Good morning everyone. In honor of EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival, we thought that we’d share an amazing article written by our very dear friend Karyn Locke from www.sandandorsnow.com. The title of the article is “The Best Walt Disney World Quick Service Restaurants From The Experts!” and showcases some of the most amazing quick service restaurants found on Walt Disney World property, from the mega-sized Restaurantosaurus at Disney’s Animal Kingdom (submitted by Terri Miller from WDWHints) to the simple yet delicious Earl Of Sandwich at Disney Springs (submitted by Tania Lamb at Lola Lambchops), you can find something for every appetite. And the best part? These are all submitted by experts in the area of WDW Quick Service dining locations…BLOGGERS! To check out this great article (and to get inspired to try new things while dining on the quick at Walt Disney World) head over to the article here. Thanks again for such a great article Karyn! We’ll see you all in the parks.
Disney Dining Plan
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A Can’t Miss Webinar for Anyone Doing Disney on a Special Diet
Published February 24, 2014 by Disneyways.comSarah Norris and I are working on a new webinar series for Disney vacation planners and Disney guests on a special diet. It will be all about helping you get the most from your dining experiences at the Walt Disney World Resort. We’re kicking it off with a trial run this Thursday, 2/27 at 7:30 pm EST. Sarah will be giving a brief presentation – but the bulk of this session will be for us to listen to the agents. We want to find out what sort of information they need most and how they would like for us to package that information for them. We want to help them work smarter and not harder – in addition to helping their guests with special diets have the most magical vacation possible. This session will last no longer than 1 hour. Any travel agents or guests who would like to attend should fill out this form.
Please check out this facebook Post for a link to our latest Disney Parks Podcast Episode featuring Sarah Norris.
Exclusive Photos!! Be Our Guest Restaurant Testing FastPass+ Dining!
Published May 9, 2013 by Disneyways.comBack in February we shared news that there would be periodic testing going on for My Magic+ testing at Be Our Guest!
Just the THOUGHT of this happening at Be Our Guest in New Fantasyland makes me happy!! Why? Because I believe they have some of the absolute BEST food in the Magic Kingdom.
I dream of having the grey stuff often. Doesn’t everyone? In fact, below you will see a photo explaining the only reason I don’t eat at Be Our Guest every single time I see the gates!
Long lines! You can’t get reservations for lunch – it is walk-up only. Most people would say I am a patient person – but I really can’t stand waiting in line. Sure you can make reservations for dinner (way in advance – if you are lucky). Here is what being lucky looks like:
But there is hope for everyone out there who is hungry and impatient like me! HOPE – in this case – came in the form of a little unassuming card today:
PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com
What you are seeing here is an actual Fast Pass+ that is being tested for the Be Our Guest Restaurant! These are very exclusive right now and by invitation only! I have to send a BIG thank you to Ramon Rodriguez for sharing these with us today!
Here are a few more photos. I scribbled out the name and other info to protect the privacy of Ramon’s guests.
PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com
PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com
PHOTO ©ThemeParkConcierges.com
If you are not already subscribed to get our updates by email – you will want to go ahead and do that now! We will soon have complete details on this awesome news, how Ramon was able to get these photos for us, and so much more!!
Animal Kingdom Dining: 2 counter service options that offer the most bang for your buck (or dining credits!) – Posted by Jennifer
Published February 20, 2013 by Disneyways.com
Flame Tree BBQ is located near the Discovery Island Bridge to Dinoland. Flame Tree has beautiful views of Expedition Everest over the Discovery River, this is especially nice when the sun is setting over the mountain. All seating is located outdoors but there are some pavilions to shade you from the Florida sun. The BBQ menu features ½ Rib Platter with baked beans & cole slaw, 1/2 Smoked Chicken Platter with baked beans & cole slaw, Rib and Chicken Combo with baked beans and cole slaw,Pulled Pork Sandwich w/slaw, and Smoked Turkey breast as well as a Barbecue Salad (crispy lettuce, garbanzo and pinto beans, cheddar cheese, corn, and crispy tortilla strips). For dessert you can choose from Key Lime Mousse or Chocolate Mousse. On my last visit I had the Rib/Chicken Combo, my goodness is this a HUGE meal!
Certainly enough for 2 adults to split, if you are on the dining plan you can use 1 quick service credit and save a credit for another meal. The BBQ was a wonderful sweet flavor and you can find the not so secret recipe in a few Disney cookbooks. Flame Tree’s children’s menu offers a baked chicken drumstick with two sides, a hot dog or a PBJ Sandwich. You can also order fries or onion rings and assorted beverages. This location is open for lunch and dinner and does accept the Disney Dining Plan for 1 Quick Service credit.
Next stop is Anandapur for Yak & Yeti counter service, this is another outdoor location for dining. Open for lunch and dinner, the Yak and Yeti Counter Service restaurant serves LARGE portions of Asian cuisine in cute little take-out cartons. Offering meals such as Honey Chicken, Sweet & Sour Chicken, and Beef Lo Mein – vegetarians don’t really have a lot of options here. They also serve an Asian Chicken Sandwich and Mandarin Chicken Salad. Side items are Egg Rolls, Fried Rice or Fries. The children’s menu offers Cheeseburger or Chicken Tenders served with carrots and fresh fruit . Dessert options here are Chocolate Cake, Frozen Lemonade or Chocolate Mousse. The Frozen Lemonade is a great choice on a hot Florida Day. Yak & Yeti is located close to two of Animal Kingdom’s most popular attractions, Expedition Everest and Kali River Rapids, because of this the Yak and Yeti counter service restaurant can get busy during peak dining times. This location is 1 Dining Plan quick service credit, however the portions are very large and can easily be split between 2 people.
Both restaurants can be very cost efficient if you are paying out of pocket for your meals while in Disney. I highly recommend either restaurant when dining in Animal Kingdom for the cost, quality and portions. And don’t forget to keep the camera out as both of these locations have amazing views of the park! So sit back, relax and enjoy the meal as well as all of the gorgeous scenery that Disneys Animal Kingdom has to offer.
Jennifer is the author of this post, an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner with Destinations in Florida Travel. Contact her here for a FREE no obligation quote when planning your next Disney Vacation.
Candlelight Processional Mystery Revealed at Last!
Published December 3, 2012 by Disneyways.comThe holiday season is in full swing at Disney World! Our family has made the Epcot processional a family tradition. Thinking back to when I used to book Disney dining – I would often get asked “What time should I dine to see the ___o’clock show?” I haven’t seen this information in a lot of places, and it’s great to know. Times and availability are always subject to change but this is the general rule.
When you make your reservations for Candlelight dining packages – keep this in mind.
Dine time is 4:20-5:45 to see the 8:15 show
Dine time is 3:30-4.15 to see the 6:45 show
Dine time is 12:30-2:30 to see the 5:00 show (This will often be considered a LUNCH package. Usually it’s same exact menu as dinner – sometimes for a much lower price! The trade off is that the sun won’t be setting until around 5:30. If you prefer your entire candlelight processional in the dark – you may want to book a later time.)
If you call in your reservation, 407-WDW-DINE (407-949-3463) your agent will remind you what show time you will be getting. Make sure they specifically tell you this is a Candlelight booking – or you won’t get reserve seating for the show. They will ask you for a credit card number, just to hold the reservation (no charge for now!) so you will want to have that handy.
For more information and details about this and all the holiday happenings at the Walt Disney World Resort – please click the links below.
I hope you’ll find this information helpful. Merry Christmas!!
Related articles
- Holiday Highlights at Walt Disney World! (disneyways.com)
Candlelight Processional Narrator Change!!
Published October 20, 2012 by Disneyways.com
English: Lea Salonga in New York (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Disney has announced that Olivia Newton John, the celebrity narrator scheduled to appear in the Candlelight Processional December 14-16 is no longer available to participate in this year’s performances. Award-winning singer and actress, Lea Salonga will now be the celebrity narrator for December14–16. Ms. Salonga’s credits include roles in Miss Saigon and Les Miserables. She also provided the singing voice of two official Disney Princesses: Jasmine in Aladdin and Fa Mulan in Mulan.
Where in the World are we?? Resort and Theme Park addresses for your GPS
Published September 9, 2012 by Disneyways.com
World Of Disney (Photo credit: Definitive HDR Photography)
Disney (Photo credit: wickedboy_007)
I love my GPS – but sometimes it has a hard time finding things in Disney.
Here are the addresses for all the Disney owned theme parks and resorts in the Walt Disney World area – customized to be used for a GPS – and put into resort categories.
The color coding indicates what theme park or area the World you are closest to. This serves as a great planning tool to help you book your dining etc.
Email me at DisneyWays@DisneyWays.com if you’d like to have this in a word document that is more suitable for printing!
I will send it to you directly.
Disney World GPS Address List from Disneyways.com
“Magic Kingdom Area” in Purple
“Epcot Area” in Black
“Downtown Disney Area” in Orange
*Closer to Hollywood Studios but still considered “Epcot Area” starred and underlined
Deluxe Resorts
Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa: 4401 Floridian Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Contemporary Resort: 4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Polynesian Resort: 1600 Seven Seas Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Beach Club Resort: 1800 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Yacht Club Resort: 1700 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Boardwalk Inn: 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge: 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830
Moderate Resorts
*Disney’s Caribbean Beach Resort: 900 Cayman Way, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Coronado Springs Resort:1001 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Port Orleans – French Quarter: 2201 Orleans Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Port Orleans – Riverside:1251 Riverside Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground: 3520 North Fort Wilderness Trail, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Value Resorts
Disney’s Art of Animation Resort: 1850 Century Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s All Star Sports Resort: 1701 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s All Star Music Resort: 1801 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s All Star Movies Resort: 1901 West Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Pop Century Resort: 1050 Century Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Deluxe Villa Resorts
Bay Lake Tower at Disney’s Contemporary Resort:4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom Villas: 2901 Osceola Parkway, Bay Lake, FL 32830
Disney’s Beach Club Villas: 1800 Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Boardwalk Villas: 2101 North Epcot Resorts Boulevard, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Old Key West Resort: 1510 North Cove Rd, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa: 1960 Broadway, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Wilderness Lodge Villas: 901 Timberline Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Theme Parks
Magic Kingdom: 3111 World Drive Lake, Buena Vista, FL 32830
Epcot: 1200 Epcot Resort Blvd. Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Disney’s Animal Kingdom: 551 Rainforest Road Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
*Disney’s Hollywood Studios: 351 South Studio Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Downtown Disney: 1780 E. Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Water Parks
Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon: 1494 E Buena Vista Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
*Disney’s Blizzard Beach: 1500 W. Buena Vista Drive Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830
Video! 2013 Disney Dining Plan Entitlements Explained
Published July 29, 2012 by Disneyways.com
Here is a pretty good 5 1/2 minute video that Disney released to help guests understand the differences between the quick, basic, and deluxe dining plans. Prices are not included but it helps with understanding why some people choose which dining plan is best for them. Remember the Disney dining plan is exclusively available to guests staying in Disney resorts.
Click here to watch the Dining Plans explained in 5 1/2 minutes
The Disney Dining Plan has become a Guest favorite to include as part of Magic Your Way Vacation Packages. The Disney Dining Plan (DDP) for 2013 mirrors the 2012 program, with a new option for table-service restaurants to offer menu add-ons and prix-fixe menus.
• Prix-fixe menu: Table-service restaurants may offer a separate prix-fixe menu that is available for a retail price. DDP Guests can choose this option with payment of a surcharge in addition to the table-service entitlement redemption. Separate surcharges for Disney Dining Plan Guests and Deluxe, Premium, and Platinum Dine Plan Guests will be noted on menus.
• For restaurants that offer only a prix-fixe menu (such as Cinderella’s Royal Table) or have a prix-fixe menu included on their regular a la carte menu (such as Captain’s Grille): the prix-fixe menu is fully covered by the required DDP meal entitlements.
• The new offering is a separate prix-fixe menu that is available in addition to the regular a la carte menu. DDP Guests who select the separate prix-fixe menu will be required to pay a surcharge in addition to the table-service entitlement redemption
• Menu add-ons: Table-service restaurants may offer menu add-ons, the ability to add another protein component to their entrée selection (e.g., option to add sea scallops to entrée). This option will be listed on the menu and requires payment of a surcharge by Guests who choose this option. DDP Guests can choose the menu add-on with payment of the surcharge in addition to the table-service entitlement redemption.
• Be Our Guest Restaurant: Be Our Guest Restaurant at the Magic Kingdom Park offers fast casual service for lunch (requires one quick-service entitlement); however, for dinner, it operates as a table-service restaurant (requires one table-service entitlement).
Key reminders about the Disney Dining Plan
• Participating locations: Most Walt Disney World Resort theme park, resort hotel, Disney water park, EPSN Wide World of Sports Complex, and the Downtown Disney Area restaurant locations accept the Disney Dining Plan, including Operating Participants.
• Eligible snack items: The list of eligible snack items includes a large variety of food and beverage items available at carts, kiosks, quick-service and select merchandise locations across property. A complete list of eligible snack items will soon be available on The Hub >> Food Tools
• Refillable Mug: All Disney Dining Plan packages include a Resort Refillable Drink Mug allowing Guest to refill at Quick Service locations and select Merchandise Shops at the Walt Disney World Resort Hotel at which they are staying and throughout the length of their current stay.
• Dining reservations for table-service restaurants can be made in advance or cancelled online at http://www.disneyworld.com/dining. Guests can also make or cancel a reservation by visiting any Walt Disney World Resort Hotel Front Desk, Concierge or Guest Relations, by calling 407-WDW-DINE, or by pressing 55 from any house phone.
Disneyways 