Monthly Archives: February 2015

Feb 23 2015

Disney World Ticket Prices Have Increased

Disney World TicketJust like we were predicting, Disney World increased their admission ticket prices effective Sunday, February 22, 2015. Here’s a breakdown of the price increase:

February 2015 Price Increase

  • A one day Magic Kingdom adult base ticket increased from $99 to $105
  • A one day Magic Kingdom child base ticket increased from $93 to $99
  • A one day Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom adult base ticket increased from $94 to $97
  • A one day Epcot, Hollywood Studios or Animal Kingdom child base ticket increased from $88 to $91
  • A one day adult ticket with park hopper increased from $134 to $155
  • A one day child ticket with park hopper increased from $128 to $149
  • A one day adult ticket with water park fun and more increased from $154 to $169
  • A one day child ticket with water park fun and more increased from $148 to $163
  • A one day adult ticket with park hopper & water park fun and more increased from $180 to $195
  • A one day child ticket with park hopper & water park fun and more increased from $174 to $195
  • A five day adult base ticket increased from $304 to $315
  • A five day child base ticket increased from $284 to $295
  • The park hopper add-on option increased from $60 to $64
  • The water park fun and more add-on option increased from $60 to $64
  • The park hopper plus water park fun and more add-on option increased from $86 to $90
  • An annual pass increased from $634 to $654

An adult is anyone ages 10 and older.

A child is anyone ages 3 to 9 years old.

A base ticket allows admission to one theme park per day.

A park hopper add-on allows guests to hop between more than one theme park per day.

The water park fun and more add-on allows guests to visit (a specific number of times depending on the number of days of your ticket) DisneyQuest, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Oak Trail golf course, ESPN Wide World of Sports, Disney’s Fantasia Gardens and Disney’s Winter Summerland miniature golf.

An annual pass allows guests to visit all four theme parks for 365 consecutive days.

What else changed?

Also as predicted, the biggest rumored changes did take place. First, the no expiration option for multi-day tickets has been discontinued. This means that all tickets with expire 14 days after first use. Second, a new feature will allow guests purchasing a water park ticket to hop between both Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. The cost of single-day water park ticket is $58 for adults (ages 10 and older) and $50 for children (ages 3 to 9).

Ready to purchase your tickets?

Your admission tickets will likely be the one of the most expensive parts of your Disney vacation, so be sure you are purchasing valid Disney theme park tickets. Your safest bet is to purchase directly from Disney by clicking here or by purchasing from an authorized discount Disney ticket seller like my friends at Destinations in Florida or Under Cover Tourist. Don’t be tempted by tickets sold on E-Bay or on the side of the road. These are typically partially used tickets with a few days left on them that may or may not be expired. Admission tickets are non-transferable and Disney uses a finger print system to match the ticket with its owner. You definitely don’t want to be turned away at the gate (or worse) for having an invalid admission ticket.

Need more help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these posts to make the most of your time in Disney World:

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

What do you think about the latest Disney World price increase?
Please leave a comment!

Feb 20 2015

Remember A Tale Of Two Resorts February Giveaway

Remember I am giving away a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”!

A Little About My Book

Are you trying to decide between a trip to Disneyland or Walt Disney World? Or maybe you have visited one resort and are curious about the other? My new book, “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”, is now available!

This reference book is loaded with facts and information about all of the hotels, restaurants, attractions, experiences, entertainment choices and resort extras that are available at Disneyland and Walt Disney World. Each chapter begins with a handy side-by-side chart that compares each destination and concludes with a “For What It’s Worth” section that gives my personal thoughts and opinions. Topics include Lay of the Land, Atmosphere, Weather, Crowds, Events, Budgeting, Planning Timeline, Accommodations, Admission Tickets, Transportation, Theme Parks, Resort Extras, Dining and of course, there’s helpful advice about planning your trip and organizing your day.

As a mom with two boys of my own, I understand the many challenges of traveling with young kids. Throughout “A Tale of Two Resorts”, I’ve included several features for parents that will help you plan your Disney trip plus they’ll make your vacation easier once you arrive at the resort. Here are just a few of these invaluable features:

  • In Chapter 8 Accommodations – I’ve included detailed information about every resort including room types available and resort amenities. If you need to know if a particular hotel has a kiddie pool, offers on site childcare or even how many people the room will accommodate, you’ll find those important answers.
  • In Chapter 11 Theme Parks – I’ve included a Word of Warning for each and every attraction that needs one, giving you a heads up on what to expect and what you need to be aware of before taking your child on that particular ride.
  • In Chapter 13 Dining – I’ve included specifics for every dining location from table service to snack stand such as atmosphere, cuisine type, dress code and even menu selections including the kid’s meals that are offered. So if you are like me and have kids that are picky eaters, you’ll know exactly where to find those all important chicken nuggets or macaroni & cheese.

Whether you are going to Disneyland or Disney World and especially if the decision between the two destinations is still being made, “A Tale of Two Resorts” will give you all of the information you need to make the better choice and plenty of advice for planning that magical vacation!

The Giveaway

From now through Friday, February 27, 2015, please enter daily to win a copy of my new book “A Tale of Two Resorts: Comparing Disneyland and Walt Disney World – A Traveler’s Reference”. Just click the image below and follow the instructions to be entered into the giveaway. Be sure to take advantage of the bonus entries, and please feel free to share with your friends and family!  

A Tale of Two Resorts

Can’t wait and need to get the book right away?
Please click this link, to purchase your copy today!

Like politics and religion, the topic of which destination is better – Disneyland or Walt Disney World – is sure to fire up the faithful. In “A Tale of Two Resorts”, Kristi Fredericks takes no side, but she does deliver the most comprehensive reference guide for both resorts available anywhere.

Feb 19 2015

TouringPlans – Disneyland or Disney World – What’s The Difference? Part 2

Please check out my latest article on TouringPlans – Disneyland or Disney World – What’s The Difference? Part 2!

Need help planning your Disney World vacation?

Be sure to check out these resources to make the most of your time in Disney World:

Heading to Disney World soon?

If you are planning a vacation to Disney World, be sure to check out these valuable resources to help you save money:

Feb 18 2015

New Peter Pan’s Flight Interactive Queue

Peter Pan

Have you heard the exciting news? Recently a brand new interactive queue debuted at Peter Pan’s Flight in Magic Kingdom. This is fifth queue of its kind joining those at Dumbo the Flying Elephant, The Many Adventures of Winnie the Pooh, Haunted Mansion, and Seven Dwarfs Mine Train. Here is the description courtesy of WDW News:

Even before they soar above the rooftops of London on their way to Never Land, Magic Kingdom guests experiencing Peter Pan’s Flight are immersed in a magical world thanks to a new interactive queue. The eye-filling opening scene includes a corridor of interactive murals. Tinker Bell flies around the room and gets playful in the nursery of the Darling children. Enthralled guests are able to interact with some of the toys; their own shadows dance and play on the walls with the characters of the epic story, before being sprinkled with pixie dust and flying away.

Please check out this great behind-the-scenes video about what went into creating this bit of Disney Magic (photos and video courtesy of Disney Parks Blog):

Anyone else excited to try out this new queue? Have you seen it yet?
Please leave a comment!

Feb 17 2015

Disney World Reality Versus Rumor – February 2015 Edition

Welcome to the February 2015 edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor where we’ll take a look at the stories that are currently circulating to see which ones are confirmed and which ones are purely speculation.

Disney World Reality

  • It has been confirmed that Disney World ticket prices will be increasing this month. Sources say a single day Magic Kingdom ticket will exceed $100.
  • It has been confirmed that the Creature Comforts location in Animal Kingdom will reopen this summer as a Starbucks.
  • It has been confirmed that Be Our Guest Restaurant in Magic Kingdom will start accepting advance dining reservations for lunch beginning February 25.
  • It has been confirmed that the Big Thunder Mountain Railroad refurbishment has been moved to April.
  • It has been confirmed that the Richard Petty Driving Experience and Exotic Driving Experience will be closing this summer as well as the entire race track will be demolished to make way for future transportation improvements near Magic Kingdom.
  • It has been confirmed that the Tomorrowland Arcade in Magic Kingdom has closed due to changes in Florida law. All prize counters and claw-like games have also been removed from the arcades throughout Disney World.
  • Disney World confirmed that it has pulled the Epcot coffee mug, part of Starbucks’ “You Are Here” collection, because it included a purple-colored monorail train. Disney retired Monorail Purple after its involvement in a deadly crash in 2009.
  • It was confirmed that Disney filed paperwork to build a new “Frozen” meet and greet that will take up the space between the Mexico and Norway pavilions.
  • It has been confirmed that the Great Movie Ride in Hollywood Studios will soon see a much need update thanks to a new deal with Turner Classic Movies.
  • It has been confirmed by Disney Parks CEO Bob Iger during an interview with Bloomberg Television that there will be a lot more Star Wars in Disney Parks in the near future.
  • It has been announced by Disney that the following shops will be coming to Disney Springs: APEX, Art of Shaving, Chapel Hats, Erin McKenna’s Bakery NYC, Havaianas, Sanuk, and Sound Lion.

Disney World Rumor

  • It is rumored that Disney is currently testing LCD displays at select resort bus stops that will display the estimated wait time until a particular bus should arrive.
  • There are many rumors that the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction in Magic Kingdom will undergo a lengthy refurbishment later this year to deal with the last row in the new boats taking on water, safety concerns after a guest seated in the back row lost a finger, and general maintenance.
  • Permits were recently filed spurring speculation that a new restaurant will be built in Adventureland in Magic Kingdom. Rumors are that its theme will tie into the Jungle Cruise.
  • It is being speculated that a third theatre is being added to Soarin’ to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are also rumors that a new Soarin’ movie is being filmed that will replace the current film and will highlight well-known landmarks from around the world.
  • It is being speculated that a new country pavilion may be added to World Showcase. The most popular country being talked about is Brazil.
  • There are rumors that Echo Lake, Min & Bill’s Dockside Diner, and Gertie the Dinosaur will be removed this spring to make way for a Star Wars themed land in Hollywood Studios.
  • It is rumored that a third track is being added to Toy Story Mania to help accommodate the crowds.
  • There are rumors that a Pixar Place/Toy Story Land may be built in Hollywood Studios using part of the space made available with the closing of the Backlot Tour.

Look for another edition of Disney World Reality vs. Rumor in April 2015!

Are you excited about any of these changes – real or rumored? Please leave a comment!