New Features to FastPass+ Available Now
Now you'll be able to choose individual FastPass+ experiences and times, and will no longer need to make all selections for the same day at the same time.
FastPass+ Enhancements - Now make additional selections from your smartphone!
While you will continue to be able to select up to three experiences in advance, you will now be able to book fewer than three selections, if desired.
In addition, when you have used you first three FastPass+ selections, you will now be able to make an additional FastPass+ selection via the My Disney Experience mobile app, in addition to in-park kiosks. Once you've used the fourth, you'll be able to select another, and so on.
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Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
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New Animal Experience at Disney
Sense of Africa is a real chance to get a behind-the-scenes peek at the magic. The experience will be offered on Tuesday and Saturday mornings, beginning April 9. Reservations are available starting April 5; call 407-WDW-TOUR (939-8687). The cost is $249.
Sense of Africa is a new tour offered at Walt Disney World Resort
Sense of Africa at Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Lodge is a 3.5-hour-long breakfast and tour. It is designed to immerse guests in the richness, culture and history of this African-inspired resort and give a backstage peek at the care, feeding, well-being and social interactions of the resident animals.
A typical tour begins with a unique twist on breakfast at BomaâFlavors of Africa, followed by encounters with animals such as okapi, giraffe, ostriches and red river hogs. Sense of Africa is a feast for all five senses - and don't worry, you won't be eating any of the animals on the tour.
Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
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Fun Fresh Weekends at Epcot
Fun Fresh Weekends at Epcot during the Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival
During Festival weekends, you can celebrate the great outdoors at nature-themed events, including:
Art in the Garden Weekend April 1-3, 2016
View nature through the eyes of âPlein Airâ artists and discover one-of-a-kind Disney works of art on display around World Showcase.
Outdoor Family Fun Weekend: April 8-10, 2016
Families can enjoy the benefits of sharing quality time together at select Festival gardens. As a bonus, animal specialists from Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Theme Park will be on hand at the Festival Center to share how bugs play an important role in helping a garden thrive.
Earth Day Weekend: April 22- 24, 2016
Take part in interactive activities, discoveries and more. Learn about the efforts to protect coral reefs and other marine life at The Seas with Nemo & Friendsâa special tribute to the amazing creatures that dwell in our vast oceans.
Florida Fresh Weekend: April 29- May 1, 2016
Explore the bounty of the Sunshine State from Apalachicola to Zellwood at this Festival Center-based event.
Florida Federation of Garden Clubs: May 6- 8, 2016
Marvel at amazing flora designs that defy description inside the Festival Center from 10 a.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Plus, each weekend you can visit the Festival Center for inside tips, DIY inspiration and top gardening trends. The Festival Center is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. throughout the event.
And, donât forget ⌠pop bands with hits spanning the decades take the stage every Festival weekend for the Garden Rocks Concert Series at America Gardens Theatre. Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice, Bad Company, former lead singer BRIAN HOWE, Georgia Satellites and Darlene Love make their Festival debut this year.
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival runs now through May 30, 2016. Admission to Epcot is required. While most Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival events are included with your theme park ticket, many experiences require a separate purchase or a separate admission fee. Availability is limited for some experiences. Events may be rescheduled or cancelled at any time.
>> View Walt Disney World Resort hotel offers happening during Flower & Garden.
Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
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Play Agent P's World Showcase Adventure with your Smartphone
You can now play the Phineas & Ferb: Agent Pâs World Showcase Adventure game at Epcot. using your smartphone.
Agent P's World Showcase Adventure now on your smartphone.
You can get started by visiting one of the recruitment centers at Odyssey Bridge or near the International Gateway to activate your personal phone. Worried your child will drop your phone? No worries, you may opt to use a F.O.N.E. (Field Operative Notification Equipment). Missions will direct you to one of the following international pavilions:
Mexico Pavilion
China Pavilion
Germany Pavilion
Japan Pavilion
France Pavilion
United Kingdom Pavilion
This attraction is included with Theme Park admission.
Darren Wittko - Specializing in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
Dine with Minnie Mouse at Walt Disney World
Join Minnie Mouse and pals in their garden party best, ready to host a springtime meal during Minnieâs Springtime Dine at Hollywood & Vine at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios.
Join Minnie Mouse and pals at a new Character Meal experience at Walt Disney World.
On the menu, you'll find classic picnic food like coconut-lavender lemonade and springtime salads like watercress or basil-lime fruit salad. Hearty entrees include barbecue meatballs, buffalo baked chicken, lobster and shrimp mac ân cheese, herb-roasted pork and more. For dessert, you can indulge in passion fruit cheesecake, key lime tarts and banana cream puffs.
Minnieâs Springtime Dine costs $46.99 per adult and $27.99 per child, plus tax and gratuity. Some dining plans accepted.
Reservations are now open, and are available online at DisneyWorld.com/dine or by calling 407-WDW-DINE.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. His favorite attractions are The American Adventure, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth. Favorite Disney Resort hotel: Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
Star Wars Day at Sea
Returning in early 2017, Disney Cruise Line Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during Star Wars Day at Sea.
New Star Wars Experience Coming to Disney Cruise Line in 2017
Throughout the day, Star Wars Younglings, Padawans and Jedi Masters alike can enjoy the immersive and intergalactic entertainment, including a deck party and fireworks display, exclusive event merchandise, and specialty Star Wars-themed food and beverage items.
Characters from across the Star Wars galaxy will also be onboard for interactions, photos and also may be seen patrolling the decks. And, in âJedi Training: Trials of the Temple,â Force-sensitive children learn the ways of the Jedi and use their new-found skill in a final face off with Darth Vader.
Star Wars Day at Sea will be on Disney Fantasy seven-night cruises sailing from Port Canaveral on Jan. 7, 14, 21, 28; Feb. 4, 11, 18, 25; March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8 and 15, 2017.
Departing Jan. 7, 21; Feb. 4, 18; March 4, 18; April 1 and 15, 2017, the western Caribbean itinerary includes Cozumel, Mexico; Falmouth, Jamaica; Grand Cayman and Disneyâs private island in the Bahamas, Castaway Cay. Departing Jan. 14, 28; Feb. 11, 25; March 11, 25; and April 8, 2017, the eastern Caribbean itinerary includes Tortola, St. Thomas and Castaway Cay.
Disneyland Resort Offer
Disneyland Resort - new offer announced
Booking Window: March 9 â May 24, 2016
Travel Window: April 3 â June 16, 2016
Save up to 20% on Premium rooms at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or the Disneyland Hotel on select Sunday â Thursday nights April 3-June 16, 2016. Book now thru May 24, 2016.
Upgrade to a 2-night or longer Walt Disney Travel Company vacation package â including Theme Park tickets â and enjoy a variety of magical extras!
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. His favorite attractions are The American Adventure, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth. Favorite Disney Resort hotel: Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
Purple Magic Bands and Luggage Tags
Did you know purple has been the most requested Magic Band since the program's inception? Well, the wait is over! Purple is now available as one of the eight colors that Guests with an upcoming Walt Disney World Resort reservation can choose when placing their complimentary MagicBand order.
If you have already personalized your MagicBands on My Disney Experience, but have not yet submitted your order, you can log into you account and edit their MagicBand color selection.
In addition, if you are traveling on a Walt Disney Travel Company package, you'll receive a purple luggage tag when you opt for a purple MagicBand!
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. His favorite attractions are The American Adventure, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth. Favorite Disney Resort hotel: Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
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Grand Floridian Offer April 21 - 30, 2016
Travel anytime between the above dates and receive exclusive rates for vacation packages at Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa. On 2 or more ticket days you'll receive a complimentary BONUS visit to either Disney Water Park*
Disney Dining Plans also available!
Plus these Walt Disney World Resort Benefits are included:
- 1 complimentary Magic Band per person
- FastPass+ selections beginning 60-days in advance
- Dining reservations beginning 180 days in advance
New Character Coming to Turtle Talk with Crush at Epcot
Characters from Disneyâ˘Pixarâs âFinding Dory!â to Join Turtle Talk with Crush This Summer
When Crush the sea turtle swims up to the âHuman Tankâ at Epcot this summer, heâll be joined by Dory and some of her new friends from Disneyâ˘Pixarâs âFinding Dory!â Your little ones willl be able to meet Destiny the whale shark, Bailey the beluga whale and Hank the âseptopusâ (thatâs a seven-legged octopus, of course!). Crushâs very own mini-man Squirt will also be swimming by for the first time, and Guests might even catch a glimpse of Nemo and his dad Marlin.
âFinding Doryâ swims into theaters June 17, 2016, and you can find all these new additions at âTurtle Talk with Crushâ beginning in early-May.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. His favorite attractions are The American Adventure, Splash Mountain, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spaceship Earth. Favorite Disney Resort hotel: Disney's Wilderness Lodge.
Rivers of Light Opening Date Set
UPDATE: Rivers of light will not open on April 22, 2016. Stay tuned for a new opening date.
Update: Photo from live testing of Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom
Photo of an actual rehearsal of Rivers of Light at Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park
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Weâre excited to share that âRivers of Light,â the first-ever night-time show at Disneyâs Animal Kingdom Theme Park, will officially debut at the Walt Disney World Resort on April 22, 2016.
The show, set on Discovery River in the Asia section of the park, will depict an ancient lantern festival guided by two storytellers who call forth four animal Spirit Guides: an Asian Tiger, Tropical Turtle, African Elephant and Great Horned Owl. These Spirit Guides return at different points during the show to lead the audience through their journey through the Rivers of Light.
Get a first look at some of the illuminated lanterns, water screens, moving fountains and other amazing elements that will be featured in âRivers of Lightâ in this video!
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel.
Disney Springs Water Tower
Disney Springs Water Tower Raised
The water tower will serve as the new marquee for Disney Springs and welcome guests as part of the propertyâs entrance gateway. I thought maybe the recycled the Earful Tower that is slated to come down at Disney's Hollywood Studios but it appears to be different. In an earlier post I shared an update about new shops coming to Disney Springs.
Shop til You Drop at Disney Springs
Disney Springs continues to expand and double its dining, shopping and entertainment options at Walt Disney World Resort. Today, 30 more high-profile tenants will be setting up shop at Disney Springs just in time for this summer, including Anthropologie, LACOSTE, Under Armour, kate spade new york, Sephora and Lucky Brand, among others.
Just announced, hereâs a complete list of the new shops and dining venues thatâll be opening in phases at Disney Springs beginning May 15, 2016:
- Anthropologie
- kate spade new york
- LACOSTE
- Under Armour
- M¡A¡C Cosmetics
- Vince Camuto
- Vera Bradley
- Lucky Brand
- Oakley
- Coca-Cola Store
- TROPHY ROOM
- ALEX AND ANIÂŽ
- Na Hoku â Hawaiiâs Finest Jewelers Since 1924
- Shore
- American Threads
- Volcom
- Kipling
- francesca's
- Melissa Shoes
- UNOde50
- Johnston & Murphy
- Everything But Water
- Free People
- JOHNNY WAS
- Columbia
- Sperry
- Luxury of Time by Diamonds
- International
- Sephora
- D-Luxe Burger
- Amoretteâs Patisserie
- Tablas Frontera
- Homecoming â Florida Kitchen and Shine Bar
Disney Springs, which was inspired by Floridaâs waterfront towns and natural beauty, is nearing completion on its largest expansion in history. It is exciting to see the area emerge as a new waterfront district with world-class shopping, unique dining and high-quality entertainment. Disney Springs has four distinct neighborhoods to explore: The Landing, Marketplace, West Side and Town Center and will eventually have more than 150 retail, dining and entertainment offerings.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel.
1 More Ticket Day Free Offer - Walt Disney World
You can save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels for stays most nights April 14-June 11, 2016 when you book by March 31, 2016.
Plus, you can receive 1 more ticket day FREE when you upgrade to a room and ticket package with a minimum 4-day Magic Your Way Ticket. More info>>
Itâs a perfect time for you to discover all-new Star Wars adventures at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios, the Garden Rocks Concert Series at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the new nighttime experiences at Disneyâs Animal KingdomTheme Park and so much more.
Walt Disney World Spring Offer
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
How The New Tickets Work + Pricing
I recently posted news about a possible increase in Walt Disney World ticket prices and a new tiered ticket system. This is now official.
Seasonal pricing for a 1-Day Walt Disney World ticket and price increases for multi-day tickets will go into effect at Disney Parks Sunday, Feb. 28, 2016.
How will it work?
Each month is divided into value, regular and peak days with an 8-11 month calendar available for viewing online. Hereâs an example, if you plan a visit for September, you will have a variety of options, including many days in the value period, which will give you the opportunity to pay less for a 1-Day ticket. If you plan to visit during a peak period, like the winter holidays you will pay more. Purchasing a 1-Day ticket in a non-peak period, or choosing multi-day ticket and annual passes, will provide additional flexibility and value.
Ticket Calendar
You can choose from 3 types of 1-Day Theme Park Tickets. Tickets are available for Peak, Regular and Value seasons. Click here to view Peak, Regular and Value dates. 1-Day Theme Park Tickets will expire on December 31 of the year following purchase. View the 2016 Walt Disney Ticket Rates
1-Day Ticket Options
2016 Walt Disney World Ticket Prices
Guests who choose a 1-Day Ticket can select from the following:
- 1-Day Magic Your Way Magic Kingdom Ticket
- 1-Day Magic Your Way Epcot or Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom Ticket
- 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper Ticket
- 1-Day Magic Your Way Water Park Fun & More Ticket
- 1-Day Magic Your Way Park Hopper & Water Park Fun & More Ticket
Multi-Day Ticket Options at Walt Disney World
Multi-Day Tickets
Guests who choose 2 to 10 day Magic Your Way Base Tickets enjoy admission to any one of the four Walt Disney WorldÂŽ Theme Parks for each day of their ticket. Any of the following options can be added:
- Park Hopper Option
Come and go as you please through all four Walt Disney World Theme Parks (Magic Kingdom Park, Epcot, Disney's Hollywood Studios and Disney's Animal Kingdom Theme Park) on the same day for each day of your ticket.
- Water Park Fun & More Option
Two Disney Water Parks, Disney's Typhoon Lagoon Water Park or Disney's Blizzard Beach Water Park.
- What does the "& More" include?
- Disney's Oak Trail Golf Course
- DisneyQuestÂŽ Indoor Interactive Theme Park
- ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
- Disney's Fantasia Gardens Miniature Golf course (before 4:00 p.m.)
- Disney's Winter Summerland Miniature Golf course (before 4:00 p.m.)
Expiration of Tickets
In addition, although in the past 1-Day tickets for Walt Disney World Resort did not expire, 1-Day tickets sold on or after Sunday, Feb. 28 for Walt Disney World Resort will expire at the end of the next calendar year. For example, 1-day tickets sold in 2016 will expire on Dec. 31, 2017. The amount paid for an unused, expired ticket may be applied towards the purchase of a new ticket at the current price.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, and ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com
New Experience Offers Backstage Access at Disney!
Experience Walt Disney World in VIP Style with Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney recently announced a new trip: The Walt Disney World Resort and Central Florida vacation offers a mix of outdoor activities in the natural terrains and waterways of Old Florida, mixed with theme park experiences that add up to the end-all, be-all Walt Disney World vacation.
Are you interested in special access to attractions? How about behind-the-scenes tours? Want to spend time with Walt Disney Imagineers? Yep, Adventures by Disney is offering all of that and more.
The trip starts with a private dinner in the Chefâs Kitchen at Disneyâs Contemporary Resort. Here youâll meet highly acclaimed chefs, watch as they create culinary deliciousness in front of your eyes and, of course, feast on those creations in a VIP setting. And this is just the first of many super cool dining experiences on this trip. Youâll also enjoy a private breakfast at the all-new Tiffins at Disneyâs Animal Kingdom (before it opens to Park guests!), not to mention privately catered meals at Rafikiâs Planet Watch, the Living Seas VIP Lounge, a private dessert party during Illuminations: Reflections of Earth, and more.
Peek inside the Tower of Terror, go backstage at the new Rivers of Light show (and get VIP seating!), view sealife from behind-the-scenes at The Seas at Epcot, tour Magic Kingdom Park with an Imagineer, learn about how the theme parks were designed and even explore the famous underground Utilidor.
Add to that a private Animal Kingdom safari, VIP viewing of the Festival of Fantasy Parade, VIP ride access to Seven Dwarfs Mine Train and Toy Story Midway Mania and more!
And no Adventures by Disney vacation is complete without lush accommodations. On this trip travelers enjoy a stay at Disneyâs Polynesian Villas & Bungalows. Is there any better way to end each evening in Central Florida than by sipping a cocktail from Trader Samâs Tiki Terrace, watching the âWishesâ fireworks display from across the Seven Seas Lagoon and tucking into your comfy bed each night knowing that every detail of your Disney vacation is carefully arranged?
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com
Love is in the air at La Nouba - literally!
Love Inspires the Newest Act in âLa Noubaâ by Cirque du Soleil
Weâve all heard the expression âlove is in the air,â right? The newest act to join âLa Noubaâ by Cirque du Soleil takes the sentiment literally. Ekaterina and Alexander Abramova are real-life partners who dazzle Disney Springs audiences with their daring aerial bamboo performance. Practically a lost art, aerial bamboo, a skillful mix of acrobatics and storytelling that takes place high above the stage, is rarely seen on modern stages.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com
Aulani Dining Update: âMenehune Mischiefâ Character Dinner
On select evenings at the Makahiki, you can join Aulaniâs beloved âUncleâ and some favorite Disney Characters for the âMenehune Mischiefâ Character Dinner.
BOOK âMENEHUNE MISCHIEFâCHARACTER DINNER AT AULANI
Help Uncle celebrate the Menehune â magical little people of Hawaiian legend said to inhabit the valleys and forests of the islands. Through enchanting music, sing-alongs and interactive adventures, Uncle brings a mesmerizing tale of these mythical folk to life with the help of some favorite Disney Characters.
Menehune Mischief takes place from 5:15-6 p.m., with seating starting at 4:30 p.m. and photo opportunities beginning at 4:45 p.m. Show days coincide with the Starlit Hui Luau performances, so your Clients can enjoy a full evening of family entertainment. Menehune Mistchief is offered on the following dates:
- Feb. 22, 25, 29
- March 3, 7, 10, 13, 15, 17, 20, 22, 25, 29, 31
- April 3, 5, 7, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 21, 25, 28
The cost is $47 for adults and $21 for children (ages 3-9). Reservations can be made by calling 808-674-6200.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com
Major Star Wars Events Coming This Spring to Walt Disney World
EPIC FIREWORKS AND PROJECTION SHOW, LIVE ONSTAGE ENTERTAINMENT AND STORMTROOPER MARCHES JOIN FORCE-FILLED LINEUP AT DISNEYâS HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Following the extraordinary popularity of Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Walt Disney World Resort is unveiling even more Star Wars-themed entertainment at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios starting this spring â including one of the most elaborate fireworks and projection shows in the parkâs history.
Just in time for spring, that âgalaxy far, far awayââ will be closer than ever with the April 4, 2016 arrival of the new Star Wars live entertainment experience Star Wars: A Galaxy Far, Far Away. This new stage show celebrates iconic moments from the Star Wars saga with live vignettes featuring popular Star Wars characters, such as Kylo Ren, Chewbacca, Darth Vader and Darth Maul. The show will take place multiple times each day at the Center Stage area near The Great Movie Ride.
Also starting April 4th, Captain Phasma will lead a squad of First Order stormtroopers as they march in formation from Star Wars Launch Bay to the Center Stage area in an intimidating demonstration of the First Orderâs indomitable strength.
And, starting this summer, you wonât want to miss the next generation of the current Star Wars-inspired fireworks show. This blockbuster nightly show, unprecedented in Disneyâs Hollywood Studios history, will light up the sky with Star Wars-themed fireworks, lasers, light projections and other special effects combined with Star Wars-themed music, iconic characters and scenes from throughout the saga.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com
See Who's Coming to Walt Disney World
Two new character greeting experiences debut this spring at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios, where Walt Disney World Resort Guests can step into scenes with some of their favorite Disney characters, as they live out their Hollywood dreams.
New Character Experiences Coming to Walt Disney World!
Coming in spring 2016 to the Echo Lake district at Disneyâs Hollywood Studios is the all-new Celebrity Spotlight, the perfect place for a dream encounter with one of Disneyâs latest stars. At opening, you are are invited into the Celebrity Spotlight to meet lovable snowman Olaf, from Disneyâs blockbuster film âFrozen.â Olaf will be living his dream âIn Summer,â chilling on the beach and ready with warm hugs for all his friends.
Also opening this spring is âMickey and Minnie Starring in Red Carpet Dreams,â located just off Commissary Lane near the Sci-Fi Dine-In Theater Restaurant, where Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse will live out their dreams of being A-list Hollywood stars. Guests will walk the red carpet and step into a scene with Minnie, where she appears as a Tinsel Town starlet in a ritzy setting straight out of a lush and colorful musical extravaganza. And, nearby Mickey portrays his iconic role of the Sorcererâs Apprentice from âFantasia.â
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Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations withMagical Vacations Travel. For discounts, offers, ways to save money, visit SaveAtWDW.com