Darren Wittko 11/29/15 Darren Wittko 11/29/15

Guest Assistance Card FAQ at Walt Disney World

Handicap, ADA, accommodations at Walt Disney World

Below is a list of common questions guests have when inquiring about how disabilities and special circumstances are handled at Walt Disney World.

The new Disability Access Service (DAS) allows Guests with disabilities at Walt Disney World Resort to receive a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. Guests Relations at the front of each park will continue to assist Guests and provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is DAS and how does it work?
The DAS Card is designed to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations and will offer guests a return time for attractions based on the current wait time. As soon as the Guest finishes one attraction, they can receive a return time for another. This service can be used in addition to Disney’s FASTPASS Service and Disney FastPass+ service.
What will Disney Parks do if a Guest is concerned DAS doesn’t meet their needs?
Disney Parks have long recognized and accommodated guests with varying needs and will continue to work individually with guests with disabilities to provide assistance that is responsive to their unique circumstances. Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their individual needs.
Who will be eligible for DAS?
Disney Parks’ goal is to accommodate guests who aren’t able to wait in a conventional queue environment due to a disability (including non-apparent disabilities). Guests should visit Guest Relations to discuss their assistance needs.
How will guests get DAS?
DAS will be issued at Guest Relations main entrance locations. Guests will participate in a registration process, which also includes having their photo taken.
Why is Disney Parks doing this?
Disney Parks is modifying the current Guest Assistance Card program so it can continue to serve the guests who truly need it. The new program is designed to provide the special experience guests have come to expect from Disney. Disney Parks also hopes it will help control abuse that was, unfortunately, widespread and growing at an alarming rate.
Does the guest utilizing DAS have to be present to obtain a return time at an attraction?
No. Another member of the DAS Cardholder’s travel party may obtain a return time but the DAS Cardholder must board the attraction with his or her party.
Where do guests utilizing DAS go to receive return times?
At Disneyland Resort, guests will go to Guest Relations kiosks located throughout the parks to receive a return time. At Walt Disney World Resort, guests will go to the attraction to receive a return time.
Does a guest utilizing DAS have to ride the attraction at the exact return time listed?
No. Return times are valid until redeemed by the guest utilizing DAS.
How long is DAS valid?
DAS card is valid for up to 14 days depending on a guest’s ticket entitlement.
Is DAS issued at one Disney theme park valid at other Disney theme parks?
Yes, DAS will be valid throughout the resort at which it was issued.
Why doesn’t Disney Parks ask for proof of disability, such as a doctor’s note?
Disney Parks takes Guests at their word and there are legal restrictions around asking for proof.
Is this the only service available to Guests with disabilities?
Disney Parks offer a variety of services to guests with disabilities, such as Disney’s Handheld Device that offers assistive listening, captioning and audio description. Additionally, Disney Parks has developed a “Guide for Guests with Cognitive Disabilities.” This serves as a tool on how best to experience its theme parks and is expected to be available online by mid-October.

Disney Parks will continue to provide excellent guest service and accessible experiences. Guests should visit Guest Relations at any park should they feel they need assistance due to a disability.
Does a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter need DAS?
No, a Guest whose disability is based on the necessity to use a wheelchair or scooter does not need DAS. Depending on the attraction, the Guest will either wait in the standard queue or receive a return time at the attraction based on the current wait time. For some attractions at Disneyland Resort, these guests will go directly to an alternate entrance. Guests with additional needs should discuss them with Guest Relations.
For further questions, please contact: your travel agent or (407) 560-2547.

Darren Wittko 11/27/15 Darren Wittko 11/27/15

Black Friday at Disney Springs - Walt Disney World

Black Friday Offers at Disney Springs

Art of Shaving - 20% off shaving aromas

Basin - Free shipping on orders over $50

Build a Dino - Up to 50% off Frozen and Minion friends in store and online

Chapel Hats - Use Code BLACKFRIDAY30 at check out

Erwin Pearl - 50% off select merchandise

Fit2Run - Black Friday sales on select merchandise

Ghirardelli Chocolate - Cyber monday offer

Haviaianas - Up to 50% off select merchandise

Lego Store - Black Friday sales on select merchandise

Little Miss Mismatched - Black Friday sales on select merchandise

Orlando Harley Davidson - Happy Harley Days specials

Black Friday Walt Disney World Resort Vacation Offer

Darren Wittko 11/20/15 Darren Wittko 11/20/15

Video: Animal Kingdom Park Nighttime Entertainment

When Disney's new nighttime spectacular "Rivers of Light" opens at Disney's Animal Kingdom, it'll be one of the most memorable and emotionally stirring shows in the park's history. And today we're sharing a sneak peek at some of the amazing sights the show will offer when it debuts in spring 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

Darren Wittko 11/20/15 Darren Wittko 11/20/15

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 11/19/15 Darren Wittko 11/19/15

New Policy for Walt Disney World Travel Documents

The Walt Disney World Resort has announced the following updates to the Walt Disney Travel Company final documents and Disney’s Magical Express documents.

For those of you traveling the Walt Disney World Resort in 2016 you will now have until up to 30 days prior to your arrival to make your final payment as opposed to 45 days prior as in previous years. As a reminder, final documents serve as proof of final payment. The documents are only sent when final payment has been made. Therefore, final documents for travel in 2016 will be mailed within 30 days of arrival instead of within 45 days of arrival.

If you book and make your final payment 30+ days prior to arrival, your final documents should be delivered approximately 2-3 weeks prior to your arrival. Disney will continue to send documents up to 8 days prior to travel. If a you book and make your final payment 1-7 days prior to arrival, your Walt Disney Travel Company final documents will be sent to your resort for check-in to ensure you have them in time for your vacation.

In addition, Disney’s Magical Express is also changing the timing of your mailings. Please remember Disney’s Magical Express luggage tags are sent only when the following criteria apply:

You or your travel agent has reserved Disney’s Magical Express transportation.
The address on the reservation is in the US and Canada.
You book at least 8 days prior to arrival.

Darren Wittko 11/14/15 Darren Wittko 11/14/15

New Attraction Announced for Epcot

Disney and Pixar animated shorts in a new 4D experience located in Magic Eye Theater in the Imagination Pavilion. “Disney & Pixar Short Film Festival” will include a look into the visionary minds behind some of the world’s most iconic animated films today.

Then inside the theater, guests can put on their 3D glasses and enter the imaginative worlds of three animated shorts, which will burst to life on the big screen (and in the theater) like never before.

Darren Wittko 11/13/15 Darren Wittko 11/13/15

Celebrate the Holidays at Disney Springs

New to Disney Springs, The Landing is home to unique shopping locations and memorable dining experiences, including the recently opened Morimoto Asia and Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar. And, coming soon, Town Center will include a diverse mix of retailers and unique restaurants. Here’s a look at just some of the new dining and shopping offerings at Disney Springs that are open now.

During the holiday season, Disney Springs glistens with new offerings to make the season merry and bright. Around every corner, you'll find new decorations, including unique holiday trees and pop-up greeting cards. Plus, delectable food and non-stop entertainment - including Hanukkah and Kwanzaa musical groups, carolers, toy soldier stilt walkers and Santa himself – bring the holidays home to Disney Springs.

The Art of Shaving offers premium grooming essentials for the modern man. The location also has a team of shaving specialists who offer advice to Guests on proper grooming techniques. Appointments for a haircut or shave are suggested.

Apex by Sunglass Hut is designed with the athlete, sports and outdoor enthusiast in mind. This shop utilizes innovative technology, such as the Apex Smart Mirror, to help guests find the best choice in sport sunglasses.

Chapel Hats specializes in fashionable hats and headwear for Guests of all ages. The location carries just about any style of hat including fedoras, sun hats, floppy hats, outdoors hats, kid's hats and more.

Sanuk offers creatively inspired footwear designed with non-traditional materials like yoga-mats.

Havaianas provides the options to "Make Your Own Havaianas" and "Embellish Your Own Havaianas." This store features a large assortment of Havaianas sandals for women, men and children, plus kids' rain boots.

Sound Lion has the latest technology in headphones, earbuds, speakers, and other digital sound and music products can be found in this shop. They also provide education in digital music applications that improve the listening lifestyle.

Erin McKenna's Bakery NYC will offer the same unsurpassed core vegan, gluten-free menu as its flagship bakery in New York City, and its sister bakery in Los Angeles. Look for a full selection of award-winning donuts, cupcakes, cookies, bagels (with vegan butter!), and other savory items daily.

Vivoli Gelateria: Vivoli Gelateria serves expertly crafted gelato made with fresh, seasonal ingredients, panini sandwiches and espresso drinks.

Tea Traders Café by Joffrey's: Tea Traders Café. Joffrey's specializes in premium loose-leaf teas (hot, iced, blended) featuring customs blends, accessories and packaged teas from all over the globe; created to go or for a tea experience in the café.

New Dining Experiences Now Open!

The BOATHOUSE - This upscale, waterfront dining experience will immerse Guests both on land and on water with live music, guided tours aboard the Captain's piloted 40-foot Italian Water Taxi with champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries and guided Amphicar rides that launch from land, enter the water, and take guests on a 20-minute tour of the landmarks of Disney Springs. The BOATHOUSE will feature steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar.

Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar - Tucked in between Paradiso 37 and The BOATHOUSE restaurant, a new Disney owned and operated Food & Beverage offering is now open — an aviation-themed lounge, Jock Lindsey's Hangar Bar.

With a prime location along Lake Buena Vista and seating for 150, the venue features unique cocktails — such as the "Hovito Mojito" with Barsol Quebranta Pisco, fresh lime juice and simple syrup — and small plates such as "Air Pirates Everything Pretzels" with house-made mustard and beer cheese fondue.

Ardent fans of the "Indiana Jones" films may recognize Jock Lindsey as Indy's frequent pilot. In the main room, Guests will discover an expansive bar, aviation decor filling the room, vintage travel posters covering the walls and correspondence between Jock, Indy and their fellow adventurers on display. Guests can eat, drink and be merry outside as well, in Jocks' old steamboat, now in permanent dry dock and aptly named "Reggie;" and in nearby seating on the adjacent deck.

Morimoto Asia - Chef Masaharu Morimoto, known from his appearances on Iron Chef America, has opened a one-of-a-kind dining experience in the heart of Disney Springs. Morimoto Asia is the Japanese master chef's first-ever pan-Asian restaurant featuring flavors from across the continent. This Disney Springs dining destination includes unique exhibition kitchens showcasing traditions like Peking duck carving, and dim sum.

Holiday Events at Epcot

New Years Events at Walt Disney World

Darren Wittko 11/10/15 Darren Wittko 11/10/15

DISNEY’S HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS TO DEBUT NEW STAR WARS EXPERIENCES IN DECEMBER

Very soon, you will have the opportunity to experience Star Wars in the park in an all-new way – every day! New experiences will open starting Dec. 1, 2015 bringing that galaxy far, far away, a little bit closer.

Star Wars Launch Bay will take Guests into the Star Wars saga and the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Va… — Star Wars Launch Bay will take Guests into the *Star Wars* saga and the upcoming film, *Star Wars: The Force Awakens*, with special exhibits and peeks behind-the-scenes, special merchandise and opportunities to encounter Chewbacca and Darth Vader.

Star Tours – The Adventures Continue will be home to a brand new adventure inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Force Awakens. During the opening months, Disney will make sure that everyone who rides Star Tours will experience the new adventure. After that, it will be up to the will of the Force.

Disney also released new information about “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi.” It will feature scenes from the complete Star Wars saga, also giving anyone new to the Star Wars galaxy an opportunity to get acquainted with the films.

Last, but certainly not least, is Jedi Training: Trials of the Temple, which will open in early December. This reimagined Jedi Training experience will take younglings to the secret site of an ancient Jedi temple where they will face Darth Vader along with the Seventh Sister – a new villain from the Disney XD series “Star Wars Rebels.”

And work begins next year on the 14-acre Star Wars-themed land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios. With construction underway, unfortunately, Disney won’t be able to offer Star Wars Weekends. While Star Wars Weekends has been a great way to enjoy the saga for a few days every year, now the Force will be with Disney’s Hollywood Studios every day.

With Star Wars Launch Bay, the new Jedi Training experience, “Star Wars: Path of the Jedi,” and a new destination in the Star Tours attraction opening in December, you’ll be able to step into the Star Wars saga every time you visit Disney’s Hollywood Studios.