Disney World Tickets and Packages

Below are the articles that contain my best advice about the ticket options and vacation packages available Walt Disney World. Posts are in order of newest to oldest.

You can also browse all the articles I have written in an easy to use outline that is arranged in the order you should read these Disney World posts.

May

7:30 pm

Disney World’s Night of Joy Artists and Dates Announced | Chris Tomlin, Casting Crowns and more

in Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

Did you know that Disney World has a contemporary Christian music festival every fall called Night of Joy? Surprisingly, I had no idea. This year’s Night of Joy is on Friday, September 7th, and Saturday, September 8th.

Advanced tickets are $52.95 plus tax per ticket and on the days of the event (if available) for $62.95 plus tax. They can be purchased by calling 407-W-DISNEY or at www.nightofjoy.com.

Here’s the night-by-night Night of Joy 2012 lineup (entertainment and schedule subject to change):

Friday, September 7, 2012: Casting Crowns, Chris Tomlin, NEEDTOBREATHE, Red, Francesca Battistelli, Brandon Heath, Royal Tailor, Disciple.
Saturday, September 8, 2012: MercyMe, Third Day, Kutless, Chris August, Lecrae, Yolanda Adams, Thousand Foot Krutch and Dara Maclean.

Newcomers to Night of Joy, Royal Tailor and Dara Mclean, bring the 30-year roster of artists to 150 acts.

Night of Joy is from 7:30 pm to 1 am at the Magic Kingdom. The park is closed to guests who do not have a Night of Joy ticket. Many Magic Kingdom attractions are also open!

Disney World is the Most Magical Place On Earth. Be sure to learn how to make the most of your trip by reading the Disney World Training series. You can also browse all the articles I have written in an easy to use outline. And if you are ready to book your trip, be sure to read about the perks of using an authorized Disney vacation planner (plus it’s FREE!).

(Thanks Disney Parks Blog!)

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May

7:30 pm

New Disney World Room Only Discount For August 15th to September 29th

in Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

We have a brand new room only discount at select Disney resorts for stays most nights 8/15/12-9/29/12. This is a great deal for those that are not interested in purchasing a dining plan.

All-Star Movies 15% off
All-Star Sports, All-Star Music, Port Orleans – Riverside, Grand Floridian, Contemporary and Polynesian 20% off
Caribbean Beach, Coronado Springs and Fort Wilderness Cabins 25% off
Animal Kingdom Lodge, Beach/Yacht Club, BoardWalk Inn, Old Key West and Saratoga Springs 30% off

Book by 8/14/12. Offer excludes Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, all suites and 3 bedrooms.

The following are example quotes are all for a family with 2 adults, 2 children (ages 3-9). They include hotel room, basic dining and 7-Day Base Tickets for 7 nights.

Late Summer Discount Quotes

All Star Sports/Music $2,601.00

Port Orleans- Riverside $3,146.64

Fort Wilderness Cabins $3,732.04

Animal Kingdom Lodge $3,515.78

Free Dining Quotes

All Star Music $2,087.80

Caribbean Beach $2,619.38

(Riverside is booked for the entire time of Free Dining)

Fort Wilderness Cabins $3,369.76

Animal Kingdom Lodge $3,213.44

If you are ready to book your trip, Destinations in Florida is a FREE Disney travel agent. They get their commission from Disney so it doesn’t cost you anything extra and you will receive some amazing perks such as personalized touring plans, advice and more.

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May

1:15 pm

Disney World News: Dates and Prices Released for Halloween and Christmas Parties

in Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

If you are planning on traveling to Disney World between September 11th and December 21st, you will be excited to know that the dates for the Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party and the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party have been released.

Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party

The dates for the party are September 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 25th, 18th and 30th. And also on October 4th, 5th, 8th, 11th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 21st, 23rd, 25th, 26th, 28th, 30th, 31st and November 2nd.

Advanced Ticket prices for September 11th – 25th are $55.95 per adult and $50.95 per child between the ages of 3-9.
Advanced Ticket prices for September 30th – November 2nd (excluding 5th, 12th, 26th and 31st) are $58.95 per adult and $53.95 per child between the ages of 3-9.

If you plan to go to the party on October 31st, ticket prices are $69.95 per adult and $64.95 per child between the ages of 3-9.

There are discounts available for Pass Holders, DVC members (both of these give you about $3 off per ticket) and the Armed Forces (these tickets are only valid on September 11th, 14th, 18th, 21st, 25th and 28th and are $37.77 for adults and $36.37 for children ages 3-9 (limit is service member plus up to 5 guests). They must be purchased at the park and are not available by phone, Internet or at Shades of Green).

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party

The dates for the party are November 9th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 25th, 27th, 29th, 30th. And also on December 2nd, 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 11th, 13th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, and 21st.

Advanced ticket prices are $58.95 for adults and $53.95 for children ages 3-9. Advanced ticket sales are not valid on November 16th, November 30th, December 7th, 18th, 20th and 21st.

Ticket prices for December 21st is $67.95 for adults and $62.95 for children ages 3-9.

There are discounts available for Pass Holders, DVC members (both of these give you about $4 off per ticket) and the Armed Forces (these tickets are only valid on November 9th, 12th, 15th, 25th, 29th and December 2nd and are $41.27 for adults and $37.77 for children ages 3-9 (limit is service member plus up to 5 guests). They must be purchased at the park and are not available by phone, Internet or at Shades of Green).

Things To Remember

You do not need to purchase a regular park ticket in conjunction with your party ticket, however you may not use your party ticket to enter the Magic Kingdom until 4 pm the day of the party (if they still allow early entry this year. We won’t know for sure until the day of the first party.)

The party starts at 7 pm. There will be exclusive parades, shows and character meet and greets as well as other promotions.

If you do not have a ticket to the party, you will be escorted out of the Magic Kingdom by 7 pm. They take these parties very seriously and verify that you are in fact a party ticket holder many times throughout the party.

How To Order Tickets

The expert agents at Destinations in Florida can help you plan your party experience and purchase your party tickets when you book a Disney or Universal Studios package. If you have never used an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner, it’s FREE! You can read through this article about all the perks Destinations in Florida offers.

You can also call Disney directly to order your tickets at 407-934-7639.

Photo Credits: Miss Millificent and Loren Javier.

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Apr

8:30 pm

Special Offer For Disney Resort Guests | Travel to Universal Orlando included with Combo Ticket

in Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

Are you a Harry Potter fan? Then you may want to take a day out of your Disney World vacation to visit the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is inside Islands of Adventure Theme Park at Universal Orlando. This park is just 15 minutes away from Disney World, so you are close enough to taste the Butterbeer!

For a limited time, you can purchase a 1-Day or 2-Day Pass to Universal Orlando and get transportation from your Disney Resort or Orlando area hotel, included with the ticket. This is a savings up to $200 on transportation! The transportation is run by Mears Transportation, which is the same company that runs the Disney Magical Express. They will pick you up at your hotel in an air-conditioned bus or van and drive you to Universal Orlando. You can then play at both Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure theme parks. After your day, you call to schedule your pickup (about an hour prior) and then hop on the bus back to your hotel.

Besides saving money on transportation, you also save $10 per person on your tickets with a special pre-order discount price. For our guests at Couponing to Disney, you also get the Wizarding World of Harry Potter Guide for free. This guide will help you save time and money during your visit to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. This guide is a $19.97 value for free.

If you are planning a visit to Disney World or Orlando, think about purchasing the 1-Day or 2-Day Passes to Universal Orlando with Shuttle Transfers and experience all of the magic of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Alternatively, if you purchase from Universal Orlando directly it will be $120 per ticket but you will be responsible for your own transportation to and from the park (and it can take up to 30 minutes to get to Universal from Disney property).

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Apr

1:36 pm

FREE Dining at Disney Announced | Travel between 8/25 and 9/27

in Disney News,Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

Update: Art of Animation Resort is now included in this promotion!

If you are traveling between August 25th and September 27th, you can get FREE dining if you are staying at select Moderate, Deluxe and Deluxe Villa resorts. You must book your reservation before May 18th. If you have an existing reservation, you need to contact Disney or your Authorized Disney Travel Planner to get your reservation switched to FREE dining.

So how much can you save? If you are a family of 4 with one child between the ages of 10 and 17 and one child between the ages of 3 and 9, you can stay in a moderate room for 5 nights with FREE dining and regular park tickets for just $2,073. That is a savings of $848 off rack rate.

Go here to request a quote from Destinations in Florida.

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Apr

8:30 pm

Disney World Introduces PhotoPass+ | Includes Ride and Dining Photos

in Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages

Disney has introduced a new PhotoPass option. For $199, you can purchase the Disney PhotoPass+ which will include all of the regular PhotoPass shots you have come to know and love plus all of your ride photos and dining location photos. So instead of having to spend $30 on a photo package at Chef Mickey’s or $20 on a ride photo at Splash Mountain, they will be included in this package!

Here’s what you will receive when you purchase PhotoPass +:

PhotoPass+ will be sold at PhotoPass view stations located throughout the Walt Disney World Resort and Parks.
With PhotoPass+ you will have digital files of all your PhotoPass photos, Attraction photos, and Dining photos taken within a 14 day visit to Walt Disney as well as Print Packages at select Dining locations.
PhotoPass+ Card and Lanyard
A gallery CD with over 400 stock photos
A unique code to create and order a PhotoCD with all your photos online at DisneyPhotoPass.com. Once you arrive home from your vacation, you can view your photos and order a PhotoCD with all the high resolution photos plus a limited license agreement, which allows you to print photos at any local photo processing center.
Print Packages at select Dining locations
Digital Downloads of select Attractions

Participating Attractions (where you can upload your ride photo to your card):

Space Mountain
Splash Mountain
Buzz Lightyear’s Space Ranger Spin
The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Rock ‘n Roller Coaster
Expedition Everest
Dinosaur

Participating Character Dining Locations (where you will receive a print photo package):

1900 Park Fare
Ohana (Breakfast only)
Spirit of Aloha Dinner Show
Chef Mickey’s
Cinderella’s Royal Table
Tusker House Restaurant (Breakfast only)
Hoop Dee Doo Musical Revue
Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. I pre-purchased a PhotoCD online before my vacation, can I upgrade to PhotoPass+?

R. Yes, if you pre-purchased a PhotoCD online before your trip you may upgrade your PhotoCD to PhotoPass+ at PhotoPass view stations throughout the Walt Disney World Parks, Downtown Disney, and select Resorts. You will need the name, phone number, and email address that was used to purchase the PhotoCD. You will pay the difference and you need to upgrade at the beginning of your trip.

Q. Can I pre-order PhotoPass+?

R. At this time PhotoPass+ will only be available for purchase at the PhotoPass View Stations located throughout Walt Disney World and is not available online or for pre-purchase.

PhotoPass+ Card and Lanyard
A gallery CD with over 400 stock photos
A unique code to create and order a PhotoCD with all your photos online at DisneyPhotoPass.com
Print Packages at select Dining locations
Digital Downloads of select Attractions

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Mar

8:00 pm

Disney Training: YES Program at Disney World and Disneyland | Educational Classes and Discount Tickets

in Disney World Training,Disneyland Training,Tickets and Packages

The Disney Youth Education Series is a program that gives students a real-world learning experience at Disney Theme Parks. It is for elementary – high school students and is available year-round at both Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort.

On select dates, individual enrollment (they usually require groups of 10 to participate in this program) is available and allows individuals, homeschoolers, virtual students and community groups to participate in this magical learning experience.

Classes are typically available in January, February, June, July, August, September and October. You can browse the list of available classes here. Classes do require a minimum number of individuals and you will be notified 1-2 weeks prior to your departure if your selected program’s minimum has not been reached. Purchase of a ticket does not ensure program activation.

Children under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. The adult must attend the class if their child is under 14. If your child is ages 14-18, during the class time, you must remain in the same park as your student.

And if your child takes an educational class at the Disney Resorts, you are eligible for discount Disney World tickets! Each package includes admission to one Disney Youth Series Program plus park tickets. You are usually allowed to purchase tickets for your entire party including chaperones and children that are not eligible to attend a YES class.

Ticket prices are as follows for the 2012 year:

Disney World Tickets (See more about the program and tickets here)

$168.67 for 3-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
$171.63 for 4-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
$181.53 for 5-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
$192.55 for 6-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
$199.15 for 7-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
(Just to give you an idea of how much you are saving, a 7-day Park Hopper ticket at the gate is $322!)
$203.56 for 8-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
There are more ticket options available here

Disneyland Tickets (See more about the programs and tickets here)

$138 for 2-day Park Hopper ticket and one YES class
$158 for 3-day Park Hopper ticket and two YES classes
$178 for 4-day Park Hopper ticket and two YES classes
$198 for 5-day Park Hopper ticket and two YES classes
(Just to give you an idea of how much you are saving, a 5-day Park Hopper ticket at the gate is $231!)
$15 for an additional Youth Education Series Class

You do have to purchase your tickets at the time you sign up for the YES class and they are not upgradeable or refundable.

I have not participate in the YES program, but it is definitely something I am considering. If you have participated in this program, please chime in with your experience.

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Feb

8:00 pm

Disney Training: Perks of Using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner (a.k.a. Travel Agency)

in Disney Cruise Training,Disney World Training,Disneyland Training,Tickets and Packages

I am so excited to announce that CouponingtoDisney.com has partnered with Destinations in Florida, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Now before you quit reading because I said the phrase “travel agency”, let me elaborate. Destinations in Florida is a FREE Authorized Disney Vacation Planner. Not only are they FREE for you to use to book your Disney World vacation, but they also guarantee the lowest package prices on Disney World & Universal Studios Packages, with an extra discount courtesy of Destinations in Florida!

I’ll admit, I didn’t know the benefits of using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner when I took my first 2 trips to Disney. I balked at the idea of surrendering the control of my vacation to a travel agency. I also assumed they would charge an extra fee on top of Disney World’s prices to use their service. When I found out that they provide all these services for FREE to you (Disney pays them a commission, not you) and they actually cost less than Disney, using an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner made perfect sense.

Booking a Disney World vacation?

Here are a few of my favorite perks that Destinations in Florida offers to their clients:

All package guests receive a $10 discount, so their prices are always lower than Disney’s (guaranteed).
All guests receive Disney Theme Park Guide Maps (right from the Disney Theme Parks) before departure
An autographed picture of Mickey Mouse before departure
Orlando Magicards to save additional money during their visit to Orlando (discounts at restaurants and attractions outside Disney’s gates)
Bonus FREEbie (February’s is the Hidden Mickey Book). Other past FREEbies have included autograph books and mini-golf vouchers

Here are a few of my favorite benefits to booking with the Destinations in Florida:

Answer any and all Disney questions you might have
FREE Know Before You Go Disney Guide
Disney restaurant reservation suggestions (tailored to your family), plus they will book all reservations for you
Fun Disney activities emailed weekly from trivia to tips and tricks
An agent is on site at Disney World every single day of the year. They can hop over and answer questions and concerns in person if the need arises.

And if you have already booked with Disney directly, you can transfer your reservation to Destinations in Florida and receive all of the above perks and it won’t cost you anything out of pocket. Just let them know you are interested in transferring your reservation to them.

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Feb

11:00 am

FREE Admission to Anheuser-Busch Parks for Active Military

in Fun for the Family,Tickets and Packages

If you are active military you can get FREE Admission to Anheuser-Busch Parks (including SeaWorld Orlando). This program is called “Here’s to The Hero’s” and each active military member can enjoy one FREE single-day admission by showing their Department of Defense photo ID.

Anheuser-Busch parks include: SeaWorld Orlando, San Diego, or San Antonio, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay or Williamsburg, Sesame Place, Water Country USA, Adventure Island.

Not valid at Discovery Cove and Aquatica. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, Va. is not included as part of this program. Christmas Town at Busch Gardens in Williamsburg, VA and A Very Furry Christmas at Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA is not included as part of this program. Read more here.

(Thanks Smart Couponing!)

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Feb

8:00 pm

Disney World Training: Paying with Gift Cards

in Disney World Training,Tickets and Packages,Your Disney Fund

Have you debated on purchasing Disney gift cards to pay for your trip? Maybe there has been a great deal on gift cards at your local grocery store but you are worried about purchasing them because you don’t know where they are accepted? I actually get asked this question a lot.

Disney gift cards are accepted at almost every single restaurant, resort and merchant on Disney property. The only ones I have found that do not accept gift cards are cash merchants (like the ones that sell the light up toys before the parade or the balloons at the park entrance). I have used Disney gift cards to pay for my package before I arrive, tickets, souvenirs, meals, etc.

I also have discovered that I can add a credit card to my resort reservation for Key to the World charging privileges. They won’t charge the credit card until it either reaches $500 in charges or the day before you check out. I stop by the front desk every few days during our trip and pay off the balance with the gift cards. This way I do not have to carry a ton of gift cards in the park with me.

Disney gift cards do not expire and they do not charge you a fee no matter how long you wait to use the card.

So next time you see a perk on a Disney gift card, don’t hesitate to take advantage of it.

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