Darren Wittko 2/20/15 Darren Wittko 2/20/15

Save up to 44% off at Characters in Flight

Groupon has an offer for Characters in Flight located at Downtown Disney at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Guests can choose between two options

Choose Between Two Options

$11 for a Characters in Flight tethered balloon ride for one (up to an $18 value)
$20 for a Characters in Flight tethered balloon ride for two (up to a $36 value)

Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations Specialist at Magical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015 Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World.

Darren Wittko 2/20/15 Darren Wittko 2/20/15

During your next visit to Walt Disney World check out the new Village Causeway at the Downtown Disney Marketplace.

Darren Wittko 2/14/15 Darren Wittko 2/14/15

Walt Disney World Speedway to Close

The Richard Petty Driving Experience and the Exotic Driving Experience at the Walt Disney World Resort will close in late June to make room for future transportation improvements. Disney has not announced what is going in its place but the speedway sits right in the middle of the entrance/exit to the Magic Kingdom parking lots.

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Darren Wittko 2/14/15 Darren Wittko 2/14/15

Direct-to-Room Arrivals at Walt Disney World

In the coming weeks, eligible Walt Disney World Resort hotel Guests will have the option to go direct to their hotel room once it’s ready, without stopping at the Front Desk.

This optional new service streamlines your check-in process and allows you to to have more control over your arrival experience.

In order to be eligible for this option, you must complete the following steps:

After customizing the MagicBands for your current stay, you must choose to have them shipped to your home.
Then, you must complete the following Online Check-In Process steps:
Pay for your reservation in full, or put a credit card and PIN on file.
Choose a preferred method of communication (i.e. text or email)

Once your have received your MagicBands at home, you will receive an email explaining the direct-to-room arrival service, including eligibility and next steps.

If you have completed all the necessary steps, you'll receive an email and/or text prior to your arrival notifying you of your room number and reminding you of the option of going directly to your room.

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a Cast Member who will give you the option to go experience a traditional check-in, or go directly to your room once it is ready.

If you have specific room requests, I recommend using the regular check in process. You'll be able to discuss your requests with the Cast Member. Sometimes fulfilling requests just aren't possible , but they might have overlooked your reservation notes, giving you a run of the house room. It's always better to talk with someone if you have requests.

This new optional service will be rolled out in phases over the course of the next several weeks.

Darren Wittko 2/11/15 Darren Wittko 2/11/15

Cinderella Castle Suite is Back!

Cinderella Castle inside Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort will open up to one lucky family once more. Disney is holding a sweepstakes for the upcoming "Cinderella" movie coming to theaters March 13, 2015.

This once upon a lifetime opportunity will also include a five-day Magic Your Way Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Parks Fun & More. Younger princesses will enjoy a special makeover at the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique, also located in Cinderella Castle.

Winners will receive a $500 gift card for shopping spree of royal proportions. We hear that there will be some additional Disney magic included as well.

Click here for the Cinderella Castle Suite Sweepstakes at the Walt Disney World Resort in Florida.

Darren Wittko 2/9/15 Darren Wittko 2/9/15

Why You Should Purchase Travel Insurance on Your Next Walt Disney World Vacation

Darren Wittko 2/8/15 Darren Wittko 2/8/15

jetblue | Fly it Forward

jetBlue recently introduced Fly It Forward, a social initiative that inspires humanity one flight at a time. Learn more about the journeys and submit your own using #FlyingItForward at http://www.jetblue.com/flyingitforward

Darren Wittko 2/8/15 Darren Wittko 2/8/15

Starbucks Opens at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Disney’s Hollywood Studios welcomes a Starbucks location, The Trolley Car Café. Themed to a classic trolley car along the park's Hollywood Boulevard it will offer yet another unique Starbucks experience for coffee lovers visiting Walt Disney World. This is the fourth location serving Starbucks products at Walt Disney World Resort with another coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios. Locations are already open at Magic Kingdom and Epcot, as well as at Downtown Disney.

Darren Wittko 2/6/15 Darren Wittko 2/6/15

Attention to Detail: Barnacles on the Epcot Torii Gate

To give the illusion that this is an authentic torii in Japan, Walt Disney Imagineering has clever created barnacles on the base of the gate, just like the one it was modeled after: Torii de Miyajima. Of course, this is World Showcase Lagoon in Epcot, a freshwater, man-made lake where barnacles wouldn't naturally exist. These small, but important details tell a visual story that immerses the guest into a specific time and place - Japan. Most people might not consciously "see" the barnacles, but they do see them collectively with all of the other details. Combined, the details add up to tell a visual story. So, for a brief moment, they feel as though they really are in Japan.

The Torri de Miyajima served as inspiration for Torii in Epcot at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Darren Wittko 2/6/15 Darren Wittko 2/6/15

Big Changes Coming to Be Our Guest Restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom Park has been a guest favorite since it opened with the New Fantasyland expansion. Beginning February 25, it is with deepest pride and greatest pleasure that the Walt Disney World Resort welcomes you to make reservations for the fast-casual lunch experience at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

You will also have the option to pre-order your meal 30 days prior and up to 5 minutes before your reservation. Lunch is served daily from 10:30a.m. – 2:30p.m. Reservations can be made beginning February 25 via My Disney Experience or through your travel agent.

Darren Wittko 2/5/15 Darren Wittko 2/5/15

Orlando Fare Sale for April 2015 Travel

Since Thursday, February 15, 2015 we have started to notice a significant decrease in fares for flights to/from Orlando International Airport for April travel dates. We have been monitoring jetBlue and Southwest in particular for April and until today, fares have been astronomical as many schools in the northeast are on spring break. Connecticut schools are on spring break the third week of April, an off week compared to most of the country which follows Easter. Fares from Hartford, and New York were as high as $450+ one way, but have now been cut by almost 50% in some cases.

Click here for more ways to save on air travel.

For those who might already have flights booked for April, check to see if your flight has come down in price. If so, try contacting your airline to request a credit on the difference for a future flight.

Darren Wittko 2/5/15 Darren Wittko 2/5/15

Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival Update 2015

Blockbuster Blooms

All the way from Arendelle, Anna and Elsa topiaries will make their royal debut at this year’s Festival. Set in a garden vignette from the icy “Frozen” world, it’ll be a perfect selfie opportunity at World Showcase Plaza.

Botanas Botanico

The new Outdoor Kitchen between France and Morocco pavilions will showcase treats like Cachapas with Farmer’s Cheese, a sweet yellow corn pancake, and Seafood Ceviche with shrimp, scallops and grouper with mango and avocado. Wash it down with the fresh non-alcoholic punch, La Tizana. Add a splash of Santa Teresa RHUM Orange Liqueur for an adult twist.

Bands

Our new concert series, Garden Rocks, spans the decades. Pablo Cruise and The Little River Band will perform on the America Gardens Theatre stage for the first time, while Gin Blossoms (opening weekend!) En Vogue, John Secada and Taylor Dayne are Festival newbies.

Darren Wittko 2/5/15 Darren Wittko 2/5/15

Look What Just Arrived at Disney's Hollywood Studios

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The exquisite golden carriage used in the production of Disney’s all-new, live-action “Cinderella” is on display at Disney’s Hollywood Studios! If you’re visiting the park between now and April 11, head down to the movie theater façade on Streets of America, where you’ll find the blue carpet rolled out for this special photo opportunity. It’s your chance to get a picture or snap a selfie with this stunning set piece from the upcoming film.