Although we are almost halfway through November there are still plenty of great rates available in December for Disney resorts. Even if you already have family plans for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, you can still save big on some of the pre-Christmas dates available.

From December 18th through the 24th, Disney Value Resorts room nights have been discounted 30% to $94 per night. Need more amenities such as swimming pools, health clubs, and transportation to and from the park? Disney Moderate Resorts room nights are available for $134 – more than $70 off the standard rates.

For those interested in Magic Your Way Packages, you can still take advantage of the 3 Additional Free Nights Special when you book a 4-night/4-day Magic Your Way Vacation Package between December 11th and 24th.

Here are a couple of the special celebrations going on in Orlando in December…

Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Party (separate ticket purchase required)
December dates include 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18 from 7pm to Midnight
Featuring:
- Special Holiday Light Display at the Cinderella Castle
- The Annual Mickey’s Once Upon a Christmas Parade
- Holiday Fireworks Display Each Night
- Disney Characters Performing Holiday Favorites
- Complimentary Cookies and Hot Chocolate
- Snow in Florida? You’ll See it at Main Street, U.S.A

The Osborne Family Spectacle of Dancing Lights on the Streets of America at Disney’s Hollywood Studios Theme Park (included with admission)
Open through January 4, 2010
Quite simply one of the most amazing Christmas light displays in the world! Entire buildings are blanketed with multi-colored lights, and you won’t believe your eyes when you see the custom creations made entirely from thousands of twinkling lights. Every ten minutes all the lights dim and restart to a choreographed show set to your favorite holiday songs. Get your cameras ready!

All special offers are based on availability and advanced reservations are required. Discounts are limited to one per family and may not be combined with other offers.

Here is how the volunteer program works…

Volunteers over the age of 18 must first register at the Disney World website. An additional eight members of the same household can be registered under the primary account. This includes children between the ages of 6 and 17.

Beginning in January 2010, the website will feature a searchable list of approved organizations. The majority of eligible volunteer opportunities will be from the HandsOn Network and the Points of Light Institute, although other outside organizations may be included. Only those organizations listed on the Disney website will qualify for the “Give a Day – Get a Disney Day” program.

After the service work has been verified by the eligible organization and submitted to Disney World, the account holder will receive a confirmation email. The user can then print the email voucher and redeem at the Disney World ticket with a valid ID.

If you have already purchased tickets to Disney World, or if you are an annual pass holder, the email voucher may be used alternatively for a 1 day admission at the following Disney properties…

Disneyland Park
Disney’s California Adventure Park
Magic Kingdom Theme Park
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Theme Park
Epcot Center
Disney’s Hollywood Studios

Ticket quantities for this promotion are limited, although Disney has not said how many will be available. Also, there are certain blackout dates that apply depending on which park you are visiting.

“Give a Day – Get a Disney Day” vouchers are NOT valid for…

- Walt Disney World admission on March 29 – April 8 and July 4, 2010.

- Disneyland admission on February 13-14, March 21, June 21-22, July 4, November 21, and December 11-12, 2010.

It is assumed that this promotion will replace the 2009 Free Admission on Your Birthday Program, but nothing official has been stated yet.

Right now Disney is offering significant room discounts for all dates in October. Here is an overview of the current prices advertised on their website as of September 7, 2009…

Value Resorts $74 per night (Save $31)
Moderate Resorts $109 per night (Save $61)
Deluxe Resorts $179 per night (Save $111)

Note that this offer cannot be combined with the free dining package special, so you will have to decide which deal makes the most sense for you.

Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween is a separate event that is held from 7pm to Midnight on the following dates 2009:

September Dates: 4, 11, 15, 18, 22, 25, 29
October Dates: 1, 2, 6, 8, 9, 12, 13, 15, 18, 20, 22, 23, 25, 27, 29, 31

This event does require an additional ticket purchase. If you buy them online from the Disney World website you will get a $7 discount. Ages 10 and up pay $52 per ticket and $46 for children between 3 and 9 years old.

Here is a listing of the special Halloween attractions you will find…

- Dress up in your costume and trick-or-treat around Magic Kingdom theme park.

- See all of your favorite Disney Characters in special Halloween costumes.

- Witness the complete transformation of the park into happy haunted village.

- A special “Boo-to-You” parade that begins with a breath-taking ride by the famous Headless Horseman.

- Finish your evening with a spectacular Halloween themed fireworks display.

Even if you have visited Disney World before, if you haven’t been during Halloween you are in for a real treat. With the special savings offers going on now it has never been a better time to experience Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Annual Halloween Party.

December Discounts at Disney World Value Resorts
$59 room nights from November 29 through December 17
$94 room nights from December 18 through December 24
$135 room nights from December 25 through January 2 (standard rate)

* Disney Value Resort Hotels are designed for budget conscious travelers during their days exploring the theme parks. Each resort has a unique theme and all of the basic amenities needed for a comfortable stay.

December Discounts at Disney World Moderate Resorts
$96 room nights from November 29 through December 17
$134 room nights from December 18 through December 24
$209 room nights from December 25 through January 2 (standard rate)

* Disney Moderate Value Resort Hotels offer another tier of value and quality to your stay.  Amenities include access to a health club, themed swimming pools, and transportation to any of the Disney World theme parks by motor coach or boat.

This special promotion is valid through September 26th and is based on availability. 

 If you are traveling to Disney World in December than you really should book your dates around one of the Mickey’s Very Merry Christmas Parties.  This once a year celebration features a parade, fireworks, and even a special snowfall! Parties require an additional ticket and events are held on the following dates: December 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13, 15, 17, 18.

The Christmas parties can sellout, so it is best to buy your tickets when you book your room nights. Discounted tickets are available for $52 (ages 10+) and $46 (ages 3 – 9).

Here are some sample prices for select dates between August 9th and October 3rd.  These are generally Sunday through Thursday rates in a Standard Room. Availability is limited and rates will vary depending the resort, room type, and dates of travel. (Note: Sales tax has not been included.)

- Select Disney Value Resorts: from $69 per night

- Select Disney Moderate Resorts: from $96 per night

- Select Disney Deluxe Resorts: from $149 per night

- Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort: from $169 per night

Here are the Disney Discount Codes you will need to secure these discounts through the website or general reservation line:

Room only code – TDU

Discount codes for use with Disney World Packages:

Magic Your Way Base Package – MVJ

Magic Your Way PLUS Quick Service Dining Option – FPC

Magic Your Way PLUS Dining Option – EQX

Magic Your Way PLUS Deluxe Dining Option – EQY 

To receive this discount all rooms must be reserved by 8/8/09. All Disney World promotional offers are subject to availability and certain restrictions apply.

Luckily Disney World does offer a flexible and interest fee payment plan for all packages purchased directly through the Disney World website and reservation line.  Although it is not officially called a “payment plan” it offers many of the same benefits.  Best of all, it applies to anyone who signs up.

How It Works
Disney World allows you to plan and book your vacation package by putting up a $200 deposit.  After this point you are free to make payments in any amount and whenever you want.  There is no interest or additional costs to sign up for this feature.  The only requirement is that your total vacation package must be paid in full 45 days before your trip.

Since there are no penalties or fees if you pay within the allotted time, you can customize your payments to fit within your budget.  This works especially well for people who are expecting tax returns or work bonuses to fund their Disney vacation.  They get the opportunity to plan their trip today and pay for it later.

You can use Disneyworld.com to manage the finances for your Magic Your Way vacation package. Once you have registered you can keep track of how much you owe and even make payments directly through the website.  You can pay the entire balance at anytime before 45 days prior to your arrival.

This is a great alternative to the hefty interest rates that credit cards have, and the flexible terms means you won’t accrue fees for unexpected events that prevent you from making your payment.  Of course you will lose your $200 deposit and any credited payments if you default.  But as long as you have the means to pay on time then there is no better way to take the anxiety out of paying thousands of dollars for your trip to Walt Disney World.

Note that this only applies to Magic Your Way packages purchased directly through Disney World.  The payment terms are not available for single ticket purchases or separate hotel room reservations.

The promotion launched to the public on March 30th and includes most check-in dates from August 16, 2009 through October 3, 2009. Packages must be purchased by June 21st. Free dining will extend past the October 3rd date, as long as you check in October 3rd or before. As with all Disney promotions, this offer is subject to availability.

The upgrade gives you a Magic Your Way Plus Dining package for the price of a regular Magic Your Way package. You must purchase a regularly priced Magic Your Way package consisting of at least a 3-night stay at an official Walt Disney World resort hotel, AND a minimum of a 1-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket.

You can also chose to upgrade to the Deluxe Dining Plan for just $32 per adult per night and $10 per child age 3-9 per night. The Deluxe Dining Plan includes three meals a day at your choice of table service or counter service locations. Table service meals include an appetizer on the Deluxe Dining Plan. The Deluxe Dining Plan also includes two snacks per day and one refillable mug for each ticket holder.

Even without the upgrade, a family of four will save just over $100 per day with this promotion. You’ll likely save even more however because you won’t need to budget as much for your meals during your vacation. The Deluxe Dining Upgrade is a steal at $32 per adult since it covers all of food needs while at the park.

No other discounts can be combined with this offer. Reservations are limited. Please note that gratuity for table service meals are not included.

Here is how the promotion works:

- Customers must purchase a 4 night / 4 day Magic Your Way package at the regular price.  These vacation packages include accommodations at a Disney Resort and a Magic Your Way Base Ticket that gives each member of your travel party entry to one Disney Theme Park every ticket day.  You can upgrade your package to include things like Park Hopper Passes and Dining options.

- You must book your vacation by December 20, 2009 and your stay must fall between 11/1/09 – 11/20/09, 12/11/09 – 12/24/09 and 1/3/10 – 3/27/10.  There is a limited amount of discount packages offered for each time, but Disney does not disclose how many are available.

- The base package includes a stay at one of the Disney’s value resorts.  If you upgrade to either Disney’s Old Key West Resort or Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa you will also receive a $100 gift card valid at most shops and restaurants within the park.  Rooms in these resorts include amenities like kitchenette with microwave, mini-refrigerator, wet bar and coffee maker.

- Estimated total cost for a family of 2 adults, 1 junior, and 1 child who stay at a value resort is just under $1400.  This includes one theme park ticket per day, hotel accommodations, shuttle transportation to and from the Orlando airport, and transportation throughout the Disney World Resort.  This is an average family cost of $200 per day.

- Food and airline costs are not included, although you can upgrade to the dining package for about $19 per person / per day.

- You must book directly through the Walt Disney World website or reservation line.  The booking code for this offer is IUZ.

So if you assume a $1200 cost for round trip airline tickets, your total comes to $2600 for travel, lodging, and park admissions.  This is definitely a great deal, especially when you compare it our Disney Vacation Budget Example.

If you have been considering a trip to Orlando this summer then now is the time to take advantage of this offer.  You will have to be flexible with your dates depending on availability, but it is worth it in the end.

Here is how the promotion works:

- You have to register at the Disney World website and enter the birthdays for each family member that might use the discount.

- After registering, you will be directed to a confirmation page that you can print out at home.  Disney will also send you an email two weeks before each birthday that can also be used as a confirmation.

(Note: you don’t have to register to receive free admission as long as you have a valid ID when you enter the park.  However, unregistered participants will have to fill out the form in line so save yourself the time and headache by registering in advance.)

- There are other birthday specials available if you have already purchased a package or multi-day park ticket.  You can choose from ONE of the following:

1. A special birthday FASTPASS that lets you bypass long lines for certain attractions within the park you visit on your birthday.
2. A one-day Magic Your Way base ticket that can be used any time until your next birthday.
3. A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a one-day Magic Your Way base ticket.  These are good for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Disney World.  This card is only valid on the actual date of birth and any unused balance will expire the next day.

- Only adults over the age of 18 may register family members, and each participant receiving free admission must be accompanied by a registered adult who has proper identification.

If you are getting ready to plan your Disney vacation then it only makes sense to try and time it around this birthday promotion if possible.  Not only will it save you money, but we can’t think of a better way to spend a birthday then with Mickey Mouse and the Magic Kingdom!

Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort has all the features of a great campsite with the added bonus of being close to the main Disney attractions.  You can integrate your stay at Fort Wilderness with many of the Magic Your Way Packages as well.  Best of all, campsite rates start at $45 per night, which makes this by far the cheapest lodging option within the Disney properties.

Some of the basic features included with your stay include access to several conveniently placed Comfort Stations.  Each station has toilet facilities, private showers, laundry facilities, ice machines, and pay phones.  This is in addition to hookups at each individual campsite such as water, charcoal grill, picnic table, 20 amp/120 Volt, 30 amp/120 Volt, 50 amp/250 Volt outlets, sanitary disposal system, and the availability of safety keeping boxes.  This is a well run campground with the cleanliness and quality you would expect from the America’s largest theme park.

Camping at Disney World adds a special element to your vacation that most families will never get to experience.  The Fort Wilderness property has a host of fun activities all to itself.  You’ll find horse trails, boat rentals, tennis courts, playgrounds, bike rentals and swimming pools right on the campsite grounds.  Entertainment options include campfire sing-a-longs and entertainment dinner shows like the “Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue”.

As many RV veterans already know, traveling the country and staying at campsites is a great way to meet new people.  When you combine the experience with a visit to Disney World it truly makes for special family vacation.  Of course not everyone is open to living outside the comforts of modern technology, but those who enjoy being closer to nature can save a substantial amount of money on their hotel and travel bills.