Category Archives: Disney Promotions

How Disney Discounts and Promotions Work

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Disney will occasionally offer promotions and discounts during slow seasons in order to boost attendance and fill resort rooms.  There are a few things to know about these promotions to help understand how the discounts work.

Discounts are not “stackable” this means that you cannot get more than one discount, so if Disney is offering a room only or free dining you cannot get both.  You will want to compare the discounts in order to figure out which will be a better value for your vacation.

Promotions are generally offered during the slow seasons, this means holidays, spring break and summer are not going to be discounted much, if at all. 

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Thanks to Disney Travel Professionals for the photo.

Discounts are not guaranteed!  There are many, many times when the rooms will sell out, or they don’t apply for your dates of travel, or for the resort you have booked.  Room categories or entire resorts will be excluded as well.  Travel agents have no way to guarantee a discount or promotion until it is offered from Disney and a deposit is paid on the booking.  You will need to act fast in order to secure a discount when it is offered.

So what types of promotions does Disney offer?  Room only discounts are fairly common with Disney. The amount varies by resort, Values are usually 15%, with Deluxe Villas up to 35%.  Kid sized offers mean that the price of some of the package components will be the same as the children’s price.  Extra day of tickets, this is usually a minimum of 4 days with an added 5th day free.  Free dining, at Value resorts they offer the quick service dining package for free, and Moderates and Deluxes get the Disney Dining Plan for free.  There is usually a minimum amount of nights and days for park tickets that you will need to book in order to qualify for these discounts.

 

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Photo via Disney.com

 

PIN codes are another very common form of discounts that Disney offers.  It is unknown how to get on the right mailing list to get these but the best advice I can offer is to make sure you are signed up on the Disney.com website to receive offers and these will at times be sent via email.  The catch?  If the PIN code is in your name you have to be the lead guest on the reservation.

Spring 2015 discount

Thanks to Disney Travel Professionals for the photo.

Bounce back offers, this promotion is probably less well known but can be a very good deal.  A bounce back offer is a booking that you will make while at Disney for a future date.  The offer changes every so often and must be booked before you leave Walt Disney World.  If there is no information in your resort room about the current offer just dial extension 8844 and you will be connected to guest services.  Also if you like to use your favorite Disney Travel Planner (ahem) you can just list them with your reservation agent or transfer the booking within 30 days.

Having an Annual Pass to Walt Disney World can also get you a resort discount.   Be sure that your AP is still valid and make the reservation in your name.

Disney Visa cardholders are also eligible for discounts on occasion.  In the past these have been released prior to the release of general public sales.  You must have the Disney Visa card in order to apply these discounts.

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Military Discounts are also available for active and retired military personnel with a valid identification card.  You can purchase discount tickets at the Shades of Green resort located near the Polynesian Village Resort.

Florida Resident are also offered discounts on tickets and resorts with a valid Florida issued ID.

No matter what discount you are looking at there are always ways to save money on your Walt Disney World vacation, if you take the time to plan it correctly and do a little bit of homework!  Of course you can always leave this to a trained professional who can help with the ins and outs of getting the most bang for your buck.

Awaken Summer: EPCOT

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Thanks to Disney Travel Professionals for the photo.

Thanks to Disney Travel Professionals for the photo.

Yes, Awaken Summer is almost here and so many changes and fun events and new stuff is coming to Disney! It is going to be fantastic. Who is more excited than me? Probably someone going soon. I turned in my WDW card for a DCL card for the Summer and starting to question it with all the new comings (and goings!) But, hey it will still be there in the Fall – I hope!

So, for EPCOT they are going to have a few MASSIVE things to celebrate Awaken Summer!

First, Soarin’ is about to re-open. Now, they did refurbish the Soarin’ ride in two ways – first IMG_3179they added an extra theater and so that is going to help the lines tremendosly. Second, they changed the movie from Soarin’ Over California to Soarin’ Over the World. If you have been missing the old Cali version you can watch that up until June 17th when the brand new Soarin’ Over the World debuts at Disneyland in California and Epcot at Walt Disney World. For this attraction we are giving the premiere not to our friends at Shanghai Disneyland and letting them show it first on their grand opening June 16th! Watch out for some new smells and all new video. Very Exciting!

Speaking of helping Soarin’ lines, one thing that is not going to help the lines is the opening of the new Frozen Ever After ride in Norway. Reason this will change the lines at Soarin’ is it is a new ride that is another Tier 1 – so choose new Soarin’ or new Frozen? EEK! This ride in Norway is taking place in Arendale and replaces a crowd favorite Maelstrom – so big shoes to fill!

Another Frozen addition (because how can you have too much Frozen? Well, let me show you how…nope never mind!) You can not meet and greet with Anna and Elsa at Epcot at the Royal Sommerhus, also in Norway. There are no fastpass+ available for this meet and greet. Oh, and I guess I should add since Anna and Elsa are going to be in Epcot they will no longer be in Walt Disney World for meet and greets – well, clearly they can not be in two places at once?!

 

Disney Visa Perks

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You have maybe heard about the Disney Visa before, particularly when promotions are released.  On occasion Disney Visa cardholder have been granted early access to these discounts for booking a Walt Disney World vacation.

Disney visa

So what do you get with your Disney Visa?  How much does it cost?

There are two types of Disney Visa cards a free one and the Premier which is an annual fee applied directly to your card of $49.

One of the perks of having either card is the 10% off any purchase of $50 or more at Disney stores and Disneystore.com.  Which as we know doesn’t take long to get past that $50 price tag. 

A 10% discount is also available at dining locations in Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort.

Points can also be earned on purchases made with the Disney Visa.  These points can then be turned into a Disney Visa Rewards redemption card. You can earn up to 2% in rewards dollars at gas stations, grocery stores, restaurants, and Disney locations.  Also you can earn 1% everywhere else. These points can be used for booking Disney vacations, spending at Disney parks, and Disney stores.  You earn points after you have paid on the card.  The points never expire but your card can be inactive so be sure to check on this before leaving home and making purchases.

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Disney Vacation discounts are also available at times with this card.  It will be similar to the discounts and promotions that Disney offers to the general public such as a room only discounts or dining promotions.  On occasion these promotions are offered prior to general public sales allowing the cardholders a couple of days head start.

Discounts on tours are another great perk.  You can save 15%!  At Disneyland you can try out Welcome to Disneyland, A Walk in Walt’s Disneyland Footsteps, Discover the Magic, Cultivating the Magic and Disney California Story.  At Walt Disney World you can try out: Disney’s Family Magic, Keys the Kingdom, The Magic Behind our Steam Trains, Walt Disney: Marceline to Magic Kingdom, Gardens of the World, Undiscovered Future World, Behind the Seeds, DiveQuest, Seas Aqua Tour, Backstage Tales, Ultimate Day of Thrills VIP, Day for Young Families VIP, Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Backstage Magic, Holiday D-Lights, Yuletide Fantasy, Wilderness Back Trail Adventure.

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In Disneyland and Walt Disney World you can present your card for a private meet and greet with Disney characters.  At Walt Disney World it is located in Epcot, Innoventions West daily from 1-7pm.  You will receive downloads of the pictures onto your MagicBand.  In Disneyland Resort go to Disney’s California Adventure Park next to Monster’s Inc. Mike and Sully to the rescue, daily from 10:30am-1:30pm.  Downloads are also available here.

For Food and Wine at Epcot there is the Chase Visa lounge with free soft drinks, water and a place to have a break and charge your phone.

10% off select recreation experiences at Walt Disney World are available such as carriage rides or horseback trail rides.

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For those that want pampering there is a 15% discount for salon treatments valued at $45 or greater or any 50 minutes or longer spa treatments at Walt Disney World.

For Disney Cruise Line you can get at $50 onboard credit when you pay for your Disney Cruise Line vacation in full with your Disney Visa card.

You can also check out the full printable guide here https://disneydebit.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2014/07/9392_WDW_Debit_ThemeParkPerks_PocketGuide_02.pdf

If you are like me, you probably learned a little bit about a card you already hold!  I didn’t know about many of these discounts, which means my Disney Visa may get a workout next time I am at Disney, for the perks of course!

 

Want to Save Some Money on Your Spring Disney Trip?

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The new promotion for Spring is here! It is a great one and lots of people are saving some dollars.

You can save up to 25%* on rooms at select Walt Disney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights April 14-June 11, 2016. If you want a last-minute trip there are still some great deals out there from now until April 14th – so just ask!

For an example, a family of four (2 adults, 2 children under age 9) can get a 5 night stay at a Disney Value resort with 5 day base tickets for $2088.32! That includes a room discount and your 5th park day for free! You can’t beat this offer so let’s get started on those spring break plans.

How much fun would you have letting your favorite Dole Whipped lady plan your next Disney trip for you? We all know who the favorite is so no need to SHOUT it! Our concierge services are free and we can help plan your dining, fastpasses, resort choices and so much more! For more information email dolewhipped@gmail.com or click on the “Free Vacation Planning” tab above. We love helping and we are so appreciative of you letting us help you plan. Happy New Year!

 

 

Disneyland’s 60th Anniversary written by Guest Blogger: Danielle Brabson

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IMG_20150514_085914985It’s the big 6-0 for Disneyland this year and they are setup to celebrate the Diamond Anniversary. The streets are decked out with the Disney ‘D’ and diamond banners. The castle has been given an extra dose of sparkle. If you’ve been wanting to visit Disneyland or haven’t been in a while, now is the time to go. You’ll get to enjoy an extra special Disneyland experience! I am disappointed to miss it but we just got back from a visit in May and I haven’t been able to convince the hubs that we should go experience the 60th Anniversary since we already have reservations for our usual Christmas trip in December.

The celebration started on May 22nd with a 24 hour celebration at both parks – Disneyland and California Adventure. Both parks were open from 6 am on May 22nd to 6 am on May 23rd. There was an opening celebration on Main Street at 6 am to start off the 24 hours of fun!

In addition to the 24 hour celebration, they have created a new parade – Paint the Night, a new night-time show – Disneyland Forever, and a new World of Color show – Celebrate.  All geared towards paying homage to the heart of Disneyland and Walt’s dream. They are all sure to be over the top and ready to dazzle the crowds.

The new Paint the Night Parade is an updated electrical parade. The Disney Parks blog says “This dazzling nighttime procession is led by Tinker Bell flying in a magical, musical overture, spreading pixie dust along the Disneyland parade route. Right on her tail (but never growing up!) is Peter Pan, perched high atop an enormous drum inspired by a float from the classic “Main Street Electrical Parade.” I’ve heard that this parade is AH-MAZING! I would expect nothing less from Disney.

After the parade you’ll be able to witness a new nighttime show that is more than just IMG_20150512_142516179fireworks. It looks like they are incorporating lasers, video projections along Main Street and other parts of the park along with fireworks. Magical is the only word I can think to describe this and I haven’t even seen it! It is 14 minutes of magic that transforms the park and is complimented with a fantastic soundtrack.

Over at California Adventure, they’ve also updated World of Color. I love World of Color, the fact that they can project images on water and have it look clear and crisp if amazing to me. Maybe I am easily impressed but I think they do a great job presenting it and incorporating so many Disney characters seamlessly into the show! The Disneyland website explains it the best  I think “Filled with never-before-seen surprises and dazzling special effects, and hosted by Neil Patrick Harris and the one-and-only Mickey Mouse, it’s an unforgettable opportunity to follow along on Walt’s incredible journey of imagination—from his earliest creations, to his very first visions for The Happiest Place on Earth, to today’s Disney magic… and beyond!

Featuring soaring fountains, fire and laser effects, stirring music and towering screens that come to life with new and classic Disney animation, World of Color: Celebrate! reminds us all that if we never give up on our dreams, then anything is possible!”

In addition to all the fun shows and entertainment there have added some new food and drinks to celebrate as well. Get a 60th anniversary cupcake, enjoy the yummy 60th anniversary Martini at Carthay Circle Restaurant (make a reservation for dinner you will not be disappointed!). And as a true Disney fanatic you should make sure you accessorize ” the Diamond Celebration Made with Magic Mickey Ear hat, Paint Brush and Mickey Glove—and others you know and love, including the Sorcerer Mickey Wand and Minnie Mouse Headband.

Each marvelous Made with Magic piece has been programmed to light up at key moments, matching colors and flashing to the beat during all-new nighttime spectaculars, such as:

So go and enjoy all the magic and fun for the 60th Anniversary!

Exclusive October Disney World Discount

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We are offering discounted rates on rooms at select resorts for October 3-27, 2014. You may add the dining plan and discounted tickets to this offer, or book as a room-only reservation. Availability for the discounted rooms is very limited. 

10524619_669987979755703_6762596792665435933_nWalt Disney World Room AND Ticket Discount, October 7-18, 2014

  • Special Rates are available at the following resorts with savings up to 35% off Disney’s rack rate.
  • Up to 10% off theme park tickets with a free bonus visit to a Disney water park or Disney Quest.

Participating Resorts:

  • All-Star Music
  • All-Star Sports
  • Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Pop Century
  • Port Orleans French Quarter
  • Port Orleans Riverside
  • Wilderness Lodge (Standard rooms and club-level rooms)
  • Yacht Club
  • Contemporary
  • Grand Floridian (Standard rooms and club-level rooms)

We are all travel agents for Magical Moments Vacations, Authorized Disney Vacation Planners. If you book your trip with us, it is at absolutely no extra charge to you. We can help you plan out an itinerary and make dining and Fastpass+ reservations or you can make them–whichever you prefer.

If you would like a free, no-obligation quote, please click here or email us at dolewhipped@gmail.com .

One of us would be happy to help you save some money on your vacation!

Disney Military Room Rates available from Sept. 28, 2014-Oct. 3, 2015

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From the Disney Parks Blog: 

230411_1977671690245_1513986_nAt Walt Disney World Resort – from August 25, 2014, through September 30, 2015, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper Option for $177 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Water Park Fun and More Option for $177 each, plus tax
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets with Park Hopper and Water Park Fun and More Options for $207 each, plus tax.

Walt Disney World Resort tickets may be used September 28, 2014, through October 3, 2015, except that the tickets may not be used December 22, 2014 – January 2, 2015 and March 29 – April 9, 2015.

292400_2296298135707_1808171_nAt the Disneyland Resort – from August 25, 2014, through October 1, 2015, active and retired U.S. military personnel (including active and retired members of the United States Coast Guard, National Guard and Reservists) or their spouses can purchase:

  • Disney Military Promotional 3-Day Park Hopper Tickets for $132 each

Disneyland tickets may be used September 28, 2014, through October 3, 2015, except that the tickets may not be used December 25, 2014 – January 4, 2015 and March 29 – April 9, 2015.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets for themselves and up to five additional family members or friends. No more than six Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased by any eligible member of the U.S. military (or spouse) pursuant to this offer. All tickets and options are non-transferable and must be used by October 3, 2015.

Active and retired U.S. military personnel can also take advantage of specially priced rooms at select Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort hotels.* This offer is valid for stays most nights from September 28, 2014, through October 3, 2015, except for:

  • November 27 – November 29, 2014
  • December 24 – December 31, 2014
  • March 30 – April 4, 2015

Here are some other details you should know about:

  • Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased at participating U.S. military sales outlets ONLY by Eligible Service Members (defined below) or their spouses (but not both), for use by themselves and other family members and friends, as provided herein. These Tickets may not be otherwise transferred, distributed or resold.
  • “Eligible Service Members” are active or retired members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, Reservists and the U.S. Coast Guard.
  • The actual prices charged at the individual U.S. military base ticket offices for Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be less than the prices set forth above.
  • Participating military sales outlets must require that Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) present valid military identification to purchase Disney Military Promotional Tickets.
  • Disney 4-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Walt Disney World Resort are not valid until activated by the Eligible Service Members (or their spouses) at Walt Disney World theme park ticket windows. Tickets and options expire and may not be used after October 3, 2015. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • Disney 3-Day Military Promotional Tickets for admission to the Disneyland Resort expire and may not be used after October 3, 2015. Valid military identification will be required for purchase and use.
  • No more than six (6) Disney Military Promotional Tickets may be purchased and (if applicable) activated by any Eligible Service Member or spouse (regardless of the place of purchase and whether purchased by that person or that person’s spouse). In addition, one of the six (6) Tickets purchased must be used by the Eligible Service Member or his/her spouse.
  • Each Disney Military Promotional Ticket must be used by the same person on any and all days.

*The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply. Valid Military ID will be required upon check-in, and military member (or spouse) must stay in the room. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Additional per-adult charges apply at the Walt Disney World Resort if there are more than two adults per room. Other restrictions apply.

One of us would be happy to help you take advantage of this offer, click here to request a quote, or send us an email at dolewhipped@gmail.com .

Disney World Special Dole Whipped VIP Promotion

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Great news…if you are a Dole Whipped fan and want to travel to Disney in October – you may be eligible for a great value on room and tickets!

This offer is exclusive to Dole Whipped clients and fans ONLY!

Special Rates are available with savings up to 35% off Disney’s rack rate. Up to 10% off theme park tickets with a free bonus visit to a Disney water park or Disney Quest…discounted tickets??? Yes, Disney purchased discounted tickets.

Also stay tuned for an extra exciting type announcement coming soon. Hint: BRRR it is still cold outside!

So if you want more info, including dates and resorts, email dolewhipped@gmail.com and let’s put for the subject line: Frozen.