Walt Disney World Planning Video

Here is the Official 2014 Walt Disney World Planning DVD. It shows a basic overview of  Walt Disney World vacations and helps you start planning your vacation.

Disney Military Discounts

As an Army Veteran and current Army wife I have had experience using Disney discounts that they offer to those who serve. Disney offers discounts on ticketing and room prices know as Disney's Armed Forces Salute.

You are eligible for these prices if you are a current or retired member of:
- Active
- Reserves
- National Guard
- Coast Guard

Or are 100% Service Connected Disabled with the DAVPRM code on your military issued ID.

Or are a Spouse in place of their member.

Disney's current offer runs from 28 September 2014 to 3 October 2015.  
(This discount is offered on select resorts with certain black out dates)

Additionally they offer Discount Theme Park Tickets. Those who qualify may purchase up to 6 of these tickets per promotion period and can be used any time with in that time period. They are non- refundable or transferable. A valid Military ID is needed at the time of purchase and when first used at the theme park its self. Each ticket is a 4 day ticket with two available add on options:
- Park Hopper
- Water Park Fun & more

Disney World Armed Forces Salute Prices:

• Four-Day Park Hopper Tickets - $177 
• Four-Day Water Park Fun & more - $177
• Four-Day Park Hopper Plus Water Park Fun - $207

You will be able to link your military tickets with your My Disney Experience to make advanced Fastpass+ reservations as well as dining reservations. 

At Disneyland your only have on ticketing option a 3-day Park Hopper - $132

Upgrades to the tickets can be made at any time prior to September 29, 2015. Additional days can not be added to the ticket. The no expiration date is not available with this ticket. A military ID is only required at ticket activation. For families larger then 6 Disney will make an exception for immediate family members only. 

Downtown Disney Gets a Makeover

Disney announced in April 2013 its plans to give Downtown Disney a makeover and renaming it Disney Springs. The expansion will include a new marketplace which will double the amount of shops in the area from 75 to 150! The Springs will be comprised of four main areas:

• The Town Center, featuring a Floridian style promenade done in the spanish style, will be a hub of sophisticated shopping and dining in the area. 
• The Landing, which will be the home to new upscale restaurants and sweeping waterside views.
• A newly refreshed West Side, with new live entertainment and seating areas and a magical makeover bringing thousands of lights to this exhilarating atmosphere.
• The Marketplace will be a family friendly place where the newly expanded World of Disney store will be with new additions to the area such as a bridge and favorite Disney characters.

The new West Side

This new area will also include some fabulous new restaurants. Two of the new noteworthy restaurants are The Boathouse, featuring three distinctly themed bars and will offer delicious dishes such as steaks, chops, seafood and a raw bar. Another notable is Morimoto Asia brought to life by famous iron chef Masahura Morimoto. This gorgeous two story restaurant featuring open terraces, waterside seating, a long bar, and cocktail lounge will be serving pan style asian including favorites such as peking duck and dim sum.

The Boathouse

A fun new recreational activity in the area will be Dream Boats from the 30s, 40s and 50s. Guests will be able to take 20 minute Captain's piloted tours of the Disney Springs Landmarks in Italian water taxis. 

Waterside view of The Boathouse