It never fails, does it? Here I am talking about food...again.
But this is some pretty cool news.
In case you didn't know, advanced dining reservations (ADRs) can be made online at disneyworld.com. The cool part is there is a new version in beta that is live right now.
Here are a few of the high points:
1. I can search all restaurants on any given day.
Love this function! There's nothing more sucky than having to search each restaurant individually if the first choice is not available. Plus, it tells me all the available times within the search window for my party size.
2. Larger search window.
Previously, it would only search an hour on either side of the time you wanted. So if I wanted lunch at 12 noon, it would search 11am-1pm for that date and specific restaurant. Now it searches two hours on either side. Love it.
3. A few more search parameters are available.
I can search by specific location (resort or theme park) or by cuisine/dining experience. I could search this way before, but the new setup is much more user friendly.
The only downside I've seen so far is that you can't search a range of dates like before. This was handy if one of those hard-to-get ADRs (Le Cellier, Crystal Palace, etc.) is on the must-have list. Since it's in beta, I'm hoping that people request that functionality be reinstated.
So check it out and let me know what you think.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Personalized Disney Gift Cards at disneystore.com
With the demise of Disney Dollars (sniff), I was thinking about what I could give my kids to spend in the parks.
The "well, duh" solution is to give them cash. Forgive me for wanting to be a little less mundane, but I wanted to do something a little more...well, magical.
The Disney Store sells gift cards online and in its brick-and-mortar stores, but nothing was really jazzing me. I was resigned to grabbing a plain old Mickey card when what do my eyes see but a new card category.
Well, let's look into this. I can upload a picture of whatever and have it added to the card, load it with cash, order it and it's sent off to me. And it doesn't cost me extra to use that personalized template.
I can choose to have a card carrier with a personalized note inside added to the order for $4.95 (which I think is pretty reasonable, all things considered).
Here's the important stuff: It takes 10-15 business days and you can't pay for expedited shipping. Since I'm within that time frame, I can't order these for my trip next month. But you can bet your money that I'll be ordering these for the next trip and each kid will have his/her picture from the Pirate's League on it.
One other note: This card can be used at "select" locations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. That means it won't be accepted everywhere. For example, there are probably a few unique vendors in Epcot that aren't part of the system. Just be aware that you may run into those oddball places where your card isn't accepted.
This is rock-on awesome and I can't wait to do it.
Here's the link to get the personalized card without the carrier: Personalized card with no card carrier
Here's the link to the gift card section in general where you can access the personalized template with the carrier. Gift Card Main Page
The "well, duh" solution is to give them cash. Forgive me for wanting to be a little less mundane, but I wanted to do something a little more...well, magical.
The Disney Store sells gift cards online and in its brick-and-mortar stores, but nothing was really jazzing me. I was resigned to grabbing a plain old Mickey card when what do my eyes see but a new card category.
Personalized Gift Cards!
Well, let's look into this. I can upload a picture of whatever and have it added to the card, load it with cash, order it and it's sent off to me. And it doesn't cost me extra to use that personalized template.
I can choose to have a card carrier with a personalized note inside added to the order for $4.95 (which I think is pretty reasonable, all things considered).
Here's the important stuff: It takes 10-15 business days and you can't pay for expedited shipping. Since I'm within that time frame, I can't order these for my trip next month. But you can bet your money that I'll be ordering these for the next trip and each kid will have his/her picture from the Pirate's League on it.
One other note: This card can be used at "select" locations at the Walt Disney World Resort and Disneyland Resort. That means it won't be accepted everywhere. For example, there are probably a few unique vendors in Epcot that aren't part of the system. Just be aware that you may run into those oddball places where your card isn't accepted.
This is rock-on awesome and I can't wait to do it.
Here's the link to get the personalized card without the carrier: Personalized card with no card carrier
Here's the link to the gift card section in general where you can access the personalized template with the carrier. Gift Card Main Page
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
You've Decided to Rent a Car. Now what?
You already know that I'm a huge fan of renting a car on a Disney World vacation.
But maybe this is your first foray into the world of renting and you just don't know where to go, what to do, how to get it done AND get a good deal in the process.
So here's my rental car quick reference guide:
1. Know the players in the game.
Most likely, you are flying into Orlando (MCO). Most of the big names in car rentals are right there are the airport. That means you save more time when you don't have to take a shuttle to a rental car company's lot.
I love National Car Rental. While all companies have some sort of preferred renter program, I'll take the Emerald Club over all of them. National is not always the cheapest, but I feel it's the best overall value when you add in convenience and service to the picture.
Here's the deal: With Emerald Club, you can make an Emerald Aisle reservation. What that means is you are guaranteed a midsize vehicle. But you get to select your vehicle from the Emerald Aisle which could have midsize, full size, SUVs, convertibles or minivans. And no matter what vehicle you select, you only pay that Emerald Aisle price.
Now, this wouldn't be a smart choice if you absolutely needed a minivan because you were traveling with a larger party. If that's the case, book the size you need. You still get to choose your own vehicle at National. But in this case, you'd just select from the Minivan aisle.
The other major rental car companies at MCO are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz. Each have their own preferred renter programs. Check them out and see what fits you best.
A couple tidbits of information:
*Alamo, like National, will let you select the car you want to drive. You don't get that option with all companies. If that's important to you, ask before you reserve.
* If you need the extra space of a minivan, be wary of booking with Dollar. They tend to have better prices but what's not well known is they tend to carry the shorter wheel base minivans. Like a Caravan instead of a Grand Caravan. This could make a big difference for you if you want or need that extra space in the back.
2. Check rates often
Unlike airfare, you can cancel and re-book a rental car reservation with no penalty. I often will book a vehicle and then check back on a regular basis to see if I can get a better deal.
3. Sometimes it pays to book early...
There have been times where the best deal I got on a car rental was when I booked more than six months out.
4. And sometimes it pays to book later.
More often than not, I tend to see the biggest downward movement in prices within 4-6 weeks of departure. Of course, this is all dependent on time of year, the size vehicle you are renting and a few more factors.
5. You don't have to pay to park if you are staying at a Disney Resort
I hear from people so often that a main reason they don't rent a car is because they don't want to have to pay for parking at the theme parks.
If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, you get a parking pass that gives you free parking through your departure day!
6. Getting a good deal.
Look for codes and coupons. There are a lot of resources out there. The two I usually refer to are Mousesavers and RentalCars.com.
It make take a little investment of time, but it can give you so much freedom on your vacation when you have your own wheels!
But maybe this is your first foray into the world of renting and you just don't know where to go, what to do, how to get it done AND get a good deal in the process.
So here's my rental car quick reference guide:
1. Know the players in the game.
Most likely, you are flying into Orlando (MCO). Most of the big names in car rentals are right there are the airport. That means you save more time when you don't have to take a shuttle to a rental car company's lot.
I love National Car Rental. While all companies have some sort of preferred renter program, I'll take the Emerald Club over all of them. National is not always the cheapest, but I feel it's the best overall value when you add in convenience and service to the picture.
Here's the deal: With Emerald Club, you can make an Emerald Aisle reservation. What that means is you are guaranteed a midsize vehicle. But you get to select your vehicle from the Emerald Aisle which could have midsize, full size, SUVs, convertibles or minivans. And no matter what vehicle you select, you only pay that Emerald Aisle price.
Now, this wouldn't be a smart choice if you absolutely needed a minivan because you were traveling with a larger party. If that's the case, book the size you need. You still get to choose your own vehicle at National. But in this case, you'd just select from the Minivan aisle.
The other major rental car companies at MCO are: Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise and Hertz. Each have their own preferred renter programs. Check them out and see what fits you best.
A couple tidbits of information:
*Alamo, like National, will let you select the car you want to drive. You don't get that option with all companies. If that's important to you, ask before you reserve.
* If you need the extra space of a minivan, be wary of booking with Dollar. They tend to have better prices but what's not well known is they tend to carry the shorter wheel base minivans. Like a Caravan instead of a Grand Caravan. This could make a big difference for you if you want or need that extra space in the back.
2. Check rates often
Unlike airfare, you can cancel and re-book a rental car reservation with no penalty. I often will book a vehicle and then check back on a regular basis to see if I can get a better deal.
3. Sometimes it pays to book early...
There have been times where the best deal I got on a car rental was when I booked more than six months out.
4. And sometimes it pays to book later.
More often than not, I tend to see the biggest downward movement in prices within 4-6 weeks of departure. Of course, this is all dependent on time of year, the size vehicle you are renting and a few more factors.
5. You don't have to pay to park if you are staying at a Disney Resort
I hear from people so often that a main reason they don't rent a car is because they don't want to have to pay for parking at the theme parks.
If you are staying at a Disney World Resort, you get a parking pass that gives you free parking through your departure day!
6. Getting a good deal.
Look for codes and coupons. There are a lot of resources out there. The two I usually refer to are Mousesavers and RentalCars.com.
It make take a little investment of time, but it can give you so much freedom on your vacation when you have your own wheels!
Friday, May 21, 2010
9 Disney World Cell Phone Applications
It's a given; people have cell phones. (There's a "well, duh!" statement if I ever heard one.)
With more and more people having smart phones with all the cool and funky applications, I thought I should review the applications that are out there for Disney World vacationers.
Some of these apps are open market and some are limited to certain carriers. Since I have an Android phone, I'll have more info on that than on apps for Blackberry phones or the iPhone. I'll touch on some of the details, but in the end, it's up to you, the user, to decide what works best for you when you are on your Disney World vacation.
1. Mobile Magic
This is an exclusive application from Disney. It's available only to Verizon Wireless subscribers. Users can see wait times, FastPass distribution availability as well as a digital list of events and character autograph locations. Cost: $9.99 for 180 days of use.
2. ReadyPath - Disney World.
This is an application for your Blackberry device. You can access highly interactive maps and find rides, attractions, restaurants and more. It claims you can get phone numbers for restaurants and stores and even the golf courses to get tee times. It seems relatively new and reviews are not great. YMMV. Cost: one-time fee of $4.99
3. Ride Hopper Full
This one is on my Android phone. It shows times and hours for Disney World and other parks. The nice things about this one is it's based on user submitted wait times. Cost: one-time fee of $0.99
4. WDW Maps Box Set
This is an Android application. You get maps of all four major parks. You can search for attractions, restaurants and more. You can mark what you are looking for, mark where you've been, customize your maps and it even has built-in menus for restaurants. Cost: one-time fee of $2.99
5. Disney World Lines
This is an Android application from TouringPlans.com. This is a members-only app for their subscribers that shows wait times and helps you plan for FastPasses. You can download the app for free, but the features will be limited without the subscription. I think the online subscription to be a member is $7.95 per year.
6. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Mini Guide
From the same people who bring the WDW Box Set, they have an app just for MK. Cost: one-time fee of $0.99
Since I'm not an iPhone user, I can't see everything that an iPhone user can get nor can I see prices.
The following are iPhone apps:
7. Walt Disney World Maps
Use the GPS in your phone to find your way around the parks.
8. Walt Disney World Dining
See what restaurants are available in each park and what the prices are. This app also has the phone number to make dining reservations.
9. Walt Disney World Wait Times
Check current wait times as posted by other iPhone users.
I'm sure there are other choices out there based on the type of phone and carrier that you have. Do some research and find out if there are any apps that will fit with the way you like to vacation.
With more and more people having smart phones with all the cool and funky applications, I thought I should review the applications that are out there for Disney World vacationers.
Some of these apps are open market and some are limited to certain carriers. Since I have an Android phone, I'll have more info on that than on apps for Blackberry phones or the iPhone. I'll touch on some of the details, but in the end, it's up to you, the user, to decide what works best for you when you are on your Disney World vacation.
1. Mobile Magic
This is an exclusive application from Disney. It's available only to Verizon Wireless subscribers. Users can see wait times, FastPass distribution availability as well as a digital list of events and character autograph locations. Cost: $9.99 for 180 days of use.
2. ReadyPath - Disney World.
This is an application for your Blackberry device. You can access highly interactive maps and find rides, attractions, restaurants and more. It claims you can get phone numbers for restaurants and stores and even the golf courses to get tee times. It seems relatively new and reviews are not great. YMMV. Cost: one-time fee of $4.99
3. Ride Hopper Full
This one is on my Android phone. It shows times and hours for Disney World and other parks. The nice things about this one is it's based on user submitted wait times. Cost: one-time fee of $0.99
4. WDW Maps Box Set
This is an Android application. You get maps of all four major parks. You can search for attractions, restaurants and more. You can mark what you are looking for, mark where you've been, customize your maps and it even has built-in menus for restaurants. Cost: one-time fee of $2.99
5. Disney World Lines
This is an Android application from TouringPlans.com. This is a members-only app for their subscribers that shows wait times and helps you plan for FastPasses. You can download the app for free, but the features will be limited without the subscription. I think the online subscription to be a member is $7.95 per year.
6. Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom Mini Guide
From the same people who bring the WDW Box Set, they have an app just for MK. Cost: one-time fee of $0.99
Since I'm not an iPhone user, I can't see everything that an iPhone user can get nor can I see prices.
The following are iPhone apps:
7. Walt Disney World Maps
Use the GPS in your phone to find your way around the parks.
8. Walt Disney World Dining
See what restaurants are available in each park and what the prices are. This app also has the phone number to make dining reservations.
9. Walt Disney World Wait Times
Check current wait times as posted by other iPhone users.
I'm sure there are other choices out there based on the type of phone and carrier that you have. Do some research and find out if there are any apps that will fit with the way you like to vacation.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Freebies at Walt Disney World - Part 2
I'm a bargain hunter just like everyone else. It's nice to find some free options when I'm on vacation. I'm sure you feel the same way.
Here are a few more to consider on your next visit:
1. Free Movies.
Fort Wilderness has a campfire program where they roast marshmallows and make s'mores followed by a movie on a large outdoor screen. You can bring your own marshmallows, buy the kits at the General Store or bring your own snacks if you like. This is open to all Disney Resort Guests.
2. Visit Downtown Disney
This might seem obvious, but sometimes the obvious needs to be stated. It doesn't cost you anything to do to Downtown Disney and walk around. Your kids can do some creating at the Lego Store. Ghirardelli tends to give away small pieces of chocolate. You can even take the boat down to Old Key West or Port Orleans. Bottom line - there are a lot of free options here.
3. Tour Wilderness Lodge
Inquire at Guest Services about their guided tours. You can ask about the Hidden Mickey Hunt as well. Guest Services should have a list for you to work with.
4. Discovery Club Passport at Animal Kingdom.
This is at the park, not the resort. You can get the passport and head to the different learning stations throughout the park. Each time you finish a station, you get a stamp. When it's all done, you have a cool. educational memento to take home.
That's all for today. I'm sure I'll re-visit this subject later on!
Here are a few more to consider on your next visit:
1. Free Movies.
Fort Wilderness has a campfire program where they roast marshmallows and make s'mores followed by a movie on a large outdoor screen. You can bring your own marshmallows, buy the kits at the General Store or bring your own snacks if you like. This is open to all Disney Resort Guests.
2. Visit Downtown Disney
This might seem obvious, but sometimes the obvious needs to be stated. It doesn't cost you anything to do to Downtown Disney and walk around. Your kids can do some creating at the Lego Store. Ghirardelli tends to give away small pieces of chocolate. You can even take the boat down to Old Key West or Port Orleans. Bottom line - there are a lot of free options here.
3. Tour Wilderness Lodge
Inquire at Guest Services about their guided tours. You can ask about the Hidden Mickey Hunt as well. Guest Services should have a list for you to work with.
4. Discovery Club Passport at Animal Kingdom.
This is at the park, not the resort. You can get the passport and head to the different learning stations throughout the park. Each time you finish a station, you get a stamp. When it's all done, you have a cool. educational memento to take home.
That's all for today. I'm sure I'll re-visit this subject later on!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Rumor: Le Cellier to become Signature Restaurant
I always seem to come back to food. I can't help it; dining at Disney is part of my vacation.
This rumor hit a couple of discussion boards in the last few days.
It seems that the staff at Le Cellier has been told they will re-categorize as a Signature restaurant as early as fall of 2010 or early 2011.
What does that mean for the average Disney vacationer?
The obvious one is an increase in price. Given the huge following Le Cellier seems to have, this might make it easier for those who've yet to experience it to acquire that oh-so-hard-to-get ADR. But it will set you back a bit more, either in cash or in dining credits.
Le Cellier will probably re-vamp its menu to make it more unique. This would put it in line with other Signature locations which tend to offer a more specialized menu.
Given that Signature locations tend to be more intimate and quiet, it's also possible that seating would be shifted around to accommodate fewer tables and that a Resort Casual dress code would be put in place.
What do I think? I think it's not just possible, but highly probable.
Le Cellier is very popular. Demand for seats at this restaurant vastly outweigh supply. Make it a Signature and raise the prices will make Disney more money and probably not affect demand significantly.
Don't worry about having fewer one credit choices at Epcot. We have those two new restaurants coming online shortly. Well, one new and one refreshed option. Cantina de San Angel will open later this year with more space, especially for outdoor dining. And the new restaurant in the Italy pavilion, Via Napoli Pizzeria, will certainly draw in crowds with its pizza.
Stay tuned! We'll see how this all plays out.
This rumor hit a couple of discussion boards in the last few days.
It seems that the staff at Le Cellier has been told they will re-categorize as a Signature restaurant as early as fall of 2010 or early 2011.
What does that mean for the average Disney vacationer?
The obvious one is an increase in price. Given the huge following Le Cellier seems to have, this might make it easier for those who've yet to experience it to acquire that oh-so-hard-to-get ADR. But it will set you back a bit more, either in cash or in dining credits.
Le Cellier will probably re-vamp its menu to make it more unique. This would put it in line with other Signature locations which tend to offer a more specialized menu.
Given that Signature locations tend to be more intimate and quiet, it's also possible that seating would be shifted around to accommodate fewer tables and that a Resort Casual dress code would be put in place.
What do I think? I think it's not just possible, but highly probable.
Le Cellier is very popular. Demand for seats at this restaurant vastly outweigh supply. Make it a Signature and raise the prices will make Disney more money and probably not affect demand significantly.
Don't worry about having fewer one credit choices at Epcot. We have those two new restaurants coming online shortly. Well, one new and one refreshed option. Cantina de San Angel will open later this year with more space, especially for outdoor dining. And the new restaurant in the Italy pavilion, Via Napoli Pizzeria, will certainly draw in crowds with its pizza.
Stay tuned! We'll see how this all plays out.
Friday, May 14, 2010
Star Wars Weekends!
Did I mention that we like Star Wars here at my house?
Photo Courtesy of Disney(C)
Photo Courtesy of Disney(C)
The Star Wars bug is firmly entrenched in this family. Seriously.
It's so bad that Liam Neeson doesn't have a real name in my house. My son, who's 14, saw a commercial for some movie Mr. Neeson is in and said, "Hey, Qui Gon Jinn is in that movie. Let's go see it."
We all love Star Wars Weekends.
I'm so excited to see our new droid, R2-MK, with Jedi Mickey. How cute is that?
Some of you may be wondering, "What is the big deal?" or you may just not be up for rubbing elbows with the Rebel Alliance and the Evil Empire.
I could go on and on about why this is such a fun event, but in the interests of time, I'll leave you with a few items to peruse:
and a YouTube video that shows you why you want to be at Disney's Hollywood Studios well before opening to see what I refer to as "The Stormtrooper Show. It's nine minutes long and totally worth it.
I'll be there later in June!
Have a great day!
I'll be there later in June!
Have a great day!
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