The card offers all sorts of discounts for an array of 19 attractions and activities, from 20% off regular admission at Gatorland to $3.50 off entrance fee to the Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex. (No, Disney World isn't participating, but there is more to Orlando than the Mouse.) Four dinner theaters offer discounted admissions. Twelve restaurants offer discounts of some sort, including 50% off the second entree at Passage to India or 10% off your food order at Kanpai of Tokyo.
All-important are the 60+ accommodation discounts from as much $50 or $60 off their published rates (also known as rack rates), such as those at the Buena Vista Suites, $109 for you in peak season (regular rate $149 to $169), $89 off-peak (regular $129 to $149).
Five rental car agencies offer 10% or 15% off rentals, and eight outlets or malls give you either a coupon book with discounts or give you discounts on merchandise at the time of purchase. You can even "buy one, get one free" on bicycle rentals. Finally, golfers can get 25% off prevailing rack rates, or twofers at a couple of the five places listed for Magicard use.
The Peak Rate dates for hotels, by the way, are now through April 16, from June 15 through August 15, then January 4 next year to February 28. off-peak is every other time. There are some blackout dates when Magicard isn't welcome, namely Easter/Spring Break (April 17-26), Thanksgiving (November 26-30) and Christmas/New Year's (December 20 through January 3, 2003). Needless to say, to get the most value out of your card, plan on traveling off-peak.
To request your Magicard, go online to www.orlandoinfo.com. You can also call 800/551-0181. You'll receive an information packet for planning your trip to the Orlando area along with your card.