Introducing the Disney World and Universal Orlando Bundle
Today I’m excited to announce a new feature available on SAVEatWDW.com, the Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando Bundle Quote.
Now, planning a split-stay between Disney World and Universal is easier than ever. This new quote offers a side-by-side view of your Universal Orlando itinerary and your Walt Disney World itinerary, on one page.
VelociCoaster at Universal Orlando Resort
As we fine-tune your quote to create the perfect itinerary for your family, you’ll be able to see the updates on one page. This allows you to easily compare things like dates, cost, and package components.
Tower of Terror at Disney’s Hollywood Studios
Plus I created the Guide to Visiting Disney World and Universal Orlando with expert answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about doing a split-stay between both resorts.
For example:
How many days should I plan for at Universal Orlando?
How can I get Universal ExpressPass for free?
What’s the best way to travel to Universal from Disney?
Most of my clients come to see Disney World, but are also interested in exploring The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and riding the new VelociCoaster at Islands of Adventure.
This new split-stay feature will make it easy to understand how you can do both.
Book your Orlando vacation with me and take advantage of these great benefits:
BEST PRICE - When you book your vacation with me, you’ll always get the best available rate, even after you book with Price-Watch.
BEST ADVICE - As an Orlando local and theme park expert, I’ll help you have even more fun with expert planning and insider tips.
PERSONAL ATTENTION - I’m your personal account manager throughout the entire process, no waiting on hold to speak with a random customer service agent.
Get your Universal Orlando and Disney World Bundle quote now!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Fireworks Returning to SeaWorld Orlando
Fireworks return to Orlando’s SeaWorld
SeaWorld Orlando has announced that it will offer fireworks beginning May 28 through September 6, 2021. Guests can view the show on Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays, and other select nights throughout the summer,
Ignite Fireworks at SeaWorld Orlando, part of Electric Ocean
“Ignite” is high-energy finale to your day and will be part of SeaWorld Orlando’s fireworks spectacular during Electric Ocean evenings.
It’s an incredible display of fireworks, music, lights, and pyrotechnics that brings the brilliance of the sea to the sky above.
Spacious viewing locations are available all around SeaWorld's large central lake, including the Orca Encounter Pathway, The Waterfront, and at Bayside Stadium.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney Cruise Line: Disney Wish Sample Rates
See how the Disney Wish compares to rest of the fleet plus sample pricing.
The Disney Wish—Disney Cruise Line’s newest ship sailing to The Bahamas in Summer 2022 will promise enchantment everywhere you turn. See how much a cruise on the Disney Wish will cost and take a closer look at the stateroom categories.
Disney Wish Grand Hall
How Does the Disney Wish Compare to the rest of the Disney Cruise Line Fleet?
You’ll notice that the Disney Wish is about the same size as the Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy but has a number of new amenities that make it unique.
Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line
Number of Passengers
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder 2,713
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy 4,000
Disney Wish 4,000
Number of Staterooms
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder 875
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy 1,250
Disney Wish 1,244
Ship Length
Disney Magic and Disney Wonder 984 ft.
Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy 1,115 ft.
Disney Wish 1,119 ft.
Number of Staterooms by Category on the Disney Wish
Inside Staterooms 121
Oceanview (portholes) 178
Verandah 945
There are 902 connecting staterooms for families traveling together. Dividers on the balconies can be removed, creating one large outdoor space.
Disney Wish | Disney Cruise Line
Rooms on the Disney Wish
As with all the Disney Cruise Line ships, the Disney Wish was designed for families with plenty of space to spread out and ample storage.
Disney Wish Stateroom Categories
Disney Wish Standard Inside Staterooms
Inside staterooms Sleep up to 3 or 4 guests with a queen bed, convertible sofa, pull down bed and an upper berth. Inside staterooms have a single bath with no view of outside. This is the most economical stateroom category.
DIsney Wish - Inside Stateroom
Disney Wish Deluxe Oceanview Staterooms
These spacious accommodations sleep 3 to 4 guests with a porthole view of outside, but no verandah. Staterooms have a queen bed and sitting area with convertible sofa. Staterooms that sleep 4 also have an upper berth and a pull down. Approximately 218 square feet. These are moderately priced staterooms but in many cases, a verandah stateroom isn’t much more.
Disney Wish - Oceanview Stateroom
Disney Wish Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms
Sleeps 4 - 5 guests with a porthole view of outside. Staterooms that sleep 5 have an additional pull down bed. Deluxe Family staterooms feature a split bath with a shower on one side, and toilet on the other, allowing your family to get ready faster. Approximately 237 square feet.
Disney Wish Deluxe Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms
Sleeps 3 to 4 guests with a queen bed, sitting area and a convertible sofa. Staterooms that sleep 4 also have an upper berth, single pull down bed. Approximately 243 square feet.
Disney Wish - Oceanview Stateroom with Verandah
Deluxe Family Oceanview with Verandah Staterooms
Sleeps 4 to 5 guests. Staterooms that sleep 5 have an additional single wall pull down bed. These staterooms feature a split bath with shower on one side, and toilet on the other. Approximately 284 square feet. Spectacular oceans views and a private verandah.
Concierge Staterooms and Suites
Two 1-story Royal Suites
Two 2-story Royal Suites
One Tower Suite located in the forward funnel
Disney Wish - Princess Aurora Royal Suite
All concierge rooms and suites include early boarding, access to dedicated areas on the ship and elevated services during the cruise. The concierge lounge offers a kids area, adult lounge and bar, complimentary food and beverage throughout the day, a private sun deck with pool and whirlpool and forward-facing views.
How much is a cruise on the Disney Wish?
The Disney Wish will alternate between 3 and 4 night cruises to the Bahamas and Disney Castaway Cay.
June and July are considered peak seasons so fares are significantly higher than August and September.
Disney Cruise Line fares skyrocket anytime schools are on recess, mainly summer and major holidays like Christmas and Easter. Spring Break is a factor too but not all communities have the same week off from school.
Hint: Disney Cruise Line pays particular attention to spring break schedules in New York, Georgia and Texas.
Some of the cheapest months to take a Disney Cruise are September, October and November but there’s a catch.
Late August through November is hurricane season in the Caribbean which can disrupt cruise itineraries or even cause cancellations. But this is one of most popular times to book a cruise and you can save big.
If your cruise is impacted by a storm, your travel advisor will help you reschedule your cruise.
Sample Rates for the Disney Wish
(based on a family of 2 adults and 2 children ages 5 and 10)
My clients who book a cruise enjoy an onboard credit, based on the total cost of the stateroom price. View the onboard credit schedule.
3 Nights Early and Mid-July 2022
Inside Stateroom $4,672
Oceanview $4,816
Verandah $5,106
Concierge $6,899
4 Nights Early to Mid-July 2022
Inside Stateroom $6,498
Oceanview $6,689
Verandah $6,904
Concierge $9,306
3 Nights Mid-to-late August 2022
Inside Stateroom $3,522
Oceanview $3,653
Verandah $3,814
Concierge $5,179
4 Nights Mid-to-late August 2022
Inside Stateroom $4,678
Oceanview $4,750
Verandah $4,974
Concierge $9,878
3-Night Mid-September 2022
Inside Stateroom $2,984
Oceanview $3,109
Verandah $3,271
Concierge $4,435
4-Night Mid-September 2022
Inside Stateroom $3,473
Oceanview $3,640
Verandah $3,864
Concierge $5,871
Where does the Disney Wish sail to?
The Disney Wish will sail to The Bahamas and Disney Castaway Cay starting in June 2022. It will replace the current Disney Dream itinerary. The Dream will relocate to Miami.
Disney-Wish - Arendelle A Frozen Dining Adventure
Imaginative Dining Options
There will be 3 main restaurants participating in Disney Cruise Line’s exclusive rotational dining experience as part of your evening entertainment. These restaurants will be located on decks 3, 4, and 5.
Disney Wish - AquaMouse
Attractions at Sea on the Disney Wish
AquaMouse, the first Disney attraction at sea, is a water coaster where riders are transported into a Mickey Mouse animated short using special effects and lighting. Eventually, riders will splash down into a lazy river.
To learn more about the Disney Wish and to get a your quote for a Bahamas sailing, contact me today!
Click here for a Land & Sea Quote that offers a visit to Walt Disney World Resort and a Disney cruise.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Save Time - Do More at Walt Disney World this July!
Save Money - Do More! Walt Disney World Special Offer July 11-18, 2021
Book an enchanting summer escape at Walt Disney World, The Most Magical Place on Earth, and take advantage of this great room offer!
When you book the July Agency Exclusive Offer from Magical Vacations Travel, you’ll save money, so you can have even more fun.
Plus you’ll have me as your personal Disney concierge to help guide you some of the recent changes at Walt Disney World.
“it’s a small world” | Magic Kingdom Park
Travel anytime between July 11 - 18, 2021
Participating Disney World Resorts:
Sample Rates
(Based on 2 adults, 2 children ages 5 and 10, 4 nights with 4-day Base Tickets).
Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Standard View $3,112.68
Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Garden Wing - Standard View $3,576.20
Disney’s Beach Club Resort, Standard View $3,850.68
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort, Standard View $4503.2
Prices will vary based on party mix and the type of ticket selected.
Get your quote today!
Pirates of the Caribbean | Magic Kingdom Park
Magical Vacations Travel - Agency Exclusive Offer FAQ
Can I book a longer or shorter stay on this offer?
Yes you can. Travel must take place within the offer dates. Book from 1 night to 7 nights!
Are park reservations required?
Yes! If you wish to book this offer with Disney theme park tickets, we first need to make sure there is availability at the theme parks. Summer availability is booking up fast. See the Disney World Theme Park Availability Calendar.
Can I book just the room to get this discount? Are tickets required?
Yes, you can book this offer without theme park tickets.
What is the cancellation / refund policy?
The hotel reservation is refundable up to 5-days prior to arrival. Theme park tickets are non-refundable, but the amount paid can be used toward a future purchase.
When does this offer expire?
The offer is based on availability at the resort. We always sell out so booking sooner than later is advised.
I’m new to working with a Disney travel agent, how does it work?
Here’s a quick guide to the special perks you’ll receive when you book your Disney vacation through me.
Ok, so how do I get a started?
Begin by requesting a quote online. The quote request has all the information I need to get us started. I’ll then start the research, and email the quote to you.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Easy Guide to the New Mask Policy at Walt Disney World Resort
Easy guide to when masks are optional at Walt Disney World
Face coverings are now optional in some settings at Walt Disney World Resort. In short, you can drop the mask while you’re in outdoor common areas such as Main Street U.S.A at Magic Kingdom and World Showcase at Epcot, and pretty much all of Animal Kingdom!
World Showcast inside Epcot
Here’s an easy guide that shows when masks are required and when they are optional at Disney World.
when masks are required / optional at walt disney world
| Mask Required | Mask Optional | |
|---|---|---|
| While in line for all attractions (indoor and outdoor) | ✓ | |
| While riding attractions | ✓ | |
| All theaters, including theater entrances | ✓ | |
| Buses, monorails, boats, Skyliner | ✓ | |
| Indoor restaurants, except while seated | ✓ | |
| Indoor retailers | ✓ | |
| Outdoor common areas | ✓ | |
| Pool decks | ✓ | |
| Water slides | ✓ |
Face coverings are required for all guests (ages 2 and up) except in the situations noted in the chart.
When visiting Walt Disney World, remember that all face coverings (whether disposable or reusable) must:
Be made with at least 2 layers of breathable material
Fully cover the nose and mouth and secure under the chin
Fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face
Be secured with ties or ear loops and allow the Guest to remain hands-free
At this time, Disney World is not allowing neck gaiters, open-chin triangle bandanas and face coverings containing valves, mesh material or holes of any kind are not acceptable face coverings.
I expect there to be additional changes to face covering policies in the coming weeks, stay tuned to my Disney World Updates Page and to my Facebook Page for updates regarding the mask policy at Walt Disney World.
Related:
Top Things You Should Know about Visiting Walt Disney World Resort
Summer Offers and Deals for Walt Disney World
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney World Updated Social Distancing Policy
Disney World updates social distancing policy
Recently I shared that Florida had approved an update to social distancing from 6ft to 3ft. While Universal Orlando was quick to make the change, Disney World took a more careful approach.
But it now appears that Disney World is going to make the change to 3ft. physical distancing as well.
According the Walt Disney World website, "Temporary adjustments are still in place to promote physical distancing. While we will reduce physical distancing measures for Guests across many areas with a gradual, phased approach, six-feet distancing measures will continue in all dining locations, merchandise stores and in areas where Guests can temporarily remove their masks."
What this really means is that Disney World can increase park capacity. If they cut social distancing in half, Disney can double the amount of people they allow into each theme park.
So it appears that there will be more people in the parks soon but no word on the return of FastPass.
We also know that CEO Bob Chapek is looking to make changes to Disney World’s mask requirements by this summer, in accordance with new CDC guidelines. You can read more about Chapek hinting at a mask update here.
Last week, theme park capacity has increased in all 4 Walt Disney World parks. It is now possible to remove your mask while taking photos outdoors at Walt Disney World as well.
Related:
Disney CEO: Park Capacity Increased - Hints at New Mask Policy for Disney World
"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
How Disney World and Universal are Relaxing Restrictions
Orlando Changes Social Distancing + Updates Mask Policy
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney CEO: Park Capacity Increased - Hints at New Mask Policy for Disney World
Park capacity at Walt Disney World has increased. Mask policy update coming soon.
Yesterday Bob Chapek, CEO of the Walt Disney Company, shared that theme park capacity has already been increased at the Walt Disney World theme parks, given new guidance from the CDC. Last week I shared that there was a sudden increase in park capacity on the Park Pass website.
Chapek also acknowledged that wearing masks in Florida during the summer months is not ideal. On his last earnings call, he made a comment that masks would likely be required through January. But there have a been a lot of improvements since then. Yesterday he said this:
“Obviously today's guidance that we got from the CDC, in terms of those that were vaccinated, do not necessarily need to wear masks anymore, both outdoors and indoors. This is very big news for us, particularly if anybody's been in Florida in the middle of the summer with a mask on. That could be quite daunting. So we think that's going to make for an even more pleasant experience.”
There will be updates today from the State of Florida and Orange County regarding the new CDC guidelines. I think Disney World will have an updated mask policy sooner than originally expected.
Starting May 18th, temperature screenings at the theme parks and Disney Springs will be terminated.
Being the in the theme park industry, I’m aware of that many parks around the country have already dropped the requirement to wear a mask for those who have been vaccinated.
Hershey Park’s website now states, “Consistent with updated guidance from Pennsylvania and the CDC, face coverings and social distancing for guests who are fully vaccinated will no longer be required.”
Related to Walt Disney World and COVID:
Port Canaveral Cruises Likely to Restart in Mid-July
Disney World Updated Park Pass Reservations. Here's a Helpful Tip!
Orlando Changes Social Distancing + Updates Mask Policy
How Disney World and Universal are Relaxing Restrictions
"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
"Fireworks View Rooms" Go On Sale at Disney's Wilderness Lodge
Fireworks View rooms on sale now at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort
While Disney World has not yet announced the return of fireworks, you may notice that “Fireworks View” rooms have gone on sale starting early summer 2021 at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort.
I first reported on this in my post on April 9th. As of today, Fireworks View rooms have sold out through mid-July. I’ve booked a few for clients who were willing to roll the dice on the return of Magic Kingdom fireworks. I hope they do!
What’s interesting is that Fireworks View rooms cost quite a bit more than other room categories at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge at about $700 per night (with tax).
That’s comparable to Standard View rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Resort and Garden Wing rooms at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Fireworks View rooms at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge go on sale in early summer.
Courtyard View rooms at Wilderness Lodge were, at one time, the most expensive rooms at the hotel. But today they are about $150 less per night than Fireworks View rooms.
A little history….Fireworks View rooms were once considered Standard View, the most economical room category at Wilderness Lodge.
View from a Nature, Fireworks View room at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort | Walt Disney World
A few years ago, hotel management began optimizing the nightly rates for each room at Wilderness Lodge based on view.
Managers discovered that some rooms on the north side had a distant view of the Magic Kingdom fireworks. I would hardly call it a view because the rooms are pretty far away. You can’t even hear the music or see entire fireworks show.
Nature, Fireworks View at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge. Photo Credit: yourfistvisit.net
These new Fireworks View rooms suddenly became more valuable and rates were dramatically increased. Actually, they are now among the most expensive rooms at Wilderness Lodge.
A similar thing happened at Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort when the least desirable rooms were given a Pirate theme. Now they are the most expensive rooms at the hotel. It doesn’t mean they are worth it, though.
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Why would anyone pay more money for a Fireworks View room when there are no Magic Kingdom fireworks? That’s a good question!
In the absence of fireworks, wouldn’t that make this former Standard View room…well, Standard View again? And why is Disney charging so much more money for a view of nothing? Even more than Courtyard View?
This makes we wonder if fireworks are coming back in July. Probably not, but how else can Disney World justify charging more money?
I of course asked those questions when speaking with Disney agents on the phone. They agreed that something seems strange here.
But they gave me the official line that there have been no announcements as to when fireworks will be returning. I expected that answer, of course.
I can’t see why Disney would wait announce the return of fireworks, so I’m guessing this is just a room category that is available to book when all the other rooms have sold out at the hotel.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
"Disney After Hours BOO BASH" What We Know So Far
Halloween-themed Disney After Hours BOO BASH events coming to Magic Kingdom Park this fall
Even more big news from Walt Disney World this week, Disney After Hours Boo Bash will take place on select nights August 10 to October 31, 2021 at Magic Kingdom Park. This is a Disney After Hours Event, not to be confused with Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party.
“Disney After Hours BOO BASH” will take place on select nights, Aug. 10-Oct. 31, from 9 p.m. to midnight
In the past, Disney After Hours events have been very popular and sell out fast. After Hours parties are special themed events and open to a limited number of guests.
Tickets for Disney After Hours Boo Bash will go on sale in June 2021.
More than 20 Magic Kingdom attractions will be operating and due to the limited number of tickets sold, you can enjoy them with less wait.
But I find there are so many other activities to enjoy, the attractions are secondary to the overall experience.
Halloween-Themed Party “Disney After Hours BOO BASH” coming to Magic Kingdom | Walt Disney World
Disney After Hours Boo Bash
According to Disney these events will take place from about 9 p.m. to about midnight, depending on the night. Some events in August and September may start at 9:30 p.m. and go to 12:30 p.m.
This is a separate ticketed event but Disney has not yet released prices. However, with a Boo Bash ticket, you’ll be permitted to enter Magic Kingdom up to 2 hours prior to the event.
What We Know So Far about BOO BASH
Special Halloween- themed character cavalcades (no parades).
Character sightings throughout Magic Kingdom
Special performances by the “Cadaver Dans” on Main Street U.S.A.
Halloween lighting throughout the park
Trick or Treating will be offered with candy treat stops
More Halloween activities will be announced soon.
Guests staying at a Walt Disney World Resort hotel will get priority access to tickets. To be among the first to purchase tickets for Disney After Hours Boo Bash, you can book your Walt Disney World Resort hotel reservation right now.
There are numerous Agency Exclusive offers already available.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
How Disney World and Universal are Relaxing Restrictions
Disney World and Universal are beginning to make adjustments to COVID-19 restrictions as conditions improve in Central Florida.
If you have been following along with me you might have gotten the sense that some of the COVID restrictions would be changing at Walt Disney World. I also hinted that we might be getting some updates in May and June and so far that has happened at least once. Last night Disney World and Universal Orlando announced that temperature screenings would halt starting May 16, 2021.
Yours truly having my temperature checked at Disney Springs - Walt Disney World. Temperature screenings will end on May 16, 2021.
Orlando officials say that temperature screenings in Central Florida are now a waste of resources when considering the current COVID data.
This is terrific news especially for Disney Springs where the lines for temperature screenings were incredibly long.
I’ve been in the parks every week since July, and I saw only one person get flagged at the temperature check. It was me!
I ran a few miles just prior to going to Epcot and then parked far away on an extremely hot August day. The heat from the parking lot got me. But I was escorted to a cooling tent and I was good to go after a few minutes. So embarrassing!
Universal Orlando Reduces Physical Distancing
Universal Orlando shared that it will reduce physical distancing to 3 feet, essentially going back to the way things were. Most people naturally provide a little space when standing in line anyway. So I’d say physical distancing is pretty much over.
But this is very significant because when the parks cut the distance in half, they can double park capacity.
The state of Florida has already granted permission for both, Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World to open at 100% capacity but neither resort has been able to do so yet. Not with a 6ft distancing mandate.
Some of the lines stretch way out into the parks in a confusing maze of switchbacks. There would be no way to manage lines at 6ft. distancing with increased capacity. The lines would snake around the theme parks.
I think Disney will go to 3ft distancing soon and that both resorts will increase capacity by summer.
Do you really think Disney World is going to kick off it’s 50th anniversary in October at 35% capacity? I highly doubt it.
Masks at Walt Disney World:
Disney has been a little more relaxed in general. Just a few months ago, if you were even just thinking about adjusting your mask, a Cast Member would instantly materialize from the bushes and tell you to wear it correctly. I don’t see that happening as much these days.
The Cast Members who were once tasked with patrolling the parks for mask compliance, while dressed as cheerleaders of course, are a rare sight now.
Masks are still very much required and 99% of the people follow the rules on their own anyway.
Disney World is now allowing guests to remove masks for photos as long as they are outside and standing still. This was a game changer and it really makes people happy.
Fireworks at the Walt Disney World?
While we have no official date on when fireworks will return, Disney World is now selling Fireworks View rooms at Wilderness Lodge beginning in early July.
I wouldn’t be surprised if Disney brings back fireworks for July 4th.
I have a lot of clients who are fireworks or die people and will not come to Disney World until they return. I’m sure Disney is aware of this and wants to get these going again soon. But it likely doesn’t make financial sense when parks are at 35% capacity.
But if Disney goes to 3ft. distancing, which is very likely, and then increases capacity as a result, we might have a pretty good chance of watching fireworks over Cinderella Castle once again.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Understanding Disney's Latest Room Offer
Every Disney World has a little catch. This one is no different.
Yesterday Disney removed the 2-free ticket days offer and issued a room discount with nearly identical dates - running from July 11 - September 29, 2021. The discounts range from 10% to 25% on select Disney World hotel rooms. You can read more about this offer here.
Walt Disney World offers always have a little catch and this one is no different.
Yesterday Price-Watch was running to see if this offer could be applied to my clients’ existing reservations and to see if it works out better than the ticket offer.
I noticed that this particular room discount appears to be targeting upgraded room categories such as Preferred Rooms, Pool View, Courtyard View, Theme Park View and so on. There are more opportunities to save on these upgraded categories than on Standard View rooms.
The room discount favors upgraded room categories.
For example, if you already booked a Standard View room, you can upgrade to a Courtyard View room and apply the discount, but your package price will cost more.
This room discount favors upgraded room categories
In the above example, my client is already booked in a Standard VIew room at rack rate. To take advantage of the room discount, they would need to upgrade to a Courtyard View room. Even with the discount, the total package price would be more. It’s a good deal if you want to stay in a room with a nicer view, otherwise its best to keep the reservation as-is.
When I see rooms offers work this way, it usually means Disney needs to unload the more expensive rooms. Standard Views rooms are likely selling well but there isn’t enough interest in the higher priced rooms.
I’m also noticing that there are numerous blockout dates which tells me that Disney knows exactly where it needs more heads in beds.
Disney will release the broad offer dates but not the individual dates that the offer is blocked out.
So, finding a range of dates when the offer is valid, is really hit or miss.
If there’s at least 1 night that’s blocked out in your travel dates, the entire range of dates will show as unavailable. So you might have to be flexible and search different combinations of dates and resorts to take advantage of this offer. Or you can ask me to do it for you!
My clients trust me to find them the best available rate and to help make sense out of these offers when they are released.
See more about benefits of booking your Walt Disney World vacation with me here.
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
First Look: Disney's Newest Hotel - The Swan Reserve
Another update on the Walt Disney World Swan Reserve Hotel.
More details have become available for the Disney World’s newest hotel. The official name will be “The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.” Is it just me or does Disney choose very long names for hotels? I’m looking at you “Villas at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge Kadiani Village.”
Marriott , who will operrate The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve sent me detailed images of the hotel’s interior so I thought it would be fun to share them with you.
No word yet on rates or discounts and reservations are not yet available.
As with most Disney World hotels, room rates will be based on view with an almost overwhelming number of options. Disney World management has been very good at optimizing rates based on ever single hotel room’s view. If the room has even the slightest view of something other than a tree, they will charge more for it.
Room Categories at The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve:
Traditional View
Traditional Epcot View
Traditional Hollywood Studios View
Pool View
Signature View
Signature Epcot View
Signature Hollywood Studios View
Signature Pool View
The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve will have 200 standard guest rooms and 150 suites. Suites can accommodate families of 6-10 people.
Guests staying at this hotel can walk to Disney’s Hollywood Studios and Epcot, and of course Fantasia Gardens Mini Golf.
I feel like Fantasia Gardens will soon become a pool or a parking lot. It’s sits on prime real estate and I can’t imagine Disney still thinks this is best use of the property.
Above: The Swan Reserve as of late April 2021. Expected opening date is “July 2021.” It stands at 15 stories tall, similar to Disney’s Contemporary Resort but not nearly as big.
This will be the view from the Walt DIsney World Swan and Dolphin hotels which are across the street.
This is the view from World Drive, one of the main routes through Walt Disney World. If you’re on on world drive, you definitely can’t miss it.
Swan Reserve will feature a modern entrance and lobby with a gold, teal and grey color pallet. You’ll notice this color scheme throughout the resort, even in the guest rooms.
Standard rooms will have two queen beds or 1 king bed. King bed rooms will also have a daybed. Walt Disney World Dolphin rooms have 2 double beds and the Walt Disney World Swan rooms have two queen beds.
Standard room with two queen beds. The Swan Reserve will have 15 floors, 200 rooms and 150 suites.
King bed room with traditional view, king bed. The king bed / daybed combo is also utilized at the Four Seasons - Walt Disney World. It works well! With one bed tucked away, you’ll have a lot more space.
Swan Reserve family suite entrance, dining space and living room.
Family suites, depending on size, will sleep between 6 and 10 guests.
Swan Reserve suite living room. Rooms have a teal and gold theme. The teal greens tie in with the exterior colors used on the Swan and Dolphin hotels plus these colors will be used in the public spaces.
Suite - master bedroom
Suites will feature a spit bath so multiple people can get ready at the same time. I love the clean look of the tile floors, bright lighting the raised sink.
Guests will be able to enjoy a lounge and coffee bar, yet to be named.
Table service dining will be at the Mediterranean Restaurant.
Mediterranean Restaurant will be Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The pool at Swan Reserve will include a poolside outdoor covered restaurant and bar.
Stay tuned for more updates, I expect to have rates and availability within the next few weeks. As soon as I can get inside the actual hotel, I’ll post the photos here on the SAVEatWDW.com Blog.
If you have any questions or comments, use the space below!
For over 12 years Darren Wittko has been helping people save money at Walt Disney World as both, a travel writer and a travel advisor with Magical Vacations Travel. He’s featured in the Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World as a Best of the Best Disney Travel Agent. Darren resides in Celebration, FL.
Recent Updates
Disney has started piloting an airport luggage assistance program at select Disney World hotels!