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New Policy for Walt Disney World Travel Documents

The Walt Disney World Resort has announced the following updates to the Walt Disney Travel Company final documents and Disney’s Magical Express documents.

New Policy for Walt Disney World Travel Documents


For those of you traveling the Walt Disney World Resort in 2016 you will now have until up to 30 days prior to your arrival to make your final payment as opposed to 45 days prior as in previous years. As a reminder, final documents serve as proof of final payment. The documents are only sent when final payment has been made. Therefore, final documents for travel in 2016 will be mailed within 30 days of arrival instead of within 45 days of arrival.

If you book and make your final payment 30+ days prior to arrival, your final documents should be delivered approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival.  Disney will continue to send documents up to 8 days prior to travel. If a you book and make your final payment 1-7 days prior to arrival, your Walt Disney Travel Company final documents will be sent to your resort for check-in to ensure you have them in time for your vacation.

In addition, Disney’s Magical Express is also changing the timing of your mailings. Please remember Disney’s Magical Express luggage tags are sent only when the following criteria apply:

  • You or your travel agent has reserved Disney’s Magical Express transportation.
  • The address on the reservation is in the US and Canada.
  • You book at least 8 days prior to arrival.

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

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New Attraction Announced for Epcot

Disney and Pixar animated shorts in a new 4D experience located in Magic Eye Theater in the Imagination Pavilion. “Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival” will include a look into the visionary minds behind some of the world’s most iconic animated films today.

Then inside the theater, guests can put on their 3D glasses and enter the imaginative worlds of three animated shorts, which will burst to life on the big screen (and in the theater) like never before.

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

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Celebrate the Holidays at Disney Springs

New to Disney Springs, The Landing is home to unique shopping locations and memorable dining experiences, including the recently opened Morimoto Asia and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. And, coming soon, Town Center will include a diverse mix of retailers and unique restaurants. Here’s a look at just some of the new dining and shopping offerings at Disney Springs that are open now.

During the holiday season, Disney Springs glistens with new offerings to make the season merry and bright. Around every corner, you'll find new decorations, including unique holiday trees and pop-up greeting cards. Plus, delectable food and non-stop entertainment - including Hanukkah and Kwanzaa musical groups, carolers, toy soldier stilt walkers and Santa himself – bring the holidays home to Disney Springs.

The Art of Shaving offers premium grooming essentials for the modern man. The location also has a team of shaving specialists who offer advice to Guests on proper grooming techniques. Appointments for a haircut or shave are suggested.

Apex by Sunglass Hut is designed with the athlete, sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind. This shop utilizes innovative technology, such as the Apex Smart Mirror, to help guests find the best choice in sport sunglasses.

Chapel Hats specializes in fashionable hats and headwear for Guests of all ages. The location carries just about any style of hat including fedoras, sun hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid's hats and more.

Sanuk offers creatively inspired footwear designed with non-traditional materials like yoga-mats.

Havaianas provides the options to "Make Your Own Havaianas" and "Embellish Your Own Havaianas." This store features a large assortment of Havaianas sandals for women, men and children, plus kids' rain boots.

Sound Lion has the latest technology in headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other digital sound and music products can be found in this shop. They also provide education in digital music applications that improve the listening lifestyle.

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC will offer the same unsurpassed core vegan, gluten-free menu as its flagship bakery in New York City, and its sister bakery in Los Angeles. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter!), and other savory items daily.

Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's: Tea Traders Café. Joffrey's specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.

New Dining Experiences Now Open!


The BOATHOUSE - This upscale, waterfront dining experience will immerse Guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain's piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. The BOATHOUSE will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar.

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Tucked in between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant, a new Disney owned and operated Food & Beverage offering is now open — an aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.

With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue features unique cocktails — such as the "Hovito Mojito" with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice and simple syrup — and small plates such as "Air Pirates Everything Pretzels" with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue.

Ardent fans of the "Indiana Jones" films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy's frequent pilot. In the main room, Guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks' old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named "Reggie;" and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

Morimoto Asia - Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known from his appearances on Iron Chef America, has opened a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia is the Japanese master chef's first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. This Disney Springs dining destination includes unique exhibition kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

Related

Holiday Events at Epcot

New Years Events at Walt Disney World

 

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DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS TO DEBUT NEW STAR WARS EXPERIENCES IN DECEMBER

Very soon, you will have the opportunity to experience Star Wars in the park in an all-new way – every day! New experiences will open starting Dec. 1, 2015 bringing that galaxy far, far away, a little bit closer.

Star Wars Launch Bay will take Guests into the Star Wars saga and the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be home to a brand new adventure inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. During the opening months, Disney will make sure that everyone who rides Star Tours will experience the new adventure. After that, it will be up to the will of the Force.

Disney also released new information about “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi.” It will feature scenes from the complete Star Wars saga, also giving anyone new to the Star Wars galaxy an opportunity to get acquainted with the films.

Last, but certainly not least, is Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, which will open in early December. This reimagined Jedi Training experience will take younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple where they will face Darth Vader along with the Seventh Sister – a new villain from the Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”

And work begins next year on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With construction underway, unfortunately, Disney won’t be able to offer Star Wars Weekends. While Star Wars Weekends has been a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day.

With Star Wars Launch Bay, the new Jedi Training experience, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” and a new destination in the Star Tours attraction opening in December, you’ll be able to step into the Star Wars saga every time you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

 

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

 

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Purple MagicBands + Customizations Now Available

Now you have a new option to create and personalize retail MagicBands at Walt Disney World Resort.

MagicBand on Demand is a new station inside the Tomorrowland Power & Light Co. located near Space Mountain at Magic Kingdom. This new offering is similar to the D-Tech on Demand boutique first introduced in June 2014 at the Marketplace Co-Op in Disney Springs Marketplace.

At the Tomorrowland location, you can choose to create either a retail MagicBand or a D-Tech phone case.

When creating a retail MagicBand, you can choose from eight different MagicBand colors – including purple – as well as approximately 40 graphics. There will be a few MagicBand graphics that will only be found in this location that salute classic Magic Kingdom Park attractions and icons. In addition to artwork, the retail MagicBand can be personalized with a name printed on the outside.

Once designed, the retail MagicBand is printed in the location. The printers use UV ink which dries immediately and requires no cooling time. And, for the final step, the custom retail MagicBand can be either associated to your Client’s My Disney Experience account, or given to friends and family who plan to visit Walt Disney World Resort soon.

The cost for a custom retail MagicBand is $21.95, while a personalized retail MagicBand is $29.95.

 

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

 


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Locker Rentals at Walt Disney World

Lockers at Walt Disney World

Locker Rental Cost at Walt Disney World

Regular Theme Park Lockers are $7 per day + $5 refundable deposit and measure 11"h x 9"w x 16" deep

Large Theme Park are $10 per day +5 refundable deposit and measure 17.5"h x 12"w x 16" deep

Park Hopper Locker Rentals 
When visiting more than one park per day, simply return your locker key to receive your original $5 deposit. Then, present your receipt (plus the deposit) at the second theme park to gain access to another locker.

At the present time there is no way to reserve lockers in advance. 

Magic Kingdom Lockers
Lockers are located at the entrance, on the right hand side.

Epcot Lockers
Epcot bus depot
International Gateway, between FutureWorld and World Showcase
Camera Center near Spaceship Earth

Hollywood Studios Lockers
At the Hollywood Studios bus depot
Inside the park just after the turnstiles

Animal Kingdom Lockers
Near Expedition Everest
Near Kali River Rapids

Disney World Water Park Locker Rentals

Disney Water Park Lockers are $8 per day + $5 refundable deposit

Large Lockers are $9 per day + $5 refundable deposit.

Disney Water Park Large Lockers are $10 per day + $5 refundable deposit

Typhoon Lagoon Lockers
High and Dry Locker Rentals
Singapore Sal's Locker Rentals

Blizzard Beach Lockers
Beach Haus Locker Rentals
Snowless Joe's Locker Rentals

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Cost of Parking at Walt Disney World

Walt Disney World Parking Rates

Theme Park Parking

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

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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

BOOK NOW! MERRY & BRIGHT DESSERT PARTY AND DINNER RECEPTION DURING THE OSBORNE FAMILY SPECTACLE OF DANCING 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.

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

Toy-Story-Land
  • 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.

Related:
Star Wars Land
Animal Kingdom After Dark
New Restaurant for Magic Kingdom
Soarin' Gets New Ride Film

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. 

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Animal Kingdom's New E-Ticket Attractions

Avitar-Flight-Of-Passage

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.

 

Rivers-of-Light-Disney's-Animal-Kingdom

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.

Related

Star Wars Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

Toy Story Land at Disney's Hollywood Studios

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. 

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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. 

Toy-Story-Land

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. 

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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 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. 

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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

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. 

Orlando International Airport Monorail

Orlando International Airport Monorail

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.

Related:

Tips for Finding Cheap Fares to Orlando International

Save Money On Car Rentals

Save Money on Car Services

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. 

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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. 

 

4th of July Fireworks at Magic Kingdom


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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 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. 

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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.  

2016 Walt Disney World Packages

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 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. 

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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

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 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. 

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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.

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