Category: Character Meals

Free Dining is BACK for Disney+ Subscribers!

Walt Disney World has decided to start 2024 off with a BANG! They are offering FREE DINING to Disney+ subscribers! This is the first time Disney has offered Free Dining since before the pandemic closure in 2020.  In fact, the Disney Dining Plan in its entirety has been missing since then as well. We already had the good news that the Disney Dining Plan was back for 2024, and can be booked with your Disney vacation for trips starting January 9, 2024. But Free Dining? I wasn’t sure we’d ever get Free Dining offers again, given all the price increases and other changes since Walt Disney World reopened after the pandemic. But at long last, Free Dining is BACK! (at least, for Disney+ subscribers!).

Free Dining is BACK for Disney+ subscribers
Photo: Disney Parks

What is the Disney Dining Plan?

Let’s start here. Because it’s been years since the Disney Dining Plan was offered, many of you may not be familiar with the Disney Dining Plan.  Basically, the Disney Dining Plan offers a way for resort guests to prepay for most of their meals during their trip as they pay for the rest of their vacation. Since your vacation balance is paid in full by the time you go on vacation, if you include the Disney Dining Plan, you’ve also already paid for most of your meals by the time you go as well. A lot of people like the security of knowing their meals are already paid for and they find it easier to control their spending during their vacation. After your resort and your park tickets, meals are easily the most expensive part of your Disney vacation.  There are ways to save money on food on your Disney vacation, but that’s a topic for a different blog!

Minnie's Halloween Dine; Disney Dining Plan
Photo: Disney Parks

Is there only one Disney Dining Plan?

There are actually two different Disney Dining Plans. Both Disney Dining Plans are linked to your resort reservation. Whichever Disney Dining Plan you purchase, you are buying it for each person on your reservation staying in your room, and for the number of nights on your reservation. For example, if you are staying at Art of Animation for 4 nights, and you have two adults and two children ages 3-9 in your room, you would be purchasing 2 adult 4 night Dining Plans and 2 child 4 night Disney Dining Plans.

The Standard Disney Dining Plan includes:
      • One quick service meal per night
      • One table service meal per night
      • One snack or non-alcoholic beverage per night
      • A refillable resort mug

Important things to know about the Standard Disney Dining Plan:

      • Beverages are included with each meal
      • Guests under 21 years of age may order non-alcoholic beverages; guests 21 years old or older may substitute beer, wine or cocktails
      • Children ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available
      • Plans must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
      • Meal credits expire at midnight on the day you checkout of your resort
      • Meals are non-transferable between members of your party
      • Resort refillable mugs are fillable at any self service beverage station at any of the Disney Resort Quick Service locations
      • Resort refillable mugs cannot be refilled at beverage stations inside any of the theme parks
Free Dining is Back Disney Dining Plan
Photo: Disney Parks
What’s Included in Each Meal?

Quick Service Meal: Quick Service meal credits can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Quick Service meal location.  One Quick Service meal credit will entitle you to:

        • One entrée
        • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)

Table Service Meal: Table Service meal credits can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Table Service meal location.

At breakfast, one Table Service meal credit will entitle you to:

      • One entrée
      • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)

OR

      • One Full Buffet (prix-fixe) or Family-Style Meal (prix-fixe)
      • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)

At lunch or dinner, one Table Service meal credit will entitle you to:

      • One entrée
      • One dessert
      • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)

OR

      • One Full Buffet (if available) or Family-Style Meal
      • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Character Meal. Snow White. Character Dining. Food.
Photo: Disney Parks
What Beverages are Included?

Alcoholic Beverages: Guests 21 or older may choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of your meal.

A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

      • Beer or Cider
      • Sangria or Wine
      • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails

Non-alcoholic Beverages: Guests 10 or older may choose a non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.

A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

      • Milkshakes
      • Fresh Smoothies
      • Premium Hot Chocolate
      • Soda, Coffee or Tea
Star Wars Galaxys Edge Olgas Cantina Disney Dining Plan
Left to right, non-alcoholic drinks: Carbon Freeze, Oga’s Obsession provision and Cliff Dweller can be found at Oga’s Cantina. (Photo: Kent Phillips/Disney Parks)
What Counts as a “Snack”?

At most outdoor carts, Quick Service meal locations and select merchandise locations, snacks may include items like:

      • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
      • 2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
      • Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
      • Piece of whole fruit
      • Single-serve bag of snacks
      • 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
      • 20-ounce fountain soft drink
      • Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
      • Cup of soup
      • Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)
Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Dole Whip. Dole Whip with Rum. Snack
Photo: Brooke Hudson
What’s NOT Included?
      • Items served in a souvenir container (like popcorn or drinks)
      • Products that are larger than a single serving (for example, a box of donuts or a jar of peanut butter
      • Items that are considered merchandise (like bottle straps, glow cubes or bottle toppers)
      • Special dining events offered at some Table Service restaurants
More Magical Ways to use Table Service Meal Credits:

Character Meals: Table Service meal credits CAN be used for Character Dining. Character meals are usually buffet or family style meals and offer opportunities for your family to take photos and/or get autographs from various characters. Note: Disney PhotoPass photographers do NOT go around with the characters at Character meals, so plan on using your own camera or phone for all photo ops.

Chef Mickey's. Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Character Meal.
Chef Mickey’s Character Breakfast Photo: Brooke Hudson

SOME Character Meals require TWO Table Service meals credits per diner, per meal.  These include:

      • Fairytale Dining at Cinderella’s Castle
      • Princess Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall (at lunch and dinner only require two credits; breakfast is one credit)
      • Story Book Dining at Artist Point with Snow White

Fine/Signature Dining: Some of Walt Disney World restaurants offer more of a “fine dining” experience or are higher end than your average Table Service restaurant.  Each meal at one of these restaurants will require TWO Table Service credits per diner, per meal.  Each meal will include:

      • One entrée
      • One dessert
      • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)

Fine dining/Signature dining restaurants do have a dress code. Guests are expected to dress in attire that reflects the restaurant’s upscale and sophisticated aesthetic. No swimwear is allowed.

Fine Dining; Signature Dining. Disney Dining Plan. Food.
Photo: Disney Parks

Many restaurants are considered “Signature”. Be sure to check before making your reservations so you are not surprised by the two meal credit requirements.

Here are just a few examples of Signature Dining Restaurants at Walt Disney World:

      • California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Citricos at Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort
      • Tiffin’s at Disney’s Animal Kingdom
      • Flying Fish on Disney’s Boardwalk
      • The BOATHOUSE at Disney Springs
      • Jiko at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge

Dinner at Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom: Dining at Be Our Guest requires two Table Service meal credits for each meal.

Disney Restaurants Beast Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Dinner Shows: Your party can enjoy family style meals along with live entertainment at a dinner show. Advanced reservations are required for any dinner show. Two Table Service meal credits will be redeemed for each person dining at a dinner show.

Pizza Pickup: You can stop by select Quick Service restaurants and pick up a “Pizza Meal”. Each Pizza Meal will use two Quick Service meal credits. A Pizza Meal includes:

      • 1 large pizza
      • 2 single serving non-alcoholic beverages (or alcoholic beverages, where available, for guests 21 or older)

Pizza Meals are available at the following Disney World Resorts:

      • Disney’s All-Star Movies Resort
      • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
      • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside

What Does the Standard Disney Dining Plan Cost?

The Standard Disney Dining Plan is $94.28 per adult, per day. For children ages 3 -9, the Standard Disney Dining Plan is $29.69 per day.

Note: Prices for the Standard Disney Dining Plan are subject to change at any time, as are the participating restaurants and Disney Dining Plan rules.  Once you’ve purchased, you’re locked in, but until then–anything can happen.

California Grill.Dessert. Disney Dining Plan. Free Dining is Back.
Dessert at California Grill                                                                                                    Photo: Brooke Hudson
The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan includes:
      • Two quick service meals per night
      • One snack or non-alcoholic beverage per night
      • One refillable resort mug

Important things to know about the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan:

      • Beverages are included with each meal
      • Guests under 21 years of age may order non-alcoholic beverages; guests 21 years old or older may substitute beer, wine or cocktails
      • Children ages 3-9 must order from the children’s menu where available
      • Plans must be purchased for the entire length of stay and for the entire party (ages 3 and up).
      • Meal credits expire at midnight on the day you checkout of your resort
      • Meals are non-transferable between members of your party
      • Resort refillable mugs are fillable at any self service beverage station at any of the Disney Resort Quick Service locations
      • Resort refillable mugs cannot be refilled at beverage stations inside any of the theme parks
Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Quick Service. Kids Dining.
Photo: Disney Parks
What’s Included in Each Meal?

Quick Service Meal: Quick Service meal credits can be redeemed for breakfast, lunch or dinner at any Quick Service meal location.  One Quick Service meal credit will entitle you to:

        • One entrée
        • One non-alcoholic beverage (or alcoholic beverage, for guests 21 or older)
What Beverages are Included?

Alcoholic Beverages: Guests 21 or older may choose either one non-alcoholic beverage or one single serving mixed cocktail, beer or wine (where offered) as part of your meal.

A single serving alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

      • Beer or Cider
      • Sangria or Wine
      • Mixed Drinks and Specialty Cocktails
Disney Cocktails. Drinks. Disney Dining Plan.
Photo: Brooke Hudson

Non-alcoholic Beverages: Guests 10 or older may choose a non-alcoholic beverage (including specialty beverages where offered) as part of their meal.

A single serving non-alcoholic beverage includes items such as:

      • Milkshakes
      • Fresh Smoothies
      • Premium Hot Chocolate
      • Soda, Coffee or Tea
Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Snacks
Photo: Disney Parks
What Counts as a “Snack”?

At most outdoor carts, Quick Service meal locations and select merchandise locations, snacks may include items like:

      • Frozen ice cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
      • 2 scoops of hand-scooped ice cream
      • Popcorn scoop (single-serving box)
      • Piece of whole fruit
      • Single-serve bag of snacks
      • 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola® products, including Dasani® water
      • 20-ounce fountain soft drink
      • Single-serve coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, milk or juice
      • Cup of soup
      • Add on toppings or sauces (e.g. side of cheese dipping sauce)
What’s NOT Included?
      • Items served in a souvenir container (like popcorn or drinks)
      • Products that are larger than a single serving (for example, a box of donuts or a jar of peanut butter
      • Items that are considered merchandise (like bottle straps, glow cubes or bottle toppers)

What Does the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan Cost?

The Quick Service Disney Dining Plan is $57.01 per adult, per day. For children ages 3 -9, the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan is $23.83 per day.

Note: Prices for the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan are subject to change at any time, as are the participating restaurants and Disney Dining Plan rules.  Once you’ve purchased, you’re locked in, but until then–anything can happen.

Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Quick Service Dining. Pandora Food. Satuli Canteen.
Photo: Disney Parks

Do the Disney Dining Plan credits come day by day?

Something to be aware of: all your Disney Dining Plan credits are available to you once you check in. You don’t have to use them each day if you don’t want to. Theoretically, if you like to eat table service meals for breakfast AND dinner, you could use all four table service meal credits in your first two days. Certain table service restaurants are considered “Signature” restaurants, and each meal there uses TWO table service meal credits. I have had clients that purchased 4 day Disney Dining Plans that used all their credits up in the first two days. I have also had clients that purchased 4 day Disney Dining Plans scrambling to use their snack credits up before they left for the airport.

Disney Dining Plan. Free Dining. Snacks.
Photo: Disney Parks

Planning and Organization Required

Using the Disney Dining Plan does take some planning. If you are purchasing the Standard Disney Dining Plan, I highly recommend you make reservations for your Table Service meals before your trip. (Note: If you book your trip through me, I take care of this for you). If you don’t make reservations before your trip, you run the risk of not being able to get into the table service restaurants you want to. Having a table service credit on your Disney Dining Plan is NOT a guarantee that you can actually get a table at a table service restaurant of your choice. This is a common misconception and can be very disappointing and frustrating for hungry guests inside a theme park discovering there is no availability at any of the Table Service options at that theme park that night.

Toy Story Round Up Rodeo; Free dining is back. Disney Dining Plan. BBQ. Food.
Photo: Disney Parks

There is always some table service restaurant somewhere on property where you can get in, but it may not be in the theme park or resort where you want to eat when you want to eat. Planning ahead sets you up for success. You can always make changes during your trip if you want to and if there is availability–but if you don’t make reservations before your trip, you definitely run the risk of not being able to dine where you want to dine.

Use them or lose them!

It is important to keep track of your Disney Dining Plan credits to make sure you don’t waste any or forget to use them. You’ve paid for these credits! The larger your party, the more difficult this can be–especially if you have older kids that you might split off from for meals. If this feels too complicated and you don’t want to have to pay attention or remember to use your credits, then the Disney Dining Plan is NOT for you. But with a little pre-planning, you can maximize the value of your Disney Dining Plan and not lose track of your credits. If you book your trip with me, I’m happy to help you with this.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu cocktails drinks Disney Dining Plan
Photo: Disney Parks

How do you use the Dining Plan?

Using your Disney Dining Plan is super easy. In fact, most Table Service restaurant servers will ask you before you order if you are using the Disney Dining Plan.  You’ll just present your Disney Resort ID (Magic Band, Magic Band+, Disney Magic Mobile Pass or Key to the World card) to your server or cashier.

If you are dining with another family or group that is also on the Disney dining plan, you’ll want to make sure your server knows which meals should be redeemed on which Disney Resort ID.

You can redeem your meals and snacks in any order during your stay, until the number of meals and snacks associated with your package has been depleted. All unused meals and snacks and the ability to use your Resort-refillable mug expire at midnight on your package reservation checkout date.

Free Dining is Back. Disney Dining Plan. Roundup Rodeo. Toy Story Dining. Food. Table Service Meal.
Roundup Rodeo                                                  Photo: Brooke Hudson
How to Keep Track of Your Disney Dining Plan Credits

Your Disney Dining Plan is linked electronically to your Resort reservation.  You can check your Disney Dining Plan credits in one of three different ways:

        • Use your My Disney Experience app to view your remaining meals and snacks.
        • Check your dining receipts. Each receipt will print your remaining meals and snacks as of the time on that receipt.
        • You can ask at Guest Relations or your Resort Concierge to look up your remaining meals and snacks any time.
What About Gratuities?

Gratuities are NOT included in the cost of your Disney Dining Plan, except for at Cinderella’s Royal Table and dinner shows.

An 18% gratuity will automatically be added to your bill for parties of six or larger.

You will need to provide an additional form of payment if you add a gratuity and haven’t provided a credit card at check in to charge incidentals and other charges to your room.

For guests traveling from outside the United States, a 20% gratuity based on the total pre-tax cost of the meal is standard for Table Service meals. Servers in the United States are generally paid a very small hourly rate and the majority of their income comes from guest paid gratuities.  The last time the Disney Dining Plan was offered, Disney would print the cost of the meal on the receipt, along with suggested gratuity amounts to make it easy for the guests. I am assuming they will do something similar this time around.

But What About FREE DINING???

Ok, so now we’ve covered both available Disney Dining Plans, how they work and how much they cost. Periodically, Disney will run different “Free Dining” promotions where guests can get Free Dining by booking a particular type of full price reservation.

La Creperie de Paris Dessert Crepe
La Creperie de Paris Dessert Crepe (Photo: Linda Harkness)

Currently, Disney is offering Free Dining for Disney+ subscribers. There are some important requirements to take advantage of this offer:

        • Guests much purchase a nondiscounted 4-night, 4-day Walt Disney Travel Company package that includes a room at a select Disney Resort hotel and a theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option
        • Offer is valid for arrivals most nights between July 1, 2024 and September 30, 2024
        • Packages purchased for select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels or Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels will include the Standard Disney Dining Plan
        • Packages purchased for select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels or select Disney Value Resort Hotels will include the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan
        • Offer is available for booking beginning January 3, 2024

Is Free Dining a Good Deal?

Short answer? Sometimes. The key phrase to pay attention to is “NONDISCOUNTED package”. Another important phrase: “Theme park ticket with a Park Hopper option”. Keep in mind that if you are purchasing a four-night package, this means you are also purchasing a four day Park Hopper ticket–which is more expensive than the one park per day theme park ticket.

Should you cancel your 2020 disney world vacation

If you’re an Annual Passholder, this is not a good deal for you. If you are a Florida resident, you most likely can get better Florida resident discounts than the dollar amount associated with the Disney Dining Plan you would get as part of this package. If you’re in the military, you can often get better discounts than Free Dining.

In fact, there are often better discounts available during the same period of time. Generally, if Disney is offering Free Dining in any capacity at all, it usually means they’re not as fully booked up for that time period as they would like to be. That’s why they’re offering Free Dining–to book more rooms and more tickets. It’s important to evaluate any other available discounts to determine if Free Dining is really a good value for your party.

If you are a Disney+ subscriber and you’d like to travel to Disney between July 1 and September 30 and would like to get a quote for this Free Dining offer, please contact me. At the same time, I can check for other available discounts for you. Disney is verifying Disney+ subscriber status and there are a couple of extra hoops to jump through to take advantage of this discount, but if this fits with your travel plans, Free Dining COULD save you money.

Disney Dining Plan. Be Our Guest. Food.
Photo: Disney Parks

Bottom Line: Advantages and Disadvantages of the Disney Dining Plans

Advantages

      • You are able to prepay for the bulk of your meals before your vacation
      • Eliminates the guesswork of how much you’ll spend on food during your vacation
      • Reduces the amount of cash or credit you need to have on hand throughout your vacation
      • Easy to use–as long as you have a credit card attached to your Resort reservation for incidentals and other charges to the room, you will not need to provide a form of payment for any of the meals on your Dining Plan. You’ll just use your Magic Band, Magic Band+, Key to the World card or Magic Mobile to access your Dining Plan credits. Any gratuities can be charged to your room.
      • The My Disney Experience App shows your available meal credits.
      • Accepted by most Disney Table Service, Quick Service and mobile cart locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort
      • Enables members of your traveling party to get meals and snacks without incurring out of pocket costs
New Restaurant Open at Epcot Regal Eagle Smokehouse
Great food can be found at the new Regal Eagle Smokehouse at the American Adventure Pavilion at EPCOT (Photo: Disney Parks)

DISADVANTAGES

      • The Standard Dining Plan requires some planning ahead, to ensure you have reservations for Table Service restaurants during your trip.
      • Can be challenging to make sure all your credits are used if you aren’t paying attention.
      • May or may not be a good value for your family, depending on how your family chooses to eat while on vacation.
      • Linked to the length of your Resort reservation.  If you are staying for seven nights and want the Disney Dining Plan, you will be buying the Dining plan for all seven nights, for all members of your party staying in that room on that Resort reservation.
      • Cannot mix the two different plans. You can either buy the Standard Disney Dining Plan OR the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan. You can’t buy the Quick Service Disney Dining Plan for the first five nights of your trip and the Standard Disney Dining Plan for the last two nights of your trip (unless you are changing Resorts and/or have a different Resort reservation for that last two nights.
      • Requires more spending before your trip–you’ll need to have your entire trip–tickets, Resort AND dining all paid for prior to your trip.
      • Gratuities are NOT included in your Disney Dining Plan purchase. For Table Service meals, you will need to either charge gratuities to your room, or provide another form of payment.

Questions?

Hopefully, we’ve answered any questions you may have about either of the Disney Dining Plans and about the current Free Dining promotion.  However, if you have any questions we haven’t answered, please comment below or email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

Work with an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner

One of the advantages of working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me is that I can check on all the available discounts, if any, during the time you want to travel, and help you to get the best available deal based on your needs. Another advantage is that if new discounts become available later that could potentially save you money, and you haven’t yet paid your final balance, your Disney Vacation Planner can go in and apply those new discount for you. Remember, working with a Disney Vacation Planner doesn’t cost you anything–Disney pays their planners to serve their guests. The guests do not pay anything to work with a Disney Vacation Planner–and we can help in so many ways. If you’d like more information on this, or would like a no obligation quote, please contact me at Brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

P.S. Making your Disney Vacation More Enjoyable: Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs)

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

I have some good news for you today!  Walt Disney World has finally announced when character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table.  Cinderella’s Royal Table was one of the most popular character dining experiences in Walt Disney World for many years.  As you may recall, when the parks reopened after the pandemic closure, character greetings and character meals did NOT return.  Cinderella’s Royal Table table service restaurant DID reopen for meal service, but without characters.  The restaurant has been open again for more than a year, but until today, there has been no sign of the character dining element returning.

Character dining returning to Cinderella's Roya Table
Sleeping Beauties at Cinderella’s Royal Table Photo: Disney Parks

Today, Walt Disney World announced that character dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table on February 28, 2023.  The first advanced dining reservations for this character meal will open on December 28, 2022.

Disney Princesses Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Many Walt Disney World visitors, adults and children alike, love to see Disney Princesses during their vacation.  The easiest way (and most economical way) to catch a glimpse of your favorite Princess is to watch the afternoon parade at the Magic Kingdom.  During this parade, you get to see many of the Princesses, along with their beaux.

Princess Cavalcade
Magic Kingdom Princess Cavalcade Photo: Brooke Hudson

You can also see Disney Princesses during the finale of Fantasmic at Disney’s Hollywood Studios each night.  Many of the Princesses are featured on water barges that pass in front of audiences near the end of the show.

Select Disney Princesses are also available for traditional Character Greetings.  However, the popularity of the Princesses can often mean really long waits to see your Princess.

A Princess themed Character Meal is a great way to combine meal time with Character Greetings, giving your family the chance to take pictures with the characters and sign autographs.  Character Dining has been GRADUALLY returning to Walt Disney World over the last few months, but the Princess dining options are few and far between and they’ve been among the last to return.

Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall at EPCOT

Character dining featuring Disney Princesses returned to EPCOT’s Norway Pavilion in early November 2022.  Akershus Royal Banquet Hall features Storybook Dining with Disney Princesses, and is a very popular Character Dining experience for Disney Princess fans of all ages.

Storybook Princess dining returning to Akershus Royal Banquet
Dancing Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks

Current pricing for Storybook Dining with Princesses at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is $63 plus tax and gratuity for adults, and $41 plus tax and gratuity for children.  Coffee, tea and fountain beverages are included at this price.  Specialty beverages including cocktails, beer, hard cider and a variety of wines are available at an additional cost.

Click here to view the current menu.

character dining returning to Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Storybook Dining at Akershus Royal Banquet Hall Photo: Disney Parks

Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table

Finally, diners wanting to see their favorite Disney Princesses during a meal at Cinderella Castle at the Magic Kingdom can do so!  Beginning on February 28, 2022, the Disney Princesses will be back, visiting each table for pictures, interaction and photographs.  You might even get a visit from your Fairy Godmother!

Disney Restaurants Reopening Cinderella's Royal Table
The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table                 (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

There is something so wonderful and magical about Cinderella Castle.  I’m willing to admit this is one of my absolute favorite Character Meals, and I’m so happy it’s returning.  This is one of the pricier Character Meals, so it’s not something we try to do every trip, but it is a very special experience.

Prior to going upstairs to be seated for dining, guests do have a brief moment for photos with Cinderella in the downstairs area of the restaurant.  Cinderella returned early this year, in a distanced capacity.  Later, the rules relaxed slightly.  Cinderella is NOT one of the Disney Princesses that visits your table during your meal, as she’s busy downstairs greeting her guests.

character dining returning to cinderella's Royal Table, Cinderella
Cinderella at Cinderella’s Royal Table                                   Photo: Brooke Hudson

Cinderella’s Royal Table is open for Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.  Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table is NOT buffet style, like you will find at most Character Meals.

Character Dining returning to Cinderella's Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table, 2013

Breakfast

Breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table inside Cinderella Castle is a lovely way to start your day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom.  If you can get an early reservation, you can even get into the park before it officially opens!  One of my absolute FAVORITE things to do in Walt Disney World is to get into one of the parks early, and see it without the massive crowds we’ve all gotten so used to.

Another benefit of choosing breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is that pricing for breakfast is significantly lower than for lunch or dinner.  You can have the Character Dining experience inside Cinderella Castle at the best possible price.  Keep in mind–Character Meal pricing is generally much higher than you would pay for a regular non-character meal.  You are paying “extra” for the atmosphere and for the entertainment of seeing the Characters.

Current pricing for breakfast at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $45 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $29 plus tax and gratuity for children. Coffee, tea, fountain drinks, hot cocoa, juice or milk is included with your meal.  Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.

Click here to view the current breakfast menu.

Lunch and Dinner

At this time, the lunch and dinner menus and pricing are the same at Cinderella’s Royal Table.  It’s a bit of a heavier meal, so if you are planning lunch here, I would suggest going very light on breakfast, and planning a lighter dinner as well.  Especially during the warmer months, you may find this lunch best followed by a return to your resort for an afternoon nap or swim.

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Current pricing for lunch or dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table is $67 plus tax and gratuity for adults and $39 plus tax and gratuity for children.  your meal includes coffee, tea, fountain beverages, hot cocoa, juice, lemonade or milk.  Specialty cocktails are available for an additional fee.

Click here to see the current lunch/dinner menu.

Advance Reservations Required

Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of those table service restaurants that you will never get access to if you don’t have a reservation.  You MUST make reservations in advance, and this is one of those reservations I would try to get the very minute your 60 day window opens up.  This is a hard reservation to get under normal conditions.  Now that Character Dining is returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?  I suspect it will be even more difficult than usual!

Disney World and Disneyland Closing due to coronavirus
Photo: Brooke Hudson

Remember: If you get the reservation, you are also required to have both a park ticket and a park reservation for Magic Kingdom for that day.  Without those two things, you won’t be able to get into the park at all to use your reservation!

How to get that Reservation

If you’ve been following me for a while, you know that I am a big planner. I’d rather spend time before the trip, making our plans and strategizing, planning ahead than to stand in really long lines during our trip, or not know where we are going to eat and when.  Your preferences may be different.  BUT if you are someone who wants to checkout Character Dining at Cinderella’s Royal Table, this is one reservation you absolutely MUST plan for.

Staying on Property

If you are staying on Disney property, your reservation window opens up 6o days before your first night in a Walt Disney World resort.  On that day, you will have the ability to make dining reservations for THAT first day, 60 days out, plus the duration of your stay at that resort, up to ten days.  Be ready to book online (or call, if you’d rather) at 7am Eastern time on that 6o days out morning.  Work on your reservation for Cinderella’s Royal Table first if you really want to dine there.  Be prepared to try alternate meal times, even alternate days.  Trust me, it is actually easier to rearrange all your park reservations than it is to get this reservation!

Cinderella’s Royal Table Entrance                          Photo: Brooke Hudson
Staying off Property

Don’t worry if you aren’t staying on Disney property–you still can try making this hard-to-get reservation at 60 days out.  The only difference is that you can only make reservations for that one day on the 60th day out.  If you were staying on property, you could try for every day of your trip at 60 days.  Staying off site, you are going to be trying one day at a time.  You can still be successful though!  Try breakfast, lunch and dinner for the day you are trying to reserve.  If that day doesn’t work, try the next day, and so on.  Hopefully you will get lucky!

What if it Works?  What if it Doesn’t?

If you succeed, kudos!  Feel like a champion, brag to all your Disney loving friends…and work on the rest of your desired reservations!  If you aren’t successful, you can try checking every few days to see if anything has opened up.  Good windows to try are 45 and 30 days out–if people are cancelling their whole trip, they are likely to do it no later than 30 days out.  It never hurts to keep trying.  Sometimes people will have booked “extra” reservations that they will later cancel, or sometimes a big party will become a smaller party.  You never know what may happen.

If this is a reservation you really want, good luck!  I hope you get it!

Character dining returning to Cinderella's Royal Table
Cinderella’s Royal Table                                          Photo: Brooke Hudson

Note: another strategy to consider if you DON’T want to do all the planning and reservations yourself–work with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner like me.  If you book your Disney Vacation through me, I will help with park and dining reservations for no additional costs to you.  I also offer detailed itineraries and personalized trip plans for a nominal fee.

Are you Excited to see Character Dining Returning to Cinderella’s Royal Table?

I’m curious if any of you are happy to see Character Dining returning to CRT?  Please comment below if this is something you’ve been looking forward to.

Mom and I had a wonderful dinner at Cinderella’s Royal Table during our Mother/Daughter trip in May.  We got to see Cinderella, but no other Disney Princesses at that time.  I probably won’t pull out all the stops to get that reservation again this year, as it’s a little too soon for a return visit.

I might try to see if I can get breakfast–that would be a different menu and a different experience.  But most likely, May will be too soon.  I bet those reservations will be really tough for the first few months, at least.  If not this year, there’s always next year.

What about you?  Are you going to try and get that reservation?

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Disney PhotoPass: What is it and How Does it Work?

Today we are going to talk about Disney PhotoPass, and Disney’s Memory Maker product.

We released a video over on YouTube for today’s topic.  Here’s that video:

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If you prefer to read this information, keep reading!

Disney PhotoPass and Disney Memory Maker

One question I get asked a lot from my clients and friends and family is “Should we purchase the Memory Maker?”  The short answer? It depends.

Ok, for me, it’s pretty much always YES.  BUT, I’m a HUGE photo nerd.

For more NORMAL people, there are several things to consider, and I will get to those in tomorrow’s video.  Today we are going to start with the basics: What is Disney PhotoPass and how does it work?  In tomorrow’s video (Part 2 in this series), we will focus on the memory maker product, and will answer the question of whether or not to buy.

But first for those of you that DON’T know, let’s start with:

What is Disney PhotoPass?

Disney PhotoPass is a service that Disney added years ago, and I think it’s absolute GENIUS.  Basically, they have photographers stationed at numerous locations around each park to take pictures of you and your group.

Disney PhotoPass Disney Memory Maker

This completely solves the “Did Mom even GO on that vacation?  She’s not in ANY of the pictures” dilemma.  For many families, there is always one person that takes all the pictures and they are never in any of the shots.  Or, people rotate who takes the pictures, but there are never any pictures of EVERYONE together, because one person always steps out to take the picture.  Most people don’t carry around tripods and take the time to set up timed tripod shots on vacation.  For some, Selfies have helped to address this problem, but with a Selfie, it’s still really tough to get a group or to include people AND a landmark in the picture.

Disney PhotoPass
Photo: Disney PhotoPass

With PhotoPass, Disney has solved that problem.  Basically, the PhotoPass photographer will take your group’s picture, usually with a park icon or landmark in the background, and then they will either scan your magic band (the easiest) or give you a PhotoPass card with a 16-digit number on the back.  Note: If you are given a Photopass card, immediately take a picture of the back of the card just in case.  If you lose the card, but have the number, you can still locate your pictures.

Disney PhotoPass

Not All PhotoPass Photos are Created Equal

A couple of caveats:  The skill of the various photopass photographers varies.  Some are very experienced, fun to work with, and very talented.  Others are more point and click—with varying degrees of success.  Therefore I always recommend that you get a LOT of photopass photos taken.  Take advantage of the opportunities whenever they present themselves.  Odds are, if you take a BUNCH of photopass pictures, you end up with at least a few you really like.  Here are a couple examples of PhotoPass pictures that didn’t really work out so well.

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In NON COVID times, you could also ask the photographer to take a picture of your group with your phone or camera.  This is not an option currently due to Covid related restrictions, but I’m assuming this option will return at some point in the future—but current rules prohibit the photographers from touching your phone or camera.

Disney PhotoPass and Special Moments

If you look on Facebook or the internet, you will see THOUSANDS of PhotoPass pictures that people have posted.  There are tons of examples of people using PhotoPass to announce they have a baby on the way, the sex of the baby, that they got engaged or married.

In our case, my husband proposed to me at the Magic Kingdom after the fireworks.  Because he’s brilliant, he surprised me with the proposal when we went to take a PhotoPass picture, so we have the moment captured forever.

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Are they great pictures?  No, it was very crowded, and I at first thought he fell (he’d done the marathon the day before and was in a lot of pain), and then there was lots of crying and laughing.  But I feel so lucky that I have that moment forever captured by that PhotoPass photographer.  And the next day, we found another PhotoPass photographer that was SO excited about our engagement, she spent TONS of time with us (there was no line,I promise) and took a gazillion pictures of the ring, and the two of us.  It was really fun.

Disney PhotoPass and Group Attractions

There are normally even photopass photographers at big group attractions (Enchanted Tales with Belle, for example).  These attractions aren’t operating right now, but once they return, I’m sure the PhotoPass photographer will return with them.

Disney PhotoPass Enchanted Tales with Belle

The PhotoPass photographer takes lots of pictures of the group and they will hand out PhotoPass cards at the end; once you enter the number on your computer, you’ll have access to ALL the pictures they took during that particular event.  If your kid had a role in the show, you do NOT want to lose that number!  So take a picture of the back of the card, just in case!

Disney PhotoPass

Disney PhotoPass and Attraction Photos!

Lots of Disney rides take your picture at some point during the ride, some rides even take video!  These pictures and videos are now PhotoPass pictures, and can be attached to your Magic Band or PhotoPass card.  The RFID technology in your MagicBand communicates with the reader at the attraction and automatically adds the photos or videos to your account.

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Character Dining and PhotoPass?

Character dining can also (sometimes) include PhotoPass.  Granted, right now, character dining isn’t happening, but it WILL return eventually, I promise!  Some character dining meals offer PhotoPass pictures, but not all of them.  Also IF there is a PhotoPass photographer at a character meal, it will usually just be for a picture you take before you enter the restaurant.  For example, if you are dining at a Character Meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table, there is usually a Photopass photographer in the lobby with Cinderella waiting to take your picture before you head upstairs for your meal.  (Please note that Cinderella’s Royal Table HAS reopened for lunch and dinner, however, Cinderella has NOT yet returned.)

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PhotoPass photographers do not go around with the characters as they visit your table at ANY character meal, so ALWAYS bring your camera to character meals.

Customize your Photos!

After your trip, you will be able to visit the PhotoPass website to view all your pictures.  You can add borders and stickers to the photos, and you can make products like Photobooks, calendars and mugs featuring your pictures on the Disney PhotoPass website.  One picture can easily turn into 10 or 15 by the time you are done playing with borders, cropping, black and white, etc.  Some borders are unique to particular locations, seasons, or events, adding a little extra magic to those photos.

NOTE: Pictures are only available on the PhotoPass site for 30 days (unless you are an Annual Passholder.)  Right now, if you are visiting this fall between October 15 and November 30, Disney is extending that 30 days through the end of the year.  So you’ll have a little extra time to play with your pictures.

Magic Shots

Lets talk about Magic Shot.  Magic Shots are pictures taken by a PhotoPass photographer with a little something extra magical added later.  The most common Magic Shots feature TinkerBell standing on the palm of your hand, or a bunch of balloons added to your upstretched arm.

 

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There are a variety of Magic Shots available at different times.   During Star Wars Weekend a few years ago, we got Magic Shots with light sabers added.  Recently, they added some pirate themed Magic Shots near the Pirates of the Caribbean attraction.

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During the Halloween season, you might find Magic Shots with ghosts near the haunted mansion, or Flaming jack o lanterns throughout the Magic Kingdom.  During the Winter holiday season, you may find snow or Wooden Soldiers added to your photos.

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Over at Hollywood Studios, we’ve learned there’s a new special magic shot that includes the child (frequently called baby Yoda, although he isn’t in fact Yoda) from the Mandolorian.  Here’s a look at this one from Disney Parks and Resorts.

Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot Mandalorian
Disney PhotoPass Magic Shot – The Child, Mandalorian

Special holiday themed magic shots become available November 6.

Disney PhotoPass Photos and the My Disney Experience App

Disney PhotoPass pictures are available in the My Disney Experience app, so you’ll be able to look at them as your trip goes along.  Most photos and videos appear in your app within 20 minutes.

Disney PhotoPass

Unless you’ve purchased the Memory Maker product, the pictures will have a watermark on them, preventing you from having a sharable, downloadable image without paying for it.  If you’ve already purchased Memory Maker, your pictures will appear completely clear and fabulous.

One of the highlights of my last trip was overhearing a young family showing their daughter a picture they had just taken on Main Street.  She was AMAZED to see that Tinkerbell had joined them in the picture and she was so dazzled by the magic!

Tips for Getting that “Magic” Shot

Disney changes what Magic Shots are available from time to time, and not all PhotoPass photographers will offer to do them.  Your odds are better if there’s no line and if you’re nice and friendly.  PhotoPass photographers work very hard, and are on their feet for many hours a day, usually in pretty hot temperatures and sometimes not treated very well by guests.  In my experience, if you are nice and there’s not a line, they’re more likely to spend a few extra minutes with you, and that can often result in some Magic Shots.  To see what Magic Shots are currently available, visit the albums at the Disney Photo Pass Facebook Page.

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Coming Up in the Next Video (And Post!)

In tomorrow’s video, we’ll talk about Memory Maker, and how you can have PhotoPass without Memory Maker, but you can’t have Memory Maker without PhotoPass.

Thank you for watching, and please tune in Monday for the second video (and blog post) in this series, discussing Disney’s Memory Maker product.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

 

Disney Parks News Update 10.14.2020

In this week’s Disney Parks News Update, we have GUNS confiscated on Disney property, refurbishment updates, LOTS of food news, scary clowns and more!  Please watch this week’s Disney Parks News Update video below.

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For those of you that prefer reading your Disney Parks news Update to watching the video, please read on!

Disney Parks News Update

Refurbishments

We are starting this week’s news update with refurbishments.

EPCOT

Disney Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Vacation Planning Disney Travel Agent
EPCOT Photo from “Prettier” times, Flower & Garden Festival! Photo: Brooke Hudson

EPCOT currently looks a little bit like a construction zone, as EPCOT Future World is in the midst of a major overhaul.  There are a number of projects in progress around EPCOT’s Entrance and throughout Future World.  Among these projects is the Guardians of the Galaxy roller coaster, scheduled to open sometime next year.  We are happy to report that construction appears to be moving ahead on all these projects.  We don’t have completion dates or opening dates for any of the work going on, but we are hopeful that Disney is on track with their plans to have this work complete in time for Walt Disney World’s 50th Anniversary next October.

Frozen Ever After

EPCOT Frozen Ever After Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Frozen Ever After (Photo: Disney Parks)

A VERY popular attraction, Frozen Ever After, is closing for refurbishment in a couple of weeks.  Don’t worry—it’s only for a few days.  The attraction will be closed from November 2 – 6, 2020.  This is likely just for cleaning and general maintenance; this is not enough time for Disney to do any major overhauls.  Not to mention, this is still a fairly new attraction.  It really shouldn’t need any major refurbishment yet.

We’ll be in the park the following week, and will let you know how the attraction looks when it reopens!

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort

Disney World 2020 Vacation Packages
Art of Animation Resort (Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts)

Disney’s Art of Animation Resort is reopening at long last on November 1, 2020.  If you aren’t familiar with the Art of Animation resort, it is a very popular Value Resort, and one of our favorites.  Check out our blog post about this resort here.

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During the shutdown, Art of Animation got some minor refurbishments, including new flooring and updates in the lobby area.  The rooms themselves got minor updates to furnishings and room details.

If you haven’t had a chance to check out Art of Animation, it is located on the Skyliner line, and it’s a worthwhile stop to check it out.  All the themed icons from Cars, The Lion King, Finding Nemo and the Little Mermaid make terrific backdrops and props for unique family pictures.

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The Big Blue Pool, Art of Animation’s largest pool, did not get it’s refurbishment done during the closure, however.  As a result, the Big Blue Pool will be closed for refurbishment from January 1, 2021 through early April 2021.

Art of Animation Resort Big Blue Pool Refurbishment Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Guests are encouraged to use the Flippin’ Fins Pool (Little mermaid area) or the Cozy cone Pool (in the Cars area) during the closure.  The Schoolyard Sprayground play area is NOT being affected by the closure.

Art of Animation Cozy Cone Pool
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Guests staying at Art of Animation during this time should expect to see or hear construction during their stay; however, construction does not occur between dusk and 9 am, so your rest time should not be impacted.

If you have a reservation during this time and are concerned about this refurbishment, please reach out to your travel agent (or me!).

Boardwalk Inn: Luna Pool

A highlight for me personally in this week’s Disney Parks News Update is about the CLOWN over at the Luna Pool at the Boardwalk Inn.

The pool at the Boardwalk Inn, the Luna Pool is currently being refurbished while the Boardwalk Inn is closed.  The pool area at the Boardwalk Inn is themed to the turn of the 20th century Coney island.   The area has a sort of “Circus-y/Old timey amusement park” vibe.

Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool
Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool Area (Photo: Disney Parks)

The centerpiece of the pool area has always been a giant clown face.  The mouth of the clown is a waterslide.  I’m not a giant fan of clowns to begin with but this clown?  Totally creeps me out.  In fact, I’ve avoided booking there for my family because of the creepy clown.

Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool
Boardwalk Inn Luna Pool (Photo: Disney Parks)

I mean, look at that thing.  Don’t you think it’s a little creepy? (OR A LOT CREEPY???!!!)

Here’s the big news:  locals have reported that the giant clown head has been REMOVED as part of the Luna Pool refurbishment!!!  It has been seen being taken away from the pool area (although no one actually saw it dismantled, thrown in the trash or burned in a ceremonial cleansing so we do not know for sure it is not coming back).  The area where the clowns head WAS is still covered with tarps, but work is continuing.

Dare we hope that the clown is gone for good?  Could the Imagineers have something new and creative for that area that doesn’t terrorize small children (or ME)???  I do not know, unfortunately.  We will definitely scope out the pool area when we visit next month; hopefully we will be able to give you a more definitive update then.  But for now?  I’m happily booking a reservation for my mom and I at Boardwalk for May, assuming the clown will be GONE.

Food News

We have lots of FOOD NEWS in this week’s Disney Parks News Update!

ABC Commissary

Over at Hollywood Studios, the ABC Commissary has reopened with a brand new menu.  Some old favorites are still there, but the menu has had a major overhaul.  Tacos and curry rice bowls have taken center stage.  New items include Pork carnitas tacos, Shrimp tacos, curry rice bowl with shrimp and a plant based curry rice bowl with tofu.  Two new chicken sandwiches also join the lineup.  Kids can choose from a Pork taco, grilled cheese sandwich, a turkey sandwich or their old favorite, uncrustables.

ABC Commissary at Hollywood Studios gets new menu Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
ABC Commissary (Photo: Disney Parks)

Minnie’s Halloween Dine

Also at Hollywood Studios, we have a new menu for Minnie’s Halloween Dine over at Hollywood and Vine.

Minnie's Halloween Dine Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Photo: Disney Parks

This meal does feature character appearances.  The characters will parade through the dining area and wave and let you take pictures.  However, they won’t be stopping at your table for individual pictures as you are probably used to from character meals pre Covid.

This is a fixed price, three course meal, featuring a salad, entrée and dessert.

Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Photo: Disney Parks

Entrée choices include prime rib, roasted turkey breast, macaroni and cheese with shrimp, Salmon, Pork osso bucco and plant based pan seared king trumpet mushrooms.

Minnie's Halloween Dine
Photo: Disney Parks

Desserts include your choice of apple blueberry pie, banana crème pie, chocolate smores pie, vanilla crème brulee and a plant based cherry lemon pie.

Minnie's Halloween Dine
Photo: Disney Parks

Cocktails, wine and beer are available for an additional price. Beer starts at $7.50, Wine by the glass starts at $10, and cocktails start at $13.

In the past I have NOT enjoyed Hollywood & Vine, however, I have to admit this sounds pretty good.  We may have to check this out for ourselves!

Chef Mickey’s

Chef Mickey's Character Dining Returns
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Next up in Food news: Chef Mickey’s Character Dining is coming back!  One of the most popular character meals on property, Chef Mickey’s will soon be visited by Chef Mickey himself (and a few of his friends!).

Chef Mickey's Character Dining Returns Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

Starting on December 16, 2020, Mickey and Minnie and their friends will be back at Chef Mickey’s at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  It’s not quite the same—this is NOT a buffet at the moment, and the characters will not be coming to your table.  However, the characters will “pop up” at surprise intervals and parade through the dining rooms, waving at guests for pictures.  Reservations for Chef mickey’s character dining open up October 17.

Chef Mickey's Character Dining Returns
Photo: Disney Parks

Its important to note that Chef Mickey’s IS currently open.  Right now, it’s an all you care to eat family feast WITHOUT characters.  Pricing for adults is $25 and kids are $14 (plus tax).  However, once the characters return, pricing will jump to $42 for adults and $27 for kids (plus tax).

Mickey's Celebration Pancakes Chef Mickey's Character Dining Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

In addition to the characters joining diners, there are three new entrees being added to the menu.  Mickey’s celebration pancakes, a loaded potato cheese casserole with smoked bacon crumbles and chives and finally, Goofy’s Banana Bread French Toast—which looks and sounds like a heart attack on a plate.

Chef Mickey's Character Dining Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20
Photo: Disney Parks and Resorts

It will probably taste AMAZING though.  If you plan to check out this very popular character dining experience, reservations are HIGHLY recommended (really, required).

Updated Mask Warnings

New mask warning signs appeared throughout the Walt Disney World theme parks last week.  These signs more specifically state that guests must wear their masks properly, at all times, and further state that guests who do not wear their masks will be asked to leave the parks.

Disney Parks news Update 10.14.20 New Mask Warnings

In addition to the new signs located throughout the parks, Disney has added an audio announcement about the mask policy that plays in the parks several times each day.  Finally, they’ve added the message to the My Disney Experience phone app.  Disney is very serious that guests understand this policy.

I know there has been some confusion on this: Florida was recently moved to Phase 3, which means the Florida state government is no longer requiring masks in all public places, and the state has rescinded the fines for not wearing a mask.  HOWEVER, it is important to recognize that each business has the right to establish and follow their own protocols, based on what they believe is safest for their guests or customers.

Disney is SERIOUS about their Mask Policy

Completely separate from what the state dictates, Disney has their OWN policies.  Disney has determined, based on their research and advice from scientific advisors and guidelines from the CDC (Center for Disease Control) that masks help prevent the spread of Covid-19 (and other airborne spread diseases).  Disney is requiring all guests over the age of 2 to wear masks at all times while in the theme parks, and while in public areas of Disney resorts.

Disney News Updates
Photo: Disney Parks

I understand this is a hot button topic for some people.  Bottom line: If you aren’t willing to wear a mask during your Disney visit, do not visit Disney.

If you don’t wear a mask, you will not be permitted entry to the theme parks.  If you remove your mask (other than while dining), you will be asked to leave the theme park.  It’s very simple.  If your aren’t comfortable wearing a mask during your Disney theme park visit, do not visit Disney until masks are no longer required.  Hopefully, sometime next year.  Disney has a very good refund policy right now, due to the challenges raised by Covid-19, and I am confident they will work with you to cancel or reschedule your trip.

Walt Disney World Theme Parks Capacity

In last week’s Disney Parks News Update, we talked about capacity at the theme parks.  We expressed our belief that Disney has been quietly increasing capacity at the theme parks.  This belief is based on anecdotal and observational evidence.  The theme parks are feeling more crowded.  We are seeing much longer lines for attractions.  It’s getting more difficult to social distance in main traffic areas throughout the parks.  Park reservations are fully booked up, and then Disney releases more availability for certain days, especially weekends.  In general, it just “feels” like the parks are getting more crowded every week.

Bob Chapek, Disney CEO

However, Bob Chapek, Disney’s CEO told CNBC this week that Walt Disney World theme parks are still capped at 25% capacity.  He also stated that the parks will remain capped at 25% capacity until the CDC guidelines change.

Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20 Bob Chapek says Walt Disney World Theme Parks are capped at 25% capacity

We have to assume that Bob Chapek knows what he’s talking about.  He’s the boss of all the bosses, and while he’s not in the trenches admitting guests into the park, we figure he’s heavily involved with the decisions related to capacity.  Especially as those decisions will affect the overall profitability of the theme parks dramatically, right?

We’re NOT at 25% Capacity?

So what could explain the discrepancy between what we (and many others who have visited over the last few weeks) are feeling and what Bob Chapek tells us must be true?

1) It’s likely that when the parks first opened, they were not any where near 25% capacity.  Perhaps they opened at 5 or 10% and hovered there for a while.  We saw lots of pictures and comments that the parks were like ghost towns, and all the attractions were walk-ons during the first couple of months.  That has certainly changed.  So perhaps what we are seeing now is truly 25% capacity?

2) Another factor in longer lines could be staffing related.  If Disney is staffing fewer cast members on attractions, perhaps some “lanes” are closed in attractions?  This could slow down the movement of guests through those rides, resulting in longer lines and more congestion?

I’m not sure.  It sure seems like the crowds we are seeing, especially in Hollywood Studios and the Magic Kingdom, are higher than 25% capacity.  But we don’t work at the parks, and Disney is fairly tightlipped about what they consider FULL capacity to be.  So the short answer right now?  We don’t know.  We will update you next month with our perspective when we are actually there ourselves.

Assault Weapons at Disney World?

Our final story this week is a troubling one.  We have learned, courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel as well as several other news outlets, that a Disney guest brought an AR-15 rifle and 9 mm handgun with him on his Disney vacation!

Disney guest brings guns on vacation Disney Parks News Updates 10.14.20

The guest, a 43 year old man from Palm Beach Gardens, checked into the Polynesian Villages Resort over Labor Day Weekend.  When the guns were discovered in his luggage, Disney contacted the local sheriff.  The man had a concealed weapons permit, and therefore was not arrested.

However, Disney does not allow weapons of any kind on property, so Disney confiscated and held the man’s arsenal for him until the end of his vacation.  He stated he brought the weapons because he was worried about his family’s safety during the social justice protests in the Orlando area last month.

Personally, I think if you are worried enough about the safety of your family that you need to bring an assault rifle, a hand gun and more than 100 rounds of ammunition with you to DISNEY WORLD where there are THOUSANDS of unarmed adults and children, perhaps you should postpone your vacation until a time when it feels safer for you to visit.

Again, Disney is being extremely flexible with cancellations, refunds and rescheduling.  I would never want anyone to feel unsafe, but we can’t have assault rifles and other deadly weapons making their way onto Disney property.

Disney Parks News Update 10.14.20

To be clear: Disney does not allow guests to bring weapons of any kind onto its property.  If you have issues with this policy, please contact Disney directly.

Disney Parks News Update: Final Thoughts

That’s it for this week’s Disney Parks News Update.  It’s good to see that in some ways, things at the parks are starting to look a little more normal.  However, it is a sign of the times that we are seeing stronger mask warnings from Disney, and that we had a story this week that included the word “assault rifle”.  I’m hopeful that we will have more stories about things getting back to normal as time goes on.

Thank you for reading!

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

More Disney Restaurants Reopening

Walt Disney World is taking one more step back towards normal.  This week, more Disney restaurants are reopening.

Cinderella’s Royal Table

One of the most popular Disney restaurants reopening is Cinderella’s Royal Table.  This restaurant, “hidden” inside Cinderella Castle, is reopening September 24, 2020.  Reservations will open up on September 11, 2020.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the Princesses will NOT be visiting every table as they have in the past.  In addition, you will not take a picture with Cinderella before your meal like you used to.   The official release says “the princesses will be taking a break from their royal duties greeting guests”, so at least initially, there will be no royal visitors during your meal.  Perhaps in the future, the Princesses may come through the dining area so you can take pictures from a distance, (this is how Beast sightings are handled at Be Our Guest) but this is not confirmed.

Disney Restaurants Beast Be Our Guest
Be Our Guest: The Beast Does a Walk Through (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

At this time, it appears that Cinderella’s Royal Table is opening for lunch and dinner. It doesn’t appear that it will open for breakfast, at least not initially.

No pricing information has been released, but the cynic in me suspects it will be the same as it was before, despite the lack of character interaction and photo opportunities.

If you haven’t been to Cinderella’s Royal Table, it is a beautiful dining room. The food is fairly good, but it is a very pricey meal. In the past, Disney also required full payment at the time the reservation was made.  I don’t know if that will still be the case; we will find out once reservations open on September 11.

Cinderella's Royal Table
The Fairy Godmother at Cinderella’s Royal Table (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Update: Reservations are Open

**Update: September 11, 2020:  Reservations officially opened today for Cinderella’s Royal Table.  In the interest of research, I tested booking a reservation for two adults for both lunch and dinner.  The price has NOT been reduced; it is $62.00 per adult plus tax.  In addition, Cinderella’s Royal Table is one of the few table service restaurants that requires full payment in advance in order to make a reservation.

Full Payment Required at the Time of Reservation

So book a table for two adults at Cinderella’s Royal Table for either lunch or dinner, the total cost that you must pay AT THE TIME YOU MAKE THE RESERVATION is $154.38 (including tax).  This is not a new thing; CRT has required full payment in advance for at least the last 10 years, probably longer.  I think this policy is due to the popularity of this dining location.  Disney wants to be sure you aren’t making a “maybe” reservation that might be canceled; you are DEFINITELY planning on keeping this reservation.  (Note: As with any other reservation, you ARE able to cancel a Cinderella’s Royal Table reservation and get your money back; however, your money is tied up from the moment you make the reservation until you either a) use the reservation or b) cancel the reservation.

My husband and I have eaten at Cinderella’s Royal Table a few times in the past.  One of my favorites was the morning after we got engaged.  All the princesses made a very big deal out of my ring (and my handsome prince!).  It was a lot of fun.

Disney Restaurants Reopening Cinderella's Royal Table Sleeping Beauty
Sleeping Beauty Greeting, January 2013

Is it worth it?

The quality of the food does not really warrant the $62/person price tag–it’s the added value of the experience that gives Cinderella’s Royal Table a boost.  Being inside the Castle, entering where you are not allowed to enter UNLESS you have a reservation–that’s pretty cool.  The dining room itself is nice, if rather loud.  They pack every table in the room (Most likely that is different right now due to Covid), and with the high ceilings, the sound really builds.  This is not a quiet, elegant dining experience.  It’s FUN, but not so much with the elegance.

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Honestly, it’s the combination of being in the Castle and the Princess interactions that have always made Cinderella’s Royal Table so special for us.  I don’t think the experience is worth $62/person without the character interactions.  Your mileage may vary, of course.

Gaston’s Tavern

Gaston’s Tavern in New Fantasyland returned to operations on September 4, 2020.  Guests have been enjoying the unique quick service menu at Gaston’s for a few days now.

Disney Restaurants Reopening Gaston's
Gaston’s (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

If you’ve never visited Gaston’s, the menu includes roasted pork shank, cinnamon rolls, mixed vegetable cups, mixed fruit cups, apple slices with caramel, and chocolate croissants, as well as some unique beverages and souvenir mugs.

It’s a fun place to visit, and in the past, was made more so by visits from Gaston himself. I’m not sure if those are still common, but I promise to check it out when we visit in November!

ABC Commissary

Over at Hollywood Studios, the ABC Commissary is reopening on October 8, 2020.  Disney calls the ABC Commissary “Fast Casual”, but it’s a pretty decent quick service restaurant with LOTS of indoor seating.  (Great when you need a break in the air conditioning!)

The announcement specifically mentions the Commissary reopening for lunch and does not mention dinner, so dinner service may not open for a while yet.  However, the ABC Commissary does support mobile ordering for your quick service meal, and is another option for burgers, sandwiches and salads.

Hollywood & Vine

Another Disney restaurant reopening at Hollywood Studios is the Hollywood & Vine family-style table service restaurant.  I have eaten at Hollywood & Vine TWICE in the last 10 years, and vowed never to return (found the food quality very poor, and the experience WAY overpriced).  However, our last visit was several years ago, so we may give this one another shot…eventually.  However, any additional Disney restaurants reopening are a good thing, so we’ll view this positively.

Minnie’s Seasonal Dining is scheduled to return to Hollywood & Vine starting Friday, September 25, 2020.  In seasons past, this was a character meal where the characters would come to your table.  Of course in this era of Covid and no character greetings, things will be different this year.  Hollywood & Vine will be decked out in Halloween glory.  Your party will be served a “monster” feast at your table.  Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse and  their friends will make appearances so you can wave and snap photos.  Unfortunately, there will be no table side character interactions, but you will be able to see the characters in their Halloween finery, at least.

Disney Restaurants Reopening Hollywood & Vine
Minnie Mouse Hollywood & Vine (Photo: Disney Parks)

The official release states there were be Halloween decor and music, as well as “scary” good food.  The jury will remain out on how “good” until the first guests start to report back to us.

Update: Reservations are Open

**Update: September 11, 2020.  Reservations officially opened today for Minnie’s Seasonal Dining at Hollywood & Vine.  I tested booking reservations over a few different days.  Surprisingly, several of the days I tried were already completely booked up.  This really isn’t too strange; with Covid-19 precautions in place, this restaurant is probably only reserving about 20-25% of it’s normal capacity.  It’s not a huge space, so it makes sense there weren’t that many reservations available to begin with.

Is it worth it?

The good news: this is NOT a dining experience that requires full payment in advance.  The bad news: This is still a fairly pricey dining experience, reflecting pricing that you’d expect with most character meals.  $35.99 – $59.99 (kids and adults), except you have no character interactions.  My bad dining experiences pre-date these Minnie Seasonal Dining events, and the updated menu sounds good, so perhaps the food had gotten better?  I will have to investigate and get back to you on that.  These meals include a salad (choose from two options for the table), an entree (choose from six entree options), and a dessert (choose from five dessert options).

What does this mean?

The good news is that Disney is trying to return to more normalcy, and they obviously believe they have enough business to support these additional restaurant locations opening up.

Gaston's
Mom at Gaston’s (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

I don’t think things are returning to normal as quickly as any of us, especially Disney, had hoped.  However, even small baby steps in the right directions are positive.

If you are planning to visit the parks this fall, will you be visiting any of these Disney restaurants reopening soon?  Please like this post and comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Plan Your Next Disney Vacation? I’m ready to help! Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com

P.S. Want more information about the reopening of Disney theme parks?  Check out this post.

 

 

 

 

 

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

I’ve decided to run a new series of posts focusing on Disney’s WIDE variety of resorts.  This week, I’m focusing on Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.  Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort has long been one of my favorites.  Even when we don’t stay at the Polynesian, we often make sure to stop by and visit the Gift Shop, grab a snack at Cap’n Cook’s or to take a walk on the grounds.

It’s All About the Dole Whip

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the few places outside a Disney theme park when you can get the beloved Dole Whip.  A creamy concoction of pineapple (or other citrus fruits) flavored dairy free soft serve, the Dole Whip has been a Disneyland and Walt Disney World MUST-DO since 1986.  Originally, you could only find the Dole Whip at a kiosk near the Enchanted Tiki Room.  Now, you can find them at larger, more permanent structures, and in more than one theme park.  However, you can’t find a Dole Whip at all the ice cream carts, popcorn stands or churro kiosks located throughout Disney, so Dole Whip feels a bit more like a treasure you have to hunt for.

Dole Whip
Dole Whips Anyone?                                                                 (Photo: Disney Parks)

Side note: Animal Kingdom features a Dole Whip window where you can add RUM to your Dole Whip.  You can also find this lovely rum treat at Disney’s Polynesian Resort.  Honestly, I think this might be what nature originally intended!

Of course, you can find LOADS of recipes on the internet (like this one), or buy the DOLE soft serve mix and make your own Dole Whips at home–but I think that takes all the fun out of it.  I love having treats we only get on vacation at Disney.

The Pineapple Lanai, located just of the lobby at the Polynesian Resort, features several varieties of Dole Whip.  Of course the traditional Pineapple flavor is there, along with Vanilla soft serve; you’ll also find Lime, which is served in a cone and topped with an orchid, and called the Te Fiti Cone (VERY popular).  Not on the menu, but available, is the Lemon/Lime swirl.  It’s pretty TART, though, so make sure you really love lemon and lime before going for that one!

Pineapple Lanai
Try the Te Fiti Cone or the Corazon Blanco Tequila Frozen Margarita Blended with Dole Whip LIME! (Photo: Disney Parks)

Periodically, they will also have special flavors or “themed” treats.  For example, in honor of the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, The Pineapple Lanai is offering a “Yoda” cone.  Basically, it’s a Lime cone with two white chocolate “ears”.

If you’re on the Disney Dining Plan, you can use a snack credit for a Dole Whip treat at The Pineapple Lanai.  Currently, a regular Dole Whip (Pineapple, Vanilla, or Swirl) is $4.99.  The version with coconut rum is $11.00.  Also available is a Pineapple float $5.99 and the Te Fiti Cone $5.29.  Finally, you can get your Float in a souvenir cup for $10.99, or your Dole whip in a souvenir bowl for $9.99.

Dole Whip Float
Dole Whip Float                       (photo: Disney Parks)

Now that we’ve got all that important Dole Whip information out of the way, I guess we should talk about the REST of the Polynesian Village Resort, hmm?

Take a Tour of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is a Deluxe Resort, located on Walt Disney World’s Seven Seas Lagoon.  The Polynesian Village Resort is one of the original two resort hotels at Walt Disney World when the Magic Kingdom opened back in 1971!  In April 2015, Disney’s Polynesian Villages Resort opened its Disney Vacation Club resort, Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Watch this video to explore Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Advantages of Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort

      • Proximity to the Magic Kingdom: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows are located very close to the Magic Kingdom.  A short water taxi ride, two Monorail stops or a short bus ride gets you to the Magic Kingdom pretty quickly.
      • Monorail Resort: There are only three resorts actually ON the Monorail line.  Disney’s Contemporary Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort. It’s hard to beat the convenience of being on the Monorail line.  Want to visit any of the other Monorail resorts?  Just hop on the Monorail?  Want to visit Epcot?  Just hop on the Monorail.  Want to go to the Magic Kingdom?  Hop on the Monorail.  Enjoying the restaurants and other amenities located at the other Monorail resorts is super easy when all you have to do is hop on the Monorail.
Polynesian Monorail
The Monorail Departs Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort (Photo: Destinations in Florida)
      • Design and architecture:  The Polynesian Village Resort has a “South Pacific” theme.  It’s about as close to Hawaii as you are likely to get in Central Florida.  The resort is lush and beautiful, filled with water features and has a very tropical flair.
      • Room Size: The standard rooms at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort are larger than the standard rooms at many other Disney resorts.  Standard rooms at the Polynesian Village Resort feature two queen beds and a day bed.  The rooms allow for five people and one child under age three.  Many resort rooms top out at four people, so the Polynesian is one of only a few resorts that allow for 5+ in a standard room.
Polynesian Resort Room
Photo: Destinations in Florida
      • Romantic: Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is one of the more romantic resort locations at Walt Disney World.  There are lots of beautiful spots to quietly snuggle and appreciate the scenery.  There are hammocks to relax in, and you can sit on the beach or near the beach and watch the fireworks over Magic Kingdom.  There’s even a picturesque spot where small Disney Fairy Tale Weddings are held.
Disney's Polynesian Romance
Photo: David and Vicki Arndt Photography
      •  Transportation: Disney’s Polynesian Resort gives you access to a wide variety of Disney’s free transportation systems.  You can use the bus system, the water taxi system, or the Monorail system.  You can take the Monorail to two other resorts, as well to Epcot.  From Epcot, you’ll be able to use the Skyway (after it opens September 29), boat or bus to visit Hollywood Studios.  The Skyway will also take you to four other Disney resorts.
      • Entertainment: The Polynesian Village Resort features a variety of restaurants and bars as do most Disney Deluxe Resorts.  However, there is a very popular attraction that can ONLY be found at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort:  Disney’s Spirit of Aloha dinner show is held nightly, and is Walt Disney World’s version of a Luau.  Guests enjoy an all you can eat tropical buffet, featuring Aloha pulled pork, Polynesian ribs, roasted vegetables and more.  The highlight is the entertainment: hula dancers, fire dancers, drummers and more!  (Note: You CAN use Disney Dining Plan meal credits for the Spirit of Aloha dinner show, but two meal credits are required per person.  Current regular ticket prices range from $66 – $78 per adult, $39 – $46 per child.)
      • Character Meal: Most Disney Deluxe Resorts feature character meals.    However, if you are a Lilo and Stitch fan, there is only ONE character meal for you:  the Character Breakfast at Ohana, at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort.  You’ll not only find Lilo and Stitch at Ohana.  They’ll be joined by some of their Disney pals, dressed in South Pacific vacation outfits.   (Note: Disney Dining Plan meal credits may be used for this Character Breakfast; one meal credit per diner.  Regular prices range from $24.50 for kids, ages 3-9 to $40.47 for adults and kids, 10 years or older.)
      • Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto: a tropical tiki bar, Trader Sam’s Grog Grotto is a fun place to stop in for specialty cocktails, beer, wine or small plates.  Trader Sam’s offers a variety of non alcoholic beverages as well.  Many of the specialty cocktails are available in collectible souvenir cups.  The atmosphere at Trader Sam’s is fun and definitely worth checking out.

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Disadvantages

      • It’s Pricey.  There’s no getting around it, Disney Deluxe Resorts are expensive.  And the Deluxe Resorts on the Monorail are among the most expensive on property.  I’m not saying it’s not worth it, because if you can afford it, it’s absolutely worth it.  It’s hard to beat staying so close to the Magic Kingdom, being on the Monorail, and having great fireworks views from the beach.
      • It’s VERY Popular.  Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows is one of the most popular resorts on Disney property.  As a result, it can be very difficult to get reservations there.  If you’re hoping to stay at the Polynesian, plan to book as EARLY as possible–at least 1 year out, if you can.  This helps increase your chances of getting the reservation you want.
      • Rarely Gets Discounted.  Related to the popularity of this resort, the Polynesian rooms or room/theme park ticket packages are rarely discounted significantly.  If/when discounts like Free Dining include the Polynesian, it is usually for a very small number of rooms and goes very quickly.
Photo: David and Vicki Arndt Photography

Not Just Another Hotel

I think my favorite thing about Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort is that when you are at the Polynesian, you KNOW where you are.  Full of unique sights, smells and sounds, it is clear from the moment you enter the resort that the Polynesian Village Resort is not just another hotel.  There is nothing “generic” about the Polynesian.  It’s special, and feels different than any other Disney resort.  Disney’s strength has always been theming, and Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort and Disney’s Polynesian Villas and Bungalows do not disappoint.

Disney's Polynesian Village Resort Lobby
Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort Lobby                      (Photo: Destinations in Florida)

Have you ever stayed at Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort?  What did you think?  Please comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Hudson Disney Travel Agent
Ready to Help Plan Your Next Disney Vacation!

Looking for a more economical option?  Check out this post about Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Free Dining is BACK!!

Happy Tuesday, Everyone!  Disney has made an exciting announcement today–FREE DINING IS BACK!!  I can’t believe I’m saying this, but Disney has released another free dining promotion for 2019.  It is fairly unusual for Disney to release this many free dining promotions in one calendar year.  I suspect Disney is not seeing the reservations for Fall and Winter this year  they’d expected.

If you’ve been thinking about planning a trip to Disney this fall or winter for the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Mickey’s Not-so-Scary Halloween Party, or to enjoy the winter holiday magic at Walt Disney World, NOW IS THE TIME TO BOOK.

Free Dining is BACK

The Details

Guests booking a five night/six day Walt Disney Travel Company package at a Disney resort, along with a Park Hopper park ticket are eligible to add free dining to their package.

Package must be booked BY SEPTEMBER 29, 2019.

This offer applies to packages for guests arriving during the following windows:

      • September 1 through September 18, 2019
      • November 17 – November 27, 2019
      • December 8 – December 23, 2019

Surprisingly, if you look at the dates above, you can see that you would be able to book a trip that includes Thanksgiving (as long as you arrive by November 28) or Christmas (as long as you arrive by December 23).  That’s CRAZY unusual for a free dining promotion!

Disney at the Holidays
Magic Kingdom Train Station  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Guest who book stays in Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts or Disney Deluxe Resorts will be eligible for the Free Disney Dining Plan.  Guests booking visits in Disney Moderate Resorts or Disney Value Resorts will be eligible for the Free Quick Service Dining Plan.  Note: Not ALL resorts are included in this promotion and availability for this promotion IS LIMITED.

Resorts Included In Free Dining Promotion

Free Dining is BACk
Old Key West Resort                                            (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Eligible Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts
      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (after it opens, December 16, 2019)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa
Eligible Disney Deluxe Resorts
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
Eligible Disney Moderate Resorts
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
Eligible Disney Value Resorts
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort (Family Suites Only)
      • Disney’s All Star Music Resort (September Dates Excluded)
      • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (September Dates Excluded)
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort (September Dates Excluded)

The Fine Print

The number of rooms available for this promotion is LIMITED.

Everyone in the same room must be on the same package.

Minimum 4 night length of stay; minimum four day theme park tickets with Park Hopper or Park Hopper Plus option.

Cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows, Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Table service restaurants may have limited or no availability at the time of package purchase.  Meal reservation availability is not guaranteed with this promotion.

Children ages 3 – 9 must choose from the children’s menu, if there is a children’s menu available at the chosen restaurant.

Gratuities are not included.

Free dining is BACK
Character Meals ARE included in the Disney Dining Plan!      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Guests staying in Value or Moderate Resorts will be eligible for the Quick Service Dining Plan.  Guests Staying in Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resorts will be eligible for the Disney Dining Plan.  Guests wishing to upgrade from the Quick Service Dining Plan to the Disney Dining Plan may do so by paying the difference between the two plans for each guest on the reservation.

Don’t Care About Free Dining?  Here’s ANOTHER Great Offer from Disney

Disney's Riviera Resort Disney vacation planning Disney trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney
Disney’s Riviera Resort  (Artist Rendering:Disney)

Disney also released an up to 20% off promotion for rooms at select Disney Resorts.  Reservations must be booked by September 29, 2019.  Most nights between September 1 and September 28 are included.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights between September 29 and November 7 are included.

The up to 20% off on rooms at select Disney Resorts may also be booked by December 24, 2019 for stays most nights, November 10-December 24.

20% Discount Tier

20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, most nights September 1 – September 28, most nights November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
15% Discount Tier

15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts and select Disney Moderate Resorts.  Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
10% Discount Tier

10% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts, select Disney Deluxe Resorts, select Disney Moderate Resorts and select Value Resorts.  Discount available most nights September 1 – September 28 and November 10 – December 24.  This discount is also available for most Sunday through Thursday nights, September 29 – November 7.  (Note Stays beginning September 1 – November 7 MUST be booked by September 29, 2019.  Stays beginning November 10 – December 24 MUST be booked by December 24, 2019.)

      • Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
      • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
      • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s All Star Music Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort (November 10 – December 24 only)
      • Disney’s Pop Century Resort(November 10 – December 24 only)

The Fine Print for this Room Only Discount

The number of rooms available for this promotion is limited.

Additional per adult charges may apply if there are more than two adults per room.

This offer can’t be combined with any other discount or promotion.

Theme park admission is NOT included.

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Length of stay requirements may apply.

Florida Resident?

Florida Resident Disney Discount
Photo Credit: Disney Parks Blog

Florida residents can save up to 25% at select Disney resorts from September 1 to December 24 when they book by December 24, 2019.  Note: the number of rooms available for this offer is limited.  Proof of Florida residency will be required at check in.

25% Discount Tier

25% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
      • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
      • Disney’s Riviera Resort (for stays beginning Dec. 16 or later)
      • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort and Spa
      • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
      • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
      • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
      • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort
20% Discount Tier

20% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
      • Disney’s Beach Club Resort

Moderate Resorts are participating too.  Moderate Resorts listed below are offering a 20% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.

      • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
      • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
      • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter (15% Discount)
      • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside (15% Discount)
15% Discount Tier

15% discount is available for rooms at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts and select Disney Deluxe Resorts, mostly Sunday through Thursday nights; dropping to 10% for Fridays and Saturdays.

      • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
      • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows – Studios Only
      • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
      • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
      • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • The Value Resorts listed below are offering a 15% discount for Florida residents for most nights, September 1 – October 3 and November 10 through December 24.  Most Sunday through Thursday nights, October 6 – November 7 are also included.
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Movies Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

The Fine Print for Florida Residents

Proof of Florida residency is required at check in.

This offer can’t be combined with any other promotion or discount.

This offer does not include theme park admission.

Additional per adult charges may apply if more than two adults are staying in the room.

The following room types are excluded:  Three bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creek Villas and Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas and Bungalows.

Length of stay requirements may apply.

Free Dining, Room Only and Florida Residents, Oh MY!!!

So, in a nutshell, there are a lot of discount offers available for you if you are considering taking a trip to Disney World this Fall or Winter.  There is a LOT to think about, and it can be overwhelming to figure out which discount (or which meal plan, for that matter) is best for you and your family.

That’s where working with a Disney Travel Agent (like me!) can help.  It doesn’t cost YOU anything, and I can take care of all the headaches you don’t have time or desire to take on.  I can help determine which package is best for you, and I can help with your trip planning as well!  I can even help with meal reservations and Fast Pass bookings.  Working with me will save you time, headaches, aggravation AND money.

Reach out today, brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.  I’d love to help you plan your next Disney dream vacation.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

 

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. – If you’d like to read more on the difference between the dining plans, and what you should consider when deciding if Free Dining is right for you, please check out the following posts:

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

Disney Launched Free Dining!

Disney Travel with a Group: Challenges and Survival Tips

If you are in the midst of planning a trip or event for a large group of people at a place like Disney, for example a wedding, family reunion, vow renewal, or milestone birthday celebration, you are likely to discover some unique challenges.  Disney travel with a group is really fun, but can also have dangerous potholes you will want to look out for.

Transportation & Logistics Challenges

For example, is everyone staying at the same resort?  If not, transportation may be a challenge.  When we were planning our wedding, we ended up with people staying at four different resorts.  Planning transportation for wedding events ended up being one of our biggest challenges!  Depending on the size of your group, your travel agent (or planner for your group) may be able to work with Disney to get discounted rates for your group.  This tends to work for large groups, or groups who are also using Disney catered events, Disney Fairy Tale Weddings, etc.  But it’s always worth a try!  Try to choose one or two resorts that will work for your group. The best scenario is one resort.  However, depending on your group, you may want to offer resorts in different financial tiers to accommodate different budgets.

Of course, sometimes, people will just do their own thing, regardless of what you plan for your event.  If that happens, you then have to decide if you’ll include their transportation needs in your planning, or if you’ll make it their responsibility to get to the planned events.   But know there’s a good chance it will happen, and be prepared and decide early how you will handle this if it happens.

Group Composition Challenges

The composition of the group can also present some challenges.  Is your group a mixture of families with kids and young singles or couples?  Or perhaps a mix of adults and children of all ages and interests?  Does everyone know each other already, or does anyone know each other at all?

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Depending on what you are planning, you may just have specific events to worry about, and outside of that, everyone will be on their own.  For example, you can plan a wedding and wedding reception for your guests and then leave on your honeymoon.  Or you can plan a Family Reunion that is all about one specific afternoon or evening event.

Alternatively, you may have a situation where you will have some “official” events, usually paid for by the planners, but you may want to spend more time with everyone outside of the “official” events.   You may want to plan a “Get to Know You” casual event near the beginning of the trip, if your group involves a lot of people that don’t know each other.

For example, very large families, traveling to a reunion; corporate events with multiple branches coming together; even weddings often face the challenge of lots of invitees who don’t know each other.  A casual ice breaking event is often a great way to get everyone to get to know each other and start talking before the more “official events” begin.  Again, this will depend on your group, your budget, and the purpose of your gathering.

Do NOT Bring a Stick and a Pole or a Megaphone!

The first thing you have to accept is that in a place like Disney, it is going to be impossible to try and keep large groups together for any substantial period of time.  In a daydream, it can be lovely to imagine your group of 40 people joyfully going from attraction to attraction, stopping for Mickey bars and Photopass pictures along the way.  However, the reality? Doesn’t really work that way.  We’ve all seen the tour groups following the guide with flag on a pole, marching gleefully through the park chanting first thing in the morning…but have you seen them later in the day?  They usually look lost, miserable, and frustrated…and those chants?  Not so cheery.

The reality: Trying to move even a small group of 5 -7 people all together is like herding cats.  (For those of you who don’t have cats, it’s REALLY REALLY INSANE).  Throw in another 10+ people and you will all lose your minds and end up hating each other.  Honestly, I swear it’s true.  So, please trust me on this.  Let the idea of all staying together for long periods of time GO.

Playing in line (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Instead, plan specific activities to try and do together, and tell everyone up front that you’ll meet for these specific activities, but the rest of the time is their own.   Some of the group may naturally end up staying together for chunks of time, but I think you will find, for the most part, the large group will break up into much smaller groups of 2 – 5 people.

Something Important to Consider… 

(Or: How to avoid having your group plot your murder…)

Is your group going on vacation to Disney and attending your event(s) while they’re there, or are they attending your event(s) and visiting Disney when there’s time after/around your event(s).  It’s a good idea to know the basic perspective that the majority of your group will have.  If everyone is viewing this as their vacation, and they’re fitting in your event(s), you will need to be super careful about how much time you try to “take” from their vacation—or you are likely to run into resistance and push back.

Even though your wedding or Grandma’s birthday may be the most important thing in the world to you (and probably Grandma), not everyone in your group will have that same perspective.  It’s important to know your group, and what their goals and wishes for the trip are—this will help minimize disappointment and hurt feelings on all sides.  And ideally, keep the death threats to a minimum. 

[Note: the author assumes no liability, expressed or implied for any actual death threats, actual or implied that may or may not arise from any of the advice provided on this blog.]

Optional Get-Togethers

When we were planning our wedding weekend, we really wanted to try and spend as much time with all of our guests as possible.  We had “official” events, of course—the welcome dinner, the wedding, the reception and the dessert party that we knew everyone would be attending, but we hoped to get more time with everyone than that.

So, we decided to plan some optional “extra” meet-ups, in hopes that everyone would come to at least one or two of these and we would get more time with everyone.  For our group, we focused on meals.  We booked large group Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) for one or two meals each day, depending on the day, at favorite restaurants we wanted to share with people we loved, and invited everyone to join us.

Sci Fi Dine In
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Chef Mickey Character Breakfast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
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Chef Mickey’s Character Breakfast Photo: Brooke Hudson
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Via Napoli, Italy, Epcot
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Character greetings have been canceled. Character meals are most likely canceled, too. (Unconfirmed)

Logistically, this is a bit of a headache, as with Disney’s cancellation fees, you have to plan ahead for this, and get people to commit at least 36 hours ahead of the meal, so you have time to cancel…but we ended up with 10-20 people at several of our meals and it was AWESOME.  In our case, everyone did separate checks, but there are lots of different ways to handle this.  If everyone is on the dining plan, you can use table service credits.

Alternatively, to help everyone budget (and confirm those commitments!), you could have everyone prepay a fixed amount toward the meals they’re joining before the trip, and have one person responsible for paying the bill and collecting any overages.  If you need help brainstorming ideas, reach out to me, I’m happy to help!

Attraction Meet-Ups

Another idea is to plan a particular attraction at a particular time, and all meet up and do that together.  This can be challenging for more popular attractions that need Fastpasses.  However, you can coordinate everyone’s Fastpass reservations to schedule them into the same range, or at least try and get them to overlap for at least a 30 minute window.  Attractions that are “shows” are good for this, like Mickey’s Philharmagic, Muppets, Carousel of Progress, etc.  You want to make sure you’ve picked something that everyone in your group can enjoy.  If anyone is too little to ride, or won’t be comfortable or won’t enjoy it…maybe think about doing something else instead.

Seven Dwarfs Mine Train in the rain Photo: Linda Harkness
Super Patient Kids Waiting in Line (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Wedding Trip: Toy Story Mania (Photo: Brooke and Frank)

I’ve planned for some groups that had success meeting at slow moving rides with lots of other stuff going around it, so the group stayed together for a while.  For example: One group I worked with had 17 people, including several small children, and a senior in a wheelchair.  They met at Finding Nemo at the Living Seas in Epcot at 9:15 am, and then explored the Livings Seas Pavilion more or less as a group, attending Turtle Talk with Crush as a group, and then went to Lunch at Coral Reef as a group.  After that, they split off into smaller groups or families until the next day.  This worked for them, and they managed to get a big group PhotoPass picture by the fish near the entrance of the Finding Nemo attraction (all part of my plan, haha).

Photo Meet-Ups

Still another idea is just to meet for a Photopass picture periodically.  For example, suggest everyone meet at the Partner’s statue at 1:15pm to check in.  You take a big group picture, see how everyone is doing, and then everyone goes on about their day.

Epcot! (Photo: Disney PhotoPass)
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Your meetups don’t have to be in the parks, either.  You can plan a group pizza party around the pool at your resort for everyone to unwind at the end of a busy park day.  Or even just plan to meet at the resort at 2pm by the pool for everyone to go swimming or enjoy some relaxation time.

Ideas for Group Meet-Ups or “Extra” Events:

  • Hoop-de-do Revue
  • Photopass location meet-up for a group picture
  • Meet at an all-ages attraction. Some great choices include:
    • Walt Disney World Railroad
    • It’s a Small World
    • Carousel of Progress
    • Finding Nemo (the attraction)
    • Living with the Land
    • Muppet Vision 3D
    • Finding Nemo the Musical
  • Resort activities. For example:
    • An afternoon pool party
    • Participate in the Disney movie night at your resort
    • Plan a resort photo shoot, either with a Disney Fine Arts photographer, or your own photographer (I have recommendations, if you need help with this).
  • Parks/Resorts/Disney Springs or All of the above: Plan a game or activity for the whole group that people can help each other with, talk about, etc.  I’ve had a lot of success with customized Photo Scavenger Hunts.  They can be short: targeting one afternoon, and one park or resort.  Alternatively, they can span several days, and include several sections and some scheduled meetups for pictures etc.  One obvious benefit is that you, as the planner, will end up with a lot of great “extra” pictures from the Photo Scavenger Hunt that you might not have gotten otherwise.  Your guests will have so much fun trying to complete the tasks, they won’t even notice they’re suddenly in a lot more pictures than they might have otherwise been in.  It’s sneaky, but it works!!
    • Click HERE if you’d like to visit my Etsy store to contact me about designing something specific for your group.
  • Work together to “make a gift” or “create a basket” for the guest or guests of honor if your event revolves around a birthday party, anniversary party, wedding etc.
    • For example, for Aunt Edie’s 85th Birthday, you could have a scrapbooking party.  You could set up tables with paper and photos and scissors and decorations, and have each table make a couple of pages for a scrapbook to be presented to Aunt Edie at her party.
    • For a wedding, you could have everyone contribute a recipe and make a recipe book with family pictures as a scrapbook type project, similar afternoon or evening gathering.
  • Ride Mix-In: One of the highlights for our guests for our wedding weekend was a ride mix-in we planned after our dessert party ended at Epcot.  Our guests were treated to a surprise ride on Soarin’ right at the end of the night.  They rode with other park guests (they were “mixed in”), but our group got their own row.  It was a fairly economical option for us, and a big hit for our guests.  Check with your event planner or travel agent if you think that’s something you may want to consider.
Soarin' Post Dessert Party Ride Mix In Disney travel with a group
Soarin’ Post-Dessert Party Ride Mix In

There are lots of ways to get together, without trying to walk lockstep, 10 people across, through the Magic Kingdom for 8 hours straight.  Everyone vacations differently.  Some people like to GO GO GO, and basically run from attraction to attraction.  Others like to meander, looking at all those special details, perhaps without any destination in mind at all.  Many of us fall somewhere in between.  The point is, you won’t be able to make ANYONE happy if you try to make EVERYONE happy.

Key Considerations for Planning Group “Extra” Events or Meetups:

  • How many? Decide how many group “meet ups” you want to plan.
    • A good general rule of thumb is 1 or 2 events per day, maximum.
    • Take into consideration your specific group and the reason for your trip.
  • Get Input: Talk to other members of the group to get their input before you finalize your plans.
    • Maybe the majority of your group has no interest in getting together very often.
    • Find out what expectations people have, and what they’d like to do.
  • Budget: Make sure you know what kind of budget you are working with. If you’re planning attraction or photo meet ups, budget isn’t an issue, as long as everyone has a park pass.  However meals have budgetary impact.  And don’t assume that everyone will have a park pass—find out.
  • Where: Decide whether your meet ups will be in the parks or at the resort, or a mixture.
  • For Whom: Try to consider what is important to MOST of the group.  Remember this meet up isn’t about YOU, it’s about the group getting together.  You want to be sure you aren’t just choosing something that YOU like without considering if everyone else would really like it. (Even if it’s an event around your wedding.  Unless it’s actually a wedding event, try and make the other events more about the group and togetherness, rather than just about you and your fiancé).
  • Prioritize Guests of Honor: If you are celebrating someone’s birthday or anniversary, keep THAT person in mind. If it’s a family reunion, keep the most senior members of the family in mind.  Reunions tend to be more for the grandparents and the great grandparents than for the kids—even at Disney!
  • Take Pictures: wherever you meet up, how often you meet up, whatever you end up doing…make sure there are a couple of different people in charge of taking pictures. After the trip is over, and everyone has returned home to their regular lives, perhaps in different parts of the country or even the globe, you will have these pictures.  These pictures will be special memories that will instantly bring all of you back together.  Try to make sure that you have some casual pictures of as many people in your group as possible.  Even if you are waiting in line for an attraction, try to take pictures of people being together.  Have a couple different people in charge of this, so that no one person ends up in NO pictures because they are always taking pictures of everyone else.
Heading to Toy Story Mania (Photo: Brooke Hudson)
Outside the Voyage of the Little Mermaid theater. Photo: Brooke Hudson
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It’s All About the Attitude!

DECIDE You are Going to Have a Great Time

Group events and Family reunions can sometimes be fraught with tension and drama. Even in happy places on vacations, there are sometimes hurt feelings or someone behaving badly or someone who missed their nap and is crabby, etc.  You have to decide that no matter what, you are going to have a great time.  Don’t let the little irritations get you down.

If there’s a Guest of Honor, try and help them have that same perspective if you can.  So much of what happens to us in life is a direct result of our attitude and our expectations.  If you EXPECT to have a great time, most of the time—you will.  When you EXPECT to get in a fight with you father’s second cousin over Saturday’s football game…you probably will.  DECIDE to have a good time, no matter what…and you WILL!

Disney travel with a large group

Disney travel with a large group can bring you magical memories that will last a lifetime.  As long as you plan ahead, and have the right attitude, traveling to Disney with friends and family may be the best vacation of your lives.  If you need any help planning your trip, or would like my advice on herding cats, please contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

Disney Launches Free Dining Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

P.S. If you’d like to read more about Advance Dining Reservations, please check out this post: Planning Ahead: Advance Dining Reservations or this post: Making your Disney Vacation More Enjoyable: Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs).

Character Greetings: Are they just for Kids?

AK Mom and Brooke M&M@

My mom is such a good sport!! I think she could have quite happily gone her whole life without ever posing for a picture with Mickey and Minnie mouse, but one of the joys of traveling with me?  If the opportunity presents itself and the line is short…it’s happening! So as a result, I have quite a number of pictures of my mom with Mickey Mouse and various other characters–and to be honest, these are some of my very favorite pictures of my Mom.

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My husband has (luckily for me, since he’s my traveling partner most often) pretty much embraced the Character Greeting experience.  I don’t know that he LOVED it initially, but he loved making me happy, so he faked it pretty good…but now he usually gets a pretty big kick out of it.

 

Our favorite character greeting (so far) was at a Star Wars weekend in May 2014.  We were at Disney that weekend primarily for our Disney Wedding planning session, but were OF COURSE not going to miss out on some park time 😉!  Before the trip, I’d made some shirts with some iron on decals (I learned from this project that I am not really a fan of the iron-ons, I must be honest) specifically for our Hollywood Studios day, in honor of Star Wars weekend.  Mine featured Princess Leia Vinylmation, and said “I love you” and Frank’s featured Han Solo Vinylmation, and said “I know”.  We did the Character Greeting with Star Wars Minnie and Mickey and they really played up our shirts which was awesome, and then Minnie saw my ring and went a little crazy and the whole thing was just hysterical.  She was pretending to be mad at Mickey because she didn’t have a ring, and Mickey was hiding behind Frank at one point…at any rate, it was a really memorable greeting, and we both loved it!

Sometimes, as adults, we can feel kind of silly interacting with characters because we are so conscious of who’s behind the experience–it’s easier when you’ve got your kids (or someone else’s kids—thank goodness for nieces and nephews!) to pose with, or if you can enjoy the experience through the kids’ eyes.

Sorcerer Mickey GROUP

But something that I think is really important about getting the most out of your Disney experience is giving yourself permission to let go of some of your “grown up” when you’re at Disney.  If you ARE traveling with kids, take some queues from them.  Kids are so good about playing ALL the time.  If not, use your imagination.  It might be a little rusty–but it’s there, I promise!  Forget about the bills, and the mortgage, and the 4,000 things you have to do when you get home and whether anyone might see these pictures (hint: when your daughter or wife has a blog and is a Disney travel agent, the answer is YES! 😉) Don’t worry about what people might think, and just HAVE FUN.

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PhotoPass Magic Shot Minnie Mouse with Linda
Super Patient Kids Waiting in Line (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

It’s so hard for us to do these days–just let go of all the baggage and have fun, but I think it’s even more important in these days of stress and drama and fast paced craziness–we all need a chance to just HAVE FUN.

So whether it’s a character greeting, or riding DUMBO, or riding Space Mountain just so you can scream—or maybe even just planning to take a Disney vacation in the first place–remember, we all DESERVE a little time to have FUN, to PLAY and to be SILLY. It is a CRITICAL part of the human experience. And if you do have kids? (Young or old!) They will have so much fun seeing you play, I promise.  Few things make me happier than seeing my mom crack up laughing!

AK Mom and Brooke Giggles RESIZED 2

Some tips to avoid lines for Character Greetings:

  • Use a Fast Pass+ reservation: This depends a lot on your priorities—If you want a really hard to get Character Greeting, like Anna and Elsa from Frozen, you may want to consider using one of your Fast Pass + reservations for it. Personally, I don’t usually use Fast Pass + reservations for character greetings in the pre-vacation scheduling; however, I have used them in the park after I’ve used my first three—especially if we got in the park right when it opened and have tackled most of our Must-Do’s fairly early in the day.  If there’s a FP+ for a character greeting that you want available and the window is relatively soon—I say grab it, unless there is an attraction that you want to do MORE.
  • Pay attention to the character greeting schedule: Often characters, especially located in more remote areas of a park, will have very short lines or no lines when they first come on stage.  Then, as people realize they are there, the line will grow.  If you are alert, and try to be at the location a few minutes before the greeting is scheduled to start, you should be among the first few people in line for the character.
  • Assess the wait time BEFORE mentioning the possibility of meeting a character in front of little ones: My personal maximum wait time for a character greeting is 15 minutes—there have certainly been exceptions to that, but generally that’s my rule of thumb.  If it looks like the wait is 30 minutes or more, I won’t even get in line.  I have seen (and heard) giant tantrums from kids that believed they were going to see Mickey Mouse, but mom and dad decided the line was too long (and they were absolutely right—it WAS too long and the kids would have been MISERABLE) – but the drama could have been avoided completely.  Just don’t even say where you’re going, or tell them you’re headed to a shop or something so you can check.  In two adult situations, let one adult run and check out the line situation while the other one distracts the kids.  I’m a big fan of wonderful surprises without the harrowing risk of dramatic disappointments.  Know how long you are willing to wait before you go.
  • Consider a Character Meal: At all character meals, characters make their way from table to table for pictures and autographs, so you are guaranteed to get pictures with which ever characters are at that meal with no waiting in line. A couple things to consider:
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    Character Breakfast at the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom
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    Chef Mickey Character Breakfast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort
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    • Pictures are more challenging: No photopass photographers go around with the characters, so any pictures are those taken by you or someone at your table—if you’re lucky, maybe a neighboring table or a cast member might volunteer—but usually, it’s you.
    • Be prepared to act quickly: the visits are short, so if you have a large group, it’s unlikely you’ll have time for lots of individual or small group pictures, especially if there are autographs involved. Assume you’ll have time for two to four pictures.
    • Timing: character meals are almost always buffets—so there is a risk you (or your entire party) will be at the buffet when a particular character visits your area—and generally, if you miss them, you may not get another chance.  Usually if you pay attention or ask your server, you can figure out who is coming next and how long it may be before they reach your table—but pay attention.  Last trip we sat next to a table that had 3 kids and 3 adults—the adults were all at the buffet when the characters came; I offered to take pictures but the kids had been taught NOT to talk to strangers so that was a no-go.  I felt so bad!!  Luckily, that particular character DID make it around again, so all was well!
    • Cost/Benefit: Character meals are pricey, especially if you have kids (or other family members) that don’t eat much at meal times. I usually recommend Breakfasts, as they are a more economical option, generally, but we’ve also done lunches and dinners.  Just make sure you look at the pricing and the menus before you decide to go this route to make sure there is value here for you.  For bigger eaters or picky eaters, buffets can be a wonderful option, so consider your group when planning.  Of course, part of what you are paying for is access to the characters.  So try not think of it as a $60 buffet; it’s a $40 buffet with a $20 floor show, where your kids get autographs and pictures with the “stars”.
    • Reservations are necessary and can be challenging to get: Character meals absolutely require reservations 180 days before your trip, and even then, can often be difficult to get.  I’ve been trying for a few years to do a meal in the castle for one of my spring trips with my mom, and have been unsuccessful so far.  It’s worked out for some of the trips with my husband, but it’s been more difficult during the spring, which is a busier time.  6)
    • Know before you go:  Most meals feature 4-5 Characters max.  Different meals in different locations will feature different characters.  Many meals do NOT include Mickey or Minnie Mouse. Make sure you know WHICH characters are at the meal you are planning.  You don’t want to have your heart set on seeing Mickey Mouse only to discover that the only characters at the Character Breakfast you are attending are Disney Playhouse Junior characters.  Know before you go!
  • Look for character greeting opportunities in the WILD.  Sometimes, characters don’t have a standard “on stage” spot, with a queue line and Fast Past + reservations.  Sometimes, they’re just out walking around in the parks.  Pay attention, and you may find an opportunity for a character greeting without any of the challenges of waiting in line or getting a FP+.  NOTE: Characters heading to and from their scheduled “on stage” appearance are generally NOT allowed to stop and chat with guests as they are on a schedule; I’m not talking about characters en route to an appearance…I’m talking about characters “milling about” or in general, working the crowd.  For example, you’ll often find Green Army Men in Toy Story Land.  Or, you may find Mayor Donald wandering around Hollywood looking for unsuspecting strollers operating without a license 😉.
Heading to Toy Story Mania (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Do you have any really memorable Character Greeting experiences you’d like to share?  I’d love to hear about them!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Reminder: If you book your Disney vacation with me, one of the services I offer is that I can help you plan your Advance Dining Reservations, and even make your reservations for you.  I can also help with Fast Pass + planning, and even help you evaluate different options for special experiences, based on what’s important to your group.  Email me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today for more information!