Darren Wittko 4/2/15 Darren Wittko 4/2/15

Costco Offers Best Orlando Car Rental Rates in April

With spring break and Easter, rental car prices are higher than usual for April travel in Orlando and the Walt Disney World Resort. According to TouringPlans.com, crowds are expected to be high to moderate this month.

We discuss In our article on Save At Walt Disney World we discuss ways to save on rental cars in Orlando and that Costco has has consistently had the lowest rates. The same is true for Aprile 2015. We research the major travel websites: Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, Hotwire, Orbitz and BJ's Wholesale. All showed above-average rates. Here's a look at what we found in our research for dates April 11 through April 18, 2015 (7-day nights):

Costco

BJ's Wholesale

Priceline

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 3/21/15 Darren Wittko 3/21/15

Orlando Rental Car Rates Soar Spring 2015

Orlando International Airport houses the largest rental car market in the world so prices are usually the best you'll find anywhere. However, we're noticing that prices have increased for March and April travel.

Alamo's website is featuring a Pay Now deal, but we don't recommend this. Find out why here.

Costco is offering some of the best rates and if you're not already a member, you might be able to pay the membership and still save money! Our benchmark for midsize and full size cars is $30 per day but rates are as much as twice that on some websites.

We recommend taking the time to shop around. In this volatile market, try different websites. For example, Travelocity is offering a full size car with Alamo for $70 per day. Costco has the same car for $38 per day and Alamo's own website, using the Insider discount is $68 per day.

On the Save at Walt Disney World website where we discuss money saving tips for Orlando rental cars, we explain why paying in advance to get a better rate is not recommended.

Money can be saved if you rent with a company off airport property but this is such an inconvenience we rarely consider this as an option.

Darren Wittko 3/20/15 Darren Wittko 3/20/15

Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party at Magic Kingdom

Beginning July 5, 2015, you can enjoy the newly enhanced Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party in Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World Resort. This event is held at the Tomorrowland Terrace - between Main Street USA and Tomorrowland.

The new menu includes chocolate-dipped strawberries, chocolate mousse, ice cream, season fruit and cheese, Beverages include hot chocolate, lemonade, and of course coffee and tea.

New at this venue, a sparkling cider toast as you celebrate during the fireworks.

The Wishes Fireworks Dessert Party is $49 for adults, $29 for children, tax included. Reservations can be made by calling your travel agent, or by calling 407-WDW-DINE or by visiting Disneyworld.com.

Also, we announced this week that you can book breakfast reservations at Be Our Guest Restaurant.

Darren Wittko 3/17/15 Darren Wittko 3/17/15

Planet Hollywood Gets a Makeover

As part of the transformation from Downtown Disney to Disney Springs, we learned today that Planet Hollywood will get much needed makeover. When complete, guests can dine in a four-story stargazing observatory to match the design and aesthetic of Disney Springs. Inside, fans will still have an opportunity to view movie memorabilia as they celebrate a new generation of superstar entertainers.

Planet Hollywood gets a much needed makeover at the new Disney Springs

Plus, a new outdoor terrace and bar space, Stargazers, will feature live entertainment, while music in the main dining room will include a DJ. And, the menu will include popular favorites, new tastes, as well as a trendy beverage menu. The expansion will be complete in spring 2016.

Paradiso 37, Taste of the Americas will double its seating capacity and will get a menu makeover. This transformation is expected to be completed summer 2015.

Darren Wittko 3/16/15 Darren Wittko 3/16/15

Be Our Guest [For Breakfast] Restaurant

Be Our Guest Restaurant at Magic Kingdom will begin serving breakfast on March 20, 2015. Reservations can be made beginning on March 17.

The "fast-casual" menu will feature French fare, but oddly enough you won't find French toast. It's slightly more sophisticated than that! Each meal begins with a pastry basket for sharing. Your entrée options include assorted cured meat and cheese served with marmalade, fresh fruit and a toasted baguette. You can also enjoy eggs Florentine served in a puff pastry shell with country ham and roasted plum tomatoes. Even the open-face bacon-and-poached-egg sandwich has Brie.

The kids’ menu includes brioche French toast with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs with Applewood bacon and fresh fruit, fruit crepes with yogurt and fresh fruit with a berry foam, cereal and oatmeal.

Click here for more menu offerings at Be Our Guest Restaurant for breakfast. Reservations can be made at disneyworld.com/dine or contact your travel agent.

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 2/26/15 Darren Wittko 2/26/15

Magic Kingdom Height Restrictions

Plan ahead and know the height requirements for the attractions at Magic Kingdom Park at the Walt Disney World Resort.

Darren Wittko 2/26/15 Darren Wittko 2/26/15

A Magical Popcorn Container Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

To celebrate the release of Cinderella, Disney's Hollywood Studios will be introducing a very special popcorn container shaped like the magical coach. No word yet on the cost or an official start date.

Darren Wittko 2/23/15 Darren Wittko 2/23/15

Walt Disney World Ticket Prices 2015

On Feb 22, 2015 ticket prices increased, a one day Magic Kingdom ticket, for ages 10+, will now cost $105. Children ages 3-9 will pay $99 for a ticket. Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Disney's Animal Kingdom will now cost adults $97 for a one day ticket - $91 for children.

It's important to point out that these are not per day rates. At Walt Disney World, the longer you stay, the cheaper it is to play. So for example, a two day adult ticket will cost $92 per day, a five day ticket is $63 per day. Sometimes the media gets this wrong and mistakenly reports that it's $105 per day.

2-10 Day Base Ticket admits guest to one theme park per day for each day of use. Park choices are: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom. Park Hopper option entitles guest to visit more than one theme park on… — **2-10 Day Base Ticket** admits guest to one theme park per day for each day of use. Park choices are: Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom.
**Park Hopper** option entitles guest to visit more than one theme park on the same day for each day of use. Park choices are any combination of Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom on each day of use.
**Water Park Fun & More** option entitles guest to a specified number of visits (between 2 and 10) to a choice of entertainment and recreation venues. Choices are Disney’s Blizzard Beach water park, Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park, DisneyQuest, Disney’s Oak Trail golf course, ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Disney’s Winter Summerland.

Overall ticket prices increased about $6 to $10, depending on the ticket type. Some of the Park Hopper options increased slightly as well as did Walt Disney World Annual Passes and Water Park Fun and More Options.

In our post earlier today we shared with you that the No Expiration Option is no longer being offered. One-day Water Park tickets will allow entry into both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach.

Darren Wittko 2/23/15 Darren Wittko 2/23/15

Walt Disney World Announces Ticket Changes

The following changes recently went into effect for Walt Disney World Resort Theme Park ticket offerings:

The No Expiration Option will no longer be offered as a theme park ticket option.
Guests using a 1-day Water Park ticket will now be able to visit both Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park and Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park on the same day if they wish when both Water Parks are open. (This does not apply to the Water Park Fun & More Option. The Water Park Fun & More Option is unchanged.)

Click here for the 2015 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices

Darren Wittko 2/23/15 Darren Wittko 2/23/15

Star Wars Weekends Events + Offer!

Star Wars Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at the Walt Disney World Resort every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from May 15-June 14, 2015.

During this galactic event, you'll encounter out-of-this-universe entertainment, favorite attractions and more!

James Arnold Taylor, the voice of Obi-Wan Kenobi on “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” will return to host the Stars of the Saga talk show – including everyone’s favorite stormtrooper preshow – at a new larger location in the Theater of the Stars on Sunset Boulevard.

Darth’s Mall is moving to a new and expanded complex near Streets of America where your Clients can find Star Wars-themed and exclusive event merchandise just for Star Wars Weekends 2015.

Plus, Star Wars characters assemble and “Summon the Force” each night for a grand celebration, including a look back at greatest moments throughout the day on social media.

At the end of the day, the night sky will erupt in an interstellar frenzy of fireworks as “Symphony in the Stars” salutes the saga’s most dramatic stories and brings your Clients as close to the Force as they can get.

Save big with Magical Vacations Travel by booking their Star Wars Weekends Offers. Travel window May 26 - June 6, 2015.

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 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.

Richard Petty Closing at Walt Disney World.jpg

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.