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09Feb
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27Apr
Disney Dining Reservations-Tips for Online Booking
By: Amanda Graham
When you go to Disney, you must realize that it is nearly impossible to walk in to one of their dining places and expect to be seated. You’ll probably end up disappointed if you try. To guarantee a seat you need to make Disney dining reservations online.
It isn’t difficult to do and will ensure that you and your family will get to have the experience you want. Here are some tips for making reservations for Walt Disney World dining.
Reserve Your Seats Six Months In Advance
We understand this sounds like an awful long time to get some food, but reserving your spot 180 in advance of your check-in time is necessary. You can head to Disney’s online reservation site and get a better feel for their dining options and prices. During your research, think about creating your itinerary during this time. Often times you can match up the places you eat near some of the places you will visit.
Making Disney dining reservations online is more convenient than calling a customer service rep and doing it over the phone. Plus you can print out your confirmation which might come in handy. Try to get your reservations made as soon as you know you are going to Disney World.
Bring Your Advance Dining Reservations
Bring along proof of your Walt Disney World dining reservation that has the confirmation number plainly visible. Be sure to check your dates too. If you make the reservations six months in advance you might get confused about the time or date. The reservation will only be valid for the time specified.
Bring the print-outs with you on vacation just in case Disney doesn’t have a record of your Walt Disney World dining reservations.
Avoid the Marketing Blitz
If you want to do everything over the phone, you will end up feeling extremely frustrated. This is due to the extensive marketing questions they ask before you can even speak with a live customer service rep. Take the time to alleviate this headache by going to the Disney dining reservations online site. You will feel at ease and it won’t have any type of effect on your dining reservations.
We will tell you that getting immediate reservations isn’t always the way it works. Sometimes you have to continue trying in order to make it happen. It’s possible that someone will call and cancel their reservations, which opens up a spot for you and your family. If you’re already there, don’t be afraid to call for reservations from your hotel room.
The easiest option is to book Disney dining reservations online as far in advance as you can but you never know when you might get lucky with a last minute cancellation. Having your seat booked at a Walt Disney World dining location means one less thing to worry about once you get there.
Learn more about Disney World Dining. Stop by our site where you can find out more on how to make Disney Dining Reservations Online for your Disney World Vacation.
Article Courtesy of EzineArticleBoard.com
Tags: Disney World Deals, Disney World News, Disney World Tips
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27Apr
We previously reported that SeaWorld, Busch Gardens and Aquatica were offering free admission to European travelers stranded in Orlando because of the Icelandic volcanic ash in the air. Now the Orlando Sentinel is reporting that Walt Disney World and Universal are also offering free admission today and tomorrow.
Disney is offering one-day park hoppers which include admission to Typhoon Lagoon and Blizzard Beach. Universal is also offering free one-day admission to both of its theme parks. Guests will need to show their canceled plane ticket or expired boarding pass and a photo ID.
Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales is also offering free admission through April 21 or until normal flight schedules resume. The Orlando Convention and Visitors Bureau has a list of other special offers on its website. Here you’ll find offers for Wet ‘n Wild and other attractions, hotels and restaurants.
Tags: Disney News, Disney World, Disney World News
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24Apr
An Apple fan over at Disneyandmore.com has discovered how plans from Steve Jobs, Apple founder and Disney’s largest stockholder, may revolutionize the Walt Disney World experience.
The patent for a new app, Concert Ticket +, came to light earlier this week, and it includes a section specifically related to theme parks. The app is centered around a new iTunes-based Web service for tickets, allowing smartphone users to go paperless. Once tickets are sent to a phone, the owner can use the device to enter the Disney parks.
Plus, iTicket users could be offered a variety of benefits on their smartphones. The possibilities include discounts on related merchandise, prepaid refreshments, special ride tickets or other related content and maps.
The patent also states, “Other benefits which may be associated with the electronic theme park ticket may include photos of the user on certain rides, as well as certain entertainment which may become available while the user waits in line.”
Vocal Disney fans have posted 85 comments this week about the viability of going paperless at the parks on a forum at wdwmagic.com. They are divided on whether the technology would enhance the experience or slow down the crowds with malfunctions and user errors.
Tags: Disney Iphone Apps, Disney World Deals, Disney World News, Iphone, Iphone Apps
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09Apr
Rumor has it a new summer discount may be available today. The discount is supposed to be a “kids stay and play free” deal, which will provide free park admission for kids. (The “kids stay free” text is a bit of a misnomer, since one adult has to be assigned to each room anyway and the maximum number of guests per room is set by fire code regulations.) Check-in and booking dates are supposed to be through August 14 (that is, you can book until August 14 for check-in dates through August 14.) No word yet on the maximum number of kids per adult.
We don’t think this particular discount will have the widespread benefit of the other current discount, but your situation may find it to be valuable. If you come up with a scenario where this discount is better than anything else, please post the details in this post’s comments.
Next discount is rumored to be tiered free dining, for travel dates August through October. (Presumably it’ll start August 15, when the current discounts end.) We hear the offer may be significantly different than in years past, however, with a smaller discount. It’s total speculation at this point, and we haven’t heard anything definitive. If anyone has more information, drop us a line.
Tags: Disney World Deals
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08Apr
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Walt Disney World in Orlando, Fla., is rarely quiet, but the crowds do vary by a surprising amount. While you may wait an hour to visit an attraction at Christmastime, you might walk right in without a wait in other months. Disney calls these slower times Value Season, and room rates drop just as much as crowd sizes. If you want to maximize your money and time at Disney World, consider booking during Value Season for your next trip.
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January
For people living in northern states, one of the attractions for taking a Disney vacation in the winter is the Florida weather. Skip the holiday crowds and arrive in Walt Disney World right after the new year. Jan. 3 through Feb. 10 fall in the Value Season. The weather offers a welcome break from the snow and ice at home, usually in the 70s and sunny. Avoid the weekend of Jan. 7, which is Disney Marathon weekend, and the long weekend before Martin Luther King Jr. Day. The rest of the month should offer smaller crowds and wonderful weather.
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Summer’s End
The beginning of summer is one of the most popular times for a Disney vacation: Children in the United States and Canada get out of school, and families go on holiday. Crowds thin out considerably by the middle of July. If you are planning a summer Disney World vacation, wait until after July 18 and through the end of September; you still will enjoy the hot summer sun and the long nights with extra hours at the park, but the crowds will be significantly smaller.
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Between Holidays
Holiday time in Walt Disney World is truly a spectacular show. Every park and resort is decorated, special events occur and the holiday spirit can be felt all around. Thousands of families celebrate the holidays in Disney World, but you don’t have to endure the intense crowding that goes on each year. The days between Thanksgiving and December 16 are some of the slowest times in Disney parks. The holiday decorations are hung, and Mickey’s Christmas Party is held in the evening, but the crowds are much smaller. If taking the children out of school early is an option, make your holiday plans before their regular vacation time. You still can discover all the Disney holiday magic without standing in line for hours at every event. -
08Apr
Ariel’s Grotto is closing on April 12th, making Sunday April 11th the last day she will be available to Guests outside of dining. Still awaiting word on when she is moving to the Veranda, but it’s assumed that will be May 9th.
Winnie the Pooh and Tigger are moving to the Train Station in Mickey’s Toontown Fair starting April 12th, then relocating to Town Square on May 9th.
Horace Horsecollar and Clarabelle Cow are joining the Hoedown Happening at Frontierland on Sunday, April 11; they will be replacing Liverlips and Shaker.
Star Wars Weekends will have two new characters this year, both from the Clone Wars.
Goofy will be moving to The Pirates League on April 11th. He will be dressed like a pirate and will be located next to the Quartermaster’s desk, across the way from where Captain Hook and Mr. Smee used to meet.
Good Times Gathering Spot at Disney’s Animal Kingdom will be open from March 28th-April 10th. Pocahontas will be there will her forest friends, including: Meeko, Chip, Dale, Miss Bunny, and Thumper.
Cinderella’s Royal Table has changed the dinner character greeting format from the Fairy Godmother, Suzy, and Perla show to the more traditional meet and greet currently offered for breakfast and lunch. This changed on Feb. 7th.
Magic Kingdom Teardrop is officially closed. See the RANDOM page to see other possible random character greeting locations.
May 9th is the day character schedules will be changing, see the rumored section for more information. -
09Feb
Walt Disney World is packed with great attractions for the preschool set, and a Disney trip is an ideal starter vacation for your little one. The rides that appeal to kids under five have a few things in common:
* Familiar characters or friendly, colorful images
* Pleasant surprises only — the rides on this list do not have sudden noises, darkness or unexpected movements
* Obvious and understandable motion and storyline. The horses on Cinderella’s Carousel go up and down and around in a predictable way, so your child knows what to expect when he climbs into the saddle.There are kid-friendly attractions in each of Disney’s four main theme parks, so no matter where you are in the “World,” you can find something fun for your preschooler. But here are the 10 best:
1. Dumbo the Flying Elephant (Magic Kingdom):
Dumbo sits in the heart of Fantasyland, and is absolutely adored by preschoolers and toddlers. Riders can take a magical but gentle ride on one of 16 flying elephants, and you can control how high your Dumbo goes.Tip: Dumbo is such a hit with the preschool set that you need to ride it early. Make this one of your first stops to make sure you get a chance to ride without a long wait.
2. Cinderella’s Golden Carousel (Magic Kingdom):
Your preschooler will love the sensation of riding a “real” horse on this old fashioned Merry-Go-Round. The horses come in a variety of sizes — little riders may prefer the smaller versions, located towards the center of the ride. Cinderella’s Golden Carousel runs throughout the day, and with 90 horses, there is usually only a short wait to ride.Tip: If one of your kids is unable or unwilling to sit on a horse, there is a carriage with bench seats on the ride as well.
3. The Barnstormer at Goofy’s Wiseacre Farm (Magic Kingdom): If your child is feeling brave, and wants to try a “big kid” ride, head on over to Goofy’s Barnstormer, located in Toon Town. This ride is very short, with some fun twists and turns that aren’t too scary. Not only is this ride fun, but it is a great chance to see if your child is ready for some of the bigger rides at Disney. Parents should note that the Barnstormer has a height requirement of 35″.Tip: While this ride is adored by toddlers, adults over 6 feet tall may find the seating to be a little cramped!
4. The monorail: While this isn’t technically a ride, kids of all ages love to ride the monorail. If you are staying in a monorail resort, you will have plenty of opportunity to ride. Not visiting a resort? You can still take the monorail from the parking lot to the Magic Kingdom, or from the Magic Kingdom to EPCOT.Tip: Regarding the monorail as one last “ride” is a great way to get the kids to leave the Magic Kingdom at naptime. “Who wants to ride the monorail?” is much more fun than “Time to go home” for most kids!
5. Kilimanjaro Safaris (Animal Kingdom): Head over to the Animal Kingdom for a close look at some of the most exotic creatures you will ever see in person. This ride lets you get a good look at some of your favorite animal friends in their natural habitats — but hold on tight, it is a little bouncy! Disney adds a special touch by allowing riders to help save one of the baby elephants from “poachers.” Preschoolers will enjoy seeing real animals and the adventurous storyline.Tip: Bring along a kid sized camera and let your child snap his own photos of the animals.
6. TriceraTop Spin (Animal Kingdom): Similar to Dumbo’s ride, this one features cute and friendly dinosaurs as the ride “vehicles.” Preschoolers love this ride, and it usually has an extremely short line.Tip: This ride has very little shade (which may be why there is often no wait to ride). Ride early in the day or in the late afternoon to avoid the heat.
7. Playhouse Disney — Live on Stage! (Hollywood Studios): This attraction is not a ride at all — it is a show that combines a live performance with state of the art puppetry and fun effects. What does that mean to your toddler? A chance to see their favorite Playhouse Disney characters like the Little Einsteins and Handy Manny live on stage. This show is interactive, so your preschooler will have the chance to dance, clap, and sing along with Mickey and friends.Tip: Look for a character meet and greet right outside the exit of this attraction. You can usually catch Handy Manny or one of the Little Einsteins signing autographs and posing for pictures after a performance.
8. ‘Honey, I Shrunk the Kids’ Movie Set Adventure (Hollywood Studios): This oversized play area is designed to give your toddler a “bug’s eye view” of the typical back yard. This play area is a great place to run off some excess energy, and your little one will enjoy some of the oversized elements — from giant ants and blades of grass to a two story climbable spider web.Tip: Have an adult accompany kids under five on the spider web. Children of this age have the strength and dexterity to climb up, but may lack the confidence to climb down unassisted.
9. Journey into Imagination with Figment (Epcot): Preschoolers will enjoy both the lively images and storyline of this whimsical ride. Figment’s antics are sure to draw a giggle or two, and the Imageworks play area are a big hit as well.Tip: Want to cool off on a hot day? Head over to the Imagination Pavilion. There is usually little or no waiting to enjoy the ride, and you can spend some time in the air conditioned Imageworks play area after riding.
10. The Seas with Nemo & Friends (Epcot): Nemo is missing — can you help bring him home? This ride combines elements from Pixar’s Finding Nemo film with some of the coolest real live sea creatures around. Spot dolphins, sharks, and even a sea turtle as you make your way though the sea, and search for Nemo. -
31Jan
Tags: Disney World, Disney World Video, Disney World Wedings
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28Jan
Disney has opened a web portal where Walt Disney World and Disneyland Resort guests can sign up to receive up-to-date wait times, operating hours, and more via text message. Would-be guests can sign up for the text notifications and select what day or days the notifications will be needed. Guests selecting more than one visit per year are limited to 12 days of notifications in a given year. See below for details and limitations:
• Character Locations – Text “Meet” and then the name of the character up to four times per day.
• Park Hours – Get current operating hours for any park any time of day.
• Resort Information – Guests will receive resort information via text at the time of registration.
• Wait Times – Text “Wait” and then the name of the attraction up to four times per day.
* Exclusive Offers – Disney may send exclusive offers or discounts via text on the day(s) of your visit.
Tags: Disney News, Disney World Tips