Tag: #disneytravelagent

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises 2021

Do you have dreams of visiting Europe?  Of sailing the Danube or the Rhine, drinking in the beautiful sites?  Do you long to tour a castle or visit a cafe at the foot of the Eiffel Tower?  Do you dream of Adventure?  If so, an Adventures by Disney European River Cruise Vacation is exactly what you are looking for.  There are 30 Adventures by Disney European river cruises scheduled in 2021, more than ever before.  Extra cruises have been added in response to the popularity of these amazing, unforgettable trips!

Adventurers can choose to travel along one of four enchanting European rivers: Danube, Rhine, Rhone and Seine.  Some departures are reserved exclusively for families traveling without children, including Food and Wine and Oktoberfest-themed cruises.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises

Rhine River Cruise

This seven night cruise will take you to stunning destinations in Switzerland, France, Germany and the Netherlands.  Experiences include a Rhine Gorge Castle Cruise, a Heidelberg Castle Tour, an Amsterdam Canal Cruise and a Walking Tour of Cologne, among others.

There are also special Rhine River Cruise sailings, including a Food & Wine Rhine River Cruise and a D23 special fan club sailing

Danube River Cruise

Visit four countries and make eight stops on this seven night cruise through Germany, Austria, Slovakia and Hungary.  Experiences include a visit to Durnstein Castle, a tour of Vienna, a Hallein Salt Mine Adventure, a Danube River Bike Ride, Exploration of Budapest, among many others.

Special Danube River Cruise sailings include Oktoberfest (an adult exclusive sailing), and Christmas Markets, which will include stops in Germany, Hungary and Austria, all decorated for the holidays.

Rhone River Cruise

This seven night adventure will take you through the south of France, with visits to Lyon, Tournon, Avignon and Arles.  Experiences include Biking in Lyon, Truffle Hunting at Les Pastras Farm, Tour La Cite du Chocolate, and take a Steam Train in Gorges du Doux, among others.

Seine River Cruise

Explore the essence of France on this eight day, seven night cruise along the Seine.  You will visit Paris, Conflans, Les Andelys, Vernon/Giverny, Rouen, and Le Harve.  Experiences include visits to Normandy’s Omaha Beach, French Castles and Ruins, Monet’s House and Gardens, among others.

All Inclusive Luxury Vacations in the Heart of Europe

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney River Cruise (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

AmaWaterways

All Adventures by Disney European River Cruises sail with AmaWaterways.  AmaWaterways is a premier luxury river cruise line.  AmaWaterways consistently receives awards for the highest rated ships in Europe.  They’ve received many honors and accolades.  They’ve won Town & Country River Cruise Awards for “Best Overall”, “Best for Food”, “Best Onboard Activities”, and “Best for On-Shore Activities”.  Cruisers’ Choice Cruise Critic consistently rates AmaWaterways five stars, and includes them in their top 3 European River Cruise Line recommendations.  Cruises’ Choice has awarded AmaWaterways their Editors Picks award for the last several years.  AmaWaterways has also won Reader’s Choice Awards for “Best River Cruise Line” from AFAR and Recommend magazines.

Your cruise aboard an AmaWaterways ship will be the ultimate in luxury traveling.  Your cruise will feature locally sourced wine and cuisine, a comfortable deluxe stateroom, unforgettable views, and state of the art amenities, including internet access and in-room entertainment.

All Inclusive ABD European River Cruises

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises are all inclusive.  All your food, beverages, activities and gratuities are included in your cruise fare.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Aerial shot of Danube River (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

Some of the accommodations, services and amenities you can expect while on your Adventure:

      • Deluxe cruise accommodations in an outside stateroom
      • Services of Adventure Guides
      • Access to local experts
      • Authentic cultural experiences
      • Private sightseeing tours
      • Services of the onboard Cruise Director and staff
      • Onboard Wellness Coach on most Adult Exclusive River Cruise Sailings
      • Fine dining (breakfast, lunch and dinner) served on  board ship
      • All gratuities onboard and at restaurants
      • Chef’s Table specialty restaurant featuring a tasting menu
      • Unlimited local wine, beer and soft drinks with each lunch and dinner onboard
      • Select meals off the ship for special experiences with regional cuisine
      • Daily Sip & Sail Cocktail Hour with complimentary wine, beer, spirits and soft drinks
      • Cocktail reception, special welcome dinner and Captain’s Gala Dinner
      • Bottled water in all staterooms, replenished daily
      • Onboard entertainment including a nightly piano lounge, karaoke nights, baking classes for kids and more
      • Special theme nights, including “Disney Bounding” where guests dress as casual, contemporary versions of their favorite Disney characters in regular clothes they have
      • WiFi in all staterooms and public areas

Adult Exclusive Sailings Available

While Adventures by Disney is a family vacation specialist, we understand that sometimes you want a trip away from the kids.  Perhaps you are planning a honeymoon or an anniversary getaway.  Maybe you want a more sophisticated vacation adventure.  Disney has several sailings set aside each year as Adult Exclusive Sailings.

Contact me if you’d like more information, specific dates and itineraries for the Adult Exclusive Adventures by Disney European River Cruise Sailings.  brooke@disneycastledreaming.com, or via instant message on Facebook, DisneyCastleDreaming, or via direct message on Instagram, @disneycastledreaming.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney, in the shadows of the Eiffel Tower (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

Family Fun for All Ages

Adventures by Disney vacations are truly extraordinary for adventurers of all ages.  Each Adventure by Disney vacation has some activities that specific for kids of various ages.  There are activities and experiences geared to teens, while others are designed for younger children.  Your Disney Adventure Guides will ensure that your children have the experience of a lifetime–exactly right for them, and their age group.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Adventures by Disney Family Fun (Photo: Adventures by Disney)

While your kids are enjoying their kid-specific activities, you’ll have time for more adult-oriented exploring, activities or tours.

See what USA Today had to say about Disney’s family friendly Adventures by Disney River Cruise Vacations here.  Here’s an insightful review of an Adventures by Disney Danube River cruise from Travel + Leisure.

The Disney Difference

Worldwide, the Disney name is synonymous with quality.  We all know that we can count on Disney to give us an amazing experience whenever we find the Disney name.

Adventures by Disney ensures that you can count on Disney’s high standards throughout your vacation, no matter where in the world you are visiting.  If you are traveling with Adventures by Disney, you are guaranteed a culturally immersive, once in a lifetime experience that will show you that all vacations are not created equal!

Adventure Guides

On every Adventures by Disney vacation, your group will be accompanied by two or more trained Disney Adventure Guides.  These Adventure Guides attend to every detail of your trip, letting you immerse yourself in the adventure.  Adventure Guides are storytellers, and they work to make sure the story of your vacation is unforgettable.  The Adventure Guides take pictures, lead excursions, educate, and spend time with each person on the trip.  They work with local experts to guide your family and ensure that you will feel a connection to the people, culture and traditions of each destination you visit.

Cultural Experiences

It’s important to Disney that if you are visiting these wonderful, historical destinations, you have the opportunity to learn about the customs, traditions and daily life of the people, places and culture you visit.  Adventures by Disney vacations bring you a unique and authentic experience that only Disney can provide.  Each Adventures by Disney vacation is designed to feature special excursions or activities that enhance your experience and ensure that you leave a place truly understanding more about the culture you have visited.  Adventures by Disney vacations include things you won’t necessarily find in the typical guidebook–but your experience will be more special and memorable as a result.

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises
Photo: Adventures by Disney

Insider Access

The Disney name, in addition to carrying a reputation of excellence in customer service and dedication to creativity and detail, also carries a lot of clout.  That clout helps Adventures by Disney provide access to extraordinary opportunities that aren’t available to the general public.  Adventures by Disney give you a backstage pass to the world!

Family Fun

Each Adventures by Disney trip offers unique itinerary options.  There are more sophisticated experiences designed for adults, and special Junior Adventurer activities tailored to kids.  You will discover lots of special opportunities to create and share unforgettable memories you will all cherish forever.

Book Early and Save

Adventures by Disney European River Cruises for 2021 just opened up for booking this week.  Book early and save up to $750 per person on select 2021 river cruise vacations when you book by March 27, 2020.  Contact me for more information!

Adventures by Disney: Destinations Around the World

Adventures by Disney offers more than thirty different adventures across six continents.  You can explore the wonders of Japan, Greece, Peru and many other countries with Adventures by Disney.  There are adventures in Montana, New York, Yellowstone and Southern California.  There are adventures in Australia and Africa, and throughout Europe.  Most adventures by Disney vacations are 7-9 nights in length.  There are a few Adventures by Disney Escape vacations, which are 2-4 nights in length, and give you a brief taste of an adventure.  These Escapes are often available as add ons to other Disney or Adventures by Disney vacations.  For example, there are several European Escapes that can be added on to an Adventurers by Disney European River Cruise vacation, further extending and enhancing your vacation.

Adventures by Disney
Adventures by Disney

If you would like information about Adventures by Disney destinations, please email brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy dreaming!

Brooke

Authorized Disney Vacation Planner
Ready to Plan Your Disney Vacation!

Epcot’s New Space Themed Restaurant: Space 220

Disney’s EPCOT theme park is well known for lots of good and even great dining options—but the fast majority of those can be found in Epcot’s World Showcase.  Coming soon to Epcot’s Future World is a space themed restaurant we’re hoping will knock our socks off!  Epcot’s new space themed restaurant is called Space 220, and it’s expected to open sometime this spring.

Announced last year, Space 220 was originally projected to open during the fourth quarter 2019.  That was fairly aggressive, and proved to be a deadline the new restaurant couldn’t meet.  Later, February 2020 appeared to be the planned opening target, but more recently I’m seeing projections of late February/early March.  I suspect we may see soft openings sometime in March, with the official opening happening in April.  That’s not from the powers that be, that’s just my supposition, based on what I’ve been seeing and hearing as the project progresses.

I’m excited about the theming and story of this new restaurant.  The story is that you are traveling to the Centurian Space Station for your meal.  The Centurian Space Station is 220 miles above the Earth’s surface (that’s where the Space 220 comes from).  While you dine, you’ll have stunning day and night views of Earth below and the Space that surrounds the Space Station.  Doesn’t that sound like fun?  Guests will enter a special space elevator that will quickly take them to the Space Station, with spectacular views along the way.

Location

Space 220 is located backstage, behind Mission Space.  The entrance for Space 220 will be part of the Mission Space building.   Have you ever been to Coral Reef at the Living Seas Pavilion?  Coral Reef is part of the Living Seas Pavilion, but it has its own separate entrance around to the side.  I believe Space 220 is using a similar configuration.

Epcot Mission Space
Epcot’s Mission Space. (Photo Disney Parks)

It is my understanding that Space 220 is set in the Mission Space universe—so we are a little bit in the future but not TOO far.  The Centurian Space Station is a resource for the missions that happen at Mission Space.  We may see some Mission Space tie-ins inside Space 220, but that has not been confirmed.

Food

We don’t have a menu yet for this new space themed restaurant in Epcot’s Future World, however, I feel confident that we will NOT be served Tang and freeze dried Ice Cream.  Space 220 is being operated by the Patina Group, a company behind many of the most successful restaurants at Disney Springs and across the country.  The Patina Group already operates several of the better restaurants at Epcot, including Via Napoli and Tutti Italia.  They are also responsible for Morimoto Asia, Maria and Enzo’s, Enzo’s Hideaway, Pizza Ponte and The Edison at Disney Springs.  I especially love Morimoto Asia, which is very elegant and lovely.  The food is really good too!

Morimoto Asia Disney Springs
Morimoto Asia (Photo Disney Parks)

The Patina Group has more than 60 restaurants across the country, including Tortilla Joe, Napolini Pizzaria, Catal Restaurant and UVA Bar and Restaurant at Downtown Disney in California.

We haven’t been given much information yet about the food.  All we know is “American Modern”.  I’m not exactly sure what that will mean.  Hopefully, now that we are getting closer to an actual opening, menus will be released soon.

Concept Art

We don’t have any official interior pictures from Disney yet for this  new restaurant.  I suspect we will get pictures when Disney is ready to give us an opening date and makes Advance Dining Reservations (ADRs) available for Space 220.

We do have some concept art for this new addition to Future World, however.

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220
Space 220 Concept Art. (Art by Disney Parks)

Based on the concept art, it looks like we can expect tiered seating, so everyone will have a view from their table of the giant windows looking out into Space and down at Earth.

Since the concept is that we are dining on the Centurian Space Station, I think we can expect the views out the windows to change as we move through Space, 220 miles above the Earth.

Epcot’s new space themed restaurant Space 220
Space 220 Concept Art, Disney Parks

Advance Dining Reservations

As I mentioned above, we do not yet a have an official opening date for Epcot’s new space themed restaurant, Space 220.  Disney has also not yet made Advance Dining Reservations available for the new restaurant.  I think we can expect ADRs to be available shortly before the new restaurant opens, and the standard 180 day window to apply thereafter.

I’m sure this will be a very popular reservation, at least initially.  Anytime there is anything new, we all clamor to check it out as soon as we can.  Ironic, given how loud we yell whenever Disney changes anything, or god forbid, eliminates an attraction.  Yes I’m still bitter that Horizons is gone.  😉

Once initial reviews are out about the food and the experience, we may see demand level off.  However, if the experience is good (which I’m assuming it will be!) and the food is decent, I suspect Space 220 will join the list of “must get” ADRs for Disney trip planners.

Stay Tuned for Opening Date Announcement

As soon as Disney announces an opening date or makes Advance Dining Reservations available for Space 220, I will send out an alert  and update the Blog.  If you want to make sure you don’t miss the announcement, please click here to join our email newsletter mailing list.  We send out email newsletters weekly.  Occasionally, you will get an email alert from us when there’s big news.  In my opinion, Space 220’s opening date and ADR availability is BIG news.

I’ll keep you posted as I learn more.

Update:  Rumor Mill is reporting March 30 as a potential opening day for Epcot’s new space themed restaurant, Space 220.

I don’t have anything confirmed yet, but I am hearing a lot of rumors about March 30 from various sources.   I will let you know once we have a confirmation from Disney.

Are you excited to check out Space 220?  Do you agree that Future World needed a new restaurant?  Please like this post and comment below.

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

Rise of the Resistance Review

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has been open for a few months now at both Disneyland in California and Disney World in Florida.  The newest Star Wars themed attraction, Rise of the Resistance, opened in early December in Florida, and in mid January in California.  Read on for our Rise of the Resistance review.

Rise of the Resistance Review

Rise of the Resistance is one of the most immersive and stunning attractions Disney Imagineers have ever created.  It is truly an outstanding attraction, especially for long time Star Wars fans.  If you love Star Wars, this attraction is going to push ALL your buttons.  You will come as close as you will ever come to actually BEING in one of the movies.  Even if you are not a Star Wars fan, I think you will find it very challenging not to love this attraction.

Star Wars Rise of the Resistance Review
Star Wars Rise of the Resistance (Photo: Disney Parks)
Rise of the Resistance has all of the components of Disney’s BEST attractions:
  • It is incredibly detailed and excels at making you feel you are part of the story.  Disney’s best attractions have always been the rides that tell a story and bring you into it.  Rise of the Resistance uses excellent pre-show segments to get you into the story from the moment you enter the queue.  Rise of the Resistance also uses cast members better than any other attraction I can remember.
  • It has giant, memorable set pieces.  There are wonderful special effects throughout the attraction, and there are both audioanimatronic figures and screens that make you feel like you are part of the story, interacting with characters you know and love.
  • It is a long attraction–about 18 minutes.  The best attractions are long enough to make you feel like you really DID something.  Your time in line was WORTH it.  Rise of the Resistance is definitely worth the wait!
  • It has great music.  Rise of the Resistance features memorable, recognizable, heart pounding music that deepens your emotional involvement in the story.  (Note: the music composed by John Williams for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge won a Grammy this past weekend!)
  • Most importantly, in my opinion: It is repeatable!  There is so much going on in this attraction, I think I could ride it a dozen times and still notice something new.  This is the true hallmark of a GREAT Disney attraction.  I’ve ridden Pirates of the Caribbean and the Haunted Mansion tons of times over the years and I never get tired of it.  I think Rise of the Resistance will join that camp of attractions we can ride again and again and always enjoy.  Boredom will not be an issue with this attraction, I promise you!
Unlike Any Other Disney Attraction

I can’t compare Rise of the Resistance to any other attraction.  It’s unique and full of new technology.  In fact, Disney has applied for several patents for elements of this attraction–that’s how special and new the technology is in this ride.

Rise of the Resistance Review of Ride
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge: Rise of the Resistance                                               (Photo Credit: Disney Parks)

I don’t want to spoil anything, so I won’t go into more detail about ride specifics.  This is an incredible attraction, unlike anything Disney has done before.  There are several pre-show segments that keep you entertained and immerse you in the story.  The ride vehicles are trackless, so you feel much more free and like anything can happen.  There are different elements and phases to the attraction to keep it interesting and surprising.

I really hope this attraction is a sign of future Imagineering at Disney.  This attraction is truly amazing, and a wonderful addition to both Disney World and Disneyland.

What are people saying?

Disney released this short video a few days after Rise of the Resistance opened at Hollywood Studios Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  I think the excitement and enthusiasm is really fun to see:

Virtual Queue and Boarding Groups

Rise of the Resistance is NOT currently part of the Disney World Fast Pass+ system.  It also does not have a standby line.  For Rise of the Resistance, Disney is using a virtual queue system.  Basically, the idea is that when you enter the park, you tell the system you want to ride via the My Disney Experience app or by visiting with the Guest Experience Team (if you don’t have a smart phone).  The system will then assign you to a Boarding Group, and give you an idea of when your Boarding Group will be called to ride.  Later in the day, when your group is called, you will have a window during which you will go to Rise of the Resistance and be able to ride.

Availability of Boarding Groups

You won’t have access to request a Boarding Group until after you’ve passed through the touchpoints at the park entrance (where you scan your Magic Band or ticket and scan your finger).  Boarding Groups are not available until the official park open time, either.  So while I always recommend you arrive at the park early as you will often be let in before the official park open time, you will not have access to Boarding Groups for Rise of the Resistance until AFTER you’ve entered through the touchpoints AND the official park open time for the day has arrived.

Boarding Group availability each day is based on the projected number of guests that Disney expects to be able to ride during that day, based on the hours the ride is expected to be functioning.  They have built in some downtime.

Rise of the Resistance Review of Ride
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance                                                             (Photo: Disney Parks)

The Good

You don’t have to hover around Rise of the Resistance for hours, waiting for a chance to ride–you’ll get an update in your My Disney Experience app, notifying you of your Boarding Group being called.  You can go about your day and enjoy many other attractions and shows at Hollywood Studios while you wait.  Assuming there is availability, using the app to request a Boarding Group is fairly easy and user friendly–as long as the app doesn’t crash.  Once you are notified that your Group has been called to ride, you have a window of time.  In most cases, this is two hours, so you don’t have to rush right over or worry if you’re in line for another attraction.  Note: sometimes the window is one hour, so be sure to read your notification carefully so you know how long you have.

The Bad

Currently, the Boarding Groups are filling up VERY fast.  Most days, all the Boarding Groups for the day are filled within minutes of the park being open.   The impact of thousands of guests all trying to get access to Boarding Groups at the same time via the My Disney Experience app is that the app often crashes or locks up, making it very challenging to get a Boarding Group before they are all gone.  Adding to this, the attraction has unfortunately been breaking down fairly frequently, which is also limiting the availability of Boarding Groups for visitors.  The notification window for Boarding Groups has been fluctuating — some groups are given two hours, while others receive one hour.  It is important to read your notification carefully so you don’t miss your window.

Intriguingly, Disney has been surveying Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance guests this week about the virtual queue and possible alternatives.  I’m interpreting this to mean all is not going as well as they’d hoped with the system, and changes may be coming.

Ride Breakdowns

The biggest challenge right now is that Rise of the Resistance breaks down pretty frequently.  I think because this attraction is so huge, and has so many moving parts and so much new technology, breakdowns at the beginning are inevitable.  In my opinion, Disney rushed this attraction a bit and announced open dates that were premature.  I don’t think this attraction had enough time to work out all it’s kinks, and guests are bearing the brunt of that right now.

Currently, guests impacted by a ride breakdown are often given passes enabling them to return and ride the next day, or to ride later the same day.  I think guests directly impacted are being adequately compensated; however, this does not address the indirect impact.  With the ride experiencing downtime almost every day, and often, several times a day, Disney is not moving as many guests through this attraction as they anticipated.  As a result, many guests are not being able to ride the attraction at all.

While this is always the case with a popular new attraction (queue times for Flight of Passage still often top 90 minutes most days), the anticipation for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is significantly higher than for any other land or attraction in Disney history.  Most guests visiting Disney this year are EXPECTING to visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and expecting to ride both attractions.  With the current situation, many guests are leaving disappointed by not being able to experience this attraction.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance                                             (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

What Can We Expect?

I’m confident that Disney is doing everything it can to fix the problems with the attraction, and hopefully, these breakdowns will soon be a thing of the past.  I’m very anxious to see what happens with the virtual queue situation.   So far, there is a lot of very loud frustration coming out of guests actually experiencing the virtual queue system, so I suspect some kind of change will be forthcoming.

Earlier this week, Disney made changes to the Fast Pass+ tier system (read here for more information).  Millennium Falcon: Smugglers Run is now part of the Hollywood Studios Tier One.  If the virtual queue system doesn’t work, I suspect Rise of the Resistance will soon be joining Tier One as well.

Even with all the challenges to actually ride the attraction, I cannot stress enough: This is an AMAZING attraction!  I promise, even if you struggle with some frustration is getting to ride, it will be WORTH IT!  This is a MUST-RIDE attraction if at all possible!

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance                                                             (Photo: Disney Parks)

What do you think?  Do you think Disney will end up adding a stand-by line and Fast Pass+ reservations for Rise of the Resistance, or do you think they will improve the system for the virtual queue and Boarding Group system?

Have you had a chance to ride yet?  I’d love to hear your Rise of the Resistance review if you have one.  Please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

 

 

 

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway Opens March 2020

We finally have an opening date for Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway  coming to Disney’s Hollywood Studios next spring!  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway opens March 4, 2020 in Florida.  In more good news, the attraction will roll into Disneyland Park in 2022.

Disney's Hollywood Studios vacation planning trip planning tips top reasons to visit Disney Disney vacation planning advice

Replacing The Great Movie Ride

When Disney originally announced that longtime favorite “The Great Movie Ride” was being replaced by a new attraction, I was heartbroken.  I don’t know about you, but I always loved The Great Movie Ride.  Granted, it desperately needed some updating.  Nonetheless, it was classic, and one of the few attractions left from the days when Disney Hollywood Studios was  focused on the “movies”.

These days, most of the “Studios” has left Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  There doesn’t seem to be much of the original focus on the “magic of the movies” left.  Hollywood Studios has continued to be a beautiful park, and feature favorite attractions like the Rock n Roll Roller Coaster and the Tower of Terror–but what the heck do either of these have to do with MOVIES?????

Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Holiday
Disney Hollywood Studios Tower of Terror Holiday

However, with the opening of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge this year and Toy Story Land last year, Disney’s Hollywood Studios has returned to a MUST NOT MISS park after a few years of construction and many closed attractions (to make way for Toy Story Land and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge).

Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Disney Parks: Concept Art

Adding this new attraction, Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway, is sure to add even more juice to a park that is currently fairly jam packed with must-do attractions.  Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway has no height or age restrictions.  Hopefully this new attraction will appeal to guests of all ages.

Disney released a short video featuring the new attraction.  Check it out below:

Can you believe Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway will be the first theme park ride to actually feature Mickey Mouse and his friends??  How crazy does that seem?  It all started with a mouse. Mickey’s all over the parks, but he’s never had his own ride before.

Disney Parks Concept Art

That all changes with Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway.  And in a not-so-surprising twist, this attraction will feature more “hidden mickeys” than any other attraction in Disney history or around the world.

Modern Disney Animation

The animations in this attraction are modeled after the Mickey and Minnie cartoons currently airing on the Disney Channel.  Kids who watch cartoons on the Disney Channel today will feel VERY comfortable with these characters.

For those of us that grew up with a different style of Disney animation, the animations look a little strange; however, I’m sure we will get used to them.  They are cute, just different.  The current Disney shorts in this style have won awards and are VERY popular, so I think this newer style is here to stay.

Behind the scenes of Mickey and Minnie's Runaway Railway
Behind the scenes of Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway    (Photo: Disney Parks)

We’ll visit the Chinese Theatre to join Mickey and Minnie on a magical adventure in the cartoon world where mouse rules apply.  We’ll ride a train with Goofy as the Engineer, and as you can imagine, hijinks ensue!

I’m always overjoyed when a new attraction comes to any of the Disney Parks.  This one promises to include new technology.  I love that it is an “all ages” attraction.  I think the best attractions are the ones that bring whole families together.  Grandma can ride, and so can the littlest of grandchildren!

Mickey & Minnie's Runaway Railway Disney Vacation Planning Disney trip planning top reasons to visit Disney
Disney Artist Rendering Mickey & Minnie’s Runaway Railway

Are you looking forward to Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway?  I suspect I will always miss The Great Movie Ride, but I’m happy to see a new attraction in Hollywood Studios.  We’ll need something to keep us busy outside of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, haha.

Are you planning to check out this new attraction at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  Please comment below!

Happy Dreaming,

Brooke

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

 

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE!

It’s finally time!  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE!!  In just a few days, Walt Disney World guests will be able visit Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios.  I am so excited to get in there and take a look.  Even though we’ve already had lots of reports out of Disneyland visitors to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, I really want to check out the land at Hollywood Studios.

I don’t expect many differences, based on what I have heard so far, but you never know!  Until we can all get in there and take a look, hear the sounds and smell the smells—anything is possible.

A View From Above

Disney release this terrific video with an aerial view of Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.  Take a look below:

How cool is that??

TIME Magazine: World’s Greatest Places

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Time Magazine Top 100
Time Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2019 includes Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)

TIME Magazine has included Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in this year’s list of the World’s Greatest Places.  Each year, TIME Magazine releases a list of 100 of the World’s Greatest Places, featuring destinations that offer visitors groundbreaking, unique experiences.  It’s a great honor that TIME has recognized Disney’s newest theme park achievement, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

TIME Magazine took a look at a variety of factors when evaluating Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, including innovation, originality, quality, influence and sustainability.

More Than 1,000,000 Smugglers Served

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opened at Disneyland on May 31, 2019.  Already, Millenium Falcon: Smuggler’s Run has proven to be an extremely popular attraction.  Already, more than 1,000,000 guests have experienced the fun of this exciting attraction!

Disney Millennium Falcon Smugglers Run
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Millennium Falcon- Smuggler’s Run (Photo: Disney Parks)

The largest themed land in Disney parks history, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has astonished and amazed guests.  Guests have raved about the many immersive experiences and adventures they’ve had while visiting Black Spire Outpost on the planet Batuu in a galaxy far, far away.

Millenium Falcon Smugglers Run Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is HERE
An Aerial View of the Famed Millenium Falcon at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge. (Photo: Disney Parks)

Rise of the Resistance

Recently, Disney announced that the second, highly anticipated attraction planned for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, Rise of the Resistance, will open in Florida at Hollywood Studios in late December.

Disneyland’s Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will join the resistance with their version of the attraction opening in late January 2020.

Star Wars Galaxys Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance (Joshua Sudock/Disney Parks)

Take a look at this post-there’s a teaser trailer for Rise of the Resistance, as well as some info about the music we’ll hear throughout Black Spire Outpost.

Dressing for Success

Many guests planning to visit Star Wars:  Galaxy’s Edge want to “look the part” and join in the immersive World as much as possible.  For some, this means choosing outfits that might blend in with the “locals” on Black Spire Outpost.

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is here
Photo: Disney Parks

For children 13 and under, costumes ARE allowed.  This can include masks, as long as the eye openings allow the eyes to be fully visible beneath the mask, and as long as the mask permits good peripheral vision.

Costumes and masks cannot be worn by adults (or children 14 or older) at any time, except in the event of special events (like Mickey’s Not So Scary Halloween Party) that specifically allow costumes and have their own rules.

While Disney encourages adult guest to dress in looks inspired by the Star Wars films, or specifically to choose outfits inspired by Batuu residents, there are some big no-nos.

There are First Order Storm Troopers patrolling Black Spire Outpost so any armor, uniforms, helmets or weapons are prohibited.

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Costumes Not Allowed
Photo: Disney Parks

Chewbacca is a frequent visitor to Black Spire Outpost, so to avoid any confusion or conflict, no other Wookiees are allowed.

Disney recommends that guests wishing to fit in with the locals choose muted earth tone colors, and consider natural fiber fabrics with a handmade or rugged look.

Here’s some Disney approved examples:

Star Wars Galaxy’s Edge Dress for Success
Photo: Disney Parks

Please review Disney’s guidelines for guest attire  here if you have more questions.

Out of This World Grub

Are you ready to try some food from another galaxy?  Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge has LOTS to offer.  Guest reviews of the food at Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge in Disneyland have been great, so I’m very excited to get to Hollywood Studios and try some of this out of this world food for myself!

Check out the feedback from these visitors:

I really want to try some of that Blue Milk.  Don’t you?

Star Wars Galaxy's Edge Now Open Milk Stand
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Beverages: Blue Milk and Green Milk can be found at the Milk Stand. (Photo: David Roark/Disney Parks)

Bonus: Mobile Ordering will be available for Ronto Roasters, the Milk Stand, and Docking Bay 7 Food and Cargo to help reduce time spent in lines!

Have You Planned Your Adventure?

I can’t believe the long awaited opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge at Hollywood Studios is finally here!  Are you ready? Have you planned your first visit to Black Spire Outpost yet?

Please like this post and comment below with when you will be visiting a galaxy far, far away.

It’s not too late to book your adventure for this year, if you’re on the fence.   Contact me at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com for more information.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. For more information on what Cast Members will be wearing on Black Spire Outpost, check out this post.

P.P.S For more information about food and beverages coming to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge look here.

Disney World 2020 Vacation Packages NOW AVAILABLE for Reservations!

Are you thinking about visiting Walt Disney World in 2020?  I have good news!  Disney World 2020 vacation packages are now available for reservations.

What Does This Mean For You?

Until this week, you could only book your Disney vacation through dates in December 2019.  If you wanted to price a vacation for March 2020, you were out of look.  However, that is no longer the case.  All 2020 dates are now available for Disney World vacation packages or park tickets reservations.

Lots of people were waiting for 2020 to visit Walt Disney World because originally, Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge wasn’t expect to open at Hollywood Studios until late 2019.  Of course, earlier this year we learned that Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge will actually open August 29, 2019 at Hollywood Studios.  Despite this earlier planned opening date for Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge, many people still elected to wait until 2020 in hopes that the second attraction, Rise of the Resistance, will be open before their visit.

Star Wars: Galaxy's Edge Rise of the Resistance
Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge Rise of the Resistance               (Photo: Disney Parks)

If you’re not sure exactly WHEN you want to visit, but you know you want to visit in 2020, it’s time to start figuring out when you want to go.  Now that ticket prices are date-based, it’s important to know WHEN you want to visit in order to get an accurate estimate for your vacation.

Book Now

If you DO know when you want to visit, you can book NOW.  An initial deposit of $200 will hold your reservation, and the balance of your vacation costs will be due no later than 30 days before your vacation.  You can make payments, or pay the balance all at once.

What’s the advantage of booking early?

The earlier you book, the more likely you are to get exactly what you want.  Do you have a particular resort that you want?  A particular type of room?  The earlier you plan, the better the odds that you will have the most control over your dates, resort and room rates.

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

Many popular resorts book up more quickly than you might expect.  Room rates often rise in response to demand, as well.  This could mean that the room rate we see today for a particular week in 2020 at a particular resort may increase as we get closer to 2020.

What About Free Dining (Or other Discounts?)

Disney has not yet put any discount programs in place for 2020.  Free dining IS possible, but we won’t know for a while yet.  Disney usually enables discounts or Free Dining promotions with the intent of driving reservations due to lower than expected demand or reservations.  To be honest with you, I’m not sure we are going to see reduced demand in 2020.  SO many people held off on booking vacations in 2019 specifically to visit in 2020.

However, IF you book your 2020 vacation package with an authorized Disney vacation planner (like me), you will have access to any discounts Disney may release later that could benefit you.  [Shameless plug].  Basically, Disney travel agents have the ability to apply discounts to vacation packages they have booked if a discount is released prior to final payment and/or 30 days before travel.

There is minimal risk to locking in your reservation now.  Get the resort you want and the dates you want.  If Disney releases discounts in the future that could save you money on your vacation package, your Disney travel agent will be able to apply that discount to your package.

What is a Vacation Package?

A vacation package is a reservation that includes both your resort reservation AND your park tickets.  It may also include one of the dining plans.  In addition, you can add other items like Memory Maker to your package.  Usually, it is more economical to book your resort and park tickets as a vacation package than it is to book a resort reservation and park tickets separately.  Magic Bands (solid color) are included with all Disney vacation packages.  (Special themed Magic Bands are available at an additional price.  See this post for more information.)

New Magic Bands Coming Soon for Disney Resort Guests
(Photo: Disney Parks)
Ticket Days vs. Resort Nights

Often, people want to buy park tickets for a different number of days than their resort stay.  Regardless of how many nights are on your resort reservation, you can purchase park tickets for 1 day – 10 days (or an Annual Pass).   If, for example, you want to stay on property for 5 days and then move to your Grandma’s condo for 3 more days–you can absolutely do that.  You can include park tickets with your resort reservation to make a package, and those tickets can be for any number of days.

One Park Per Day vs. Park Hopper vs. Park Hopper and MORE

The next tough question is what TYPE of tickets do you want to include in your package?  Note: I did a very detailed post on ticket options that you can find here.

One Park Per Day

The most economical tickets are the one park per day tickets.  For many people, these are the best choice.  These tickets limit you to one park per day, but you can leave and return to the same park on that day as many times as you need to.  Some people think a one park per day ticket means they can visit each park only once.  This is NOT the case.  If you have a 5 day one park per day ticket, you could (if you wanted) choose to visit Epcot for all five of those days.  You can use each day of your ticket for any park you want to.

Park Hopper

Park Hopper tickets give you the ability to visit multiple parks each day of your ticket.  For example, you could start your day at Magic Kingdom and end your day at Epcot.  You don’t HAVE to change parks on any of your park days, but the Park Hopper gives you the power to do that if you WANT to.  Personally, I LOVE the flexibility of the Park Hopper ticket.  I like to be able to switch parks if I think my first choice is getting too crowded.  I like to be able to pop back into a park for a meal or to visit a particular attraction or shop.  However, that flexibility does come at a higher price.  Only you can decide if the higher cost is worth it.

Park Hopper and more

The Park Hopper and More ticket gives you additional flexibility.  You have park hopping capabilities for each day of your ticket, just as you do with the regular Park Hopper.  The Park Hopper and More costs more than a regular Park Hopper, but it includes extra benefits.  Based on the number of days on your base ticket, you get extra days you can use to visit one (or more) of the following attractions:

      • Disney’s Blizzard Beach Water Park
      • Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon Water Park
      • ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex
      • Disney’s Fantasia Garden Miniature Golf Course
      • Disney’s Winter Summerland Miniature Golf Course
      • Disney’s Oak Trail Golf Course

Start Your 2020 Planning NOW!

In addition to 2020 Disney World packages, most other 2020 Disney destinations are now available for booking.  Most 2020 Disney Cruise line itineraries are  available to book.  2020 Adventures by Disney trips are available for booking now–AND if you book your 2020 Adventure prior to July 19, you can save up to $750!

If you’d like to learn more about 2020 Disney travel options, please reach out to me today at brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.  I would love to help you plan your vacation.  If you are too busy to plan, get in touch with me.  I do offer packages where I handle all aspects of your vacation planning, including booking your fast passes and managing your meal reservations.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

P.S. Want to add a few days at Universal to your Disney vacation?  I’m also  certified on all Universal theme parks and vacation packages, and would be happy to talk to you about all the options available.

Disney TRON Construction Update

It’s time for another Disney TRON construction update!  If you missed our previous post on the new TRON attraction coming to the Magic Kingdom at Walt Disney World, click here to check it out.

The First Vertical Columns Are Going UP!

While construction began on the TRON “coaster” style attraction began more than a year ago, there wasn’t a whole lot of VISIBLE progress.  So much has to happen to prepare the ground to support the weight of the attraction, and even more has to happen to support the electrical needs of the attraction and the technology the ride will require.  To the casual observer,  the early phases of any attraction construction project often look like there’s not a whole lot going on.

Luckily, we’re not casual observers, right?  Disney has announced that they have begun installing the steel columns that will support the attraction.

Check out this terrific video that Disney released!

Where IS the TRON Attraction?

TRON is being built in Tomorrowland at the Magic Kingdom in Walt Disney World.  It’s going next to Space Mountain, mostly in space that was previously empty.

Disney has modified the Speedway slightly to make room for TRON.  They’ve also stopped running the Walt Disney World Railroad for the forseeable future, while construction proceeds on TRON.  I don’t know if this means the Railroad is ultimately being rerouted, or if the current track will still be in place once construction on TRON is completed.  It’s entirely possible that once it’s safe for the Railroad to resume circling the park and traveling behind Tomorrowland, we’ll be able to tell that nothing changed on the route.  However, I suspect that the Railroad track may need to move over a bit to make room for TRON.  Too soon to tell.

Regardless, we do have a pretty awesome artist rendering of what the TRON attraction is expected to look like.

Disney Tron Construction Update Artist Rendering
Disney Tron Attraction Coming to Magic Kingdom: Artist Rendering

We also got a new picture of the steel column that cast members signed.  As we discussed in the previous Disney TRON construction update post, an important milestone of the TRON project was when Disney invited cast members involved in the project to sign one of the steel columns that will become a part of TRON.

Disney TRON Construction Update
TRON Construction Milestone                                        (Photo: Disney Parks)

When Can We Ride?

While there’s no “official” opening date (it’s WAY too soon!), it looks like the expectations are that TRON will be completed in time for the 50th Anniversary of Walt Disney World in 2021.

Are you excited about this attraction?  From the brief glimpse we get in the video above, I think TRON looks like it will be very different from anything else we have at Disney.  I’m hoping it will be a ton of fun, and that it will absorb a lot of guests.  I’m always a fan of attractions that can swallow up a lot of the crowd.

What do you think?  Please like this post, and comment below with your thoughts!

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

New Table Service Restaurant Coming to Toy Story Land

Exciting news this week is coming from Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  We’ve got a new table service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land!

We don’t have a date yet, so most likely it will be sometime in 2020 or even 2021.  However, additional table service restaurants are needed throughout the Parks, and I think a new one themed to Toy Story Land will be a welcome addition!

Rodeo Play Area

Apparently, Andy has decided to set up a new play area in the backyard.  This new area will be a rodeo play area, and lots of our favorite toys are very excited to join in the fun!

This new rodeo play area will feature western town and train station playsets, and lots of rodeo themed activities.

Toy Story Land's Roundup Rodeo BBQ restaurant
Toy Story Land’s Roundup Rodeo BBQ, Artist’s Rendering                                     (Source: Disney Parks)

Of course, this is Toy Story Land, so this may be a really unique rodeo.  Lots of toys that we know and love aren’t exactly “western” themed.  Mr Potato Head, Buzz Lightyear, Slinky Dog, the green army men and the dinosaur toys are all bound to add some color and very unique elements to the rodeo theme!

We don’t know anything about the food that will be served here yet, but I suspect it will be western themed–perhaps BBQ ribs and chicken?  I’m not sure, but I’m really excited to find out!

I think we WILL be able to count on a fun, family friendly atmosphere that will be lots of fun to visit.

Until this new table service restaurant opens, you can still find great food in Toy Story Land.  Check out Woody’s Lunch Box, a quick service restaurant that specializes in sandwiches, lunch box tarts and more!

Toy Story Land Restaurants
Toy Story Land’s Woody’s Lunch Box            (Photo: Disney Parks)
Toy Story Land
Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios (Photo: Destinations in Florida)

I’ll keep you posted as more information becomes available on this latest addition to Toy Story Land.

What do you think?  Are you looking forward to a new table service restaurant coming to Toy Story Land at Disney’s Hollywood Studios?  Please comment below with your thoughts.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

 

FREE DINING for Disney Visa Cardmembers

The good news?  Disney has released a new limited time offer featuring free dining for Disney Visa Cardholders.  The not-as-good news?  It is an EXTREMELY limited promotion, and features a very short travel window.  However, if you are a Disney Visa Cardmember, and you are available to travel August 1 – 21, 2019, you might want to JUMP on this new free dining promotion.

A couple of things to be aware of: Any time Disney offers a big promotion, they are offering it to stimulate travel to the parks during a certain period.  This USUALLY means projected park attendance and resort reservation bookings are lower than Disney wants them to be for that time period.  While this doesn’t necessarily mean light crowds, it most likely means LIGHTER crowds.  Of course, if tons of people take advantage of the promotion, crowds could be CRAZY by the dates of travel.  But generally speaking, Disney offers promotions for periods where they are projecting attendance to be down.

Disney Tomorrowland crowd

This particular travel window closes before Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge opens at Disney’s Hollywood Studios on August 29, 2019.  However, there are still a lot of great reasons to visit Disney World this year.  Click here to check out my top five reasons to visit Disney World in 2019.

Free Dining for Disney Cardmembers

You can get free dining when you purchase a four-night/five-day Walt Disney resort and theme park ticket package that includes the Park Hopper option.  If you book your package at a Value or Moderate resort, you will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan.  If you book your package for a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa resort, you will receive the regular Dining Plan.

Disney Free Dining Promotion

You MUST book your vacation by June 16, 2019 to take advantage of this offer.

Your vacation must begin between August 1 and August 21, 2019.

You MUST book your vacation using your Disney Visa card.

Theme park tickets purchased with this package are valid for admission beginning the day of check-in, and must be used within a limited period of time, depending on length of stay and ticket.

Here are the resorts that are eligible for this promotion, along with which Dining Plan you would get if you booked your vacation at that resort.

Disney's Art of Animation Family Suite
Disney’s Art of Animation Family Suite (Photo: Disney Parks)

Select Disney Value Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

  • Disney’s All-Star Music Resort
  • Disney’s All-Star Sports Resort
  • Disney’s Art of Animation Resort – Family Suites Only
  • Disney’s Pop Century Resort

Select Disney Moderate Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Quick-Service Dining Plan

  • The Cabins at Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort
  • Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort
  • Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort
  • Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – Riverside
Disney Contemporary Resort California Grill
The California Grill at Disney’s Contemporary Resort  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Select Disney Deluxe Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Dining Plan

  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
  • Disney’s Beach Club Resort
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Inn
  • Disney’s Contemporary Resort
  • Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa
  • Disney’s Polynesian Village Resort
  • Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Yacht Club Resort

Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort Hotels – FREE Disney Dining Plan

  • Boulder Ridge Villas at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Copper Creek Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Jambo House
  • Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas – Kidani Village
  • Disney’s Beach Club Villas
  • Disney’s BoardWalk Villas
  • Disney’s Old Key West Resort
  • Disney’s Polynesian Villas & Bungalows
  • Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa

Quick Service Dining Plan vs. Dining Plan

If you book your package at a Value or Moderate Resort hotel, you will receive the Quick Service Dining Plan for free with your package.  The Quick Service Dining Plan includes two quick service meals and two snacks per person in your room, for each night of your stay.  Several beverage options are available–including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and beer, wine and cocktails for those guests who are 21 or older.

Disney Dining Plan Free Dining

If you book your package at a Deluxe or Deluxe Villa Resort, you will receive the Disney Dining plan with your package for free.  The Disney Dining Plan includes one quick service meal, one table service meal and two snacks per person in your room, for each night of your stay.  You can use table service credits for Character Dining and other special dining experiences.  Several beverage options are available–including non-alcoholic specialty beverages and beer, wine and cocktails for those guests who are 21 or older.

The Fine Print

This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

An additional charge may apply if you have more than two adults per room (any one over the age of 9) in a Disney Value, Moderate, Deluxe, or Deluxe Villa Resorts.

This offer excludes the following room types:  3 bedroom villas, campsites, Cabins at Copper Creed Villas & Cabins at Disney’s Wilderness Lodge, Bungalows at Polynesian Villas & Bungalows, and The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort.

Children ages 3 -9 MUST order from the Children’s Menu, if there is a Children’s Menu available.

Disney Free Dining for Disney Visa Cardmembers

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

Must use a valid Disney Visa Card or a Disney Rewards Redemption Card to pay the deposit.  The Disney Visa Cardmember must stay in the room.

Availability at table service restaurants is not guaranteed.  Advance reservations are recommended and availability is not guaranteed.

Gratuities are not included.

Food For Thought

Many Disney vacationers LOVE the Disney Dining Plan. They love being able to budget and essentially “prepay” for the majority of their meals before their trip, and know that they won’t need to spend a whole lot of money

Disney Character Breakfast Crystal Palace
Character Breakfast at the Crystal Palace at the Magic Kingdom  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

on food during their vacation. If you fall into this category, and are already a fan of the Disney Dining Plan or the Disney Quick Service Dining Plan, and are already accustomed to making Advanced Dining Reservations 180 days before your trip, you are likely a good candidate for the Free Dining Promotion.

Conversely, if you tend to order in groceries, and eat a lot of meals in your room, or pack picnic lunches for your family to enjoy at the parks, you are most likely NOT a good candidate for the Free Dining Promotion.

It’s important to think about how your family dines on a Disney vacation. Do you eat in table service (sit down) restaurants for most meals? Or, do you eat primarily quick service meals? Do you do many character meals? What about sharing meals? Does your family like to snack? Are you big Mickey Bar or Popcorn fans? Are you comfortable planning your meals in advance?

Disney's Chef Mickey Character Breakfast
Chef Mickey Character Breakfast at Disney’s Contemporary Resort  (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

While the promotion is called “Free” Dining, it’s also important to recognize that by getting the dining package for “free”, you are paying full price for your room and park tickets. You are saving a LOT of money on meals, so it is a substantial savings in many, many cases–but again, it’s really important to evaluate how YOU and YOUR family vacations.

If you tend to eat more meals in the room, or pack picnic lunches, you likely will get a bigger savings from a room or package discount that does NOT include free dining.

I Can Help Make Planning Your Trip Easier!

One of the advantages of working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner is that we have access to ALL the available discounts out there at any one time, whether Disney is actively promoting them or not. We can run comparisons for you to determine what you’ll save by booking your trip with one promotion or another. There is no cost to you to work with an authorized Disney Vacation planner to plan your vacation, and often, we have access to discounts or resort information that is not available to the general public. Working with an authorized Disney Vacation Planner will always save you headaches and aggravation, and will usually save you money as well!

Walt Disney World Entrance

In addition, we have the ability to monitor our reservations and as new promotions are released, update those reservations when it will save our customers money. For example, for all my clients that have reservations booked with me for later this year, we’ve already looked at the free dining promotion to see if it makes sense for them–and where it did, we’ve made the changes.

I don’t just love planning Disney vacations, I am obsessed with making every vacation the best it can possibly be.  Planning a great Disney vacation takes time and energy and PLANNING.  For a lot of busy people, that sounds like too much work.  If that’s you, let me do it for you!  Email me today to learn more.

To get more information, please reach out today: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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

FREE Quick Service Meals on YOUR Summer Vacation?

Disney has announced another special promotion to attract guests to Walt Disney World this summer.  While this is not a regular “Free Dining” promotion, this promotion DOES include one FREE quick service meal per day per guest for each night of your stay.  This promotion can potentially mean significant savings for your family.  Would you like free meals on your summer vacation?  Read on…

Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge does not open until AFTER this promotion ends; however, there are still LOTS of reasons to visit Walt Disney World this year.  Check out this post for my top 5 reasons to visit Disney World in 2019!

The Details

This offer is available to guests purchasing a four-night/five-day room and theme park ticket package at select Disney Moderate and Value Resort hotels.

This offer is valid for arrivals most nights between May 28 and August 21, 2019.

The package must be booked by June 30, 2019.

Disney's Magic Kingdom Summer Free Meal Promo
Disney’s Magic Kingdom                      (Photo: Brooke Hudson)

Theme park tickets are valid for admission, beginning on the date of check-in, and must be used within a limited number of days, depending on length of stay and ticket.

Each quick service meal includes one entrée and one non-alcoholic beverage (or, if over age 21, one beer, wine or cocktail, if available).

The Fine Print

This offer cannot be combined with any other discount or promotion.

This offer excludes Disney’s Port Orleans Resort – French Quarter, Disney’s All Star Movies Resort, The Little Mermaid Standard Rooms at Disney’s Art of Animation Resort, and campsites.

Children ages 3 -9 MUST order from the Children’s Menu, if there is a Children’s Menu available.

Disney CocktailsMost beer, wine and cocktails are included, if available at chosen quick service venue.  Some exceptions do apply.  Guests must present valid ID to be served alcoholic beverages.  Beverages may ONLY be redeemed with the quick service meal.

Gratuities are not included.

Food For Thought

It’s important to consider how you and your family dine on vacation to determine if this offer will be a value for you.  If you usually eat meals in Disney Parks, and frequently choose quick service options, this offer could definitely fit your family, and save you money.  Alternatively, if you prefer to eat every meal at a full service restaurant, you could save money with this offer, but you might not be happy as at least one of your meals each day would be a quick-service meal.

Disney Dining Summer Vacation

If you usually make sandwiches or leave Disney property to eat, this offer might not be for you.  There are a couple of other promotions running at this time.  We can check and see if one of those might be a better fit.

Generally, when one hears “free”, it always seems like a terrific deal.  In this case, I think a free meal for each member of your party IS a really good deal.  However, it’s important to consider how you like to travel.  Also, you should consider what you normally spend on food on vacation.  These factors help determine if this “free meal” promotion is a good deal for YOU.

Can I Help You?

If you’re considering a family vacation to Walt Disney World this summer, I’d love to help you book and plan that wonderful vacation.  As part of my free-to-you service, I am happy to check pricing on this package.  In addition, I can also review your specific travel plans, and take a look at any other discount offers currently available.  I want to make sure you get the best possible value for your family.

An added bonus:  When you book with me, I monitor your vacation against any new discounts that are released.  I’m able to apply new discounts to your trip if they work for your trip and save you money.  Basically, if new discounts become available before you travel, I have access to your reservation and the Disney system to see if you can benefit from the new discount.  If so, I make it happen!

To get more information, please reach out today: brooke@disneycastledreaming.com.

Happy Dreaming!

Brooke

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