I took a look and the sit down restaurant in the Animal Kingdom is called the Yak and Yeti. Looks pretty much like Chinese food, I haven’t heard much about the place. Getting on to Epcot where there are lots of great places to eat…
We love LeCellier, it’s a steakhouse in Canada and the food is really good and it’s only 1dining credit, but it’s so hard to get into! Teppan Edo is really good too, that’s in Japan and they serve Hibachi style food, they cook right in front of you! Akershus Royal Banquet Hall is in Norway they have a great Princess meal that is only one credit (which is great because a meal in the castle with the princesses is two credits!) I tried Le Chefs de France 2 visits ago for the first time and thought the food was really good, it’s noisy in there though! San Angel in Mexico is so pretty I always wanted to eat there but I’ve heard pretty bad things about the food. If I ever do eat there it will be for a couple of margaritas and an appetizer. Outside of the World Showcase is Coral Reef which has great atmosphere and really good food. Also to be noted is the Sunshine Season Food Fair in the Land Pavilion, they serve “counter service food” but in my opinion it is the best counter service in any of the parks. A great value on the dining plan if you use one of counter service meals for lunch (or dinner) here!
Did you know that all of the Deluxe resorts have restaurants in them too? Even if you don’t have a car you can easily dine at any of the resorts on the monorail or at the Wilderness Lodge which is only a boat ride away from the Magic Kingdom or even at the Boardwalk or Beachclub resorts which are just a short walk from Epcot’s World Showcase. More on resort dining next time!
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Dining at Disney World
So my pal Lisa has booked her trip, way to make the leap Lisa! So now she wants to know where she should make reservations for dining. Well aren't you thinking ahead! And you should be! Reservations for meals can be really hard to get especially if there is a "free dining" promotion going on. Most reservations for dining at Disney can be made 180 in advance. Thats 6 months wow! So Lisa can make her reservations now for her December trip. She asks me where she should eat. I have some favorites...
in the Magic Kingdom I like Liberty Tree Tavern for a sit down meal, currently they have characters there (Minnie and some others) but they are doing away with the characters soon. The food is turkey stuffing mashed potaots, typical thanksgiving fare, it's pretty good. Breakfast and dinner are good at the Crystal Palace also, I'm not too keen on their lunch. They have Pooh and friends at that meal. Other than that I prefer to stick to fast food in the Magic Kingdom. I have heard that the Plaza on Main Street is nice for a relaxed lunch, they do sandwiches and such and even though it is a "sit down" meal reservations can not be made here.
In Animal Kingdom we always stick to fast food too. I like Flame Tree BBQ, the husband like Pizzafari. They just added a sit down place there but I haven't tried it.
In MGM they have some fun places to try 50's Prime time is fun if you're with a crowd or if you are just silly people, the food is quite good here too, I love the smores dessert! Brown Derby is tasty although a bit expensive and counts as 2 meals if you're on the dining plan. We also like Sci-Fi where you sit at car tables and watch movies on the big screen, just like you were at a drive in. Lunch here is a great way to cool down from the heat. They have good burgers rings and milkshakes as well as much more sophisticated fare. We're eating lunh here on our next trip on a day when we don't have the dining plan, we'll just pay for this meal (If you are not on the dining plan lunches or breakfast are a cheaper meal to have sit down than dinner) Fast food at MGM is typically not considered wonderful although I've had sgood experience at ABC Commissary.
There are so many wonderful places to eat in Epcot that it deserves it's own post, so it shall get one. Stay tuned for Epcot dining... In the mean time you can check out all of the menus for Disney resturants online. This amazing woman Deb runs http://www.wdwig.com/ check out her site, click on dining then in the top left corner on 'the menus' it's all organized by park and resort. Being able to see the menu offerings and prices can make it much easier to choose a place thats right for you.
in the Magic Kingdom I like Liberty Tree Tavern for a sit down meal, currently they have characters there (Minnie and some others) but they are doing away with the characters soon. The food is turkey stuffing mashed potaots, typical thanksgiving fare, it's pretty good. Breakfast and dinner are good at the Crystal Palace also, I'm not too keen on their lunch. They have Pooh and friends at that meal. Other than that I prefer to stick to fast food in the Magic Kingdom. I have heard that the Plaza on Main Street is nice for a relaxed lunch, they do sandwiches and such and even though it is a "sit down" meal reservations can not be made here.
In Animal Kingdom we always stick to fast food too. I like Flame Tree BBQ, the husband like Pizzafari. They just added a sit down place there but I haven't tried it.
In MGM they have some fun places to try 50's Prime time is fun if you're with a crowd or if you are just silly people, the food is quite good here too, I love the smores dessert! Brown Derby is tasty although a bit expensive and counts as 2 meals if you're on the dining plan. We also like Sci-Fi where you sit at car tables and watch movies on the big screen, just like you were at a drive in. Lunch here is a great way to cool down from the heat. They have good burgers rings and milkshakes as well as much more sophisticated fare. We're eating lunh here on our next trip on a day when we don't have the dining plan, we'll just pay for this meal (If you are not on the dining plan lunches or breakfast are a cheaper meal to have sit down than dinner) Fast food at MGM is typically not considered wonderful although I've had sgood experience at ABC Commissary.
There are so many wonderful places to eat in Epcot that it deserves it's own post, so it shall get one. Stay tuned for Epcot dining... In the mean time you can check out all of the menus for Disney resturants online. This amazing woman Deb runs http://www.wdwig.com/ check out her site, click on dining then in the top left corner on 'the menus' it's all organized by park and resort. Being able to see the menu offerings and prices can make it much easier to choose a place thats right for you.
Get into Disney World Free on your Bday in 2009
My wonderful friend Tara loves me and so she posted a comment to my blog, a helpful one!
Tara said...
Just came across this great deal for 2009! Go to Disney FREE on your birthday!! (US parks only)Here is the announcment. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory?id=5833458
So here is a link to the Disney site with the details...
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=WDWCelebrationsOverviewPage
and if you're down in Disney but already have your park tickets you can choose
-A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort; or
-A special birthday FASTPASS® badge+ for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or
-A 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.
VERY COOL!! Thanks Tara!
Tara said...
Just came across this great deal for 2009! Go to Disney FREE on your birthday!! (US parks only)Here is the announcment. http://abcnews.go.com/Travel/wireStory?id=5833458
So here is a link to the Disney site with the details...
http://disneyparks.disney.go.com/disneyparks/en_US/WhatWillYouCelebrate/index?name=WDWCelebrationsOverviewPage
and if you're down in Disney but already have your park tickets you can choose
-A birthday fun card in an amount equal to the price of a 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket* for you to use on your birthday for merchandise, recreation or fun activities at select participating locations at Walt Disney World® Resort; or
-A special birthday FASTPASS® badge+ for certain attractions at the Theme Park you visit on your birthday; or
-A 1-day Magic Your Way base ticket for you to use any time until your next birthday.
VERY COOL!! Thanks Tara!
Friday, September 19, 2008
10 day non-expiring passes, working the DisneyWorld.com site
The question:
The Disney website won't let me change my pass for the magic your way, it says six days, so I guess it will be cheaper if I get less
The answer:
You can change it from 6 days to less. If you're on the Disney Worldsite there’s a drop down in that area that will show you the choices.
Another question:
Ok, I tried that out. Getting the 10 day no expiring only adds a couple hundred, is that a good idea to get that? It seems reasonable to getyour passes for the next time, no? or is it better to get hotel/tix deal? I really want to go in dec. but it seems like nov. will have better prices/warmer weather. Probably less crowded too.
Another answer:
We buy ours as 10 day non expiring and use what we need each time until they run out. If you can afford to put that cash out now it's nice to have them for next time and per day that works out to be the cheapest way. Lots of times we just buy what we need though because then you aren't paying for the nonexpiring option, totally up to you. Are the prices coming out different for Dec vs. Nov? I would have thought they were the same season thus the same prices and no Nov probably won't be any less crowed there are NO CROWDS either time, it's really a nonissue, warmth though that’s something to think of, still in Dec there’s more reason to escape although with trying to get ready for the Holidays sometimes you’d rather be home. Each has a plus and minus you just have to decide what works for you...
The Disney website won't let me change my pass for the magic your way, it says six days, so I guess it will be cheaper if I get less
The answer:
You can change it from 6 days to less. If you're on the Disney Worldsite there’s a drop down in that area that will show you the choices.
Another question:
Ok, I tried that out. Getting the 10 day no expiring only adds a couple hundred, is that a good idea to get that? It seems reasonable to getyour passes for the next time, no? or is it better to get hotel/tix deal? I really want to go in dec. but it seems like nov. will have better prices/warmer weather. Probably less crowded too.
Another answer:
We buy ours as 10 day non expiring and use what we need each time until they run out. If you can afford to put that cash out now it's nice to have them for next time and per day that works out to be the cheapest way. Lots of times we just buy what we need though because then you aren't paying for the nonexpiring option, totally up to you. Are the prices coming out different for Dec vs. Nov? I would have thought they were the same season thus the same prices and no Nov probably won't be any less crowed there are NO CROWDS either time, it's really a nonissue, warmth though that’s something to think of, still in Dec there’s more reason to escape although with trying to get ready for the Holidays sometimes you’d rather be home. Each has a plus and minus you just have to decide what works for you...
Knowing your expected cost before you call, Pleasure Island Closing :(
The question:
This is great information. I don't know how I would have booked without your advice! Thank you soooooo much. Yes, we will probably get a 4 day per your recommendation. We can explore. Esp with the baby, it will probably work out better. how do you find out how much the total will be? Oh, right, we won't go to the water parks. I went once, that was enough. I mean I like them and all, but it isn't worth it. Did you know they are closing pleasure island? I loved the adventurers club.
The answer:
We loved the Adventurers club too. So sad. Your code is for free dining right? If you go to the Disney website and plug in all your numbers and play with it and just don't add the dining that should be the price you would get with dining.
This is great information. I don't know how I would have booked without your advice! Thank you soooooo much. Yes, we will probably get a 4 day per your recommendation. We can explore. Esp with the baby, it will probably work out better. how do you find out how much the total will be? Oh, right, we won't go to the water parks. I went once, that was enough. I mean I like them and all, but it isn't worth it. Did you know they are closing pleasure island? I loved the adventurers club.
The answer:
We loved the Adventurers club too. So sad. Your code is for free dining right? If you go to the Disney website and plug in all your numbers and play with it and just don't add the dining that should be the price you would get with dining.
what type of pass to buy, having a plan when you make reservations
The question:
My code specifies my dates can be either 12/17 - 12/22 or 11/12 - 11/17. if it needs to becut short a day, my dates can be cut short either way (i.e., I can leave 18 or come back on 21). That is helpful information about the pass type, I did park hopper, butwith the baby you are probably right.I am hoping to get tix to get in early the first day and then leaveearly the last day, so I think 5 day tix would be best. We are notplanning on renting a car, nor do we want travel insurance (I like tolive risky!!!). I was planning on using magical express, that is still free,right? We can stay at riverside like you suggested, but if it is full, popcentury? Or wherever you think is best.
The answers:
Yes Magical Express is still free. If you can't get Riverside and you still want a moderate because it's bigger then ask what other mods they have. The only mod I don't really like is Coronado Springs. Ridiculous amounts of walking and they don't really have a food court. But I like the values and any of them are good but whichever you prefer. POP could totally work for you and it would save you $$ so have a plan before you call like #1 choice Port Orleans Riverside #2 choice POP #3 choice AS Music or whatever your preferences may be that way when they come back and say, we don't have anything available with that code at riverside for those dates you can say, can you check for other moderates or could you check what’s available at the values. Don't forget there’s lots to do at Disney that isn't a park like downtown Disney or a decent meal at one of the other resorts. If you are staying 3 nights I would discourage a 5 day pass, 4 day if you must ;) Of course I'm being bossy you do what’s right for you guys but we literally only go the parks half of the days we're there. We mini golf and have tea at the Grand Floridian or lunch at the Polynesian resort. There’s a lot to do, oh and you shouldn’t get the water parks and more add on, you won't need it.
My code specifies my dates can be either 12/17 - 12/22 or 11/12 - 11/17. if it needs to becut short a day, my dates can be cut short either way (i.e., I can leave 18 or come back on 21). That is helpful information about the pass type, I did park hopper, butwith the baby you are probably right.I am hoping to get tix to get in early the first day and then leaveearly the last day, so I think 5 day tix would be best. We are notplanning on renting a car, nor do we want travel insurance (I like tolive risky!!!). I was planning on using magical express, that is still free,right? We can stay at riverside like you suggested, but if it is full, popcentury? Or wherever you think is best.
The answers:
Yes Magical Express is still free. If you can't get Riverside and you still want a moderate because it's bigger then ask what other mods they have. The only mod I don't really like is Coronado Springs. Ridiculous amounts of walking and they don't really have a food court. But I like the values and any of them are good but whichever you prefer. POP could totally work for you and it would save you $$ so have a plan before you call like #1 choice Port Orleans Riverside #2 choice POP #3 choice AS Music or whatever your preferences may be that way when they come back and say, we don't have anything available with that code at riverside for those dates you can say, can you check for other moderates or could you check what’s available at the values. Don't forget there’s lots to do at Disney that isn't a park like downtown Disney or a decent meal at one of the other resorts. If you are staying 3 nights I would discourage a 5 day pass, 4 day if you must ;) Of course I'm being bossy you do what’s right for you guys but we literally only go the parks half of the days we're there. We mini golf and have tea at the Grand Floridian or lunch at the Polynesian resort. There’s a lot to do, oh and you shouldn’t get the water parks and more add on, you won't need it.
How to book
The question:
SOOOOOO. What site do you use? I want to book today. I am so excited.Also, do you need to bring a car seat or can you hold babies on yourlaps on the bus? I think I am going to book at riverside as yourecommended bc we never stayed there.
The answer:
Disney systems are down until noon for an update but you should bookthrough Disney travel. You call 1407wdisney, you want to book a travelpackage. Give them your code and dates. You can give them to me firstand I will tell you how much your total should be. You will be buyingpark tickets as part of that. Get the fewest days you need. I suggestone for every full day you are there so if you go for 4 nights get a 3day pass. I also recommend not getting the hopper. It adds aridiculous amount on to the total cost and you don't really need it.you would do one park per day which if you're going for 3 days means youskip one park, save something for next time :) It would include themeal plan for free, you have to tell them you don't want travelinsurance (unless you do) or they tack on that rather expensive bit.Don't book airfare through Disney, get your Disney reservations all setand then book airfare, you can always change your Disney dates if you need to in order to coordinate with the cheapest airfare.Unless you plan on renting a car when you are there you will want to use Magical Express which will get you from the airport to the resort, you sign up for that when you book or you can add it later. Any more questions before you book? Oh and yes you can hold the babies on the busses, if you arent' renting a car or buying a seat for the baby on the plane I don't think you even need a car seat.
SOOOOOO. What site do you use? I want to book today. I am so excited.Also, do you need to bring a car seat or can you hold babies on yourlaps on the bus? I think I am going to book at riverside as yourecommended bc we never stayed there.
The answer:
Disney systems are down until noon for an update but you should bookthrough Disney travel. You call 1407wdisney, you want to book a travelpackage. Give them your code and dates. You can give them to me firstand I will tell you how much your total should be. You will be buyingpark tickets as part of that. Get the fewest days you need. I suggestone for every full day you are there so if you go for 4 nights get a 3day pass. I also recommend not getting the hopper. It adds aridiculous amount on to the total cost and you don't really need it.you would do one park per day which if you're going for 3 days means youskip one park, save something for next time :) It would include themeal plan for free, you have to tell them you don't want travelinsurance (unless you do) or they tack on that rather expensive bit.Don't book airfare through Disney, get your Disney reservations all setand then book airfare, you can always change your Disney dates if you need to in order to coordinate with the cheapest airfare.Unless you plan on renting a car when you are there you will want to use Magical Express which will get you from the airport to the resort, you sign up for that when you book or you can add it later. Any more questions before you book? Oh and yes you can hold the babies on the busses, if you arent' renting a car or buying a seat for the baby on the plane I don't think you even need a car seat.
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