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, 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 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.

Advance Purchase Discounts on Water Parks

• If you own a 2010 Entertainment Book, you can access a private web site that offers a discount on Disney water park tickets. Taxes and fees are added on to the ticket prices later in the ordering process, which minimizes the savings, but if you don't qualify for any other discounts, this may save you a few bucks. To access the private site, register your Entertainment Book online, then log in and click on the "Events & Attractions" tab. Note that this private site also sells Walt Disney World Magic Your Way tickets, but Undercover Tourist has better prices. Thanks to Cherie S for info.

Water Park Discounts at Ticket Window

• 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.

Advance Purchase Discounts on DisneyQuest

• If you own a 2010 Entertainment Book, you can access a private web site that offers a discount on DisneyQuest tickets. Taxes and fees are added on to the ticket prices later in the ordering process, which minimizes the savings, but even with those added, you can save quite a bit per ticket. To access the private site, register your Entertainment Book online, then log in and click on the "Events & Attractions" tab. Note that this private site also sells Walt Disney World Magic Your Way tickets, but Undercover Tourist has better prices. Thanks to Cherie S for info.

DisneyQuest Discounts at Ticket Window

• 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

All of the nightclubs at Pleasure Island have closed permanently as of 9/27/08.

Since the theme parks close quite early (except in peak seasons), the closure of the Pleasure Island clubs leaves Walt Disney World visitors with very little to do on property in the late evening. The current nightlife choices on Disney property are:

• Jellyrolls at the BoardWalk
• Atlantic Dance Hall at the BoardWalk
• Rix Lounge at Coronado Springs Resort
• Kimono's has nightly karaoke at Walt Disney World Swan Hotel
• House of Blues frequently offers free live music at its Front Porch Bar, in addition to concerts in the indoor venue at Downtown Disney
• Paradiso 37 and Raglan Road in Downtown Disney are primarily restaurants, but often have live music later in the evenings, particularly on weekends
• River Roost Lounge at Port Orleans-Riverside offers evening boogie-woogie piano entertainment by Yehaa Bob Jackson on most Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights

Alternatively, go up to CityWalk at Universal Orlando, which still offers several nightclubs: Rising Star (karaoke), The Red Coconut Club (mellow "ultra-lounge"), Pat O'Brien's (dueling pianos) and the groove (dance club).

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 $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. Atlantic Dance Hall is open to guests ages 21 and over. Admission is usually FREE.

Rix Lounge

Rix Lounge is a 5,000-square-foot nightclub 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 draws 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. You can order tickets online through Ticketmaster, or by phone at (407) WDW-SEAT (939-7328). Shows are at 6:00 and 9:00 pm. There are no performances on Sundays or Mondays.

Regular Prices and Info

• Premium Seating is $127.80 for adults (age 10 and up), $103.31 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are in section 103, which is, as advertised, "front and center." Readers have reported that these seats are not worth the extra money.

• Category 1 seats are $111.83 for adults (ages 10 and up), $90.53 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 $90.53 for adults (ages 10 and up), $73.49 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, especially if you can get sections 203, 204 or 205, ideally in Row EE, FF or GG.

• Category 3 seats are $73.49 for adults (ages 10 and up), $59.64 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are located in 201, 202, 206 and 207. You can see fine but you are quite off-center relative to the stage.

• Category 4 seats (available ONLY in person at the Cirque Box Office) are $56.45 for adults (ages 10 and up), $45.80 for children (ages 3-9), tax included. These seats are located on the extreme edges of sections 201, 206 and 207. You can see okay but you are extremely off-center relative to the stage.

Click here to see a seating plan.

Discounts

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

• Florida residents can get Category 2 adult or child tickets for only $50 plus tax, for performances 8/17/10-10/23/10. Tickets may be purchased in advance up to 30 days prior to the show date (which means the first date goes on sale 7/17/10) by calling (407) 939-7604. Subject to availability. Proof of Florida residency and advance purchase required. Limit of 6 tickets per transaction. Tickets will be available for pick up at the La Nouba Box Office Will Call window. Offer is not valid for previously purchased tickets, gift certificates or with any other discounts.

• Military with ID can save 30% on Premium, Category 1, 2 or 3 seats now through 9/30/10. Tickets must be purchased in person at the box office on the day of the show.

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!

Fantasmic! was a nightly show for years. However, the last every-night show was 1/3/09. Beginning 1/5/09, Disney moved to a twice-weekly schedule (usually Mondays and Thursdays) in the off-season. During peak season times, additional performances may be added.

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 (at lunch) or 10 guests (at dinner) plus an Imagineer. You may be seated with other parties if you have fewer than the maximum number of people. The meals 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. Dining Plans and Tables in Wonderland discounts cannot be applied to these special meals.

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. The price is $60.99 plus tax and gratuity.

• Dinner With an Imagineer - offered at 5:30 pm on select dates at Flying Fish at the BoardWalk. The price is $85 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.

• The 2010 Orlando Entertainment Book offers twelve coupons for AMC, each of which allows you to purchase one movie ticket for $7.50. Valid for Special Engagements. Expires 12/31/10.

• 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.

• Click here for printable coupons valid at The Grand Floridian Spa and The Spa at Disney's Saratoga Springs Resort: $15 off select 50-minute treatments or $50 off select combined treatments. Valid through December 2010.

• 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.

• 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.

• Note that you can bring your own princess costume from home and save a fortune vs. buying a costume at the Boutique! Thanks to Carla C for info.

The Pirates League

Ahoy, mateys! Begin your piratical transformation when you receive your Official Pirate Name as recorded from the leather-bound captain's log. Next, stop by the Muster Station and leave your old self behind as the Pirate Masters perform a marauder's makeover. Hear the ways of the scurvy sea dogs as they apply yer buccaneer beard, scars, earrings and eye patches. Or even be ye a boney pirate and wear your skeleton on yer skin! Once you have fully transformed, enter the Secret Room where your Pirate Portrait is taken for posterity and the Pirate Masters reveal their hidden treasure.

The Pirates League is located in Magic Kingdom, next to Pirates of the Caribbean. For ages 3 and up. For reservations at The Pirates League call (407) WDW-CREW (939-2739).

• 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 $19 for adults, $15 for kids 12 and under, $18 for "baby's first haircut."

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).

• 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 2010 has coupons in the back good for 15% off the following tours: Animal Kingdom Wild by Design Tour, Epcot Dive Quest, Disney's Dolphins in Depth. These coupons expire 12/31/10. There's also a coupon for 15% off the Behind the Seeds Tour at Epcot, good for up to 10 people, which expires 12/30/10.

• 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 or Platinum vacation package.

• Check out the web specials for water sports at Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort. If you book online, you can sometimes get a discount.

• Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2010 has a coupon in the back good for 15% off personal watercraft, parasailing, water-skiing, wakeboarding and family tubing at Sammy Duvall's Watersports Centre at Disney's Contemporary Resort. Reservations suggested. Certain restrictions apply. For more information or reservations call (407) 939-0754. Expires 12/31/10.

• 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 (15% off before noon). Reservations required. Certain age restrictions apply. For more information or reservations call (407) WDW-PLAY (939-7529).

• 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.

• A MouseSavers.com reader reports getting a 15% discount on Sea Raycer rental in January 2010 by showing a AAA card. I believe this discount is supposed to apply to those who have the AAA Diamond Card, which is issued when you buy a vacation package through AAA, but it's possible a regular AAA card may net you the discount. Worth a try!

Fishing

Guided catch-and-release bass fishing is available at Walt Disney World. Advance reservations are required. Call (407) WDW-BASS (939-2277) or book online at disneyworldfishing.com.

• Disney World Annual Passholders save 10% off of a BASS Nitro or Guided Fishing Excursion. Valid for the Passholder and the number of guests on the reservation. Valid only at Walt Disney World Resort. Reservations can be made by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or 407-WDW-BASS.

• Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2010 has a coupon in the back good for 20% off a 2-hour guided fishing expedition for up to 4 people. This is a savings of $46-$52 per person! Expires 12/31/10.

Golf

Disney operates four championship golf courses (Lake Buena Vista, Magnolia, Osprey Ridge and Palm) plus a 9-hole family walking course (Oak Trail). 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.

• "Summer Price Slice" - In the summer months, there is usually a major discount if you are willing to start after 10:00 am, and an even deeper discount for those willing to brave the afternoon heat (generally starting at 3:00 or later). Ask when reserving your tee time.

• "Twilight Rates" - In the fall and winter months, there is often a discount if you are willing to start after 2:00 or 3:00 in the afternoon. Ask when reserving your tee time.

• "Play Pass" or "Replay Rate" - Play two rounds at Walt Disney World and save money. (Often the second round is 50% off.) You may play on the same course twice or on different courses. Book within 90 days of your arrival. Thanks to Diane P for info.

• Disney World Annual Passholders get 30% off day visitor rates for passholder and up to three guests. Cannot be combined with other discounts including Twilight Rates. 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.

• If you have Magic Your Way tickets with the Water Park Fun & More option, you can use a "plus" option for a round of golf at Oak Trail. Advance reservations are required.

Miniature Golf

Disney operates two miniature golf courses: Winter Summerland, located near Blizzard Beach Water Park, and Fantasia Gardens, located near the Dolphin Hotel.

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

• Disney World Annual Passholders get 50% off, for the passholder and up to 3 guests.

• Birnbaum's Walt Disney World 2010 has a coupon in the back good for 10% off one round of miniature golf before 4:00 pm, good for up to 4 people. Expires 12/31/10.

Richard Petty Driving Experience

Drive or ride along in a NASCAR-style race car with the Richard Petty Driving Experience, located on Walt Disney World property. You can do a Ride-Along Experience (ride shotgun in a 2-seat NASCAR-style stock car driven by a professional instructor, for 3 laps at up to 165 mph) or a Driving Experience (take command of the wheel and experience the thrill first hand).

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

• Disney World Annual Passholders get 20% off any Richard Petty Driving Experience package at the Walt Disney World Speedway. Call (800) BE-PETTY (237-3889) for reservations and information.

• AAA members - MouseSavers.com reader Carrie F reports that she received a 20% AAA 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 various FREE Richard Petty Driving Experience awards.

Indy Racing Experience

The Indy Racing Experience, located outside the gates of the Magic Kingdom at the Walt Disney World Speedway, offers riding and driving programs in IndyCars. One option is a high-speed 2-seater ride where the passenger sits behind a real IndyCar driver while they do 3 laps around the 1-mile oval, experiencing up to 4 Gs in the corner. If you're really a thrill-seeker, you can drive 8 laps in the car yourself!

• If you own a 2010 Entertainment Book, you can access a private web site that offers a discount on Indy Racing Experience tickets. Taxes and fees are added on to the ticket prices later in the ordering process, which minimizes the savings, but even with those added, you can save on the riding and driving programs. To access the private site, register your Entertainment Book online, then log in and click on the "Events & Attractions" tab. Note that this private site also sells Walt Disney World Magic Your Way tickets, but Undercover Tourist has better prices. Thanks to Cherie S for info.

ESPN Wide World of Sports

ESPN innovation and entertainment joins the magic and service of Walt Disney World Resort at this 220-acre sports complex, host of more than 60 sports and thousands of events for athletes of all ages and skill levels. From the state-of-the-art broadcast center and the ESPN Innovation Lab to professionally kept fields and courts, there is no other place like this to play at the next level.

• 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 ESPN 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 ESPN Wide World of Sports for as long as your pass is valid.

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