April 2017 Spring Break - Booking Fast!
I would like to share with my followers and clients that I'm actively booking April 2017 travel dates, especially the Easter Agency Exclusive Offer, running April 7 through April 21. If you're planning a visit to the Walt Disney World Resort for spring break, I highly recommend booking early!
Other exclusive offers for Walt Disney World offers for are available for April 2017 on my Resort Offers Page.
New Stage Show Planned for Magic Kingdom
Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration, will make its debut for the 2016 holiday season. In this brand new stage show, Mickey and his pals invite some of their friends for an unforgettable Christmas party filled with music, dancing, color and fun. Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story,” Fantasyland friends such as Peter Pan and Snow White and many more will join the show. Presented on the Cinderella Castle Forecourt Stage, Mickey’s Most Merriest Celebration features special effects, magical projections and festive holiday music.
Exclusive Offers for the 2016 Holiday Season
Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party Event Nights 2016
November – 7, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 18, 27 and 29
December – 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 9, 11, 13, 15, 16, 18 and 22
Darren Wittko is rated a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
August 19 is #DisneyPhotoPassDay at Walt Disney World
On Friday, Aug. 19, 2016 the Walt Disney World Resort will celebrate the art and fun of photography at Disney Parks through the first-ever #DisneyPhotoPassDay, a one-day celebration that will feature exciting offerings and experiences, including:
Special Character Experiences at Magic Kingdom Park & Epcot
Special character experiences will be available at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot, where Disney PhotoPass photographers will capture you encounter with Pinocchio, Gideon and Foulfellow in Storybook Circus from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
At Epcot, a friend or foe will join some favorite Disney Characters around World Showcase, including Mushu and Mulan in the China Pavilion; Snow White and Dopey in the Germany Pavilion; and the Queen of Hearts, who will join Alice in the United Kingdom Pavilion.
Check the My Disney Experience app or the Epcot Times Guide on Aug. 19 for these Disney Characters’ schedule.
Complimentary Photo Locations at All Disney Parks & Disney Springs
There will be one location at each of the four theme parks (and Disney Springs) at the Walt Disney World Resort where a Disney PhotoPass photographer will capture you special moment. That photo will be available in the My Disney Experience app at Walt Disney World Resort to download and share at no charge as part of the #DisneyPhotoPassDay celebration. (Normal My Disney Experience registration is required to access the image).
Participate in a Disney PhotoPass Challenge
You can complete a Disney PhotoPass Challenge at any of the Parks at the Walt Disney World Resort to get a Disney PhotoPass photo on us. All you need to do is get their photo taken by a Disney PhotoPass Photographer at each of the designated challenge locations on Aug. 19. Once you've stopped by all of the locations, you can visit a Disney PhotoPass Sales Center to claim your Disney PhotoPass photo. At the Walt Disney World Resort, participants will receive a voucher for one Disney PhotoPass download.
Darren Wittko - is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Four Seasons Orlando Resort Offer
I just posted a special offer for the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at the Walt Disney World Resort. For every 3 nights you stay, the 4th night is free. This hotel located between Disney's Port Orleans Resort - Riverside and Disney's Ft. Wilderness Resort is close to Epcot, Disney Springs and Magic Kingdom. This is the only true 5-Star Hotel at Walt Disney World with the highest level of service and ammenities on property. But I have to admit, the pool area alone is amazing and probably the best of any resort at Walt Disney World. >> View Offer
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
January - February Magical Deals Now Available
Today I'm pleased to share that the January and February 2017 Magical Deals from Magical Vacations Travel have been posted to Save at Walt Disney World. Stay tuned for more 2017 Magical Deals coming soon.
NEW YEAR'S OFFER - MAGICAL DEAL
Travel Window: January 2 through January 9, 2017 >>Learn More
EARLY FEBRUARY OFFER 2017 - MAGICAL DEAL
Travel Window: January 29 through February 5, 2017 >> Learn More
PRESIDENT'S DAY OFFER 2017 - MAGICAL DEAL
Travel Window: February 12 through February 24, 2017 >> Learn More
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
Booking the 2017 Princess Half Marathon Just Got Easier
Did you know that 2017 Magic Your Way Packages and Run Disney race registrations can be handled by your travel agent? Race registrations for the 2017 Disney’s Princess Half Marathon Weekend events listed below can now be included with a Vacation Packages.
Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017
Disney’s Princess Half Marathon – Here's the run that's fit for a Princess – a 13.1 mile magical course.
Saturday, Feb. 25, 2017
Disney Princess Enchanted 10K – This event will take you on an enchanted journey throughout Epcot® before having a magical finish fit for a princess, or prince.
Saturday, Feb. 25 and Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017
Glass Slipper Challenge - A 19.3-mile adventure held over two days, participants will run the Disney Enchanted 10K on Saturday, followed by the Disney Princess Half Marathon on Sunday.
Friday, Feb. 24, 2017
Disney Princess 5K – A royal opportunity to share the magic as a family.runDisney Kids Races – Every Prince & Princess is a winner during the runDisney Kids Races!
Friday, Feb. 24-25, 2017
runDisney Kids Races – Every Prince & Princess is a winner during the runDisney Kids Races!
Darren Wittko - Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel. He is rated aBest of the Best Disney Travel Agent by readers of the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World
2017 Disney World Packages Available June 21, 2016
The 2017 Walt Disney Travel Company vacation packages for the Walt Disney World Resort will be available to book beginning June 21, 2016. These packages will be available for arrivals beginning Jan. 1, 2017. The last date of your vacation can not be booked more than 499 days in the future (most airlines can not be booked more than 331 days in the future).
Darren Wittko is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and a Disney Destinations SpecialistatMagical Vacations Travel. Voted "best of the best Disney travel agent" by readers of the 2015Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World. He is also the creator of The Best of Walt Disney World blog.
Invictus Games + Special Disney Resort Offer
The Invictus Games Orlando 2016 will take place May 8-12, 2016 at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex at Walt Disney World Resort. The brainchild of Prince Harry, the Games will feature more than 500 injured military veterans and active duty personnel from 14 countries competing in 10 events. >> View exclusive hotel offers from Magical Vacations Travel.
The Opening Ceremony will include musical performances by James Blunt and Laura Wright, in addition to appearances from Prince Harry and First Lady Michelle Obama, with more names still to be announced. Plus, the Games just announced its two newest celebrity ambassadors – Shawn Johnson and Derek Hough of Dancing with the Stars fame. Both are also expected to attend the Games.
The opening event on May 8 inside Champion Stadium also will include majestic performances inspiring stories of the competitors and additional music acts, all televised live on ESPN2.
To give you an idea of the pageantry of the Opening Ceremony, here’s a peek at two newly-released renderings of the event’s stage.
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
Disneyland Resort Offer
Disneyland Resort - new offer announced
Booking Window: March 9 – May 24, 2016
Travel Window: April 3 – June 16, 2016
Save up to 20% on Premium rooms at Disney's Grand Californian Hotel & Spa or the Disneyland Hotel on select Sunday – 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 – including Theme Park tickets – 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.
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
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>>
It’s a perfect time for you to discover all-new Star Wars adventures at Disney’s Hollywood Studios, the Garden Rocks Concert Series at Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival, the new nighttime experiences at Disney’s Animal KingdomTheme Park and so much more.
Darren is the creator of Save at Walt Disney World and Specializes in Disney Destinations with Magical Vacations Travel.
Special Walt Disney World Travel Co. Merchandise Offers
When you purchase a Walt Disney Travel Company package you'll receive a few Magical Extras including discounts at select locations throughout Walt Disney World.
Receive 10-20% off the non discounted price of merchandise at select locations at Walt Disney Resort during your package stay.
LittleMissMatched: Mismatched socks, clothing and accessories. Receive 20% of the non-discounted price of merchandise purchased at LittleMissMatched located at Disney Springs.
Something Silver: Distinctive silver jewlery and accessories in a wide-array of styles. Receive 15% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Something Silver located at Disney Springs.
Arribas Brothers: Porcelain giftware, lead crystal glassware, and Pave crystal in Disney Characters and themes. Recevie 10% off purchases at the Arribas Brothers stores at Disney Springs, Magic Kingdom, and Epcot. Some restrictions and exclusions apply.
Basin: Natural products for bath and body. Receive 10% off your entire purchase at Basin located at Disney Springs or Basin White located inside Disney's Grand Floridian Resort and Spa.
Curl by Sammy Duvall: Surf, skate, swimwear apparel and accessories. Receive 10% of the non-discounted price of select merchandise Curl by Sammy Duvall, located at Disney Springs.
Pop Gallery: Whimsical toys, art and jewelry. Receive 10% off the non-discounted price of merchandise at Pop Gallery located at Disney Springs. Exclusions apply.
The Hairwraps Company: Receive one charm with a value of $5 with purchase of a hair wrap at select Walt Disney World locations (by most Disney Resort hotel pools)
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
Discounts and offers are subject to change. Please consult the official Walt Disney World website for current information.
2016 Epcot Food and Wine Festival Dates + Offers
The Epcot International Food & Wine Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort Sept. 14-Nov. 14, 2016. That means almost two additional weeks – from 53 days to 62 – of deliciousness, foodie fun, culinary events, celebrity chefs, seminars, music concerts and more.
FALL 2016 WALT DISNEY WORLD OFFERS
▸ Late September Offer
Travel Window: September 17 through September 24, 2016
▸ Early October Offer
Travel Window: October 1 through October 16, 2016
▸ Late October Offer - Halloween at Walt Disney World
Travel Window: October 22 through October 29, 2016
▸ Epcot Wine & Dine Half Marathon Offer
Travel Window: October 30 through November 6, 2016
▸ Jersey Week Offer
Travel Window: November 6 through November 12, 2016
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
Epcot Flower & Garden Festival 2016 - News, Offers, Schedules
The Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival will return to Walt Disney World Resort March 2-May 30, 2016 – expanding from 75 to 90 days. Here’s a look at what’s new as the festival celebrates its 23rd year!
What's New at the Epcot Flower and Garden 2016
New culinary creations at the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens will introduce fresh variety and flavor to the offerings at a record 13 festival kiosks surrounding the World Showcase Promenade. This year, La Isla Fresca takes youto the Caribbean for authentic bites, including Jamaican Braised Beef with Pigeon-Pea Rice and Jerk-Spiced Grouper or Chicken with Mango Salsa. And, at the new Cider House, a Field Greens salad with greens harvested at The Land pavilion, heirloom apples, Stilton cheese and dried blueberries will pair well with blueberry hard cider from Plant City, Florida.
At the park entrance, the first-ever Huey, Dewey and Louie topiaries will feature floral interpretations of Donald’s mischievous nephews inspired by the 1943 Donald Duck comic book called “The Victory Garden.”
A new hands-on Harmony Gardens musical playground will debut featuring Disney’s Fab Five topiaries of “band leader” Mickey Mouse, as well as Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck. With the playground’s interactive drums, chimes and xylophones, kids can create their own musical sounds.
And, as in previous years, each weekend at the Festival Center, you can dig in for a complimentary hands-on Gardening Seminar experience as they get tips from experts on a broad range of topics.
Plus, the Garden Rocks concert series returns with music spanning four decades. Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice, BRIAN HOWE, former lead singer of Bad Company, Georgia Satellites and Darlene Love make their Festival debut this year. Here’s the lineup (subject to change without notice)
Exclusive Resort & Ticket Offers
▸ Easter Offer
March 19 through April 3, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
▸ Disney Visa Offer - Save on Deluxe Villa Resorts
April 3 through June 30, 2016
▸ April Offer
Travel Window: April 9 through April 20, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts
▸ Late April Offer
Travel Window: April 21 through April 30, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts
▸ Early May Offer
Travel Window: May 1 through May 10, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
▸ Late May Offer
Travel Window: May 26 through June 4, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
Epcot Flower and Garden Festival: Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule
- March 4-6 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO “Evil Woman”
- March 11-13 – Starship starring Mickey Thomas “We Built This City”
- March 18-20 – Little River Band “Reminiscing”
- March 25-27 – Village People “Y.M.C.A.”
- April 1-3 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone “I’m Henry the VIII, I Am”
- April 8-10 – The Guess Who “American Woman”
- April 15-17 – NEW! Blood, Sweat & Tears featuring Bo Bice “Spinning Wheel”
- April 22-24 – NEW! BRIAN HOWE, former lead singer of Bad Company “Can’t Get Enough”
- April 29-May 1 – NEW! Georgia Satellites “Keep Your Hands to Yourself”
- May 6-8 – Gin Blossoms “Hey Jealousy”
- May 13-15 – NEW! Darlene Love “Wait ‘Til My Bobby Gets Home”
- May 20-22 – Night Ranger “Sister Christian”
- May 27-30 (Monday) – The Spinners “Working My Way Back to You”
Performances are at America Gardens Theatre at 5:30, 6:45, and 8 p.m. every Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Festival.
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.
Fall 2016 Walt Disney World Offers
Fall 2016 Walt Disney World Offers
▸ Late September Offer
Travel Window: September 17 through September 24, 2016
▸ Early October Offer
Travel Window: October 1 through October 16, 2016
▸ Late October Offer - Halloween at Walt Disney World
Travel Window: October 22 through October 29, 2016
▸ Epcot Wine & Dine Half Marathon Offer
Travel Window: October 30 through November 6, 2016
▸ Jersey Week Offer
Travel Window: November 6 through November 12, 2016
▸ Mid-November Offer
Travel Window: November 14 through November 20, 2016
▸ Thanksgiving Offer Walt Disney World
Travel Window November 18 through November 27, 2016
▸ Early December Offer
Travel Window; December 1 through December 7, 2016
▸ Christmas 2016 - Walt Disney World Offer
Travel Window: December 21 through December 31, 2016
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.
Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Offers
Spring 2016 Walt Disney World Offers
▸ Easter Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
March 19, 2016 - April 3, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
▸ April Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: April 9 through April 20, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts
▸ Late April Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: April 21 through April 30, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate, and Deluxe Resorts.
▸ Early May Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: May 1 through May 10, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
▸ Late May Offer *Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival
Travel Window: May 26 through June 4, 2016
Save on select Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts
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.
Disney Junior Experience at Walt Disney World
There's plenty of fun for little ones to enjoy at the Walt Disney World Resort – from singing and dancing along to the popular Disney Junior – Live on Stage! show to having breakfast or lunch with favorite Disney Junior pals at Play ‘n Dine at Hollywood & Vine.
Here’s a closer look at some helpful tips so you won’t miss any of the Disney Junior fun on your next visit.
Special Offer:
Disney Junior Package for Walt Disney World Resort
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.
Epcot International Flower and Garden Festival 2016
Celebrating its 23rd year, the Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival returns to Walt Disney World Resort March 2-May 30, 2016, expanding from 75 days to 90 days.
Returning to for the 2016 festival are the Outdoor Kitchens, new Disney character topiaries, interactive play gardens and live music. Don't miss these money saving offers on Walt Disney World Resort hotels and theme park passes.
Available Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Offers During Epcot Flower and Garden Festival
- Play, Stay and Dine Offer - Jan 2 - Apr 16, 2016
- Easter Offer - March 19, 2016 - April 3, 2016
- April Offer - April 9 through April 20, 2016
- Late April Offer - April 21 through April 30, 2016
- Early May Offer - May 1 through May 10, 2016
- Late May Offer - May 26 through June 4, 2016
Epcot Flower & Garden, What's New!
Huey, Dewey and Louie, will make their topiary debut with Donald and Daisy at the park’s front entrance garden this year. Plus, this year's feature topiary is Ranger Mickey Mouse to celebrate the National Parks Service Centennial celebration. You may recall the Anna and Elsa topiaries where the featured last year. 2016 marks the first time Ranger Mickey will appear at the festival.
If it's sweet treats you're after, the festival’s Outdoor Kitchens will be returning for a fourth year. This has proven to be very popular with guests as a min-food festival as well. Favorites and new food and beverage offerings can be found throughout Epcot.
Other festival favorites include the hands-on Disney-led gardening seminars or grab a seat for pop musical performances during the Garden Rocks concert series at the outdoor America Gardens Theatre, all returning for 2016.
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