Darren Wittko 10/16/15 Darren Wittko 10/16/15

Cost of Parking at Walt Disney World

Theme Park Parking

$17 (tax included) for regular cars, vans, and SUVs
$18 (tax included) for campers and trailers

Darren Wittko 9/16/15 Darren Wittko 9/16/15

BOOK NOW! MERRY & BRIGHT DESSERT PARTY AND DINNER RECEPTION

As we shared last week, two new seasonal experiences are coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort this year. The Merry & Bright Dessert Party and Dinner Reception will light up the season with special reserved viewing of over 5 million legendary lights during the finale of The Osborne Family Spectacle of Lights

The Merry & Bright Dessert Party includes holiday-themed desserts, specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, sodas, water, tea and coffee. Each Guest in the party will receive a keepsake roll-up stadium blanket. The Dessert Party will take place Nov. 6-Dec. 24, 2015 from 7-8:30 p.m. and Dec. 25-30, 2015 from 8:30-10 p.m. Block-out dates include Nov. 17, Dec. 9 and Dec. 18. The price is $69 per adult and $39 per child (ages 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included.

During the Merry & Bright Dinner Reception, Guests can enjoy a holiday buffet including shrimp, beef, turkey and more, as well as specialty alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, beer and wine. Each Guest in the party will receive a custom keepsake shadow box featuring their own Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights bulb. The Dinner Reception will take place from 8:30-10 p.m. on Jan. 1, 2016 and from 7-8:30 p.m. on Jan. 2-3, 2016. The price is $99 per adult and $54 per child (ages 3-9). Tax and gratuity are included.

During both events, Guests can enjoy the Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights from a reserved location at the end of the Streets of America near the entrance to Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show. Guests can check in at the location beginning one hour prior to the event.

Bookings can be made by calling 407-WDW-DINE or online at Disneyworld.com/dine. Advance reservations are recommended as availability is limited.

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. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.

Darren Wittko 9/11/15 Darren Wittko 9/11/15

Making of Soarin' Around the World

A quick peek inside the making of Epcot's most anticipated attraction: Soarin Around the World.

visit www.saveatwdw.com for more information on Walt Disney World Resort.

Darren Wittko 9/8/15 Darren Wittko 9/8/15

New Fireworks Dessert Cruise at Walt Disney World

Soon you will be able to set sail for “Ferrytale Wishes” – an exclusive dessert party and unique fireworks viewing experience on Seven Seas Lagoon at the Walt Disney World Resort. As you sail aboard one of the iconic double stack ferryboats, you'll dine on decadent desserts, specialty beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) and a one-of-a-kind perspective of the famous Wishes nighttime spectacular above Magic Kingdom Park.

Ferrytale_Wishes_Dessert-Cruise_Magic_Kingdom

The menu includes a variety of desserts, a fruit and cheese display and ice cream novelties. Guests will also receive a souvenir acrylic palette plate and glow glass once onboard.

Ferrytale Wishes will first set sail on Oct. 5, 2015 with additional sailings offered on select dates. Guests may view the Happy HalloWishes or Holiday Wishes Nighttime Spectacular if sailing on an event party night. Reservation times are 1 hour prior to fireworks, and Guests must check-in at the Ferryboat launch at the Transportation and Ticket Center at least 50 minutes prior to fireworks to ensure they are on the ferryboat before it sails.

The cost is $99 per adult, $69 per child age 3 to 9 (tax and gratuity included). Bookings are now open for Ferrytale Wishes. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 407-WDW-TOUR (407-939-8687) or by calling your travel agent.

Darren Wittko 8/17/15 Darren Wittko 8/17/15

New Attraction Details for Toy Story Land

The reimagining of Disney’s Hollywood Studios will take guests to infinity and beyond, allowing them to step into the worlds of their favorite films, starting with Toy Story Land. This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy’s backyard. Guests will think they’ve been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions and one expanded favorite.

Family-friendly roller coaster – All on the back of Slinky Dog, this coaster will zip and zoom, plunge and coast as it takes guests on a fun, toy-filled adventure throughout the new land.
Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take Guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers. The music, lighting and sound effects add to the flurry of action, while "The Claw" looms over.
Toy Story Mania! – Guests glide into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set and take aim at 3D objects in a variety of fast-paced games, with an expansion that adds a third track to this popular attraction.

Darren Wittko 8/16/15 Darren Wittko 8/16/15

Animal Kingdom's New E-Ticket Attractions

AVATAR Flight of Passage at Disney's Animal Kingdom will be an "E-ticket attraction" and the centerpiece of Pandora, allowing guests to soar on a Banshee over a vast alien world. The spectacular flying experience will give guests a birds-eye view of the beauty and grandeur of the world of Pandora on an aerial rite of passage.

Also announced recently is "Rivers of Light" at Disney's Animal Kingdom - Expected to open spring 2016, "Rivers of Light" will be an innovative experience unlike anything ever seen in a Disney park, combining live music, floating lanterns, water screens and swirling animal imagery. "Rivers of Light" will magically come to life on the natural stage of Discovery River, delighting guests and truly capping off a full day of adventures at Disney's Animal Kingdom.

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Darren Wittko 8/16/15 Darren Wittko 8/16/15

Toy Story Land Will Bring 2 New Attractions

This new 11-acre land will transport guests into the adventurous outdoors of Andy's backyard. Guests will think they've been shrunk to the size of Woody and Buzz as they are surrounded by oversized toys that Andy has assembled using his vivid imagination. Using toys like building blocks, plastic buckets and shovels, and game board pieces, Andy has designed the perfect setting for this land, which will include two new attractions and one expanded favorite.

Family-friendly roller coaster – Guests board Slinky Dog’s back for a thrilling toy-filled coaster adventure that’s ideal for the entire family.

Alien saucers attraction – The famous little green aliens from the movie will take guests around for a spin in their very own flying saucers – but beware The Claw!

Toy Story Mania! – This current guest-favorite attraction, which allows guests to take aim at 3D objects in into the Toy Story Midway Games Play Set, will expand with more midway track that takes you into the world under Andy’s bed where he’s built a carnival-style midway.

Related:

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. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.

Darren Wittko 7/15/15 Darren Wittko 7/15/15

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique debuts on the Disney Magic

Aspiring young princesses and knights are in for a treat when Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique debuts on the Disney Magic this fall! This whimsical salon for children ages three to 12 is coming to Deck 10 in the forward part of the ship.

Young Disney Cruise Line Guests can choose from several looks, including a Disney Princess, royal knight and more. On pirate party night, this boutique becomes The Pirates League where pirates of all ages can be transformed from landlubber to buccaneer.

Tweens are also in store for new adventures when Edge moves to Deck 9 midship. This super cool space, reserved just for 11-14 year-olds, will feature a dance floor and high-tech gaming stations.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique-Disney Cruise Line

Cruisers on the transatlantic voyage from Spain to Miami, departing Sept.19, will be the first to enjoy these enhancements. The Disney Magic will then sail 4- and 5-night voyages from Miami to the Bahamas and Caribbean throughout the fall.

Darren Wittko 7/5/15 Darren Wittko 7/5/15

Tips for Earning Frequent-Flyer Miles to Orlando

Earning free seats isn't as easy as the airlines would like you to believe when they promote their rewards programs. Frequent flyer programs are not on your side and this is largely because they are unregulated. Airlines change the rules frequently and sometimes make it difficult on purpose. Fortunately there are a few ways to beat them at their own game.

Orlando International Airport, Gateway to Walt Disney World Resort

Shop Closer to Your Travel Dates

Sometimes the airlines will release frequent-flyer seats closer to the departure date, especially if they have unsold seats on the flight. It can be a little risky though, fares usually increase during this time so if you don’t find a free seat, you could end up paying more. A good strategy is to start price-watching a few months in advance to see if fares are going up and down. On our Airlines Page, we recommend sites like Google Flights. If you see a steady increase in tickets, that’s a good indication that the flight is selling well and chances for reward seats could potentially be limited.

Miles from Credit Cards

If you don't fly enough to earn a free flight you can still earn miles with a credit card linked to a reward program. Use for things like gas and groceries and the points could really add up fast. Use your card as often as you can major purchase like a tuition payment, a kitchen appliance, or even a downpayment on a new car. The Capital One Venture Card and Discover's new DisoverIt Miles Card are both highly rated for this.

Most of the major airlines also have frequent flyer programs linked to Visa, Master Card and American Express cards such as the JetBlue Card from American Express, the Delta Skymiles Card, and the American Airlines AAdvantage MasterCard. They usually offer a sign on bonus that can really boost your account towards a free flight. Unless you plan on racking up points rapidly, avoid programs where the points/miles expire after a set period of time; the better programs offer points that never expire as long as you actively use the card. Do your research for each card on a website like CreditCards.com - be sure you understand how you will earn miles and how you will be able to use them.

If you have an American Express Card and belong to the Membership Rewards Program, you can transfer rewards points right into many airline frequent flyer programs. The transfer of points can be a little complicated but you can get assistance by calling AMEX or the airline.

One of our favorites is the JetBlue Card from American Express where you earn points on JetBlue's True Blue program slightly faster than with Membership Rewards. For every dollar you spend on the card, you get a 1 frequent flyer mile so it's very easy to keep track of and points never expire. There are no blackout dates with JetBlue, when searching for flights you'll have the option of searching by cost or by points.

Southwest offers a variety of Visa Cards that can help you earn miles on it's Rapid Rewards program. Rapid Rewards points never expire and there are no blackout dates as long as you use the card frequently.

Both JetBlue and Southwest have made Orlando International Airport a mini-hub so they have plenty of flights in and out everyday. They also compete fiercely so fare wars are quite common. Explore our Airlines Page for more tips on how to find cheap flights into Orlando International plus other ways to save on SaveAtWDW.com.

Cash Back Credit Cards Offer More Flexibility

If you prefer not to commit to a airline credit card look for a credit card that offers cash back. Some cards offer anywhere from 1 percent to 5 percent cash back on purchases. With these cards you don’t have to consider frequent flyer miles at all - just use the cash back you've earned to pay for the flight. This is actually a great way to go but you might have to remember to sign up online to earn the 5 percent bonuses, otherwise you'll just be earning the standard 1 percent.

Annual Fees Add Up

Watch for Annual Fees. Most credit cards offering frequent flyer points charge an annual fee just for carrying the card in your wallet. The JetBlue American Express card is $40 per year while Southwest's cards start at $70. The Venture Card from Capital One is also a very good program but it will cost you $60 per year. If the points you earn expire after a set period of time, look for a different card.

Be sure that the annual fees don’t outweigh the cost of the flight. If your membership fees are racking up year after year without earning a reward, you could reach a point where it would be cheaper to have just buy a ticket.

Frequent Flyer Reward Flights to Orlando

Call if You Can’t Find it

Most people will search online for reward flights and for converting credit card miles and points. However, if you don’t understand how to make the conversion, try calling the airline for assistance. The airline representatives have the ability of looking up specific flights, using their own booking system, to see what’s available. They may also have the authority to release a reward seat that might otherwise show as unavailable.

Tips for Finding Cheap Fares to Orlando International

Save Money On Car Rentals

Save Money on Car Services

Darren Wittko 7/3/15 Darren Wittko 7/3/15

Watch 4th of July Fireworks LIVE! Over Cinderella Castle

The Disney Parks Blog announced today that the special 4th of July fireworks show at Magic Kingdom Park will stream live at 9PM on July 4. Click here to tune in.

Darren Wittko 6/27/15 Darren Wittko 6/27/15

Discount Walt Disney World Tickets

Save At Walt Disney World is growing after great success with our hotel offers! We now feature Walt Disney World ticket discounts and offer codes, plus discounts and offer codes for Orlando Area attractions like Universal Studios, LegoLand, and Sea World.

Click here to view Walt Disney World Ticket Discounts

Click here to view Orlando Area Attraction Discounts

Darren Wittko 6/22/15 Darren Wittko 6/22/15

2016 Walt Disney World Packages Now Available + Some Changes

The 2016 Walt Disney Travel Company vacation packages for the Walt Disney World Resort are now available to book.

When you book with Darren at Magical Vacations Travel, you'll receive a Walt Disney World Gift Card + a 1-year TouringPlans.com subscription to Walt Disney World Resort on any room-only or package reservation over $1,500.

I am also pleased to announce the following updates to the booking policies for 2016 Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages:

Booking Window – Reservations can be booked up to one (1) business day prior to arrival. 2015 (applies to both 2015 and 2016 Packages).
Payments at Time of Booking – Full payment due for all bookings made within 30 days of arrival.
Final Payment – Final payments must be made at least 30 days prior to arrival.
Change/Cancellation Fee – There are no fees for package changes or cancellations made 31 or more days prior to arrival. (Additional options included with the package may be subject to supplier fees for cancellations or modifications).

In addition, the following policy changes for Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages are in effect:

Courtesy Hold – If booking prior to the final payment due date, reservations may be held without payment for up to three (3) calendar days or until the final payment due date, whichever is first. (Airfare is due at the time of booking; Travel insurance premiums must be paid at the time of deposit or purchase of insurance.)

Darren Wittko 6/9/15 Darren Wittko 6/9/15

Sneak Peek: Frozen Ever After at Epcot

Disney released concept art, details, and the name of the Frozen attraction coming to Epcot in 2016. Frozen Ever After will be an adventure where guests will transport riders to the “Winter in Summer Celebration." Guests will also experience Queen Elsa's Ice Palace and encounter all the characters along the way.

Frozen Ever After, Meet and Greet Planned for Epcot in 2016

The Anna and Else meet and greet will once again return to the pavilion where guests will meet them in the person.

Disney also shared that the exterior of the Norway Pavilion will get a makeover that will reflect the cultural arts and crafts of Norway.

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

StarWars Weekends - Special Hotel Offer!

Star Wars Weekends returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios at Walt Disney World Resort every Friday, Saturday and Sunday May 15-June 14, 2015. Plus Save BIG on May 22 through June 6, 2015 with this exclusive offer code.

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This year’s event welcomes a new show, “Star Wars: Rebels,” new locations for autograph sessions and merchandise, and several Star Wars luminaries making their first hyperspace jump to Star Wars Weekends.

Star Wars Weekends features more than 60 Star Wars characters roaming the theme park for meet-and-greet opportunities, a Star Wars motorcade, the “Symphony in the Stars” nighttime fireworks spectacular saluting iconic sounds of the films, event-exclusive merchandise at Darth’s Mall, Star Wars-inspired dining offerings and specialty food and beverages, interactive activities, and more.

Plus, Star Wars celebrities, including returning favorites and event newcomers, will appear in star conversations, talk shows, autograph sessions and motorcades each weekend.

Bringing his evil prowess to Star Wars Weekends for the first time, actor Ian McDiarmid, Senator/Emperor Palpatine in the Star Wars movies, will kick off Weekend I May 15-17. And, to balance out the appearance of the dark side with a beacon of light, actor Frank Oz, the voice of Yoda in the Star Wars movies, will make his first event appearance in Weekend V June 12-14.

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 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 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 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.