If you buy a multi-day ticket to the Walt Disney World theme parks and stay for a week or less, you'll probably find that you can't begin to explore all the entertainment options that are INCLUDED in the park passes, between the rides, parades, fireworks, and a zillion other attractions.

However, the time may come when you'll want to get out of the parks and do something different, like a backstage tour, a visit to Pleasure Island, an evening at Cirque du Soleil, a relaxing massage at one of the Disney spas, or dozens of other fun activities.

Naturally, Disney has plenty of ways to separate you from your money if you want to enjoy these extras. There are some discounts, deals and bargains available for almost every activity you can name, however, and I've gathered them in one place here!

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Special Events

Click here to see an entire page of seasonal and special events at Walt Disney World, many of which are included in the price of admission.

Whether you want information about Mardi Gras at Pleasure Island, Mickey's Not-So Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom, the Food and Wine Festival at Epcot or Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party at Magic Kingdom, this is the place to check!

If an additional cost is required to attend the event, I list any available discounts.

Water Parks

There are currently two Disney water parks: Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon. Both are wonderfully themed and have great water slides as well as quieter areas to just float.

Click here to see regular water park ticket prices. See below for a list of available water park discounts.

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Tickets That Include Water Park Admission

If you have Magic Your Way tickets with the Water Park Fun & More option, you can use a "plus" option for admission to a water park.

Premium Annual Passes include unlimited admission to the water parks for as long as your pass is valid.

Water Park Discounts at Ticket Window

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get a $4 discount on adult admission and $3 discount on child admission to Blizzard Beach and Typhoon Lagoon for the Passholder and up to three guests.

DisneyQuest

DisneyQuest, located in Downtown Disney, is a "virtual reality theme park" with many interactive games, old and new video games (including a whole area of early classics like PacMan and Galaga) and some pretty amazing virtual reality "rides."

Click here to see regular DisneyQuest ticket prices. See below for a list of available DisneyQuest discounts.

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Tickets That Include DisneyQuest Admission

If you have Magic Your Way tickets with the Water Park Fun & More option, you can use a "plus" options for admission to DisneyQuest.

Premium Annual Passes include unlimited admission to DisneyQuest for as long as your pass is valid.

DisneyQuest Discounts at Ticket Window

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get a $4 discount on adult admission and $3 discount on child admission on DisneyQuest, for the Passholder and up to three guests.

If you arrive in the evening, 2 hours or less before closing, there may be a Manager's Special that allows you to purchase tickets at half price ($18.64 including tax). This special is not always offered, but if you just want to check out DisneyQuest for a couple of hours, it's worth a try. Thanks to David T for info.

Pleasure Island

Pleasure Island is right in the middle of Downtown Disney and basically consists of a "street" lined with nightclubs, outdoor stages and shops along both sides. Guests can walk through during evening operations without purchasing admission. Anyone can enjoy Pleasure Island shops, restaurants and stage entertainment at no charge (except on New Year's Eve, when it is closed for a separately ticket party). To learn what's going on in Downtown Disney, call (407) WDW-2NITE and visit the Special Events page for details on holiday events at Pleasure Island.

There are currently six nightclubs open each night, including a themed 1930s-style "Adventurers Club" with wacky entertainment (very "Disney" and not to be missed), trendy dance clubs and a comedy club. A seventh location (formerly the jazz club) is an "authentic Irish pub and restaurant" called Raglan Road. Club admission is not required for the pub and it is open to all ages. Rock 'n' Roll Beach Club closed in February 2008 and it's currently unknown what that location will become.

All ages are admitted to the Adventurers Club and the Comedy Warehouse, but anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. (Note: there is considerable controversy about bringing children into these two clubs. Be aware that some of the humor in both clubs is PG-13ish and some other guests may not be thrilled to find children present.)

You must be 21 or older to enter BET Soundstage, 8 TRAX, Mannequins or Motion.

Admission is required for entry into any of the Pleasure Island nightclubs. There are two forms of admission:

• The Multi-Club Ticket gives you the opportunity to "club hop" all night for one admission fee.

• The Single-Club Ticket provides one night's admission to one club at Pleasure Island. Choose from BET Soundstage, 8 TRAX, Mannequins or Motion. This ticket may not be used for admission to Adventurer's Club or Comedy Warehouse. You can only purchase the Single-Club Ticket at Pleasure Island or Downtown Disney Guest Services.

For most people, the Multi-Club Tickets are by far the best deal, particularly since they give you admission to the not-to-be-missed Adventurers Club. I suspect Single-Club Tickets will primarily appeal to locals who just want to go out dancing one night with friends.

Click here to see regular Pleasure Island ticket prices. See below for a list of available discounts on the Multi-Club Ticket.

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Tickets That Include Pleasure Island Admission

If you have Magic Your Way tickets with the Water Park Fun & More option, you can use a "plus" option for one night's Multi-Club admission to Pleasure Island.

Premium Annual Passes include unlimited admission to Pleasure Island clubs for as long as your pass is valid.

Pleasure Island Discounts at Ticket Window

Discount promotions for Pleasure Island are common and change all the time. The best discounts are often available right at the gate, so it is usually a good idea to buy your admission on the first night you plan to go to Pleasure Island. When you reach the Pleasure Island ticket counter, ASK the ticket agent what discounts are available (they usually don't volunteer information on discounts).

Since at least 2000, there has been a continuously-running offer at the ticket window that gives you five additional consecutive night's admission for $5 when you buy the first night's admission at full price. Ask at the window.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get a $4 discount on adult admission for Pleasure Island, for the Passholder and up to three guests.

Active duty military personnel with ID get an admission discount (about 15%).

Florida college students with ID get a discount on Sunday through Thursday.

Members of Disney's Dining Experience program get discounts on Pleasure Island admission.

Pleasure Island Annual Passholders can bring one friend in for free on Friday nights. Just show your annual pass at the ticket window. Thanks to Rick L for info.

Other Pleasure Island Deals

If you do not drink alcoholic beverages, tell the person at the Pleasure Island gate that you are the designated driver for your group. Reportedly they will give you a special "Designated Driver" wristband and two tickets for complimentary soft drinks. (Note that the tickets are good for a Coke, Sprite, etc. -- no specialty "virgin" drinks. I suspect that with this wristband, you won't be able to buy alcohol if you change your mind.)

Boardwalk Nightlife

Feel like a fun evening at a sing-along "dueling piano bar"? You'll love Jellyrolls on the Boardwalk (21 and over). The two pianists will play just about any popular tune for a small tip. The bar opens at 7:00 but the show usually doesn't start until 9:00. Jellyrolls serves free popcorn, and drinks are moderately priced. The cover charge is only $10 per person.

Atlantic Dance Hall, the 1940s-style dance club on the Boardwalk, features Top 40 music plus hits from the 1980s and 1990s and "high energy" dance music with a DJ on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday nights. On Friday and Saturday the club features entertainment by live bands. Atlantic Dance Hall is open Tuesday-Saturday from 9 pm - 2 am for guests ages 21 and over. Admission is usually FREE.

Rix Lounge

In December 2007 a new 5,000 sq ft nightclub called Rix Lounge opened at Disney's Coronado Springs Resort. The 300-seat Mediterranean-style lounge offers house music, specialty drinks and tapas-style appetizers. Top 40 music is played by a DJ and on some nights they have live bands. Rix is open nightly from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am and is expected to draw large numbers of convention-goers who are staying at the resort.

Cirque du Soleil La Nouba

By all accounts, La Nouba is a spectacular show with amazing feats of acrobatic prowess, beautiful lighting and costumes. Most people think it's well worth the price.

Regular Prices and Info

• Front and Center seats are $121.41 for adults (age 10 and up), $96.92 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are in section 103. Readers have reported that these seats are not worth the extra money.

• Category 1 seats are $105.44 for adults (ages 10 and up), $84.14 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are in section 102, 104, and portions of 203-205. Reportedly these seats provide a very good view.

• Category 2 seats are $86.27 for adults (ages 10 and up), $69.23 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are in sections 101, 105, and portions of 202-206. I have been told by many readers that these seats are the BEST VALUE if you can get sections 203, 204 or 205, ideally in Row EE, FF or GG.

• Category 3 seats are $69.23 for adults (ages 10 and up), $55.38 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are located in 201, 202, 206 and 207. You can see fine from here but you are extremely off-center relative to the stage.

Click here to see a seating plan.

You can order these tickets through (407) WDW-SEAT (939-7328). Shows are at 6:00 and 9:00 pm. There are no performances on Sundays or Mondays.

Discounts

Florida residents can get 20% off on Category 2 seats for the 5/1/08-6/28/08 shows. Advance purchase required through (407) WDW-SEAT (939-7328).

Disney World Annual Passholders can get 25% off on Category 2 seats for the 5/1/08-6/28/08 shows. Advance purchase required through (407) 939-7604. Discount available to Passholder and up to 3 guests.

Undercover Tourist sells discounted vouchers that can be exchanged for Category 2 La Nouba tickets.

Fantasmic Dinner Package

If you're interested in seeing Fantasmic! at Disney's Hollywood Studios, one way to avoid a long wait in line for seating is to book the Fantasmic! Dinner Package. With this special package you pay for a regular sit-down meal at The Brown Derby, Mama Melrose or Hollywood & Vine and you get preferred seating for Fantasmic! at no extra charge. Normally you need to show up at the Fantasmic! theater 60-90 minutes before the show and line up to get a seat. With the Fantasmic! Dinner Package you can walk into the theater 45 minutes before show time and have a guaranteed seat.

Those booking the Fantasmic! Dinner Package are sometimes required to eat very early (typically before 5:00 pm). Clearly Disney is using this package to fill tables at less-popular times. Also, be aware that you will be seated in a reserved section (no specific seat assignments) on the far right of the theater. Most people find the view completely acceptable. However, if you are really picky and it's important to you that you get "perfect" seats right in the middle, this package is not for you. Go ahead and line up at least 90 minutes in advance!

You can reserve and prepay for the Fantasmic! Dinner Package in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). This prepaid offer includes dinner and reserved seating for Fantasmic!. Prices are a fair deal and of course you're getting the added benefit of guaranteed seating.

Dine With an Imagineer

If you are interested in how Disney Imagineers create their magic, you may want to consider one of the special "Dine With an Imagineer" opportunities at Walt Disney World. There aren't any discounts available, but how often do you get to experience something like this?

The meals are limited to 8 guests plus an Imagineer (you may be seated with other parties if you have less than 8 people) and last a minimum of 90 minutes. While children are allowed to attend, Disney recommends this experience for guests 14 and older. Guests order from a special limited menu.

There are two options for dining with an Imagineer:

• Lunch With an Imagineer - offered at 11:30 am most Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, in the private Bamboo Room at the Brown Derby in Disney's Hollywood Studios. Adult (10 and up) price is $60.99 plus tax and gratuity. Child (ages 3-9) price is $34.99 plus tax and gratuity.

• Dinner With an Imagineer - offered at 5:30 pm every other Thursday at Artist Point in Wilderness Lodge. Adult (10 and up) price is $89 ($110 with wine pairings) plus tax and gratuity. Child (ages 3-9) price is $40 plus tax and gratuity.

You can book this experience up to 60 days in advance by calling (407) WDW-DINE (939-3463). Prepayment is required and will be forfeited if you don't cancel at least 48 hours in advance.

Movies

There is an AMC 24-plex movie theater in Downtown Disney and an AMC theater in Celebration where you can take advantage of various AMC specials.

You can sign up for the AMC Moviewatcher Club for free, and get points for each visit to an AMC theater. The points can be used for various benefits, including free concessions and tickets.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get a $2 discount on adult evening admission. Valid for the Passholder only and cannot be combined with other discounts.

Spa Treatments

There are two full-service spas available at Walt Disney World resorts: The Grand Floridian Spa and The Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort. Most or all of Disney's Deluxe hotels also offer limited massage services, fitness rooms and/or salons. To see the official site for all of the Disney spas, salons and fitness centers, click here.

The Dolphin Hotel, which is not operated by Disney but is located on Disney property right next to several Disney resorts, has a fabulous Mandara Spa. Additionally, the very nice Palace Spa at Buena Vista Palace is technically on Disney property, in the Downtown Disney area.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders save 10% on one spa treatment per visit at the Grand Floridian Spa. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 824-2332.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders save 10% on one spa treatment per visit at the Saratoga Springs Spa. Reservations are required and can be made by calling (407) 827-4455.

Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is an enchanting place where little royals can create their own wands, fill their own jewelry boxes, and explore a stunning array of storybook delights. The salon is owned by Cinderella’s Fairy Godmother herself and operated by her wand-toting Godmothers-in-Training. They’re wondrous whizzes with faux hair, accessories, jewels, beads, nail paints and other niceties. They’ve conjured up three royal hair styles: fairy tale princess, pop princess or Disney diva. The boutique is open to princesses ages 3 and up.

There are now two locations for the Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique: one is part of the Princess Room at the World of Disney store in Downtown Disney Marketplace, and the second is in the Magic Kingdom inside Cinderella Castle.

You can book sessions at either location up to 180 days in advance at (407) WDW-STYLE (407-939-7895).

There are occasionally discounts or deals for Disney World Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club members, so if you are one or the other, be sure to ask when booking and at check-in.

Harmony Barber Shop on Main Street

Located on Main Street in the Magic Kingdom, the old-fashioned Harmony Barber Shop offers a relatively low-cost and definitely fun experience. Haircuts are $17 for adults, $14 for kids 12 and under.

The barber shop also offers a fun service of decorating kids' hair for a nominal charge. MouseSavers.com reader Kimberly F explains, "I saw all these little kids running around with various colors of hair paint and confetti in their hair. I learned this costs $5 at the barber shop... They will put some hair spray and confetti in a child's hair (they call it Pixie Dust) for FREE! We did this for my daughter while my son got a hair cut. She loved it! It does not last a long time, particularly if you are riding any fast rides, but it made her feel very special."

The barber shop is open 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, seven days a week and does not take appointments. Services are offered on a walk-in basis only.

Tours and Special Backstage Programs

Disney offers many interesting backstage tours in the theme parks. In general, you must reserve tours in advance through (407) WDW-TOUR (939-8687).

Disney Rewards® Visa® Cardholders save 20% on most backstage tours (such as the Epcot Segway Tour) and special programs (such as Dolphins in Depth).

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders save 15% on most backstage tours (such as the Epcot Segway Tour) and special programs (such as Dolphins in Depth). Good only for the passholder.

Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2008 has coupons in the back good for 15% off the following tours: Animal Kingdom Backstage Safari Tour, Animal Kingdom Wild by Design Tour, Epcot Dive Quest, Disney's Dolphins in Depth. These coupons expire 12/31/08. There's also a coupon for 15% off the Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot, good for up to 10 people, which expires 12/30/08.

If you have a AAA Diamond Card (which normally comes with a package vacation booked through AAA) you may qualify for a 15% discount on some tours. Thanks to Ginger T for info.

Disney Vacation Club members save 15% on most backstage tours (such as Gardens of the World at Epcot) and special programs (such as the Wilderness Back Trail Adventure).

Boating & Water Sports

We always have a fantastic time buzzing around Bay Lake on the little speedboats (formerly called "water mice") available for rent at Wilderness Lodge and other resorts. These and many other types of personal watercraft can be rented at Walt Disney World.

Some boating is included without additional charge when you purchase a Magic Your Way Premium vacation package.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders save 10% on personal watercraft, parasailing, water-skiing and wakeboarding at Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Reservations required. Certain age restrictions apply. For more information or reservations call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders save 15% on boat rentals (except specialty cruises) at any resort marina.

Disney Vacation Club members save 10% on all activities at Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort, or $40 off the second hour when booking two consecutive hours of water skiiing, wakeboarding or inner-tubing. Offers cannot be combined. Discount is applied when you pay, not when you make your reservation.

If you are staying at one of the seven Downtown Disney hotels, be sure to get a "Passport to Savings" booklet from the front desk. (Usually they will give you one at check-in.) It includes a coupon for Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort, valid for $10 off any individual activity before noon.

Golf

Advance reservations are required. Call (407) WDW-GOLF (939-4653) or book online at disneyworldgolf.com.

A great unofficial site for Disney golf information is Marc's Walt Disney World and Golf Site.

"Play Pass" - MouseSavers.com reader Diane P reports that for her December 2007 stay, a phone rep at WDW-GOLF mentioned the "Play Pass" to her. She says to play 2 rounds (on different days) cost $179 total instead of $135 each, for a savings of nearly $100. Sounds like it's worth asking about!

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get 30% off day visitor rates for passholder and up to three guests. Cannot be combined with other discounts. Tee times at this rate are limited and may be made up to 14 days in advance.

Active duty military personnel pay reduced greens fees for tee times after 10:00 am and only at the Palm and Magnolia golf courses. They can only make reservations up to 24 hours in advance at the reduced rate.

Miniature Golf

Anyone can get 50% off a second round on the same day.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get 50% off at Disney's Winter Summerland and Fantasia Gardens miniature golf courses, for the passholder and up to 3 guests.

Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2008 has a coupon in the back good for 10% off one round of Fantasia Gardens or Winter Summerland miniature golf before 4:00 pm, good for up to 4 people. Expires 12/31/08.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Undercover Tourist sells significantly discounted tickets for the Richard Petty Driving Experience packages.

In 2008, Disney World Annual Passholders get $20 off the regular price of a Ride-Along Experience or $35 off any Richard Petty Driving Experience package at the Walt Disney World Speedway. Call (800) BE-PETTY (237-3889) for reservations and information.

MouseSavers.com reader Carrie F reports that she received a 20% AAA member discount when booking the Richard Petty Driving Experience. It's definitely worth asking about this discount if you're a member of AAA!

American Express Membership Rewards points can be used for FREE Richard Petty Driving Experience awards:

• Ride-Along Experience 10,000 points
• Rookie Driving Experience 35,000 points
• King's Experience 75,000 points
• Experience of a Lifetime 120,000 points

Disney's Wide World of Sports

If you have Magic Your Way tickets with the Water Park Fun & More option, you can use one or more of your "Fun" admissions at Disney's Wide World of Sports. However, note that this is not a good idea in most cases since the cost of admission to this venue is so low!

Premium Annual Passes include unlimited admission to Wide World of Sports for as long as your pass is valid.

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