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What’s New
Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival Debuts Illuminated Blooms and Garden Marketplace Dining
The 20th Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival presented by HGTV, taking place March 6 – May 19, 2013, at Walt Disney World® Resort, offers new festival additions that include food-and-beverage Garden Marketplaces, a circus-like “Land of Oz” play area and nighttime illuminated gardens.
Debuting this year:
- Garden Marketplace culinary creations ranging from smokehouse barbecue and shrimp with grits and Zellwood corn to sweet “frushi” made with fresh fruits and coconut rice. Chefs are perfecting menus for marketplaces that will include Florida Fresh at World Showcase Promenade, Smokehouse Barbecue and Brew at American Adventure courtyard, Primavera Kitchen at Italy showcase, Hanami at Japan showcase and eight others around the World Showcase promenade.
- Garden Marketplace refreshing libations with a kick like Hot Sun Tomato Wine from Florida Orange Groves Winery and Dole Whip with Spiced Rum, as well as non-alcoholic drinks like Frozen Desert Violet Lemonade and Wild Berry Slush.
- A new, circus-like “Land of Oz” play area based on the Disney fantastical film adventure “Oz: The Great and Powerful” to be released March 8, 2013. The interactive children’s play zone will feature play systems adorned with giant flowers and designed to stretch kids’ imaginations and muscles. Midway-style games, red-and-white circus-themed tents and the “Oz Movie Garden” of intriguing plants will capture the spirit of the upcoming film.
- Larger-than-life Fab Five Disney character topiary. Floral versions of Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Goofy, Pluto and Donald Duck (with Daisy Duck in a cameo) star in a celebratory cookout scene in living topiary color. The 14-foot-tall Goofy topiary will bobble an anniversary cake while Donald and Daisy play badminton, Mickey fires up the grill, Pluto swipes a link of hot dogs and Minnie chills out on a colorful blanket of blossoms.
- Illuminated Gardens in the Park’s Future World and World Showcase will twinkle and glow over the festival’s world-famous Disney gardens and topiaries each festival evening.
Throughout the 75-day garden party, you will discover festival surprises around every corner including new topiary triumphs, a butterfly bounty, whimsical children’s play areas, HGTV celebrity designers, daily hands-on gardening seminars and a Festival Center packed with events that offer innovative ideas, gardening know-how and design tips. On weekends, top Flower Power rockers of the 1960s and ’70s will perform. Every Friday through Sunday, HGTV design celebrities will host Festival Center seminars.
In all, more than 100 topiaries, 240 floating mini-gardens, dozens of flower towers and sweeping beds of multi-colored blooms will add floral splendor to the park landscape.
Mardi Gras The Biggest Bash this Side of the Bayou
Saturdays & Select Nights • Feb 9 – Apr 20
It’s the most spectacular celebration of the Big Easy spirit outside of New Orleans itself – Mardi Gras at Universal Studios®. Bring the whole family for a party filled with music and fun as only Universal Orlando® Resort can throw. The air will be filled with the sound of live concerts featuring top recording acts on the Universal Music Plaza stage. Catch beads by the handful as our dazzling parade winds its way through the park with incredible floats and colorful street performers in glittering costumes. Plus, our French Quarter Courtyard sizzles with authentic Cajun food* and live music from bands direct from New Orleans. There’s nothing else like it this side of the bayou!
NEW Walt Disney Travel Company Luggage Tags
Samsonite, the world’s leading luggage brand, has entered into a multi-year agreement with Walt Disney Parks and Resorts, making American Tourister the “Official Luggage of the Walt Disney World® and Disneyland® Resorts.” As part of the agreement, American Tourister will receive branding on the luggage tags included in Walt Disney Travel Company Florida and California Guest Documents. Beginning in the next week, your luggage tags will feature fun, Disney-themed artwork, as well as the American Tourister logo.
NEW Adventures by Disney Launches Tours Specifically for Multi-Generational Families
In 2013, Adventures by Disney®encourages you to bring the whole family along on multi-generational departures to Italy, London/Paris and Ireland.
While all Adventures by Disney tours are designed for families, these specialized adventures are specifically tailored to support the needs of groups traveling with multiple generations.
Each departure features a professional photographer on-hand throughout the adventure to capture memory-making moments. And, you will experience the Disney Differences that Adventures by Disney is known for, including dedicated Adventure Guides, knowledgeable local experts, hands-on educational activities, VIP privileges, private ground transportation and extraordinary accommodations.
With all of the details planned in advance, it’s easy for grandparents and parents to relax and immerse themselves in the most valuable experience of all – quality time with their family.
Adventures by Disney presents three multi-generational departures, created with the whole family in mind:
The Emerald Isle
Aug. 13, 2013 – 8 Days/7 Nights
Dublin, Cashel, Killarney and Newmarket-on-Fergus
Families will feel like they have reached a pot of gold as they discover the treasures of Ireland with Adventures by Disney. With excursions through legendary castles and authentic Irish dancing lessons, one can’t help but embrace the luck of the Irish.
Cities of Knights and Lights
July 22, 2013 – 8 Days/7 Nights
London, Windsor, Stonehenge, Paris and Versailles
Your Clients will step into the stories of fairy tale characters and kings in two of the most magical cities in Europe. From Buckingham Palace to the Eiffel Tower, Westminster Abbey to the Notre Dame Cathedral, they will experience unforgettable sites through hands-on experiences designed just for families.
Viva Italia
July 18, 2013 – 9 Days/8 Nights
Rome, Orvieto, Tuscany, Artimino, Florence and Venice
From exploring the masterpieces of Rome to pasta-making with an Italian chef and floating along the grand canals of Venice, you will experience the spirit of Italy from the moment they arrive.
NEW Hands-On Experiences with Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney® allows you to become active participants in incredible stories, experiences and cultures through immersive activities that only Disney can bring to life. From biking around the grounds of a historic French chateau to meeting Aboriginal tribe members in Australia, Guests become travelers and adventurers, instead of simply tourists.
Here’s just a sample of the amazing hands-on experiences, Adventures by Disney offers.
Viva Italia –9-days/8-nights
You will live the stories of Italy’s most famous sites through unforgettable experiences on this breathtaking vacation. Guests journey to a Tuscan estate for private pasta-making lesson, followed by an al fresco picnic surrounded by rolling hills and farmlands. In Venice, they create their own Carnevale mask with the help of a renowned mask-maker.
Cowboys and Canyons –8-days/7-nights
You will experience the awesome expanse of the Grand Canyon, the power of the mighty Colorado River and the quiet majesty of the Southwestern desert. In Monument Valley, Guests take in the sights from an off-road vehicle. Next, in the Grand Canyon, they set off by foot on a stunning hike led by a naturalist guide. Finally, you will enjoy an exciting, yet leisurely, rafting adventure, followed by a Cowboy Cookout on the banks of the Colorado River.
Enchanted China –12-days/11-nights
This unforgettable vacation immerses you in China’s history and culture. Guests observe delightful pandas at Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding –China’s premier institution devoted to the preservation of these rare animals. And, in Beijing a pedicab takes you through the ancient Hutong neighborhoods. Along the way they can participate in demonstrations of traditional crafts such as knot-tying, decorative paper-cutting, as well as a display by a yo-yo master
Coming Soon to the Walt Disney World Resort
At Disney Parks, we’re always working to improve our offerings and add new, magical experiences. NewFantasyland® is now open at Magic Kingdom® Park and there’s even more on the horizon at the Walt DisneyWorld® Resort.
Guests Can Soon Interact with Big Thunder Mountain Railroad in New Immersive Queue–In the works in Frontierland at Magic Kingdom Park, Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is about to get a new interactive queue.
Seven Dwarfs Mine Train at Magic Kingdom Park – Imagineers have laid the first pieces of track in the Seven Dwarfs Mine Train attraction in the New Fantasyland expansion, set to open in 2014.
Development of AVATAR-Themed Land at Disney’s Animal Kingdom® Park Continues – Work continues to bring the epic fantasy world of AVATAR to life at Disney Parks.
Starbucks Locations at Magic Kingdom Park and Epcot®Set to Open Next Year – The first two Starbucks locations at Walt Disney World Resort will open next year, one at Magic KingdomPark and one at Epcot.
Early Fall Savings on Disney Dream
You can get a great rate – plus an onboard credit up to $100 – when they set sail on a 3- or 4-night cruise aboardDisney Dream departing from Port Canaveral Aug. 25 – Sept. 26, 2013.
The following lead rates are per person, based on double occupancy:
- 3-night cruise – Inside stateroom starting at $399, Oceanview stateroom starting at $449 and Verandah stateroom starting at $499.
- 4-night cruise – Inside stateroom starting at $499, Oceanview stateroom starting at $549 and Verandah stateroom starting at $599.
Onboard Credit Offer Details:
Book a 3- or 4-night cruise on Disney Dream departing Aug. 25 – Sept. 26, 2013, and receive a $50 onboard credit for an Inside stateroom, $75 onboard credit for an Oceanview stateroom or a $100 onboard credit for a Verandah stateroom.
Booking Window:
- Jan. 2 – March 15, 2013
Travel Window:
- Most 3- and 4-night sailings on Disney Dream Aug. 25 – Sept. 26, 2013
Additional Details:
- Must mention booking code DRM at time of booking
- Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included
- Government Taxes and Fees are approximately $65 per person for 3- and 4-night Bahamas cruises (all amounts subject to change)
- Excludes categories with restrictions (IGT, OGT and VGT)
- This offer cannot be combined with any other offers
- See Disney Cruise Line brochure for cruise details and applicable terms and conditions
- Shipboard credit is non-refundable and non-transferable
Disney Cruise Line Unveils New 2014 Itineraries and Ports
In 2014, Disney Cruise Line® will offer new itineraries, including an expanded collection of European cruises highlighting the Greek Isles. Plus, Disney Cruise Line will depart for the first time from homeports in Venice, Italy, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Mediterranean from Venice and Barcelona
- Departures from May 31 – Aug. 30, 2014
- Disney Magic® returns to the Mediterranean with exciting new ports and popular destinations, treating your Clients to the best of Europe.
- For the first time, Disney Cruise Line will use Venice, Italy, as a homeport for select sailings. During these cruises, the ship will overnight in Venice, giving your Clients the opportunity to experience an evening in the spectacular city.
- Other new destinations include Katakolon, Rhodes, Heraklion (Crete), Santorini and Corfu, Greece, and Catania, Sicily.
- Departures from Sept. 20 – Oct. 11, 2014
- Disney Cruise Line will homeport in San Juan for the first time in 2014, sailing four cruises to the Southern Caribbean, including Grenada – a new port of call for Disney.
- Known as the “Spice Isle,” Grenada offers your Clients a lush and lively destination filled with spice estates, tropical gardens, beautiful beaches, thrilling diving, snorkeling, fishing and exploration through mountain landscapes and waterfalls.
- Departures from May 24 – Sept. 1, 2014
- Disney Wonder® will sail 7-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. One special 9-night cruise calls on Sitka, Alaska – a first for Disney Cruise Line.
Disney Cruise Line will continue to offer a variety of sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, Florida, in 2014. Most itineraries include a visit to Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. For a quick reference guide, download this flier.
If you are a Platinum or Gold Castaway Club Member, you can book the new itineraries by phone beginning at 8 a.m. ET, Feb. 13, 2013. Bookings open to all Guests on Feb. 14, 2013 – perfect timing for a magical Valentine’s Day gift!
Disney Discounts
Walt Disney World
Save Up To 30% on Rooms at Select Walt Disney World Resort Hotels
Save up to 30%* at select WaltDisney World® Resort hotels for stays most nights Feb. 18 – March 23 and April 2 – June 14, 2013.
Add minimum 4-Day Magic Your Way Tickets to make it a package and get a discount on the tickets too!**
Offer Details:
Disney Value and Moderate Resorts
For stays most nights Feb. 18 –March 23 and April 2 – June 14, 2013:
- Save up to 25% at Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort, Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside and Disney’s Fort Wilderness Cabins
- Save up to 20% at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort, Disney’s All-Star Music Resort and Disney’s Pop Century Resort
- Save up to 15% at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites
Disney Deluxe and Deluxe Villa Resorts
For stays most nights Feb. 18 –March 23 and April 2 – June 14, 2013:
- Save up to 30% at Disney’s Yacht and Beach Club Resorts, Disney’s Beach Club Resort Villas, Disney’s BoardWalk Inn & Villas, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge (standard view rooms), Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort
- Save up to 20% at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Resort (including Villas), Disney’s Polynesian Resort (excluding Club Level rooms), Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa (excluding Club Level rooms) and Disney’s Contemporary Resort (excluding Club Level rooms)
Add minimum 4-Day Magic Your Way Tickets to make it a package and get a discount on the tickets too!**
Sample Pricing:
For example, book a 5-night, 6-day Magic Your Way Package, including Theme Park tickets, at Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort and save $250, with a total package price of $1,593 for a family of four (for stays most nights Feb. 24 – March 7, 2013 and April 7 – May 23, 2013). That’s like paying $67 per person, per day!***
Booking Window:
- Book Jan. 3 – March 7, 2013 for travel Feb. 18 – March 23, 2013
- Book Jan. 3 – March 31, 2013 for travel April 2 – June 14, 2013
* The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited. Length of stay requirements may apply. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per adult charges apply if more than two adults per room at Disney Value, Moderate and Deluxe Resorts. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required. Excludes campsites, 3-bedroom villas and is not valid at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – The Little Mermaid rooms.
** Everyone in the room must be on the same package. Savings based on the non-discounted price of the same ticket.
*** Price based on 2 adults, 1 junior, and 1 child in a standard room. Tickets are valid for one Theme Park per day and must be used within 14 days of first use.
Military Discount – Active duty and retired members of the US military can get specially discounted rooms at the Disney resorts most nights from October 1, 2012 – September 28, 2013 except November 22, 2012 through November 24, 2012; December 23, 2012 through December 31, 2012; and March 25, 2013 through April 4, 2013. Service members can also get up to (6) 4-day Park Hopper tickets for just $156.00 at their base ticket sales office.
Aulani
NEW Stay 6 Nights for the Price of 5 at Aulani with $150 One-Time Resort Credit
At Aulani, A Disney Resort & Spa, you can enjoy many inclusive features – from entertainment to amazing water features to special activities just for kids and more! There’s something to delight every member of the family.
Offer Details:
For a limited time, when you book a six-night stay, you will get one of those nights free! And you will also receive a one-time Resort credit of $150! Book this special offer Nov. 15, 2012 – Feb. 15, 2013, for stays most nights from Jan. 8 – Feb. 15 and Feb. 19 – March 10, 2013.* A five-night minimum length of stay is required.
Booking and Travel Window:
- Booking Window: Nov. 15, 2012 – Feb. 15, 2013
- Travel Window: Jan. 8 – Feb. 15 and Feb. 19 – March 10, 2013
*6 Nights for the Price of 5 Nights with $150 One Time Resort Credit promotion for guests who stay five consecutive nights all between January 08, 2013 through March 10, 2013. Blackout Dates: February 16th, 2013 – February 18th, 2013. Book from November 15, 2012 –February 15, 2013. The number of rooms allocated for this offer is limited and room availability may vary by dates of stay. Resort credit is non-transferable, has no cash value and any unapplied portion expires upon check-out. Excludes Resort fees and taxes. Not valid in combination with any other discounts or offers. Offer excludes suites and 3-Bedroom Grand Villas. Additional per adult charges may apply if more than 2 adults per room. Offer applied once per reservation. Check for offers for other lengths of stay. Advance reservations required. Subject to restrictions and change without notice. Limit 2 rooms per reservation.
Universal Studios Discounts
4th Night & 3rd Day FREE!
Vacation Packages for a family of four start as low as $769* tax inclusive! That’s less than $49 per person, per day! Offer valid for travel 1/3/13 – 6/30/13.
This vacation offer includes:
- 4th Night FREE† accommodations at a nearby Universal Partner Hotel
- 2-Day Base Ticket with 3rd Day FREEˆ – one theme park, per day
- EARLY PARK ADMISSION◊ to experience The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™ before the rest of the general public
- FREE scheduled transportation** between hotel and Universal Orlando
- Access to live entertainmentˆˆ at Universal CityWalk®
7 Nights 5 Theme Parks
UNLIMITED ADMISSION^ to Universal’s Islands of Adventure®, Universal Studios Florida®,SeaWorld®Orlando, Aquatica™ – a one-of-a kind waterpark by SeaWorld and Wet ‘n Wild®-Orlando, all-club access^^ to Universal CityWalk®and much more!
Experience it all with:
- 7-Night hotel accommodations
- Orlando FlexTicket^, valid for the entire length of your stay, to Universal Studios Florida, Universal’s Islands of Adventure, SeaWorld Orlando, Aquatica, and Wet ‘n Wild Orlando. Upgrade to an Orlando FlexTicket Plus and also receive admission to Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay!
- Admission^^ to select live entertainment venues at Universal CityWalk
- Early Park Admission◊ to experience The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTMbefore the rest of the general public
- FREE transportation◊◊to Busch Gardens® Tampa Bay with the purchase of Orlando FlexTicket Plus
Select the hotel of your choice and add theme park admission to enjoy Universal Studios® and Universal’s Islands of Adventure®!Plus, receive Early Park Admission to Islands of Adventure.
Experience it all with:
- 3-Night hotel accommodations
- 2-Day Base Ticket with 3rd Day FREE* – one theme park, per day (Must complete travel by June 30, 2013)
- Access to live entertainment** at Universal CityWalk®
- Early Park Admission†to experience The Wizarding World of Harry PotterTM before the rest of the general public
Save and Play Getaway – Save up to $350 on a Universal Orlando® Vacation Package! A 4-night vacation include on-site hotel room, park tickets and free Express Passfor a family of four starts from $1,509 tax inclusive
Contact Kelly@thewdwguru.com for your FREE Disney Destination vacation quote. All bookings qualify for a FREE Disney Gift Card and a FREE 1 hour itinerary planning session with our expert on-staff planner.