other unusual inhabitants roaming the eerie village, including Dr. Victoria Frankenstein’s assistant Ygor, The Invisible Man, an eccentric monster hunter, and a talented musician who regales guests with songs and tales.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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7 Must-See Christmas Events at Universal Orlando 2024
Universal Orlando goes all out for Christmas. Here are my Top 7 favorite things to do.
Universal Orlando Resort is inviting you to unwrap a season of thrills, fun, and excitement for the whole family with its destination-wide Holidays celebration, beginning Friday, Nov. 22, and running daily through Tuesday, Dec. 31. This will be the last Christmas with only 3 theme parks as Epic Universe opens this summer!
You’ll enjoy a slate of festive experiences inspired by beloved characters and stories—from reveling in the “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle” in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter-Hogsmeade to meeting everyone’s favorite mean, green grouch, the Grinch, during Grinchmas, to watching larger-than-life floats and balloons during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s.
I’m actually not a fan of parades in general, but I have to say this is well done. I look forward to it every year.
You can also can take your holiday festivities at Universal Orlando to the next level with a stay at one of Universal’s hotels—all of which will be decked out in holiday décor and feature seasonal experiences—or by purchasing add-on, in-park experiences like The Universal Holiday Tour and the Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast.
See below for an overview of all the excitement and merriment taking over Universal Orlando Resort this holiday season:
#7 Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter:
With festively themed décor, garland and twinkling lights adorning the streets of Diagon Alley and Hogsmeade, guests will be surrounded by holiday magic as they explore The Wizarding World of Harry Potter this holiday season in both Universal Studios Florida and Universal Islands of Adventure. Guests can grab a Hot Butterbeer and enjoy special holiday-themed performances by The Frog Choir, comprised of Hogwarts students and their giant frogs, in Hogsmeade, or dance along with the hit-sensation Celestina Warbeck and the Banshees in Diagon Alley.
And as night falls in Hogsmeade, the nighttime spectacle, “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle,” returns—bringing to life an awe-inspiring projection show on Hogwarts castle highlighting Christmas moments and holiday cheer inspired by the cherished characters and stories from the “Harry Potter” films.
#6 Grinchmas at Universal Islands of Adventure
Guests can enjoy a live retelling of the Dr. Seuss holiday classic, “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” in the beloved stage show, “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular.” Plus, Seuss Landing will transport guests directly to Who-ville, where they’ll be surrounded by whimsical holiday décor and enjoy special appearances from the Whos and even get a chance for a photo opportunity with the mean-one himself – the Grinch!
#5 Universal's Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s at Universal Studios Florida
Beloved pop culture-inspired stories and characters from Illumination’s Despicable Me, DreamWorks Animation’s Shrek and Madagascar—along with cherished holiday traditions—come to life as larger-than-life balloons and colorful holiday floats during Universal’s Holiday Parade featuring Macy’s. And capping off the picturesque parade is a special appearance by Santa Claus and the magnificent lighting of a grand 80-foot Christmas tree in Universal Studios Florida.
The holiday festivities also don’t stop there. Guests will also be able to enjoy themed food and beverage, shop seasonal merchandise from an all-new Holiday Tribute Store, enjoy meet and greets with their favorite characters who are also in the holiday spirit. These include the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel and an all-new Holiday Nutcracker Hunt that will take them on a scavenger hunt across Universal Studios Florida, Universal Islands of Adventure and Universal CityWalk.
#4 Universal Orlando Holiday Tour
Available for an additional cost, this tour takes guests on a guided journey through popular holiday experiences across the destination, including an exclusive meet and greet with the Grinch and his faithful dog Max; Small plates, delectable desserts and non-alcoholic beverages in Universal Studios Florida; reserved seating at the “Grinchmas Who-liday Spectacular” in Universal Islands of Adventure; an exclusive meet and greet photo opportunity with Santa Claus in Universal Studios Florida; an after-hours showing of “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts Castle”; and priority access to Universal Studios Florida’s newest attraction, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast (subject to change and based on availability).
The Universal Holiday Tour is available on select dates beginning Nov. 25 through Dec. 29, 2024, and can be booked by through your Unviersal Orlando travel agent.
Pricing for the Universal Holiday Tour starts at $85.19 per person (tax inclusive) and separate theme park admission with a 1-Day 2-Park Park-to-Park ticket is required.
#3 The Grinch & Friends Character Breakfast at Universal Islands of Adventure
Available for an additional cost, this breakfast gives guests the chance to start their day alongside the Grinch and other favorite characters from Seuss Landing while dining on delicious breakfast items like Green Eggs and Ham and Cindy-Lou Who’s Belgian Waffles.
The Grinch breakfast takes place in Circus McGurkus Café Stoo-pendous in Universal Islands of Adventure on select dates beginning Nov. 22 through Dec. 30 for $62.82 (tax inclusive) per adult and $35.13 (tax inclusive) per child (ages 3-9). I can get this booked for you if you have a Universal Orlando package booked with me.
#2 Holiday Celebrations at Universal Orlando’s Hotels
Guests can enjoy additional holiday festivities at all eight Universal Orlando Resort hotels, each of which will be decked out with festive décor for the season. Special menus will be offered for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s and guests can join in on holiday celebrations, including Christmas tree lightings, Hannukah menorah lighting ceremonies, strolling carolers and more.
#1 Universal CityWalk Holiday Celebrations
Universal CityWalk is also getting into the holiday spirit with specialty entertainment and menu offerings at select venues, including: The Green & Red Coconut Club at Red Coconut Club, where guests can enjoy live entertainment and themed holiday cocktails; a festive meet and greet with the fan-favorite Earl the Squirrel during select dates from Nov. 29-Dec. 28 at CityWalk Plaza; assorted seasonal food and beverage at Bigfire and VIVO Italian Kitchen, and a seasonal milkshake at The Toothsome Chocolate Emporium and Savory Feast Kitchen;
Access to the in-park festivities of Universal Orlando’s Holidays celebration is included with regular admission to the theme parks. Guests can plan their visit with a variety of offers from Universal Orlando, including the all-new Dining Card Vacation Package, which includes theme park admission, hotel accommodations and a food and beverage dining card worth up to $1,000 to use at select restaurants and dining locations throughout the resort.
For more information about the new Dining Card Vacation Package and to purchase, click HERE.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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UNIVERSAL Parks Brings HORROR to Las Vegas
Universal’s Halloween Horror Nights will be a new, permanent experience in Las Vegas
I love Las Vegas, almost as much as Orlando. I mean, my wife and I were married in Vegas (no, not by Elvis… unfortunately). The entertainment offered in Las Vegas is top notch and it’s about to get even better as Universal Destinations and Experiences, creator of Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando, announced that Universal Horror Unleashed the company’s first-ever year-round horror experience, is coming to Las Vegas in 2025
In a darkened warehouse on the edge of Las Vegas, a spectacle of horror is rising. Universal Horror Unleashed. For decades, Universal’s masters of horror have created some of the world’s most frightening films and events. Now guests can experience it all in a year-round fully immersive horror experience.
The fears only felt in movies will come to bone-chilling life.
Enter the evils of four haunted houses, each with its own terrifying story: Universal Monsters, The Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Scarecrow: The Reaping and Blumhouse’s The Exorcist: Believer.
These haunted houses aren’t for the faint of heart—they are intense and feature elevated moments where the horror surrounds guests in unimaginable ways.
The nightmares don’t end there.
Surrounding the houses are four sinisterly themed and immersive areas, featuring unique live entertainment experiences.
In select locations, guests can enjoy eerie eateries and bars featuring horror-centric food and drink offerings.
Guests also can expect a continuously updated experience with must-see seasonal events and one-of-a-kind merchandise.
Universal Horror Unleashed, first announced in 2023, is part of the company’s plan to introduce new products to new audiences in new markets.
It is the anchor tenant in the 20-acre expansion of AREA15, the immersive entertainment district in Las Vegas.
Universal has long defined the horror genre with its classic films featuring iconic characters such as “Frankenstein,” “The Mummy” and “The Wolf Man.” Only Universal ignites this genre’s thrill and excitement in three-dimensional, full scale.
Unviersal will continue to share more details on the plans for Universal Horror Unleashed in the months ahead. For the latest information, visit www.UniversalHorrorUnleashed.com.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Disney Treasure is Officially Heading to Florida
Disney Treasure is on the way! She just left the shipyard in Germany and is on the way to Port Canaveral, Florida.
Yesterday, I watched as the Disney Treasure embarked on its transatlantic journey from Eemshaven, Netherlands, to its future home in Port Canaveral, Florida.
With over 4,500 miles separating the Disney Treasure from its destination, I know the trip will take about two weeks to complete.
She will make a quick stop - her first-ever port of call will be the beautiful city of Funchal, Portugal, where it will make a brief stop before continuing its way back out to sea.
I can’t wait to see the final preparations being made during this crossing to get the ship ready for its maiden voyage on December 21.
Disney Treasure will take over the Disney Fantasy routes of 7-night Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises. These cruise itineraries are already available for booking. Learn more here. I have a special offer available right now as well!
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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10 Ways to Save Money On Your Walt Disney World Vacation
Priced out of a Disney World vacation? Here are 10 money saving tips.
Disney World is a premium vacation destination and it’s priced accordingly. And this isn’t unique to Disney. I hear the same things about Universal Orlando and Royal Caribbean Cruises which are also premium vacation brands. The demand is there, even from international travelers, so it’s unlikely Disney is going to drop prices any time soon.
This is all fine and good, but if you’re priced out, you’re priced out. I'm Darren from OrlandoParksGuy.com and I have 10 tips that will help reduce the cost of a Disney World vacation including tickets, hotels and dining.
#10 Disney World Tickets
I’ll begin with the one that we have very little control over - Disney World ticket prices. Tickets for the 4 theme parks are expensive, there’s no way to put a pretty face on it. But Disney isn’t Six Flags after all. And while you could purchase tickets from a wholesaler, they have confusing cancellation policies and you’ll need to pay for them upfront. Whereas if you book a Disney vacation package, the tickets are refundable up to 30 days before your check-in date and are covered under one $200 refundable deposit. I typically recommend buying them directly from Disney just for the convenience.
Disney uses a variable ticket pricing system, so every day of the calendar year has a different price. So, why not use this to your advantage? You will save money on tickets if you can visit Disney during January, August, and September. You could save as much as $100 per person and you’ll also have fewer people in the parks during this time.
For example, a 4-day ticket in August is $514 per person. But a 4-day ticket starting on February 16 is $685. A saving of $171 per ticket. A family of 4 would save $684. That’s a decent saving.
And if you’re wondering, some of the most expensive ticket prices are seen in March for Spring Break, November because of Jersey Week and Thanksgiving, and December because of all the Christmas events.
#9 Disney Gift Card Hack for Disney World
While Disney World often has room discounts available for most nights of the year, there is a travel hack that gets you an extra 4 to 5% off. Disney Gift Cards sold at Target, Sam’s Club and BJ’s Wholesale usually sell for less than the value of the card. For example, a $50 Disney Gift Card might sell for $48 and a $500 Disney Gift Card might sell for $584. I’ve seen e-gift cards sold online with more of a discount than in-store gift cards. So you may want to check both. If your vacation is $3,000, you’ll save another $187 just by paying with gift cards.
Another travel hack I have is to buy additional gift cards to take with me so I can purchase food while at Disney. Nearly every restaurant at Disney World accepts Disney Gift Cards.
See my article on Disney Gift Card Scams
If you’re not a member of BJ’s, check their website, they often have free membership trials available. And if you have the store’s credit or debit card, you may even get reward points for purchases. Disney World and most Disney Travel agents will accept gift cards for payment. But there is one downside.
If you need to cancel your Disney World reservation, Disney will only refund back to the original form of payment. They will not issue a refund check or place the refund on a different card. It’s important to hold on to your gift cards until travel is completed.
#8 Consider your length of stay
When I was a kid, my parents would take me to Disney for nearly a week. we’d stay at the Polynesian, sometimes at a Moderate Resort, and sometimes even off-property in Kissimmee. But today, Disney has outpaced inflation so a week at Disney World will cost considerably more than it did 5 to 10 years ago. If my parents had to pay today’s prices, adjusted for inflation, I’m not sure we’d be going as often as we did back in the day.
So, we may have to come to terms with the fact that 1 week in Disney might now be a long weekend or a 3 to 4-night stay.
Another thing I recommend is to take time off during your vacation. Plan a pool day, go resort hopping, take a ride on Skyliner or the Monodail, and visit Disney Springs. This means fewer ticket days - which is one of your biggest expenses. It’s fun to walk around and explore. And Disney Springs has plenty of complimentary live entertainment. Most packages include complimentary minigolf and 2025 packages include free water park admission on your arrival day.
This is a popular strategy that many European visitors use. They often come to Orlando for an extended vacation, or holiday as it were, but they’re not in the theme parks each day. This means less money on tickets, less money on expensive theme park food, and less money on merch. And you’re still on vacation - at Disney!
#7 Mid-Week vs. Weekends
One of the tips i see a lot online is to book your trip during the week. Disney World hotels follow the hotel industry where Friday and Saturday night stays cost more than weeknights. So, a great way to save a little money is to book your vacation Sunday through Thursday. Disney doesn’t charge a lot more on the weekends, so if that’s when it makes the most sense to go, I don’t think it should hold you back.
And if you’re flying into Orlando, you should also consider airfare costs, which might outweigh the higher cost of a Saturday night stay. I find that the cheapest days to fly are typically Tuesday, Wednesday, and Saturday. So check airfares first. And it’s widely believed that the best time to purchase airfare is on Tuesady afternoon.
#6 Affordable Ground Transfer to Disney World
At one time Disney used to offer complimentary airport transportation on Disney’s Magical Express. It was free but it was slow - often taking over 90 minutes to get to your resort, as it made multiple stops along the way. And it would take 2-3 hours to bring you back to the airport.
As Uber became more popular in Orlando, more people began using that to travel direct. Often is less than 30 minutes from point A to point B. Likewise, the operator of Magical Express began negotiating for more money when its contract with Disney was up for renewal. Fewer riders + more money - equals why we don’t have this service today.
But you can still use an airport shuttle - you just need to book it directly with Mears Transportation. They were the ones who operated Magical Express by the way. The cost is around $18 per person, each way. I still think you should research the cost of using Uber, especially if you have a larger family. I find that Uber rides between Orlando International and Disney cost around $80 each way. A ride on Mears which will be the slow boat to China, will be in the area of $72 each way for a family of 4.
#5 Do you Need a Disney Dining Plan? Probably not.
Disney offers 2 dining plans and while I do think they are a good value, if you’re budget-minded, I think you should skip it. See, the Dining Plan is a great tool, but it’s not really about saving money. It’s a convenience - really - designed to give your vacation a more all-inclusive feel. I have an entire video that explains the Disney Plans in full. I’ll link to it in the description.
See my video on how the Disney Dining Plans Work
If you plan on a lot of character meals, or eating most of your meals in the parks, for example, the dining plan is the way to go. But you can save money without the plan if you prefer to do it yourself.
#4 Save on food and meals at Disney World
And speaking of doing it yourself, food, beverages, and snacks at Disney are expensive. This should be no surprise because you’re a captive audience here. But the good news is that Disney World is surrounded by grocery stores that deliver. Instacart is my favorite service because you can choose from a variety of stores in Orlando. And if you want to buy from Costco, you don’t even need to be a Costco member with Instacart.
One of my favorite examples to give is that a bottle of water at Disney World costs about $5. But if you use INstacart, you can purchase a case of 50 bottles of water from Costco, for $4. So 50 bottles of water for less than the price of one bottle of water in the Disney parks. Most hotel rooms have a mini fridge that will hold small items, and microwaves can be requested from housekeeping once you arrive, free of charge.
Disney allows you to bring your own beverages and snacks into the parks - that’s perfectly fine. Just remember that you cannot bring glass, alcohol or loose ice into the parks. The loose ice is because it creates a slip hazard if it spills on the ground.
I’ll link to an article I have on my website OrlandoParksGuy.com that provides tips for grocery delivery at Walt Disney World. Instacart, Amazon, Publix, and Walmart all have delivery fees and of course you’ll need to tip the driver, but you can still save money
See my article on Grocery Delivery Services at Walt Disney World
#3 Do you need Park Hopper?
Park Hopping is a ticket add-on that allows you to visit multiple Disney parks on the same day. Generally speaking, it’s a one-time cost of about $100 per person and it will be valid for each day you have a ticket. It’s not possible to purchase a park hopper for just some of your days.
Now this feature can offer great savings, or it can be totally unnecessary. I like to recommend Park Hopper for those who are planning on a short stay. This will allow you to make the most of your days. For example, if you only have a few days at Disney, maybe you want a half day at Disney’s Animal Kingdom and a half day at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With Park Hopper, you can do that. Or, maybe you just want to experience your favorite attractions, and then hop to the next park.
On the other hand, if you plan a longer stay, you can skip Park Hopper. I also recommend skipping Park Hopper if you have young children. I remember when my son was small, we were lucky to get through one full day at a park, let alone hopping to other parks. The little ones move at a snail's pace, they want to see everything and don’t forget to leave time for a good meltdown or two. This all takes a lot of time. Park Hopping would be a rather ambitious goal with little ones.
#2 Is Lightning Lane at Disney World Worth it?
Lightening Lane, formally Disney Genie+, formally FastPass, allows you to bypass the lines at many of the attractions at Disney. This service used to be free but I can’t think of any theme park in the country that doesn’t charge for this. I know this is a highly debated topic and full disclosure, I still think it should be free. As a Passholder, I’m in the parks all the time, but my only choice is to shell out a lot of money for Lighting Lane each time I go, or wait in a long line for an attraction that I probably experienced a few days ago.
But it’s here to stay and we just need to accept it. But I don’t think you need to purchase every day and for every park. Magic Kingdom and Disney’s Hollywood studios offer a lot of value with the purchase of Lightening Lane. This is because there are many opportunities to use it at Magic Kingdom, and there are so few rides at Hollywood Studios.
The studios have a lot of headliner rides like Rise of the Resistance, Rock n Roller Coaster, and Mickey’s Runaway Railway. Everyone is competing for these rides, so if you can use Lightning Lane on seven just or two of them, you’ll save about 2-3 hours in line. The downside to purchasing Ligtening Lane at Hollywood Studios is that there will be long waits in between your selections.
I think you can get by without it at Epcot, just be there for your rope drop. Same thing with Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Get there as soon as the park opens and you’ll have a major headstart that will last until about 10 am. So it’s a great time to the safar and the attractions in Pandora.
#1 Staying Off Disney World Property to Save Money
It’s often debated whether or not you should stay off-property. Now if you’re budget allows you to book a Deluxe hotel like the Polynesian or a moderate hotel like Caribbean Beach, it’s better to stay on Disney property.
But if you’re looking within the value hotel category, so between $120 - $150 per night, and if you’re trying to reduce costs as much as possible, you can get a lot more value at certain off-site hotels.
The new Flamingo Crossing Area located on Disney Property just behind Animal Kingdom is full of chain hotels, a small restaurant district, and a Target Store. These hotels are often under $130 per night and many of them have family suite accommodations.
They all offer free breakfast but the theme park shuttle isn’t free. And if you drive to the parks, you’ll need to pay the parking fee of around $30 per day.
I especially like the Drury Plaza Hotel at Disney Springs. It’s an upscale tower hotel with rooms similar in square footage to the Disney Deluxe Hotels. Rates are usually between $150 and $180 per night, so right on par with Disney’s value resorts - which do not include free breakfast or snacks. The Drury also offers a complimentary breakfast buffet each morning, free snacks during the afternoon, and free evening appetizers. Plus the Drury operates its own Disney shuttle bus - which is provided free of charge.
I reviewed the Drury Plaza Hotel a short time ago, you can see more about this hotel including what makes their breakfast buffet extra special. To see if this is a good option for you, check out my video. I’ll see you over there.
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
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Guests are Shocked When They Visit The Cake Bake Shop at Walt Disney World
One of Disney World’s newest restaurants is also among the priciest. But is it worth it?
I was looking forward to The Cake Bake Shop for 2 years as it sat nearly abandoned on Disney’s Boardwalk at Walt Disney World. Then, a few months ago, there were suddenly signs of life as crews began working on the exterior, and a menu was posted outside.
And that’s when everyone started scratching their heads. $32 for a burger, $25 for a slice of cake, $12 for a coffee. Bloggers went wild on social media, shaming Cake Bake Shop for seemingly ridiculous prices.
It got so bad that Cake Bake Shop lowered its prices right before opening this week. A burger went from $32 to $26, and a slice of cake...well that’s still $25.
The Cake Bake Shop in has a score of 2.9 on Google.
I thought it was odd that it opened without a grand opening or even a shoutout from the Disney Parks Blog.
Why didn’t Disney create any fanfare for this?
I, of course, wanted to see it for myself so my family and I visited just 1 day after it opened. That’s because I didn’t know it opened, I just happened to see a review from a blogger I follow.
I read numerous reviews and watched several YouTube reviews. All of them mentioned the higher-than-average prices.
And for good reason: The Cake Bake Shop is currently selling the most expensive desserts on Disney World property. I’m pretty sure the burger could also be the most expensive at $26. It costs more than the Wagyu burger at STK in Disney Springs and the burger at BoatHouse, which I think is the best burger on Disney property.
Full disclosure here, the very best burger I’ve ever had was at the Hard Rock Cafe at Universal Orlando. And of course, it’s tough to beat Five Guys.
I get that The Cake Bake Shop is expensive, but is it worth it? See, I don’t mind paying for an upscale experience that involves great food, and atmosphere.
The problem with The Cake Bake Shop is that the food and atmosphere are just, OK.
We didn’t “hate” anything we had, but for the money, something was amiss here.
It comes across as a casual, fun bakery with whimsical confections. On one hand, it has a very upscale atmosphere yet a casual menu. But the prices are not casual - they’re more in line with an ultra-posh restaurant. This is confusing to me.
For example, the burger was a little dry. The roll was hard and crunchy. A burger, to me, is on a soft roll, it’s juicy and maybe even a little messy. This was just missing something. I think it was trying to be fancy. Burgers ain’t fancy! And it wouldn’t have been great even at $12.
But when you pay $26 for a burger, don’t you have high expectations?
The same is true with the desserts. For this, we went to the take-out side because we wanted to eat outside on the Boardwalk. There are two sides of The Cake Bake Shop, the restaurant side with table service, and the counter service side.
I would like to focus on the quick service side because most of the questions I’ve been getting are about sampling the cakes, more than the restaurant.
We ordered a slice of the Millionaires Cake ($25), a Lemon Bar ($14), a chocolate chip cookie ($7), a milk ($8) and a coffee ($11). I was charged $2 for a bag to carry my items and finally, I was prompted to leave a $12 tip on the iPad. I did the math for you; it’s about $80. I asked for a paper receipt and was told the printer wasn’t working.
I suspect they didn’t want me to have evidence of the beating I just took.
Everything looked good in the display cases, but there wasn’t anything that blew me away.
At a good bakery, I usually want everything and have a hard time trying to decide what to get. Here, I didn’t want most of it. I wasn’t interested in Oprah’s Mint Cake, and I don’t like carrot cake (personal preference), and I overlooked a lot just because of the price.
Now, of course, we tip for great service, and the staff here is well-trained. They certainly value guests and truly want to create a great experience. Everyone was so friendly and attentive. The gentleman who made my coffee asked me to take a sip to make sure it was to my liking and offered to make adjustments if I felt it was necessary.
That’s the level of service here!
The pastries are good, but not great. I found them to be beyond rich and sweet.
After every bite, I had to take a sip of coffee. And then I just needed water! For a $26 slice of cake, they certainly give you a large piece. It’s enough for 2 or even 3 people to share. There were 3 of us, and we could only take a few small bites each because it was so rich.
I think a cake should be so good that you can’t stop eating it. And then feel guilty afterward because you overindulged. That wasn’t the case here. I think I would have been sick if I ate more than a few bites.
We moved on to the lemon bar. I love lemon bars! The Cake Bake Shop’s lemon bar was huge but very sweet. I could taste the granulated sugar in the lemon filling. 2 small bites, and I was done. The lemon flavor was STRONG, so you have to love lemons to enjoy this. It was so sweet and tart, I could barely eat it. I would not order that again.
In fact, that was the theme of The Cake Bake Shop overall - I wouldn’t go out of my way to order any of these items again. Nothing was special or unique.
The Millionaire Cake wasn’t much different from the European Bar Cake sold at Costco.
And speaking of Costco, did you know you can buy a cake from The Cake Bake Shop from Costco? The cake is $159. About twice the price of other specialty cakes sold there. But it gets good reviews.
I thought The Cake Bake Shop was a little on the touristy side - I could see this place taking advantage of tourists in Las Vegas or Times Square. Where tourists come in once because they’re visiting and will likely never return.
I know, Disney World is touristy, but generally speaking, the restaurants are pretty good.
For me, there’s a disconnect between the high prices and food quality.
Oh, and being charged $2 for a bag is annoying. No better way to leave a bad taste in your customer’s mouths than to overcharge them for everything, even a bag.
If you’re looking for an upscale dining experience nearby, I recommend the following restaurants:
Yachtsman Steakhouse - Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Bluezoo - Walt Disney World Swan
Flying Fish - Disney Boardwalk
Monsieur Paul - France Pavilion, Epcot
Amare - Swan Reserve Hotel
Have questions about planning your Orlando vacation? I have answers! Contact me now to get more out of your vacation.
Since 2010, Darren has been making Orlando vacations easy! As an Orlando resident, he is able to provide insider, expert advice on Walt Disney World, Universal Orlando, and Florida-based cruises.
Search articles
Recent Articles
See what I’m up to in the theme parks.
New offerings and returning favorites this year at Disney Springs