Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Do Pardoned Turkeys Still Go to Walt Disney World?

For many years pardoned turkeys got to visit the Happiest Place on Earth after enduring a televised White House event packed with political puns.

From 2005 - 2009 Mickey Mouse played host to pardoned turkeys at Walt Disney World Resort.

From 2005 to 2009 the turkeys served as the Grand Marshals of the Walt Disney World Thanksgiving Day Parade on Main Street USA. It’s not clear where they went from there, perhaps they became permanent residents of Disney’s Ft. Wilderness Campground.

Disney no longer invites the turkeys to the parade. I suppose if you’re a turkey, you probably want to keep a low profile on Thanksgiving Day, presidential pardon and all.

Happy Thanksgiving!

~Darren

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Cost-Effective Travel Tips for Parents with Young Children

By Leslie Campos

Your little ones are everything to you, and you love to travel. But traveling with your little ones can be stressful. 

Though it’s challenging, traveling with your young children can also make for a more exciting and enjoyable trip if you do some planning and preparation ahead of time. And you don’t need to spend a fortune getting ready for your trip. 


So don’t sweat it, and get excited for the new adventure that lies ahead! Check out these practical, budget-friendly travel tips for parents of young children:

Pack Plenty of Snacks

The whole family likes snacks, so be sure to bring them along. Buy some of your kids’ favorite snacks in bulk, and pack some in your carry-on and suitcase. Food is cheaper in bulk, and if you’re flying, this will save you from having to buy chips and candy bars at airport prices. Granola bars, fruit pouches, popcorn, and trail mix are also winners.

Don’t Forget Electronics

It’s 2019, so let’s not pretend that our kids don’t love electronics. And when you’re going on a trip, you may regret it if you don’t pack some entertainment. Whether it’s a handheld gaming console, tablet, or laptop, make sure your children have a way to fight boredom while in transit. 

You also want to consider the times when you’re stuck inside or winding down for the evening. A streaming stick can be perfect for those moments. Assuming you have a WiFi connection and a compatible TV, a streaming stick can provide your kids access to tons of movies and shows for their enjoyment. Remember to pack chargers for all the devices you bring along. 

Coordinate Transit with Sleep Time.

Naps are king when it comes to kids. Without them, everything can fall apart, including your trip. Whether you’re taking a road trip or flying, plan to leave early in the morning or late at night. If you’re going on a long road trip, try to drive as much during their nap times as possible. That way, you stand a better chance of your children sleeping for a good chunk of the time. 

Bring the Stroller as a Carry-on.

No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, you’re going to need a stroller. The good news is that most airlines will check a car seat at no charge, which leaves you more room to use your stroller as a carry-on. And make sure the stroller you bring is light and compact. Even if you’re driving, you will likely need the extra room for other things. You can get a quality travel stroller for about $80. 

Buy a Cheap Inflatable Pool

Whether you’ll be staying in a vacation rental, hotel, or other type of lodging, it’s important to plan for bath time. You don’t want to assume that the tub where you’re staying is suitable for bathing kids, and even if the tub does work, you have to think about bacteria, fungus, and so on. Pick up an inflatable pool at the local retail store or dollar store. They’re super cheap, and they pack easily. 

Try to Relax.

Finally, don’t expect everything to go as planned on your trip. It won’t. It’s better to plan than not to plan, but you will definitely hit a snag here and there. If you go in with this knowledge, it won’t shock you as much when it happens. Just try to relax, roll with the punches, and enjoy the time with your family. Plus, if you’re relaxed, your children are more likely to stay calm. 

With a little planning and preparation, you can have an awesome trip with your young children. Pack a lot of snacks, and bring along electronic devices for entertainment. Try to schedule your travel around sleep times, and pack a compact stroller and inflatable pool. And try to stay relaxed, even when things don’t go as planned. 

Image via Unsplash



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New Ticket Offer + Agency Exclusive Offers

We’ve been hard at work bringing you a new line up of Agency Exclusive Offers Walt Disney World travel in 2020. New offers are coming in all the time so be sure to check the Current Offers page frequently. I’m hearing news of yet another Agency Exclusive from Magical Vacations Travel coming this week for November (hint…hint).

New 4-Day Magic Ticket Now Available for Walt DIsney World Resort in Florida.

Four-Day Magic Ticket Now Available

And starting today, you can purchase a four-day, Walt Disney World Resort 4-Park Magic Ticket from $89 per day (plus tax).

  • A regular priced 4-day ticket comes is about $480.39*

  • A 4-Park Magic Ticket comes is about $398.60*

    *Sample pricing based on Aug 1, 2020.

The 4-Park Magic Ticket includes one day of admission to Magic Kingdom Park, one day of admission to Epcot, one day of admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and one day of admission to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park, for a total of four admissions over a 7-day window.

More Savings!

Save even more when you combine the Four Day Magic Ticket with a Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive Offer.

Water Park Option

You can also upgrade your ticket to include one admission to either Disney water park and one admission to the all-new NBA Experience at Disney Springs*.


Four Day Magic Ticket FAQ

Can I purchase this ticket as part of a Walt Disney World Resort Package?

No. It cannot be combined with a traditional Resort Package. It can be purchased as a separate component to room-only reservations, and Magical Vacations Travel Agency Exclusive Offers.

Do the tickets expire?

You must select a start date on or before September 30, 2020 and ticket expires 7 days after the selected start date.

I want to visit Magic Kingdom twice, and skip Epcot. Can I do that?

No. This ticket can be used to enter each theme park only once and one theme park per day. You can choose the order in which you’d like to visit each park.

Can the Four Day Magic Ticket Be Modified or Canceled?

Tickets are nonrefundable, nontransferable and exclude activities/events separately priced. You can move the start date but there is no credit given if that date costs less. If the start date costs more, you’ll pay the difference in price.


Know Before You Go:

  • All tickets and options are nontransferable and nonrefundable and exclude activities/events separately priced.

  • A 4-Park Magic Ticket includes one admission to each of the Walt Disney World theme parks (Magic Kingdom park, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Disney’s Animal Kingdom theme park), for a total of 4 admissions.

  • Limit one admission per theme park, and one park per day.

  • Water Park admission is valid for one admission to Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon water park or Disney's Blizzard Beach water park. NBA Experience admission is valid for one admission to the NBA Experience.

  • Water Parks subject to rehabilitation, seasonal and weather closures.

  • *To participate in NBA Experience activities, footwear is required; athletic footwear is recommended. Age restrictions may apply. Adults must sign a waiver when they arrive at the venue; for children younger than age 18, the child’s parent/guardian must sign the waiver for minors.

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Service Your Way Gift Card Program at Walt Disney World

Today the My Disney Experience mobile app has been updated to allow guests to enroll in the Service Your Way Program. Guests staying at most Value and Moderate resort hotels have the option of declining housekeeping services during their stay in exchange for a gift card.

The Service Your Way Program Allows Guest to Decline Housekeeping in Exchange for a Gift Card.

By opting to decline housekeeping services in your room using the Service Your Way Program, you will receive an electronic Disney Gift Card based on the length of your Disney Resort hotel stay in the amount of $10 per night.

You will still be eligible to receive toiletry items and fresh towels when/if you need them by calling housekeeping on your Disney Resort hotel Guest room telephone. However, your room will not be vacuumed and your beds will not be made during your stay if you choose to use the Service Your Way.

Darren Wittko

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Why You Will Always Wait in Line at Walt Disney World

Pirates of the Caribbean at inside Magic Kingdom Park at Walt Disney World

I’m often asked about the best time to visit Walt Disney World to experience shorter lines. In recent years, Disney has been great at keeping the place busy all year long so there are fewer slow periods. The days of walking onto attractions without any wait, are gone. Here’s why:

 

Switching to Date-Based Ticket Pricing

Date-based ticket pricing not only generates additional revenue during peak times but it also allows Disney to boost attendance during off-peak times by offering cheaper tickets. And many people do take advantage of that. 

 
“We sometimes have this notion that Disney has all the Cast Members working all the time but that’s not so.”
 
 

Special Events and Conventions

Special events like the Epcot International Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party, Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, and the runDisney marathons also boost attendance during off-peak travel periods.

 

Reduction in Staff

With the help of technology and date-based tickets, Disney has become extremely efficient at staffing based on the number of people visiting the parks on a given day. For example, if crowds are light, it may staff at 60% or 80%. We sometimes have this notion that Disney has all the Cast Members working all the time but that’s not so.

I like to use Pirates of the Caribbean as an example. By mid-afternoon, the typical wait for this classic attraction is 30-40 minutes. This is true in July when the parks have high attendance, and it’s true in September, one of the least crowded times. How can this be? Wouldn’t fewer people in the park mean shorter wait times? When there are fewer people in the parks, Disney reduces Cast Members, it runs fewer ride vehicles and they may even shut down some load areas. The end result is a consistent 30-40-minute wait.

On days with lighter crowds at Magic Kingdom, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe operates only one bay.

Lines to order food are still about the same with one bay opened as compared to a busy day when all 3 bays are operating.

Another example I like to use is the quick-service restaurant, Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe located inside the Magic Kingdom. This quick-service restaurant has 3 bays where guests order food. There is almost always a line to order food, even when all three bays are operating. But on less crowded days, Disney operates only one bay, leaving the other two unmanned.

In a perfect world, Disney would operate all three bays at Cosmic Rays all the time, no matter what the crowd level. There would be no such thing as a line. But then we can imagine numerous Cast Members standing around with nothing to do on less-busy days.

 

How to Avoid the Crowds

The days of walking onto rides without any wait maybe a thing of the past but the good news is that there are still ways to avoid long lines.

Arriving at the parks as soon as they open will give you an opportunity to enjoy some headliner attractions before the crowds arrive for the day. I recommend being at the parks about 30 minutes prior to the posted opening time as they sometimes open 10-15 minutes early.

Take advantage of Extra Magic Hours, a benefit to all Walt Disney World Resort hotel guests. Each day, a select park or parks will open early or remain open past general closing, just for Disney Resort hotel guests. You probably won’t notice shorter waits during evening Extra Magic Hours, but most morning Extra Magic Hours can be a great benefit.

I wholeheartedly believe in the great work being done at TouringPlans.com. The actual wait times they provide though their Lines app are more accurate than Disney’s posted times. This is a must-have for anyone who wants to avoid standing in line at Walt Disney World.

If you’re staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel, you can make your FastPass selections 60-days in advance. That’s 30-days ahead of the general public! You’ll have a head start on the most popular attractions and get the best times.

Even though attraction wait times might be consistent through most of the year, there is still something to be said for going during less crowded times: late August, most of September, October, and early November. April and May are also great months to visit, just avoid Easter and holiday weekends.

For special offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels, visit the Offers Page

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Super Zoom Magic Shot Launches at Walt Disney World Resort

New PhotoPass Feature - Super Zoom - Coming to Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge

Disney PhotoPass photographers are roaming Batuu and ready to offer even more creative ways to capture your' Star Wars adventure at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, including two more Super Zoom Magic Shots.

Visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge near First Order Cargo, where a Disney PhotoPass photographer can capture a Super Zoom Magic Shot of you surrounded by the beauty of Batuu, as well as next to Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo, where you’ll be in frame with the fastest hunk of junk in the galaxy, the Millennium Falcon.

Check out the Walt Disney World Offers Page for special savings.

By Darren Wittko

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Epcot's New BBQ Restaurant is fit for a...Monarch??

Regal Eagle BBQ Coming to Epcot

By Darren Wittko

The Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue is coming to The American Adventure Pavilion this winter inside Epcot.

Is it just me or was this an odd name for a restaurant at the American themed host pavilion? The word “regal” literally means “fit for a monarch” which seems a little unpatriotic considering where the restaurant is located. Didn’t we fight hard for our independence from a monarchy? Pretty sure it was a big deal, one that we celebrate every 4th of July.

Anyway, this new fast-casual barbecue experience at The American Adventure will offer up classic American backyard barbecue from around the United States as well as a variety of home-style craft brews. 

On the menu are a variety of sandwiches and platters as well as a plant-based option. Guests can enjoy a sliced Texas beef brisket sandwich with house-made spicy mop sauce on garlic toast or the South Carolina smoked sausage sandwich with tangy mustard sauce and caramelized onions.

Regal Eagle BBQ Coming to Epcot

They can also feast on Kansas City smoked chicken, Memphis dry-rub pork ribs, North Carolina chopped smoked pork butt, all available by themselves or as part of a platter.

For a lighter option, grab the Power Greens Salad with chilled pulled chicken, fresh citrus, and a citrus vinaigrette.

The restaurant will is set to open this winter.

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Coming Soon! Mickey Will Have A New Home at Epcot

Mickey will soon be making appearances in a new location at the Imagination! pavilion, as part of the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival. Just inside the entrance, you will discover Mickey greeting his fans and celebrating his on-screen stardom.

Mickey’s imagination has led to a career in the movies for 90 years and counting, featuring roles in dozens of short films such as “Get A Horse” which you’ll be able to watch as part of the festival. Look for Mickey to arrive at the Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival in early 2020! 

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Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

Additional Dates Now on Sale for Disney After Hours in 2020

Disney After Hours Events 2020

There are now more Disney After Hours event dates to choose from in 2020 at both Magic Kingdom Park and Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park.

Magic Kingdom Park

  • January 23, 27 & 31

  • February 3, 10, 17 & 24

  • March 2, 9, 16, 23 & 30

  • April 5, 13, 20 & 27

  • May 5, 11, 18 & 25

Disney’s Animal Kingdom Park

  • April 1, 7, 14 & 22

  • May 2, 9, 16, 19 & 26

Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased in advance for $129 per adult or child, plus tax, or on the day of the event for $139 per adult or child, plus tax. Contact Darren today to book your tickets

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Darren Wittko Darren Wittko

More Reservations Made Available for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World Resort

More Reservations Made Available for the Ultimate Disney Christmas Package at Walt Disney World Resort

Good news! Disney has increased availability for the 2019 Ultimate Disney Christmas Package and extended the booking window for this special offer. The package is a great way for you to experience all the holiday fun of a Walt Disney World Resort vacation, with an itinerary full of Yuletide offerings – including a five-night stay at a select Disney resort hotel from Dec. 21-26, 2019. Also included are four-day theme park tickets with the Park Hopper Option, plus some exclusive holiday experiences just for Guests taking advantage of this magical offer. Details include:

  • Saturday, Dec. 21: Exclusive nighttime access to experience Avatar Flight of Passage, Na’vi River Journey and Expedition Everest at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park. Plus, you can catch an exclusive showing of the park’s new “Rivers of Light: We Are One” show on Discovery River.

  • Sunday, Dec. 22: Tickets to Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, where you can see the brand-new “Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks” nighttime spectacular.

  • Monday, Dec. 23, or Tuesday, Dec. 24 (one night per reservation): Access to an exclusive reserved viewing area to watch “Epcot Forever,” the new nighttime spectacular at Epcot. Plus, each Guest (ages 3 and older) receives a digital $50 Epcot Theme Park Dine Promo Card to use at participating locations in the park.

  • Wednesday, Dec. 25: An Ultimate Disney Christmas gift delivered to your resort hotel room!

Learn more
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Offer Alert! Florida Resident Ticket Offer for Walt Disney World Resort

Florida Residents can enjoy some flexibility with their visit when they purchase a special ticket offer! 

The Florida Resident Seasonal Flex Ticket is available for use most days through Feb. 29, 2020 (see block-out dates below) at the following rates:

  • 3-Day Ticket – $249 plus tax ($83 per day, plus tax)

  • 4-Day Ticket – $269 plus tax ($68 per day, plus tax)

Please be aware that the following block out dates apply: Nov. 21-28, 2019, Dec. 18, 2019 through Jan. 2, 2020.  Tickets can be used on non-consecutive days. 

Check out current Walt Disney World offers here

Related:

Learn more about Florida Resident discounts for Walt Disney World Resort

By Daren Wittko

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Expect Epcot Closures This Fall-Winter

List of closures as part of the ongoing transformation of #Epcot:

  • Mouse Gear will move to a temporary home this winter while its current location is reimagined.

  • Fountain View featuring Starbucks will relocate to a temporary location in late Fall.

  • Club Cool will also close during this time with elements set to return in the future.

  • Meet Disney Pals at the Epcot Character Spot will temporarily close beginning on September 8, 2019.

  • Pin Central will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway.

  • The Camera Center will close this fall to become a new home for Pin Central.

  • Heritage Manor is also scheduled to close and return early next year.

  • Art of Disney will operate temporarily from a new location while refurbishment is underway. Heritage Manor will later become the new home for Art of Disney offerings.

  • Electric Umbrella is scheduled to close this winter. New dining options will be available in the future, featuring a variety of food and beverage selections.

Related:

Summary of Epcot’s Biggest New Projects

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Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish

Disney Wish is Disney Cruise Line’s 5th Ship

The ship’s atrium will be a bright, airy and elegant space inspired by the beauty of an enchanted fairytale. A beloved hallmark of Disney Cruise Line, it has been a tradition to adorn the back of our ships with an iconic character that reflects the theme of each vessel. For the Disney Wish, the ship’s stern will feature Rapunzel. Our favorite artsy princess, paintbrush in hand, uses her enchanted hair to suspend herself as she decorates the stern of the ship with the help of her feisty sidekick, Pascal. Spirited, smart, curious and above all, adventurous, Rapunzel embodies the wish and desire to see and experience the world.

Disney Wish

Disney also shared details on its second tropical destination in The Bahamas, which will be located on the island of Eleuthera at a place called Lighthouse Point. The new destination will celebrate both the stories of The Bahamas and the natural environment of Lighthouse Point itself.

Disney’s Lighthouse Point

Construction at Lighthouse Point will begin only after an Environmental Impact Assessment and Environmental Management Plan are reviewed and accepted by the Government of The Bahamas and public consultation has occurred. Construction could begin in 2020 with completion in late 2022 or 2023.

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Star Wars Hotel Coming to Walt Disney World

Star Wars Themed Hotel Planned for Walt Disney World

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser will offer a two-night itinerary where all Guests arrive and depart at the same time, similar to Disney Cruise Line. Unlike any typical cruise, though, your Clients can become the heroes of their own Star Wars story in a new type of immersive experience that only Disney could create.

You’ll cruise the galaxy aboard the Halcyon, a starcruiser known throughout the galaxy for its impeccable service and exotic destinations. Onboard, Guests will stay in well-appointed cabins, experience onboard dining, make a planet-side excursion to Black Spire Outpost on Batuu, and much more. Throughout the journey, you will be invited to delve deeper into your personal adventure by participating in onboard activities, interacting with characters, crew, other passengers you meet, and becoming part of the action and the broader Star Wars saga:

The adventure begins when you arrive at the Galactic Starcruiser Terminal at Walt Disney World and check in for your two-night experience.

You will be invited to enter a Launch Pod for transport into space. Through windows above, you’ll see yourself leave the real world behind as you jump to hyperspace and draw closer and closer to the Halcyon.

Star Wars: Galactic Starcruiser

When the Launch Pod docks with the Halcyon and the airlock opens, they will step into the ship’s main deck Atrium to begin your journey through a galaxy far, far away.

  • A visit aboard the Halcyon becomes a multi-day story that interweaves with members of the crew, other passengers, familiar Star Wars characters, and an excursion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.

The all-immersive experience also features exclusive activities, such as:

  • Wielding a lightsaber while facing off against a training remote, where you may discover your own connection with the Force.

For more images and information, and the ability to sign up for a newsletter regarding this experience: https://disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/star-wars-galactic-starcruiser/

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Summary of Epcot Transformation

Epcot Transformation

What is all the construction at Epcot? Here’s a overview of what is being built at Epcot at Walt Disney World. Some of these attractions have been delayed due to the pandemic, but others are nearly finished.

Recently Walt Disney Imagineering and other special guests, made several announcements about the future of Epcot. Let’s take a look at the biggest changes you can expect to see in the coming months.

Epcot will be unified with four neighborhoods that each speak to important aspects of the world and its people: World Showcase, World Celebration, World Nature and World Discovery. These neighborhoods will be filled with new experiences rooted in authenticity and innovation.

New Nighttime Show Planned for Epcot

Soon the new “HarmonioUS” will debut as the largest nighttime spectacular ever created for a Disney park. It will celebrate how the music of Disney inspires people the world over, with a stream of familiar Disney tunes reinterpreted by a diverse group of artists from around the globe. “HarmonioUS” will feature massive floating set pieces, custom-built LED panels, choreographed moving fountains, lights, pyrotechnics, lasers and more.

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Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway Coming to Disney's Hollywood Studios

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Attraction coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios

At Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney Imagineers are getting ready to open next year. Your Clients will be invited to the Chinese Theatre, which serves as the magic portal through which theatergoers will step from the human world directly into the cartoon world for one Goofy adventure aboard Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway!


Once you step into the cartoon world of Mickey Mouse, you’ll board a train with Goofy as the engineer. Then, after a magical moment you enter a zany, out-of-control adventure filled with surprising twists and turns.

 With an original story and theme song, Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway uses state-of-the-art technologies and dazzling visual effects to transform the cartoon world into an incredible and immersive multidimensional experience.

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The Meaning Behind the RR Logo at Disney’s Riviera Resort

When Guests approach the resort, the signature double “RR” monogram will appear to rise into view like a welcoming beacon.

Signature elements are coming into place at Disney’s Riviera Resort, the newest Walt Disney World Resort hotel and Disney Vacation Club property, under construction now and projected to open Dec. 16, 2019.

Today, I’m sharing a look at the Disney’s Riviera Resort double “RR” monogram sign being raised into place, eight stories high and front and center at the resort’s tower.

When Guests approach the resort, the signature double “RR” monogram will appear to rise into view like a welcoming beacon, giving a first glimpse of the elegance that awaits within. Like the grand European resorts along the Riviera, Disney’s Riviera Resort’s signature monogram will be especially dazzling in the evening hours thanks to its dramatic lighting with 470 light bulbs illuminating the sign.

Disney’s Riviera Resort opening Dec 18, 2019

The iconic “RR” monogram sign will sit above the resort’s eighth story tower which will be home to Walt Disney World’s newest accommodation type, the Tower Studios. Located in this tower, these upscale accommodations are designed for two. Each Tower Studio will maximize efficiency within a space that exudes refined luxury. 

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Why You Shouldn't Wait to Book Disney World in 2020

I have worked exclusively with Disney destinations for the past 10 years and based on my experience, I can see that things are changing at Walt Disney World. 2020 is going to bring many exciting changes, and yes, higher rates and even new policies. We recently saw big changes to Walt Disney World theme park tickets and we saw the end of the long-standing Magic Your Way package.

Back in the spring I predicted major price increases to nightly hotel rates based on the number of reservations I was booking for clients. The rate increase came in July but was cleverly disguised as a free dining offer. What you didn’t see was a significant rate increase on Walt Disney World hotels. If you booked a fall 2019 reservation after the offer came out, well, you paid 2020 rates. By the way, the free dining offer was so limited this year, very few people were able to take advantage of it. There were just a few weeks here and there that needed to be filled.

I do expect additional rate increases on things like PhotoPass and the Disney Dining Plans for 2020 so it would wise to get those components added to your reservation now, just in case.

I’ve heard that Disney is waiting to see what Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge does for attendance before releasing any 2020 discounts. Offers like free dining were created to fill gaps in attendance when tourism was down. But 2019 was the best year for travel and tourism in long, long time. I think Disney is expecting 2020 to be even better.

Disney has been investing a lot of money and resources at Walt Disney World with new hotels, transportation upgrades, attractions and of course Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge. It’s reasonable for Disney to expect a return on its investment. Simply keeping the parks busy isn’t going to be enough after the amount of money they have spent. But we should keep in mind that there is a lot of value in the many, new experiences coming even if prices are higher.

I do recommend booking your trip as early as possible with the refundable deposit, even if you might change your mind later. I have noticed that some hotels are already sold out for select January and February nights. This isn’t normal! Bookings are definitely way up.

Rates can increase again at any time. When you book early in the year you lock in the current price. Plus, Disney allows guests to apply offer codes to existing reservations. If the price goes down, I can make the adjustment provided the offer matches your package type.

As a travel agent obsessed with saving my clients money, I will certainly be on the lookout for any offers that come along and post them here. So, stay tuned! This is going to be a great year at Walt Disney World.

>>VIEW CURRENT WALT DISNEY WORLD OFFERS

by Darren Wittko

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Big News for Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party 2019

Tomorrowland Speedway at Magic Kingdom Park will get a holiday makeover.

Darren Wittko

For the first time ever during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party, select Magic Kingdom attractions are receiving special enhancements just for the holidays!

  • When you get behind the wheel on the Tomorrowland Speedway, you’ll find yourself cruising a festive freeway filled with thousands of lights and stylized dĂ©cor.

  • The crew at Monsters Inc. Laugh Floor is putting some “Ha Ha Ha” in their “Ho Ho Ho,” with a new show for everyone visiting the Monster World during Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party.

  • Space Mountain launches Guests on a trippy jaunt through the cosmos, filled with dazzling lighting and high-energy holiday tunes.

  • Mad Tea Party in Fantasyland becomes a wild Christmas party, as you spin your teacup to one of four new holiday combos of lights and music.

  • Minnie’s Wonderful Christmastime Fireworks show will debut this year as well.

The party starts at Magic Kingdom Park on Nov. 8 and is offered select nights through Dec. 22, 2019. For tickets contact Darren Wittko at Magical Vacations Travel

Related:

Fall Offers of Walt Disney World Resort hotels

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