Category: Trip Planning

Should I Rent a Car on my Disney Vacation?

One question we hear a lot from clients, friends and family is “Should I rent a car for my Disney vacation?”  This question sparks heated debate among faithful Disney parks fans all over the world.  Some people insist no car rental is necessary at Disney due to all the free Disney transportation (as long as you stay on Disney property).  Others wouldn’t dream of visiting Disney World without renting a car.  So what is the right answer for you?

As with most things about the “perfect” Disney vacation, the answer depends on what’s important to YOU.  A Disney World vacation IS a vacation where you can rely on free or economical transportation for most everything–having a car on your Disney vacation is NOT a requirement.

Free parking returns for disney resort guests

Where are you Staying?

One of the quickest resolutions to the “Should I rent a car for my Disney vacation?” question is if you are staying on Disney property or not.  If you are not staying on Disney property, it is a lot more likely that you might want to rent a car.

Staying Off Disney Property

While many of the hotels and resorts do offer shuttle service to Disney parks, you may prefer to travel on your own schedule and have the freedom to leave the parks and return to your resort on your timeline, not theirs.  Most of the off-site properties don’t offer unlimited or frequent transportation to and from Disney.  Usually, there are a few timeslots in the morning, some in the afternoon and some in the evening.  But it varies a lot, depending on the resort you are staying at.  If you’d prefer NOT to rent a car, make sure you check with your resort before your trip about what options they offer to get you to the parks–or what they don’t offer, as the case may be.

If you are staying at an Air BnB or a bit farther from Disney, you will need to find your own way to the Disney parks. Orlando has a thriving Lyft/Uber community, and using Lyft or Uber as your vacation transportation is VERY doable for your Disney vacation–but it can get pretty pricey, especially if you are more than a few miles outside of Disney.

Generally, I recommend guests staying off Disney property rent a car for the convenience factor.  However, it is possible to stay off property and NOT rent a car. Note: Many non-Disney owned hotels charge for parking. Make sure you know if you’ll need to pay for parking and how much.  Also, Disney will charge you to park your rental car at the theme parks if you are not an Annual Passholder or DVC Member.  Be sure to take that extra cost into consideration because $25 per day adds up super fast, and can really inflate the cost to rent a of renting a car.

money

Staying on Disney Property

One of the benefits of staying at a Walt Disney World resort is that Disney provides transportation from your resort to each of the four theme parks and Disney Springs absolutely free. If you are staying on Disney property, a strong case can be made that you don’t NEED a car for your Disney vacation.

Magical Express

If have done any research for your Disney vacation, you may have heard about Magical Express.  Magical Express was a terrific service that Disney used to offer to resort guests that provide free bus transport from Orlando International Airport directly to your resort.  It was very popular with many guests  over the years, but Disney ended the service in 2022.

Magical Express
Photo: Disney Parks
Mears Transportation

Mears Transportation is the company that used to provide the Magical Express service on behalf of Disney.  They still offer transportation via bus from the Orlando airport to your Disney resort–it’s just not called “Magical Express” any more and it’s no longer free.  The service is now called Mears Connect, and it serves multiple resorts, not just Disney. Prices are currently $13 per child and $16 per adult.  Advance reservations are required, but are easy to make from your phone or computer. Learn more or make reservations at Mears Transportation.

Mears Connect Disney Transportation
Photo: Mears Transportation

Keep in mind that the prices above are per person and are for one way trips. They are also subject to change without notice.  Those with larger groups may find it more economical to take an Uber or Lyft from the airport to their resort.  We’ve done this a few times, and the total cost with tip has been between $30 and $45, depending on traffic and the tip.

Is Your Trip All About Disney or Will You Visit Other Tourist Destinations?

Another important consideration for those asking the “Should I rent a car for my Disney vacation?” question is whether their vacation is exclusively all about Disney. If your family or group wants to also visit Universal Studios or LegoLand; if they want to go visit the outlet malls; if they want to go see the mermaids at Weeki Wachee State Park; you are much more likely to need a rental car for your vacation.  That is not to say you cannot do all of these things if you DON’T have a car–you absolutely can do it if you are determined.  But visiting multiple unrelated destinations is much easier if you have your own car.

Weeki Wachee Mermaids
Photo: Weeki Wachee Calendar

Combining Disney and Universal Studios

Surprisingly, it is pretty easy to visit both Disney World and Universal Studios/Islands of Adventure in the same vacation without renting a car. At Universal, both parks are within walking distance of each other and they are also in walking distance or a short water taxi ride from many of the Universal resorts.

Both Disney and Universal offer shuttle service from one resort to the other. I recommend you plan in advance if you want to use this, and make your reservations early.  Prices range from $35-$50 per person, depending on whether you are purchasing them in a package with Universal park tickets (or Disney park tickets if you are starting at Universal.)

Universal Parks
Photo: Universal Parks

Much like hotel shuttles, the shuttles between Universal and Disney usually run on a specific time schedule.  Depending on the number of guests with reservations, your shuttle might be a small van or it could be a full size coach bus.  The trip between the two resorts takes about thirty minutes–more if multiple pickups or drop-offs are involved.  Make sure you allow for extra time when you are planning for this.

If you don’t want to take advantage of the Disney or Universal shuttles, Uber or Lyft is also a great option.  We’ve never had to wait more than about 15 minutes for an Uber or Lyft on Disney property.  Note: We have waited longer than 15 minutes at both the airport and Disney Springs. Traffic and demand have a BIG impact on wait times in both apps.

So, do you need a rental car if you are staying at Disney but also want to visit Universal? No, you don’t. But having a rental car does make it a lot easier and more convenient, that’s for sure.  You can travel on your own schedule, and you don’t have to stop at other resorts to pick up other travelers.

Shopping

What if you like to go shopping on your vacation? Should you get a rental car for your Disney vacation if you like to shop? Not necessarily.

Publix
Photo: Brooke Hudson

If you are planning to shop for groceries, grocery delivery is a great option and has become very common on Disney property.  If you want to visit the Disney Character Warehouse or the outlet malls, you CAN use Uber, Lyft or a taxi service.  However, the more running around you want to do, the more convenient it is to have your own car.

We almost always do a grocery run at the start of our trips, stocking our room with breakfast and snack items, wine and water.  We’ve also found the Publix near Disney property to have some really great Disney souvenirs at prices much more affordable than at Disney World.  It’s not the Disney branded stuff, of course, but especially if you are buying for little kids, it’s good stuff at decent pricing.

Convenience versus Cost

For many of us, the choice to rent a car or not comes down to the question of convenience versus cost.  When Disney offered Magical Express transportation from the airport for free, many guests chose to skip the rental car and take advantage of the free Disney transportation on property.  From a cost savings perspective, it’s hard to beat the free Disney transportation available for Disney resort guests.

Should you cancel your 2020 disney world vacation

Now that transportation from the airport is no longer free, the decision of whether to rent a car has gotten a little murkier for some folks.

Modes of Transportation

Some of the fun of a Disney vacation is all the different modes of free Disney transportation available.  You can travel by bus, monorail, boat or Skyliner.  The most common method of Disney transportation is the bus.  You can take a bus from every resort to every theme park and to Disney Springs. Note: You cannot take a bus from one theme park to another, so if you are a park hopper, you’ll want to be hopping between Monorail or Skyliner resorts to minimize your travel times. Alternatively, you need to plan on taking the bus back to your resort and then taking the resort bus to the theme park of your choice.

Disney Skyliner Disney Transportation
Photo: Linda Harkness
Monorail

There are two Monorail runs.  The original Monorail track joins together the three deluxe resorts closest to the Magic Kingdom.  This track loops in the Ticket and Transport Center at the Magic Kingdom, Disney’s Polynesian Resort, Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort, the Magic Kingdom, and Disney’s Contemporary Resort.  The second Monorail line runs from the Ticket and Transport Center at the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.  That is a nice long ride, especially if you really want to “ride” the monorail for the sake of riding it.

Disney Monorail Disney Transportation
Photo: Brooke Hudson
Boats and Water Taxis

One of my favorite modes of transportation at Walt Disney World are the boats.  When you visit the Magic Kingdom via car, you are required to park at the Ticket and Transport Center, and then take the Monorail or the Ferry to the Magic Kingdom.  I love the Ferry, and will almost always choose the Ferry if offered the option.  The Magic Kingdom resorts all offer a boat or water taxi to the Magic Kingdom.  Port Orleans, Saratoga Springs and Old Key West all offer boats that go to Disney Springs. Finally, anyone staying at any of the Boardwalk area resorts has the option to take a boat to Epcot or Hollywood Studios.

Disney Transportation Why rent a car at Disney?
Magic Kingdom Ferry                                                                                                     Photo: Brooke Hudson
Skyliner

The Skyliner is a mode of Disney transportation but it’s more than just getting from point A to point B.  The Skyliner is also an attraction that many guests love to ride just for the fun of it.  The Skyliner offers transportation to EPCOT and Hollywood Studios from Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort, Disney’s Riviera Resort, Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and Disney’s Pop Century Resort. Each Skyliner cabin features different colors and characters, and the ride itself is smooth and offers gorgeous views of Disney World property.

Disney Skyliner Transports One Millionth Guest
Photo: Disney Parks

The Rental Car Advantage

The biggest advantage to having a rental car at Walt Disney World is the convenience. You can go to whichever theme park you want at whatever time you want to, without waiting for Disney transportation.  Having a rental car also makes it much more convenient to visit a second theme park in the afternoon or evening.  I’ve found having a car makes it so much easier and faster to take an afternoon break and return to our resort, returning to the park for evening fireworks.

Free parking returns for Disney resort guests rental car
Photo: Brooke Hudson
Freedom and Flexibility

I have learned over my many trips to Disney over the years that I am a control freak, and I really prefer to have a car for my Disney vacations.  I like the freedom of being able to grocery shop on our way in from the airport, and the ability to leave property to go shopping or to find someplace to eat for less than $50/person.

Generally, it doesn’t really matter to me that I could get anywhere on Disney property for free and that I don’t NEED a car. I like to have control over where we go and when. I’m not very patient, and I don’t like waiting for the bus (or the boat or the monorail or whatever.)

Should I rent a car for my Disney Vacation? Disney Transportation
Photo: Brooke Hudson
A Possible Disadvantage for Some

However, many people don’t like to worry about driving while they are on vacation. Disney signage is not always the best, and sometimes navigating Disney property can be frustrating. So while freedom to manage your schedule the way you want and the convenience of having a car is significant, you have to weigh that against the INCONVENIENCE of having to navigate Disney roadways and driving while on vacation. If the thought of that stresses you out, renting a car for your Disney vacation is probably not for you!

Lyft/Uber

After Covid, there was a severe shortage of rental cars for a couple of years, and renting a car was extremely cost prohibitive.  For our first trip during this time, we originally planned to take an Uber or Lyft from and back to the airport and use Disney transportation for everything else. We ended up using Lyft and Uber for transportation to and from the parks and to Disney Springs as well. By the end of the week, we’d spent about $230 on Lyft and Uber.  This was a 7 day trip, and we also took Lyft/Uber to and from the airport.  We visited one park per day, but we did take afternoon breaks on a couple of days.  Usually, we spend a little more than that on a rental car for the week, so we felt the Lyft/Uber solution was a good fit for us on that trip.

However, now that rental car prices are mostly back to normal and good deals can be found, we usually rent a car for our Disney vacations.

Final Answer: Should I Rent a Car for my Disney Vacation?

The answer that is right for you comes down to what is most important to you and your family.  Cost or convenience? If you are trying to keep costs down, I recommend you don’t rent a car.  Take advantage of Disney’s free transportation.  Allow extra time each day in case you have to wait a bit for the bus. If you are going to a theme park or Disney Springs for a meal reservation, it’s good to allow yourselves at least an hour when using Disney transportation.

If convenience is more important than cost, I really love the convenience of having a car. Yes, it costs more money, but it saves TIME–which depending on your perspective, can be just as valuable as money.

What’s YOUR final answer? Will you choose to rent a car on your next Disney vacation or will you skip the rental and rely on Disney transportation to get around?

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

Disney Dessert Parties – Are they worth the money?

I am a Disney World fireworks junkie, I admit it.  Combining desserts WITH Disney fireworks?  Sounds like a win to me!  This is where Disney Dessert Parties come in.  But are they worth it?

For many Disney theme park fans, myself included, Walt Disney World’s nightly fireworks displays can be the highlight of their Disney Day. These amazing displays of pyrotechnics artistically themed and perfectly choreographed to music are beautiful and often emotionally stirring.  (And also REALLY expensive and not great for the environment.  But that’s a topic for another blog!).

However, finding a great spot to watch the fireworks from can be challenging.  Don’t get me wrong–There are LOTS of places to stand (or occasionally, to sit) and watch the fireworks at the Magic Kingdom, EPCOT or Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  But a GREAT spot?  Where, if you are so inclined, you can capture good pictures or video?  Without a child on someone’s shoulders dead center in all your photos?  THIS is a nightly challenge!  The best spots are often staked out 2-3 hours in advance–and even then, I’ve seen park guests enraged when after two hours of carefully guarding their “spot”, latecomers encroach and crowd into their space.  Remember, these shows come at the end of long, very active and often very hot days.  I love Disney fireworks shows with all my heart, but standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of sweaty strangers can, at times, be uncomfortable.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing
Magic Kingdom Fireworks Viewing Spot. Photo: Brooke Hudson

But what options do we have? We all want to watch the fireworks. 60% of us want to photograph or record video of the show. So we suck it up, find a spot as early as we are willing to, and take turns running to the closest Mickey Bar kiosk to get a sugar rush to (hopefully) carry us through.

Disney has an option for you–but it will cost you.  Disney offers several different varieties of a Fireworks Dessert Party for some of their shows in some of their parks, depending on the time of year and whether the park is open to regular guests.  These Disney Dessert Parties are offered at several price points, but none of them are what we would think of as an “economy” option.  Disney Dessert Parties are growing in popularity, and are often sold out.  The question is, are Disney Dessert Parties worth the money?

What is a Disney Dessert Party?

Basically, Disney Dessert Parties are a semi private event that you can buy a ticket to for a particular fireworks show at a particular theme park on a particular night.  Your Disney Dessert Party  ticket includes 45 minutes – 1 hour access to a generous buffet of desserts, cheeses and beverages.  Beverages do include an assortment of beer and wine for guests age 21 and over.  Your Disney Dessert Party ticket will also include access to a protected viewing area for that evening’s fireworks presentation.  This area will ONLY be accessible to Disney Dessert Party guests, and Disney is careful not to oversell these events.  This ensures that the Disney Dessert Party protected viewing areas are not crazy crowded.  At minimum, your viewing experience will be more comfortable and you’ll have some breathing room.

Disney Dessert Party tickets are a separate purchase from your theme park ticket, but a theme park ticket is required for entry into the park. If you are visiting the park on a one-day ticket during a peak season, your day’s ticket could be as high as $160.  If you add on a Disney Dessert Party, you could be adding another $100 – $150 to that day’s ticket costs.  It’s important to keep that in mind–this is an additional ticket.  You have to have a park ticket to enter the park, and you have to have a paid Disney Dessert Party reservation to attend the Disney Dessert Party and to have access to the protected fireworks viewing area.

In this post, we’ll focus on Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties.  We’ll talk about Disney Dessert Party options at the other parks in a future post.

What does a Disney Dessert Party Cost?

Short answer?  It depends.  Currently, Disney is offering three different Disney Dessert Parties at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park for the Happily Ever After evening fireworks shows.

Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Parties: Pre-Party

The first Disney Dessert Party option available is the Magic Kingdom Fireworks Dessert Party Pre-Party. A reservation is required for each member of your party to attend this event, and your card will be charged when you make the reservation.

Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Disney Dessert Parties
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Photo: Brooke Hudson
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant Disney Dessert Parties
Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, Magic Kingdom Dessert Party Check In. Photo: Brooke Hudson

You will check in at Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where you will be given a wrist band.  You will then be directed to the upper area of Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant, where your party will be taken to a seating area.  Your dessert buffet, beverage area and bar area will be located on this upper level.  Please note that you may be sharing tables with other groups. You can visit the dessert buffet stations and the various beverage stations in your area as often as you want to, during the time you in your designated dessert party area in the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.  About 30 minutes before the fireworks are due to begin, dessert party cast members will circulate through the seating area and let you know that they will begin leading guests to the designated fireworks viewing area for party goers.

Current pricing is $99 per adult (ages 10+) and $59 per child (ages 3-9).  Taxes are  included.  Per the Walt Disney Company, gratuities are not included or necessary

Fireworks Viewing Area

I’ve done a few of these parties over the years.  Usually, a cast member will carry a red flashlight and lead a line of dessert party guests from the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant to the designated fireworks viewing area in the Plaza Garden. Depending on how crowded the park is that day, this may happen quickly or it may take a while as you are led through the surrounding crowd to the designated area in the Plaza Garden.  For the fireworks viewing, the Plaza Garden is blocked off from the rest of the park guests.  Only guests with a paid dessert party admission are allowed into this area for approximately 2 hours before the fireworks and including the show itself.  It is a standing area, but it won’t be super crowded.

If you aren’t familiar with the Plaza Garden, it is located to the right after The Plaza Restaurant and the seating area across from the Plaza restaurant. During the day, the Plaza Garden usually features a couple of PhotoPass photographers, as this area offers a lovely view of the castle.  This is also the spot where, during the day, you can take the PhotoPass photo where you are photographed from a camera located on the roof of The Plaza Restaurant building.

Plaza Garden Photo Spot
Plaza Garden Photo Spot Photo: Disney PhotoPass
Plaza Garden Photo Spot Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Viewing Spot
Plaza Garden Photo Spot and Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Fireworks Viewing Area. Photo: Disney PhotoPass

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Post-Party

The next Magic Kingdom Dessert Party option is the Post-Party.  This party is very similar to the Pre-party described above; however, in this version, you watch the fireworks FIRST, and attend the Dessert Party itself after the fireworks.

You will still check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and get your wristband approximately 45 minutes to one hour before the fireworks.  Once you have your wristband, you will be shown to the same fireworks viewing area described above.  This area is the viewing area for both the Pre-Party Dessert Party and the Post-Party Dessert Party.

After the fireworks display is over, cast members will lead you back to the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant for your Post-Party Dessert Party.  Your party will be led by a cast member to the upper level of Tomorrowland  Terrace Restaurant, where you will be shown to a seating area.  Depending on the size of your party, you may be sharing a table with other guests.

Once you have your seating area, you have the freedom to visit the dessert buffet or any of the beverage stations as often as you’d like until the end of the party, approximately 45 minutes after the end of the fireworks.

Current pricing for the Magic Kingdom Post-Party Dessert Party:  $99 per adult (aged 10 and over) and $59 per child ages 3-9.  Tax is included.  Gratuity is not included and not necessary per the Walt Disney Company.

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties Dessert Buffet
Magic Kingdom Dessert Party: Dessert Buffet. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties: Seats and Sweets

The final Magic Kingdom Dessert Party option is my personal favorite: Seats and Sweets.  This Magic Kingdom Dessert Party allows you to “keep your seats” during fireworks show itself, not just before the show or after the show, like the previous two parties I’ve described.

Disney Dessert Party Seats and Sweets
Magic Kingdom Dessert Party: Seats and Sweets. Our table. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Check in for the Seats and Sweets Dessert Party is similar to the other parties.  You check in at the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant and receive a wristband.  The entrance for this particular party is actually on the Tomorrowland side of the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant.  Don’t worry if you forget—whichever party you are attending, no matter where you try to check in, the cast members will make sure you get to the right place.

Once you have your wristband for the party, a cast member will show you to your table on the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant patio area.  This is your table until the party is over.  Yes, you can sit and watch the fireworks in comfort at this Dessert Party.

Seating Magic Kingdom Dessert Party Seats and Sweets
Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party Photo: Brooke Hudson

Once you have your assigned table, you are free to visit the dessert buffet or the various beverage stations as often as you like.  There’s no rush to finish your desserts before the show starts though.  You don’t have to relocated to watch the show, or scramble to find a good viewing spot.  I walked around the patio area quite a bit during our last Seats & Sweets Dessert Party, and I think all the tables offer a good viewing spot!!

Disney Dessert Parties
Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party. Photo: Brooke Hudson

There are cast members working throughout the party, busing the tables to clear away your empty plates or glasses.  If you attend this party, I recommend arriving at or before the start time, so you have plenty of time to relax and enjoy your desserts and beverages before the fireworks begin.

Current pricing is $114 per adult (ages 10+) and $69 per child (ages 3-9).  Taxes are included already.  Gratuity is not included and not necessary, per the Walt Disney Company on its website promoting the party.  note: this price is about $10 per person less than it was the last time I attended this party.  Prices on all three Dessert Party options are subject to change — and they do change—especially during busier seasons.

Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweets Dessert Party Fireworks View. Photo: Brooke Hudson

For the most current pricing, please visit Here.

So…Is a Disney Dessert Party Worth the Cost?

It depends.  $100- $150 (depending on the season) per person for approximately 1 hour’s worth of food, beverages and entertainment is a lot of money for many of us.  If money is no object, I would definitely encourage to book a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party for your traveling group on your next trip.  Whether you watch from the reserved standing viewing area in the Plaza Garden or you watch from the comfort of your seats on the Tomorrowland Terrace Restaurant patio, the fireworks experience is much more enjoyable this way.

For most of us, money is  a concern.  And if you have a large group or family, this event could cost your group $1,000 or more!!  I’ve had people tell me that I’m crazy for spending $100+ for a 15 minute fireworks display that I can watch from all over the park.  But I’m not really paying for the fireworks display itself—I’m paying for the comfort before, during and after the fireworks display.

Now, if fireworks aren’t your thing, or if you don’t care one way or the other about watching the show—clearly you are not the target audience for any of these parties.  Save your money and get in shorter ride lines during the show.

However, if you are like me and you LOVE Disney fireworks, I recommend you give strong consideration to whether your budget can extend to include a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party for your family or traveling group.

What exactly are you paying for?

Each Magic Kingdom Dessert Party includes the same dessert buffet.  I’ve double checked at each party I’ve been to, and the options at the other parties were the same.  The dessert buffet will include 8-12 small dessert pastry options.  It will also include some cheese and some fruit.  Sometimes, there might be a soft serve ice cream machine. At our last party, there was no ice cream, but there was a cookie decorating station and there was someone making fresh dessert crepes while you watched.

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Your Disney Dessert Party ticket also includes unlimited access to the various beverage stations.  Coffee, tea, milk, lemonade and water are always included in the beverage options.  In addition, there is an assortment of beer and wine available for those guests that are age 21 and over with a valid ID.

The Value Proposition

Let’s do the math: if the average glass of wine on Disney property is $11, and you have two glasses of wine at the party, you would have spent $22 on that wine.  Food on Disney property is not economically priced, so if you were to order a dessert at most Disney restaurants, you’d probably spend around $12.  So far, we’re at $34.  Add in that you can revisit the buffet multiple times and also get a cup of coffee —  I think you could round out the food and beverage component at around $40 of comparative value—less if you don’t drink alcohol.

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If your party won’t be drinking alcohol, the beverages will offer much less value for your family.  You may find that without alcohol, the Disney Dessert Party ticket may not have enough value for you personally.

Your Disney Dessert Party ticket also includes a seat at a table during the dessert party portion of the party.  For the Pre-Party and Post-Party, your ticket also includes access to the Plaza Garden private fireworks viewing area.  This area is only open to Dessert Party attendees.  Yes, it is a standing area. However, if you weren’t attending the Dessert Party, you’d be standing to watch the show—but for much longer and much more uncomfortably.  You are not standing shoulder to shoulder in the Plaza Garden Dessert Party fireworks viewing area.  There is usually plenty of space to spread out from your neighbors.  It’s a prime viewing location, and the extra breathing room makes for a much more comfortable viewing experience.

If you’re going to the Pre-Party, you are going to be sitting for most of the 45 minutes leading up to the fireworks display.  If you are going to the Post-Party, you have a guaranteed spot inside the Plaza Garden viewing area. There is no need to stake out a spot 2 hours before the show. You can access the Plaza Garden as early as 1 hour before the show and as late as 30 minutes before the show. (I wouldn’t personally cut it any closer than that—but I’m sure there are risk takers who would be comfortable arriving a few minutes before the show starts!)

For the Seats and Sweets Dessert Party, you will be sitting for the entirety of your experience.  This makes for a much more relaxing and enjoyable experience, in my opinion.

Magic Kingdom Dessert Parties
Linda and Brooke at Magic Kingdom Seats and Sweet Dessert Party. Photo: Dessert Party Cast Member

The Bottom Line

Attending a Disney Dessert Party is definitely more of a luxury experience.  If you are super budget inclined, a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party may not be for you.  However, if you are going to splurge on something during your trip, this is one experience I would strongly consider.

I cannot stress enough how nice it is not to have to stake out a spot to watch the fireworks 1.5 – 2 hours before the show.  And of course, if you do arrive early to stake out your spot, you are going to be standing there for a long time.  Which, let’s face it—after  long day of walking 4-7 miles in the park and standing in various lines—can really put a damper on how much you enjoy the show.

Personally, I think there is a lot of value in being able to sit down and relax for 45+ minutes before the show.  Even more value in being able to sit and relax for the hour leading up to the show and to stay seated during the show.

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If the Post-Party is on your menu, there is a lot of value to not having to arrive super early to find your spot.  And, as soon as the show is over, you know that you will be able to sit down and enjoy desserts and beverages for 45 minutes to an hour.

How much value you place on these things is an individual decision.  If you do want to attend a Magic Kingdom Dessert Party during your trip, make sure you are making your reservations at the earliest possible date.  If you are staying on Disney property, that’s 60 days prior to the first night of your  reservation, and for the length of your reservation.  If you are not staying on property, you’ll be able to book 60 days prior to the date of the party you want to attend.

Final Thoughts on Disney Dessert Parties

I definitely recommend Disney Dessert Parties to my clients, family and friends that can budget for it.  I recommend planning your party for near the end of your trip.  You’ll appreciate the extra time sitting more later in your trip.  Earlier in the trip, when everyone’s legs are still fresh, you won’t benefit as much from the extra sitting time.

Also, do not plan a big lunch or dinner on Dessert Party day.  Skip your popcorn, churros, and Mickey Bars on Dessert Party day.  If you fill up before the party, you won’t get eat or enjoy your desserts as much.

Another suggestion: if your resort room includes a refrigerator, consider bring ziploc baggies or take out boxes and take some extra dessert pastries back to your resort with you.

What are your thoughts? Are any of the Disney Dessert Parties on your wishlist?  Please share your thoughts below.

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

 

 

 

Roundup Rodeo BBQ – Restaurant Review

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entrance
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Entrance. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Hollywood Studios has needed more table service dining options for a long time.  We were very excited when Disney announced that Toy Story Land was getting its own Western themed table service restaurant, Roundup Rodeo BBQ.  Roundup Rodeo BBQ opened in April fully booked, and it remains a popular table service option.  This is likely to be a hard to get table service reservation for months, if not years, to come.

 

Roundup Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Brooke Hudson

Most of the preliminary reviews I read for Roundup Rodeo BBQ were positive if not glowing. We went into this meal primed to love it.  We were excited to have a new option for lunch or dinner, and I was thrilled to have secured a dinner reservation for our first planned Hollywood Studio visit of the trip.

The Good

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is themed perfectly to Toy Story Land.  It fits right in, and the decor feels very similar to Toy Story Mania or Slinky Dog Dash.  The design and decor of the restaurant itself, as well as the exterior waiting area and entrance to the restaurant area, are really well done and very cute.  The colors are bright and cheerful, and there is a LOT to look at.

Roundup rodeo BBQ
Linda in Roundup Rodeo BBQ. Photo: Brooke Hudson

The final design looks a lot like the original concept art Disney gave us when they first announced Roundup Rodeo BBQ was coming.  You can check that out Here or Here.

We absolutely loved the theming.  If you aren’t aware, the premise of Roundup Rodeo BBQ is that Andy has assembled all his toys in the backyard for a Rodeo.  There are audio tracks playing throughout your meal that feature Toy Story characters announcing various Rodeo events or activities.  A fun element is that every so often the Green Army Men will announce that Andy is coming, and all cast members in Roundup Rodeo BBQ (and lots of participating restaurant guests) freeze.

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Another good thing we liked about Roundup Rodeo BBQ is the price point.  Adults are $45 per person plus tax for all you care to enjoy, and children 9 and under are $25 per person plus tax, again for all you care to enjoy.  The food is served family style, and guests are welcome to request more food if they desire.  Meals include biscuits with jam, three salads, four meats, dessert and a soft drink, tea, coffee, milk or juice.  Specialty beverages are available for an additional cost.

The Bad

You can review the full menu for Roundup Rodeo BBQ Here.

Unfortunately, as happy as we were with the theming and the price point, we were disappointed by the food.  Specifically, we really did not like the entree options for this meal.  Disney has elected to go with hickory smoked for the entree meats, and hickory smoked is a very strong flavor.  I have no doubt that the meats themselves are of high quality; however the hickory smoked flavor overrode the taste of the meats themselves.  If you are a fan of hickory smoked, I’m sure you will love these meats.

Roundup rodeo bbq meats
Roundup Rodeo BBQ meat basket. Photo: Brooke Hudson

Here are the meats you get with your meal: (Note there’s a plant based option that you can order instead of the meats—we did not try that option.)

Enjoy a Platter of all the Following House-Smoked Items

Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs | Buttercup’s Beef Brisket | There’s a Sausage in my Boot – Fire-grilled Pork Sausage | BBQ Chicken – with Style!
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu smoked meats
Photo: Disney Parks

While I normally really enjoy barbecue, I have to admit that the overpowering hickory smoked flavor of these meats was NOT something I liked.  Rodeo Roundup BBQ provides three different BBQ sauces for guests to add to their meat selections, and I tried all three.  All three sauces were flavorful and tasty on their own, and offer BBQ flavors popular all over the United States.  One sauce was sweet (my favorite), one was tangy and the third had more kick.

I was hoping that adding the sauce would temper the overpowering hickory smoke flavor—this was most successful with the chicken, but it still didn’t make this a successful meal for us.

The ribs, in my opinion were inedible.  They were very hard, almost a beef jerky texture.  The beef brisket was cooked well, but again that hickory smoke flavor was so strong, the brisket was difficult to enjoy.  We had suggested to our waiter that he leave the fire grilled pork sausage out of our meat basket, since neither one of us are big fans.  Our waiter was insistent that we should try it—he said it was SO good, and that we really needed to try it.  So we did.  It was good, I’ll agree, but the andouille sausage I’d had the day before at Tucker House was better!

The Ugly

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu sides
Photo: Disney Parks

I’m sorry to say that we found the sides even more disappointing than the meats were.  We were told to choose four options from the various side options available.  Sides offered include:

Mean Old Potato Salad

Homestyle Red-skinned Potatoes

The Married Spuds

Loaded Potato Barrels

The Claw! Veggie Slaw

(Plant-based)

Force Field Fried Pickles

Campfire-roasted Vegetables

(Plant-based)

Slinky Doooooooooog’s Mac & Cheese

Buckin’ Baked Beans

(Plant-based)

Cowpoke Corn on the Cob

Grilled Street Corn
The four choices we chose were Force Field Fried Pickles, Cowpoke Corn on the Cob, Campfire Roasted Vegetables, and Mean Old Potato Salad.  Of these, the best was the Mean Old Potato Salad, but it was kind of boring.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Sides
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Mean Old Potato Salad
The biggest disappointment was the Cowpoke Corn on the Cob.  The description on the menu said “Grilled Street Corn”.  We weren’t expecting the corn to have so much “stuff” on it.  When we asked the waiter, he explained that it was “Mexican Street Corn”.  I have had Mexican Street Corn before, but it was nothing like this. I’m sure there are lots of different ways to make the dish, but I’m not sure this preparation is the best choice for such a large and varied audience that includes so many children.  I could see a lot of kids refusing to eat this corn.  The waiter told us that the corn can be ordered as just buttered grilled corn on the cob—that would likely be more appealing to a wider audience.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Cowpoke Corn on the Cob
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Cowpoke Corn on the Cob. Photo: Brooke Hudson
We ordered the fried dill pickles just to try them — we weren’t expecting to love them, but we wanted to try them.  I thought they would be crispy, but they were soft and kind of soggy. We didn’t like them at all, but I can imagine that they would appeal to some people.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Fried Pickles
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Fried Pickles Photo: Brooke Hudson
The campfire roasted vegetables were just ok.  We had high hopes for these as we both love roasted vegetables, but they were kind of soggy and not very flavorful.
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Campfire Roasted Vegetables
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Campfire Roasted Vegetables.  Photo: Brooke Hudson

Final Thoughts on Roundup Rodeo BBQ

We will most likely not be returning to Roundup Rodeo BBQ for a table service meal in the future, unless we hear they make changes to the menu.  While we loved the theming, the atmosphere and most of the cast members we talked to, the food just was not enjoyable for us.

roundup rodeo bbq biscuits
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Biscuits with Sweet Pepper Jam. Photo: Brooke Hudson

I loved the biscuit with the sweet pepper jam, and could have cheerfully eaten more of those—they were buttery soft, warm and scrumptious.  Another highlight for me was my adult beverage.  I tried the Rattler Rum Punch and loved it!

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Rum Rattler Punch
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Rum Rattler Punch. Photo: Brooke Hudson

We both got Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie for dessert—that was a perfect sized portion, and all the dessert options looked terrific.

I’m glad we tried it, and we really enjoyed the environment and the theming.  I’m also really happy  that there is an additional table service restaurant available in Disney’s Hollywood Studios, and specifically in Toy Story Land.  While I’m sure Roundup Rodeo will appeal to many families—please keep in mind the strong hickory smoke flavor—if your family does not like that flavor, this meal will not be the success it could otherwise be.

You Might Love it!

As I said at the beginning, I really wanted to love Roundup Rodeo BBQ.  I’m sad that I didn’t love it—and I’m even more disappointed that I didn’t even like it enough to return. Please keep in mind that these are my opinions, and your mileage may vary.  Anecdotally, I did talk to a few other guests during our trip that had also tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ, and they shared similar thoughts and opinions—but that could absolutely have gone the other way, I’m sure.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu desserts
Photo: Disney Parks

So, here’s the big question: Have you tried Roundup Rodeo BBQ?  What did you think?  If you haven’t tried it yet, do you plan to?  Please share your thoughts in the comments 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

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

One of the highlights of the annual EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is the Garden Rocks Concert Series.  Throughout the Festival, internationally recognized musical artists perform every weekend, Friday through Monday.  During the week, Tuesdays through Thursdays, locally celebrated Orlando artists perform for EPCOT guests.

To learn more about the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, please read here.

Garden Rocks Concert Series
Photo: Disney Parks

Garden Rocks Concert Series Schedule

Garden Rocks Concerts take place each evening at the America Gardens Theatre in the American Adventure Pavilion.  The Garden Rocks Concerts run three times each evening throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival: 5:30 p.m., 6:45 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.  Concerts begin March 1, 2023 and run through July 5, 2023.

This year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series is filled with familiar returning favorites like the Plain White T’s, Simple Plan, and Kool and the Gang.  This year, there are new legends joining the lineup, like legacy guitarist AJ Croce, Grammy award winner Switchfoot and Blue Oyster Cult.

The Garden Rocks Concert Series offers diverse music styles throughout the festival.  The current schedule is below:

      • March 3-4 – Journey former lead vocalist STEVE AUGERI
      • March 5-6 – Daughtry
      • March 10-11 – Tommy DeCarlo
      • March 12-13 – Smash Mouth
      • March 17-18 – Mike DelGuidice
      • March 19-20 – Blue Oyster Cult – NEW
      • March 24-25 – Berlin
      • March 26-27 – The Pointer Sisters
      • March 31 – Luis Figueroa – NEW
      • April 1-2 – Piso 21 – NEW
      • April 3 – TBD
      • April 7-8 – STARSHIP featuring Mickey Thomas
      • April 9-10 – Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles
      • April 16-17 – Switchfoot – NEW
      • April 21-22 – A Flock of Seagulls
      • April 23-24 – Jo Dee Messina
      • April 28-29 – Ambrosia with Peter Beckett, The Voice Of Player
      • April 30, May 1 – Kool and the Gang
      • May 5-8 – Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone
      • May 12-15 – The Orchestra starring former members of ELO
      • May 19-20 – A.J. Croce: Croce Plays Croce – NEW
      • May 21-22 – Casting Crowns – NEW
      • May 26-27 – Jason Scheff, longtime lead singer of Chicago – NEW
      • May 28-29 – Rick Springfield
      • June 2-5 – Plain White T’s
      • June 9-10 – The Spinners
      • June 11-12 – The Commodores
      • June 16-17 – Vertical Horizon
      • June 18-19 – Tony Orlando
      • June 23-26 – Simple Plan
      • June 30, July 1 – Living Colour
      • July 2-3 – Wang Chung
Garden Rocks Concert Series
Photo: Disney Parks

Garden Rocks Dining Packages

The America Gardens Theatre has open, bleacher style seating.  The seating for each show is first come, first serve, unless you’ve purchased guaranteed seats via a Garden Rocks Dining Package.  The America Gardens Theatre has a maximum capacity of 1800 seats.

For really popular acts, especially on Friday and Saturday nights, the line for seating for Garden Rocks shows can get fairly long.  If you want to be sure of getting a seat for your preferred date, a Garden Rocks Dining Package is a good way to go.

When you book a Garden Rocks Dining Package, you pay a fixed price.  The price depends on the restaurant you choose.  Your fixed price includes an appetizer, an entrée, a dessert or one (1) full buffet or family-style meal (where applicable) and a non alcoholic beverage.   Your fixed price also includes one (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert for that day.

If your chosen restaurant is Spice Road Table, the fixed price includes two small plates, a shared dessert platter and a nonalcoholic beverage.  It also includes one (1) guaranteed seat per person to the Garden Rocks concert for that day.

Participating Restaurants

Adult
(ages 10 and up)		 Child
(ages 3 to 9)
Akershus Royal Banquet Hall
Norway Pavilion		 $74.00 $48.00
Biergarten Restaurant
Germany Pavilion		 $60.00 $34.00
Coral Reef Restaurant
The Living Seas		 $69.00 $27.00
Garden Grill Restaurant
The Land Pavilion		 $66.00 $43.00
Le Cellier Steakhouse
Canada Pavilion		 $95.00 $36.00
Regal Eagle Smokehouse: Craft Drafts & Barbecue
American Adventure Pavilion		 $35.00 $20.00
Rose & Crown Dining Room
United Kingdom Pavilion		 $59.00 $25.00
Spice Road Table
Morocco Pavilion		 $47.00 $20.00

How Does the Garden Rocks Dining Package Work?

Advance reservations are highly recommended for the participating table service restaurants.

After you’ve dined at your restaurant, you’ll be given a Garden Rocks seating badge.  The badge will specify the date and show time you’ve reserved.

For each show, there will be two queues.  One for guests with the Garden Rocks Dining Package badges and one for guests without Garden Rocks Dining Package badges.

Guests with Garden Rocks Dining Package badges will be seated on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is guaranteed.

Guests who have not reserved a Garden Rocks Dining Package will be seated at the Garden Rocks concert on a first-come, first-served basis. Seating is based on availability due to limited capacity.

Keep in mind that to attend the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival or the Garden Rocks Concert Series, both a theme park reservation and valid theme park admission are required. EPCOT admission is not included in the price of the dining package.

I’ve Seen Rick Springfield at Least 20 Times Over the Years….

But never at Disney.  At least not yet.  Yes, I went to high school in the 80’s.

This year’s Garden Rocks Concert Series has quite the lineup isn’t it?  There’s quite a few acts I’d really like to see this year–not just Rick Springfield, I promise.

Herman’s Hermits are playing the weekend Mom and I will be there for our annual Mother/Daughter trip.  They’ll be fun to watch for sure.  I’m bummed we’ll be missing Rick Springfield and Plain White T’s.  I’d love to see The Commodores, Daughtry, Jo Dee Messina, Berlin, or a Flock of Seagulls.  Really, there are a LOT of great acts this year.

Who would you want to see?

There’s still time to make reservations for this year’s International Flower & Garden Festival.  If you’d like a no obligation quote, please call 630-538-1124 or email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Brooke Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Ears
email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to start planning your next Disney adventure!

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use Virtual Queue

We are getting closer to the long awaited opening date for TRON Lightcycle/Run at the Magic Kingdom on April 4, 2023. The closer we get, the more information Disney makes available to us. In our last post about the new attraction (read here), I theorized that TRON Lightcycle/Run would open using a virtual queue. Disney has confirmed this theory. When it opens on April 4, TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue. There will be NO standby lines for TRON Lightcycle/Run initially.

TRON Lightcycle/Run
TRON Lightcycle/Run Photo: Disney Parks

How Will the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue Work?

Disney has been using the virtual queue for all new attractions for the last several years.  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance and Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure both used virtual queues when they first opened. Both stopped using the virtual queue more than a year ago.  Currently, EPCOT’s newest attraction, Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind is using a virtual queue.  That attraction will have been open for almost ten months by the time TRON Lightcycle/Run opens. Based on the pattern Disney has set with the previous attractions, I suspect Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind will stop using the virtual queue sometime in March, if not sooner.

That way, when TRON Lightcycle/Run needs to start using the virtual queue, it will be the only attraction using it.  I’m assuming Disney’s system COULD allow more than one attraction to use virtual queues at a time, especially if they are at different parks.  But guests might find the booking experience confusing or frustrating.  If an attraction doesn’t NEED the virtual queue, why not simplify things and eliminate it?

Why will TRON Lightcycle/Run use a Virtual Queue?

Disney uses a virtual queue when a new attraction opens primarily to maximize their ability to manage crowd flow through the attraction.  The virtual queue system enables them to slow boarding groups arrival times if the attraction breaks down (common with new attractions) or if there are any quirks that arise with loading or unloading that they didn’t anticipate.

Using the virtual queue also adds a bit of mystery around a new attraction.  There’s no way for the average guest to really know how many guests rode an attraction on a particular day.

TRON Lightcycle/Run Opening Date Announced

A virtual queue also really helps Disney control the standby line flow, especially if the standby areas might get really tight if the lines get super long.  For example, the area back by Ratatouille isn’t super big.  If that line got too long, it could easily extend way out into the rest of France and cause a lot of congestion.  By using a virtual queue, Disney was able to control the length of the length until the “newness” of that attraction wore off enough to keep that standby line down to a manageable length.

I haven’t seen the area for the TRON standby line inside the attraction, but there isn’t much space outside the attraction.  The Speedway is RIGHTTHERE.  I suspect that Disney will want to the line from extending out into this area if at all possible.  Using the virtual queue will help Disney control this.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will be an Individual Lightning Lane Attraction

Guests with park tickets and park reservations for the Magic Kingdom will have the opportunity to purchase an individual Lightning Lane entry (a la carte) for TRON Lightcycle/Run, based on availability.  Pricing and availability for the TRON Lightcycle/Run Lightning Lane entry will vary based on the season, demand, crowd levels and demand.

Locker System for TRON Lightcycle/Run

TRON Lightcycle/Run features a new double sided, digitized locker system inside the attraction queue. These lockers will be used to store guests’ bags and loose items while they ride the attraction.  These complimentary lockers will pair with the guest’s Magic Band, Magic Band+, or ticket media so that the guest can either lock or reopen their locker easily with a quick tap. Guests without a Magic Band or ticket media (like a card) will be provided with a card to access a locker.  All items must be placed either in a locker before guests board their Lightcycle or inside a small compartment located on the attraction vehicle.  The small compartment can hold small items like a wallet, glasses or a cell phone.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue. TRON Lockers.
Photo: Disney Parks

Disney PhotoPass and Videos

If you’ve been following for any time at all, you know that I am a BIG fan of PhotoPass.  Photos are some of the best souvenirs from your vacations.  Photos will outlast the TShirts, the sweatshirts and the snacks.  As any new attraction should be, TRON Lightcycle/Run is equipped with some terrific on ride video and photo offerings.  (Is anyone else still surprised that there ISN’T a PhotoPass photo on Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance???)

If you are wearing a Magic Band or a Magic Band+, your attraction photo and video will automatically be linked to your My Disney Experience account.

TRON Lightcycle/Run will use a virtual queue TRON PhotoPass
Photo: Disney Parks

If you don’t have a Magic Band or a Magic Band+, you can still have access to your ride photo and video by using the My Disney Experience app.   To use the My Disney Experience app to capture your ride photo and video, follow the steps below.

    1. Enable Bluetooth® for the My Disney Experience app before riding.
    2. Make sure to be logged into the My Disney Experience app sometime earlier that day.
    3. Keep your device out of low power mode.
    4. Make sure your mobile device boards the Lightcycle with you and is safely stored in the small Lightcycle compartment to use this method.

Will You Try the TRON Lightcycle/Run Virtual Queue?

Will you take your changes and try to get a boarding group for TRON Lightcycle/Run via the virtual queue?  Or will you purchase an Individual Lightning Lane via Genie+ if it’s available?  Individual Lightning Lane prices for Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind peaked at $17-$18 last year during Thanksgiving week and again during Christmas week.  How much would you be willing to pay to ride TRON Lightcycle/Run?

If you’d like to plan a trip to check TRON Lightcycle/Run out for yourself and you’d like a no obligation quote, email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124 today!

 

 

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

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu & Opening Date

We have more information about the new table service restaurant opening soon in Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  Disney has announced that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will open on March 23, 2023.  Note: Even though we are within the sixty day window, you cannot yet make reservations for Roundup Rodeo BBQ.  I’m sure Disney will make an announcement soon about when reservations will open up.  I’ll keep you posted!

Even more exciting, Disney has shared details with us about the Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu!  We’ve posted about Roundup Rodeo BBQ before, but we didn’t know anything about the menu at that time.  All we knew is that the restaurant would be table service and western themed.  We could be fairly certain there would be barbeque involved, given the “BBQ” in the restaurant name, but you never know! <wink>

Toy Story Land Table Service Restaurant Roundup Rodeo BBQ Photo: Disney Parks

Theming

Roundup Rodeo BBQ is a rodeo arena that Andy has created in the backyard for his toys.  All honorary toys visiting Andy’s backyard are also invited (that’s us!).  Andy has used a variety of his toys, games and playsets to create his Roundup Rodeo arena, and when we visit, we’ll all get to see the world through the eyes of Andy’s toys.

While we’re there, we’ll be offered house smoked meats, a roundup of sides, some sweet surprises and more in this western-themed family-style restaurant.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu

First up, we will start with the Prospector’s Homemade Cheddar Biscuits.  These are served with sweet pepper jelly.  They look awfully good, don’t they?  Of course, I’m a sucker for biscuits of almost any kind….

Rodeo Roundup BBQ menu biscuits
Photo: Disney Parks

Salads

Next up, there are three delicious different salads for toys and honorary toys alike to enjoy.

    • Tomato Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, and pickled red onions tossed in a white balsamic vinaigrette and garnished with fresh dill (plant-based)
    • Rex’s Romaine and Kale Salad: Romaine and kale mixed with green apples, pumpkin seeds, and dried cranberries tossed with green goddess dressing
    • Watermelon Salad: Cubed watermelon garnished with freshly torn mint leaves (plant-based)
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu salads
Photo: Disney Parks

Smoked Meats

Now comes the good stuff! (if you like smoked meats, that is!)

Guests can enjoy a hearty serving of house-smoked meats, including:

    • Evil Dr. Smoked Ribs: Fall-off-the-bone pork ribs, slow-cooked for hours in our onsite smokehouse
    • Buttercup’s Beef Brisket: Hand-sliced beef brisket, smoked then slow-cooked to juicy perfection
    • There’s a Sausage in My Boot: Spiced pork sausage fire-grilled over live oak to give it an added kick
    • BBQ Chicken – with Style! Chicken brined for 48 hours, rubbed with our secret backyard BBQ spice and smoked to tender juiciness
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu smoked meats
Photo: Disney Parks

Plant-Based Options

No worries.  If you aren’t a meat-eater, there are savory plant-based offerings available upon request.

    • Slow-smoked Cauliflower topped with sweet harissa drizzle and crunchy walnut gremolata
    • Oven-roasted “Bratwurst” that is tender and juicy, sliced to perfection
    • Impossible “Rib Chop” seasoned with spices, then roasted and glazed with sweet BBQ sauce and skewered on a sugar cane “bone”

All entreés served with an assortment of sweet, traditional, and spicy BBQ sauces. 

Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu savory plant-based options
Photo: Disney Parks

Sides

Next up, there are a bunch of sides to choose from.  Guests can choose four sides for the table from the list below.

    • The Married Spuds: Loaded potato barrels drizzled with green goddess dressing, cheese sauce, and seasoned BBQ spices
    • Force Field Fried Pickles: Jumbo pickle spears coated with a dill-flavored breading and fried to perfection
    • Slinky Doooooooooog Mac & Cheese: Spiral pasta in a creamy house-made cheese sauce topped with crumbled cheddar crackers
    • Buckin’ Baked Beans: A traditional BBQ picnic favorite (plant-based)
    • Cowpoke Corn on the Cob: Grilled and seasoned with a chili-lime spice blend, cilantro, cotija cheese, and lime juice
    • Mean Old Potato Salad: Homestyle with red-skinned potatoes 
    • Veggie Slaw: Crunchy shredded veggie slaw that is a summertime favorite! (plant-based) 
    • Campfire-roasted Vegetables: A variety of roasted seasonal vegetables (plant-based)
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu sides
Photo: Disney Parks

Desserts

Now, we get to the sweet stuff: Desserts!! These perfectly portioned chuckwagon desserts offer a sweet take on the BBQ picnic classics.  Guests can choose from a selection for the table.

    • Cupcake à la Forky: Forky is up to something sweet! A classic chocolate cake with a gooey chocolate ganache center topped with velvety graham cracker buttercream and a sugar cookie
    • Lemon and Blueberry Cheesecake: An iconic creamy dessert that balances the tanginess of the cheesecake with the natural sweetness of blueberries and lemon
    • Billy’s Chocolate Silk Pie: Layers of graham cracker crust and silky chocolate mousse topped with chantilly cream
    • Goat’s Apple Pie: A picnic classic! Tart apples and warm pie spices balance perfectly with the creamy sweet filling under a crumble crust
    • Gruff’s Peach-Strawberry Pie: With its silky sweet peaches and tartness of strawberries, this dessert is a fruit-centric delight! (plant-based)
Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu desserts
Photo: Disney Parks

Beverages

The Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu would not be complete without some craft cocktails and nonalcoholic beverages on offer.  Not to worry, guests feeling nostalgic for backyard picnics will find plenty here to enjoy.

Grown-up Craft Cocktails:

    • Snake Eye Margarita: Inspired by a summertime BBQ featuring watermelon, smoke, and a bit of spice!
    • Rum Punch: Rum punch with vibrant flavors of passion fruit and pineapple finished with a smoky spiced garnish
    • Chocolate with a Grown-up Twist: A blend of chocolate rum, horchata liqueur, cocoa, and flavors of toasted marshmallow
    • Frozen Peanut Butter & Jelly: A fun frozen twist on the classic peanut butter & jelly featuring peanut butter whiskey
    • Whiskey Lemonade: A fresh take on a strawberry lemonade made with Tennessee whiskey and Italian bitter aperitif
    • The Rodeo Mule: A classic “patio sipper,” this mule mixes vodka with fresh juices and ginger beer

A selection of beer, hard cider, and wines by the glass are available.

Roundup Rodeo BBQ Menu cocktails
Photo: Disney Parks

Nonalcoholic offerings:

    • Molly’s Frozen Iced Tea: A frosty concoction with iced tea and citrus flavors
    • Frozen Cocoa: A frozen blend of cocoa and vanilla topped with miniature marshmallows
    • Partysaurus Tex: Strawberry lemonade is even more fun when you garnish it with gummy worms!

Will YOU be Making Reservations?

So, now that you’ve seen the Roundup Rodeo BBQ menu, are you going to be making reservations for this table service restaurant for your next Disney vacation?  Mom and I are going down for our annual mother daughter trip in May. I’m planning to try and get reservations for that visit so that we can report back to all of you.  I also need to know if I want to recommend this restaurant to my clients in the future.

Toy Story Land table service Round Rodeo BBQ
Roundup Rodeo BBQ Concept Art

However, a new table service restaurant in Disney’s Hollywood Studios is very welcome!  I think this one is in a good location, and will appeal to a lot of families.  The Imagineers have done a great job so far in Toy Story Land; I love the details throughout Andy’s backyard.  I am very hopeful that Roundup Rodeo BBQ will not disappoint.  Time will tell.

If you’d like to visit Disney this year, I’d love to help!  Please contact me for a no obligation quote.  Email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

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

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival

It’s almost time!  The 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival opens March 1, 2023 and will run through July 5, 2023.  The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is my favorite EPCOT festival.  Every spring, my mom and I plan our annual mother daughter Disney trip around the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival
Springtime flowers and fairies at EPCOT’s International Flower & Garden Festival

EPCOT is never more beautiful than during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.  Even during these painful “construction walls” years of growth, EPCOT still sparkles during Flower & Garden.  The glorious flowers everywhere and the beautiful topiaries manage to make the construction walls recede somehow—or maybe just make them less noticeable?  But EPCOT just looks a little prettier every where during this festival than it does during the rest of the year.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Three Amigos Topiaries
Three Cabelleros Topiaries Photo: Brooke Hudson

The EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival features gorgeous themed gardens throughout all areas of EPCOT.  There are special seating areas in some gardens where you can just sit and enjoy the beauty around you. Planters are every where, filled with flowers and greenery.  There are even floating planters with flowers in them.  Throughout EPCOT, you will find amazing topiaries themed to your favorite Disney and Pixar characters.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Gardens
Photo: Brooke Hudson

What’s new for this year’s EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

This year, there are a couple of NEW things to look forward to.  Anything new, quite frankly, is a bit exciting.  As much as I love this particular Festival, EPCOT hasn’t really done much in the way of “new” for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival in a few years.  So I am really excited that there IS some new stuff to look forward to this year.

New Topiaries

This year, the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival is going to be featuring several new topiaries.  First, near the main entrance of the park, we will meet several characters from the beloved Disney movie Encanto.  Mirabel, Isabela, Luisa, and Antonio are all making their debut as topiaries this year.

Also new this year: Princess Tiana from The Princess and The Frog will grace the American Adventure in World Showcase.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Figment
Figment Topiary         Photo: Brooke Hudson

Of course all of our classic favorite topiaries will still be featured all over EPCOT.  We will still be able to find Figment, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Anna and Elsa, Lady and the Tramp, and many, many more.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Snow White topiary
Snow White and Dopey        Photo: Brooke Hudson

2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise

One of the highlights for mom and I every year at the Festival is investigating all the new Festival merchandise.  Every Festival has its own merchandise line.  Mom almost always gets a coffee mug.  We always get a pin from each year’s festival for our park backpacks.  I almost always end up with a T-shirt or something.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival 2022 Mug Beets
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Mug 2022                                 Photo: Brooke Hudson
Epcot flower & garden festival 2022 mug
EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise Mug 2022.                                Photo: Brooke Hudson

In addition to Flower & Garden Festival Merchandise, the Festival also features Orange Bird 70’s retro themed merchandise.   This line has everything from apparel and pins to housewares.

I haven’t seen anything yet for this year’s Festival merchandise. As soon as Disney releases images of this year’s Festival merchandise I will update this post.

Here’s some of the merchandise we found at last year’s Festival:

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Garden Rocks Concert Series

Throughout the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, various musical acts are featured at the America Gardens Theatre.  Disney has not yet released the musical act lineup for 2023.  I will update this post once Disney releases this year’s information.

Outdoor Kitchens

One thing we all know about Disney is that they are VERY good at making money.  Disney learned very early on with the EPCOT Food & Wine Festival that there was LOTS of money to be made from Food Booths installed around World Showcase during the Festival.  As a result, Disney started including smaller scale versions of the “Food” portion of the Festival at their other EPCOT Festivals.

For the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival, these food booths are called Outdoor Kitchens.  This year’s Festival will include more than 15 Outdoor Kitchens.  Each Outdoor Kitchen will have a different theme and will feature 1-3 food items and 1-2 beverages according to the theme.

We don’t yet have much information about the 2023 Outdoor Kitchens.  The only one we know so far is The Citrus Blossom, which will be located at The Odyssey.

Epcot flower & garden festival citrus blossom
The Citrus Blossom Outdoor Kitchen Photo: Disney Parks

As soon as more information is released, I will update this post.

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration

Spike’s Pollen-Nation Exploration is a springtime Scavenger Hunt that adds a fun layer to the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival.  Mom & I did this last spring and really enjoyed it.

In 2022, the cost was $9.99.  For $9.99, you got a Scavenger Hunt board and a sheet of stickers.  As you worked your way around the Festival, you looked for Spike in various gardens located all over the Festival.  When you found him, you placed the sticker for the flower he’s with on that Garden on your board.  When your board was completely filled out, you turned it in at a Festival gift shop for a prize.  It was educational, fun and encouraged us to pay more attention to the different gardens as we moved around the Festival.

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I highly recommend playing.  We plan to play again this year!

Blossoms of Fragrance

On the bridge from the “Construction Zone” 🙂 to World Showcase, you will pass through the Blossoms of Fragrance Exhibit area.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Blossoms of Fragrance
Blossoms of Fragrance Photo: Disney Parks(Courtney Kiefer, Photographer)

This exhibit area offers some great photo opportunities.  Blossoms of Fragrance is presented by Scentsy.  Guests will be surrounded by butterfly topiaries.  There are six different scent stations for guests to explore.  Each aroma will inspire memories and enhance your experience.

Final Thoughts

I can’t say it enough.  I love visiting EPCOT during the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival every year.  EPCOT is so beautiful.  It’s just an explosion of colors.  There are flowers everywhere, and it’s just something that fills me with joy every time.

EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival Topiaries
Flower & Garden Festival Mickey & Minnie Topiaries

This year, Mom and I are going from May 3 – May 10.  Not quite in the middle of the Festival, but close.  That is another thing to consider when planning a visit to the EPCOT Flower & Garden Festival.  The Festival itself changes throughout the growing season.  The gardeners update plants and flowers as the season goes on.  In a perfect world, I’d visit (at least) monthly throughout the Festival to see the evolution of the florals.  But for now, we try to visit mid-Festival.  It’s close to Mom’s birthday and Mother’s Day, and about a month before my birthday, so we use our trip as a celebration for all of that stuff.

Will you attend the 2023 EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?

What do you think?  Will this be the year you visit for the EPCOT International Flower & Garden Festival?  If you’d like a no obligation quote, email now brooke@disneycastledreaming.com or call 630-538-1124.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

Brooke Epcot Flower and Garden Festival Ears
email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com today to start planning your next Disney adventure!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests!

I have more good news to share today!  Walt Disney World has announced that they are removing the nightly parking fees at Walt Disney World Resorts for overnight guests.  This is the first bit of FINANCIAL good news I’ve been able to share for a while about our beloved Walt Disney World.  Could this be an early result of Bob Iger’s return?  I don’t know, but it definitely makes me happy!

Free Parking Returns for Disney Resort Guests Immediately!

If you don’t drive at Walt Disney World, you may not have felt this pain.  Starting in 2018, Disney resort guests were charged between $15 and $25 per night per vehicle to park at their resort.  Only Disney Vacation Club guests were exempt from these charges.  As I’m sure you can imagine, these costs added up quickly for guests.  If you drove to Walt  Disney World or chose to rent a vehicle for your Florida vacation, you felt this pain.

These fees have been an enormous source of guest frustration over the last several years.  Parking fees have also served as a STRONG example in media conversations about Disney “nickel and diming” guests on top of ever increasing park ticket prices.

Walt Disney World Resort guests already get free parking at the theme parks–this has not changed.  However, making the decision whether to rent a car or whether to fly or drive is a little easier when you don’t have to add in the cost of parking at your resort every night!

Is this a PR Move?

So of course, a big question is WHY is free parking returning for Disney resort guests?  Is it just a big public relations move?  Absolutely!!  It is for SURE an effort to improve the public perception of the Walt Disney Company.  Disney’s reputation, especially with the fanbase has taken a lot of hits in the past couple of years.  Free parking is a pretty minor move, but it will get some press.  It will also make a lot of Disney fans and travelers happy.  Or at least, happier.

Free parking returns for Disney resort guests
Photo: Brooke Hudson

What is giving this news more mileage for me personally is that Disney is sacrificing revenue.  We haven’t seen Disney do this in a long time.  For the last I don’t even KNOW how many years, we have seen a trend of Disney making an awful lot of decisions that are VERY bottom line focused.  We have seen LOTS of decisions that seem to put guest experience and guest relations at a much lower premium than the company used to value.

The reality is, a Walt Disney World has always been expensive.  But the value over the years has decreased.  It is still VERY valuable, and hour for hour, you still get a TON of value from a Walt Disney World vacation.  But for those of us that have been visiting Walt Disney World for many years, it’s challenging to see the guest experience degrade somewhat while the pricing of everything has increased so significantly.

Final Thoughts

I don’t know if free parking returning for resort guests is a sign of things to come or just a token PR gesture — but it IS meaningful.  It HAS impact on Disney travelers, especially those that drive to Walt Disney World.  And it will, very slightly, reduce how much money Disney will make from the resorts each day.  Or maybe it won’t.  Because if the guest doesn’t have to spend $25 to park his car, maybe he will spend it on a T-shirt instead.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

 

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

 

Opening Date Announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run!

It’s been a very long four years, but at last an opening date has been announced for TRON Lightcycle/RUN!

Walt Disney World has finally announced that TRON Lightcycle/Run will open on April 4, 2023.  Based on an attraction originally premiered at Shanghai Disneyland, TRON Lightcycle/Run broke ground at WDW’s Magic Kingdom in 2018. The project faced a few delays and setbacks, most notably when all the parks shut down during 2020 due to the pandemic.

Even after the parks reopened, many construction projects, including this one, were slow to restart.  Once construction DID restart, things moved at a much slower pace than originally planned. Budgets were trimmed due to the financial losses incurred during the pandemic closures.   The reduced crowd capacities in the months following those closures also had an impact.

Throughout the life of the project, we published several posts about TRON Lightcycle/Run.  You can find those posts here, here, or here.

Opening Date Announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run : April 4, 2023

Ok.  So now we have a date.  What should we be expecting?  We still don’t have a TON of information, but we do have some.  A while back, Walt Disney World installed some ride vehicles in Tomorrowland near Space Mountain.  This allowed guests to see the vehicles and try them out.

TRON Lightcycle/Run Opening Date Announced Ride Vehicles
Ride vehicles for TRON Lightcycle/Run                                                                         Photo: Disney Parks

TRON Lightcycle/Run Opening Date Announced Ride Vehicles with guests

We’ve also had the chance to see the TRON Lightcycle/Run project throughout its construction from the People Mover.  Every visit offered a progression and new sights to see.  Checking on the progress of this project has been a fun highlight of each Magic Kingdom visit over the last few years.

TRON Lightcycle Construction
TRON Lightcycle Construction, viewed from People Mover                                     Photo: Brooke Hudson
TRON Lightcycle/Run Construction Project from the PeopleMover
TRON Lightcycle/Run Construction Project from the People Mover                       Photo: Brooke Hudson

More recent visitors have been able to see ride vehicles moving on the tracks during the vehicle testing phases.

Storyline

Disney’s official release didn’t just include the announcement that TRON Lightcycle/Run was finally opening April 4, 2023.  The release also included  basic storyline of the attraction.  Here is the statement from the release:

“The story of TRON Lightcycle / Run picks up after “TRON: Legacy” where Kevin’s son, Sam Flynn, has opened a second gateway into a digital world called the Grid. The first portal was built at Shanghai Disneyland with the original TRON Lightcycle Power Run.

When guests enter the queue at Magic Kingdom, they’ll feel as if they’ve been digitized and transported to the Grid for a special Lightcycle race. It’s your Team Blue against the Grid’s menacing Programs, Team Orange. Your goal is to be the first to race through eight Energy Gates and secure victory. The attraction will be one of the fastest coasters at any Disney theme park in the world.”

TRON Lightcycle/Run Opening Date Announced
TRON Legacy Promotion                                                                                                          Photo: Disney Parks

TRON Lightcycle/Run Video

Warning: the video below contains portions of a ride through on the original attraction at Shanghai Disneyland.  If you don’t want to know any details about what this attraction will be like, I recommend you do NOT watch the two minute video below.

Spring Breakers Will Be Sure to Enjoy TRON

TRON Lightcycle/Run is opening just in time for April Spring Break crowds.  Previews and “soft” openings will likely begin near the end of March so some late March Spring Break crowds will likely also be likely to get a chance to take a ride on TRON Lightcycle/Run.

I suspect this new attraction will be wildly popular.  Lines are likely to be very long, right from the opening minute.  I’m sure this will also be a Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane attraction. Disney has not yet announced that, however.  If TRON Lightcycle/Run DOES turn out to be a Genie+ Individual Lightning Lane attraction, the big question will be how much will it cost?

Since Lightning Lane pricing does seem to be driven both by crowd levels and demand, I suspect this one will fall in line with the higher price attractions.  I don’t think it will higher than attractions like Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind, but I suspect it will be in that neighborhood.  Again, higher during busier periods of the year, lower during lower crowd volumes.  Since spring break is one of the busiest times of the year at Walt Disney World, we can expect peak pricing in the Genie+ app for Lightning Lane attractions as well.

Standby vs. Virtual Queue

Another big question: when TRON Lightcycle/Run opens, will it be a standby line or will it use a virtual queue?  Personally, my money is on a virtual queue.  All the recent new attractions at Walt Disney World have used a virtual queue when they opened, at least at first.  Star Wars: Rise of the Resistance, Remy’s Ratatouille Adventure, and Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind all opened using virtual queues initially.  Currently, the only attraction still using a virtual queue is Guardians of the Galaxy: Cosmic Rewind.

TRON Lightcycle/Run Concept Art
TRON Lightcycle/Run Concept Art

A virtual queue helps Disney to control crowds around the attraction extremely well, keep the lines somewhat contained and adapt should the new attraction face any technical issues.  Which, lets face it, all new attractions have at least SOME technical issues.  No matter how much they test it, there are BOUND to be some technical issues.  At least a few, right?

I could be wrong here, but I’m betting on a virtual queue for at least the first few months.  Probably through the end of 2023.  I will of course update you as soon as Disney makes any kind of official announcement on this.

Are You Ready to Enter the Grid?

Now that an opening date has finally been announced for TRON Lightcycle/Run, are you excited to ride it?  Is this an attraction you’ve been waiting for?  Or are you more likely to take a wait and see approach?

I’m very curious about this one.  I don’t know if I will like it, but I think I will have to at least TRY and ride it at least once so I can report back to you all!  It looks fun, but as I get older, I don’t do as well with the fast thrill rides as I did when I was younger.

We’ll see how manageable the lines are when Mom and I go for our annual trip in May.  I can guarantee this is NOT one Mom will want to ride, so her mission will be to explore and take pictures from the ground if I am able to ride.  I’m hearing that lockers are mandatory for all riders to lock up their stuff so that nothing can be accidentally dropped from the ride vehicles.  Yikes!

We will definitely keep you posted!

If you’re ready to book your next trip to Walt Disney World now that you know TRON Lightcycle/Run will be open, be sure to send me an email.  I’d be happy to give you a no obligation quote and to help you plan a terrific trip!

Happy Dreaming!!

Brooke

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

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!