Magical Kingdoms Disney Blog

WALT DISNEY WORLD

Candlelight Processional
Angela Bassett & Courtney Vance have been added to the schedule of celebrity narrators for the upcoming Candlelight Processional at Epcot. Bassett is to provide the voice of Eudora in Disney’s upcoming animation “The Princess and the Frog” due for release in December 2009.
See the updated schedule here.

Dining Reservation System Delay
It looks like there are some teething problems with the new dining reservation system that Disney is implementing. While the system was being set up, guests were supposedly only able to book ADRs up to January 25, 2009. However, we now hear that Disney is allowing guests to book ADRs through February 22, 2009. That date may change again, unless they fix the problems and launch the new system during October as previously expected.

Toy Story Mania singles
There will apparently no longer be a single rider line for Toy Story Mania, so all you single riders will have to join the queue with the rest of them!

Predicted Pirate and Princess Party dates
Disney are yet to release dates for next year’s Pirate and Princess Parties, but I’ve taken a look into my crystal ball and predict the following dates:
January - none
February - 20, 27
March - 8, 12, 20, 27
Remember, these aren’t official by any means, I could be right, I could be totally wrong!

Le Cellier Steakhouse trial
Le Cellier Steakhouse in Epcot are trialing a new option for those on the Disney Dining Plan. Instead of the usual entree & dessert, diners can opt for an appetizer, entree and dessert from a set, limited-choice menu.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE

Cruisin’ to the Baltics?
Rumour has it that Disney Cruise Line plan to sail to the Baltics in 2010. Strengthened by the appearance of the Disney Magic’s name being listed on the Copenhagen port schedule for June 2010 (later removed after being made public). Along with Copenhagen, Oslo has also been touted as a possible port of call.
So where else might the ship stop off at? Other cruise lines’ ports of call include St. Petersburg in Russia, Gothenburg & Stockholm in Sweden, and Helsinki in Finland.
2010 itineraries are said to be released on October 7, so watch this space!

Magic in dry dock
The Disney Magic is now in dry dock until September 24, where she will undergo a series of upgrades. These include upgrades to Quiet Cove, the adults only area, with cascading waterfalls coming from the two hot tubs; “Mickey’s Splash Zone,” a new toddler water playground inspired by Fantasia’s Sorcerer’s Apprentice; and new 22-inch flat-screen LCD television sets installed in each stateroom. Full story here.

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I want to apologize for not keeping up with this blog while on the cruise but the internet connection was sooo slow at times that it was hard to write anything at length.

 Our flight was at 6:50am our of New Jersey to LAX. Now I am an advocate of arriving a day prior to your cruise start date but due to hubby’s work we couldn’t go out until the day of the cruise. We took the earliest flight available and hoped for the best. A few days before the cruise I started to get the clothes together and on Friday we completed the packing. I never thought I would get to it as work was very busy that week, which I am happy about, but it didn’t leave much time for really getting ready to go 

Of course we ended up overpacking. I really only packed for 7 days and figured we would do laundry in the middle but we ended up doing laundry a few times and didn’t end up needed as much as we took

 We arrived at EWR airport at about 5:20am and settled into the President’s club (Continental) for quiet lounge time before our flight. I was suprised at how many people were already in the lounge when we arrived.

 We had decided to fly first class and purchased our tickets about 11 months in advance. It was so nice to be on a 6 hour flight with comfortable seats. Our flight was uneventful and arrived into LAX at 9:30 am. We had a private car transfer meet us and we stopped at Costco on the way to get a case of water to take onboard with us. We wer able to buy 36 bottles of water for $5 instead of the $40 that DCL charges for a case of 24. We also picked up some candy that I was using in gift bags that I was making up for clients sailing and for our servers and stateroom hosts

 We arrived at the terminal about 10:30am and it was packed already. Our boarding number was 17. We waited in line to get our room keys and then went and had a seat in the lounge while waiting for our boarding number to be called. I think in all we waited about 30 minutes. Our room wasn’t ready yet and we went to have lunch in Parrot Cay, the restaurant had a wait but I didn’t want search for a table at topsiders so we waited for a few minutes while others finished their lunch

 By the time we were done with lunch our room was ready and we went to check it out and see if any of our suitcases had arrived. One had and we started unpacking. We had all of our luggage by 4pm and soon we were getting ready for our early dinner seating at 6pm

We had packed some wine to bring onboard with us, all except one bottle made it safe and sound. One was broken but it had to do with the TSA opening the bag and shifting everything around. If the bag hadn’t been open the bottles wouldn’t have broken as they were nestled in layers of bubble wrap. At least it wasn’t the expensive bottle

Our server was Rodel with the assistance of Natasha. They were extremely nice and efficient. The first night is always a little slow with them getting to know the passengers and their drink preferences but everything came out in a timely manner.

I should have written down what we had each evening but I didn’t because I was planning on listing it here nightly. I do have to say that with the exception of one item the food was very good. The one item I didn’t enjoy didn’t have anything to do with the way it was prepare it had to do with a flavor that I didn’t care for that was in it.

We really wanted to go to the welcome aboard show but we were so tired from being up at 4am and now it was 7pm pacific time (10pm eastern time for us) that we all crashed. Even the kids didn’t make it to the first night meet at the clubs which they really wanted to do

 More to come…

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Wristbands Removed for EMH

WDW Resort guests attending evening Extra Magic Hours will no longer have to go through the rigmarole of queuing for an EMH wristband as Disney have confirmed the system has been scrapped with immediate effect. Instead, guests will be required to produce their “Key to the World” room keys or any other valid resort ID to cast members before riding the attractions.

FWC Gets some TLC

Disney’s Fort Wilderness campground has commenced its extensive upgrading of the resort area and the amenities therein.
Improvements include the addition of supersize RV/Camper bays (to accommodate even the largest of motor homes), cable TV and internet availablility, a mini water park, a specialist dog park, cart rental refinements and the introduction of a guided Segway Tour around the resort’s grounds.
With Fort Wilderness joining the ranks of Disney’s ’moderate’ class resorts recently, perhaps these changes are an effort to bring the campground’s facilities into line with the likes of Disney’s Caribbean and Port Orleans Resorts, thus justifying the change.
Read more on this story here.

Toy Story 3

Jodi Benson, who provided the voice of Ariel in Disney’s Little Mermaid, has revealed that she will be starring in Toy Story 3 as the voice of Barbie. Michael Keaton is to provide the voice of Barbie’s other half, Ken in the much-anticipated film.
Set to open on June 18, 2010 the movie will see Woody and his toy-box friends dumped in a day-care center after their owner, Andy, leaves for college.

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Following on from my last article, here I’ll look at whether the full dining plan is worth paying extra for.

What does the standard dining plan include?

Per package, per night, each guest is entitled to:

1 Table Service Meal -
Full buffet & non-alcoholic beverage
OR 
Entree, non-alcoholic beverage & dessert (except at breakfast)

1 Quick Service Meal -
One entrée OR one complete Combo Meal
One dessert (Lunch or Dinner) or one juice (Breakfast)
One single serving non-alcoholic beverage

 1 Snack -
Choose from:
 - Frozen ice-cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
 - Box of popcorn
 - Single serving grab bag of Frito-Lay’s chips
 - One 20oz bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dansani water
 - Single piece whole fruit
 - Medium fountain soft drink or apple juice

 The package costs $39.99 extra per person, per night.

This time, for the purpose of this article we’ll imagine you’re on a 7 day visit to Disney World. 

Day 1 - Magic Kingdom

~ Morning snack from The Lunching Pad at Rockettower Plaza
Sweet Cream Cheese Pretzel - $3.79  

~ Lunch is at Cosmic Ray’s Starlight Cafe 
Bacon Double Cheeseburger - $7.59
Triple Chocolate Cake - $3.59
Minute Maid Orange Juice - $2.39

~ Dinner - Your little Princess is desperate to eat in the Castle and meet Cinderella, so you’re using two of your table service credits to eat at the Cinderella’s Royal Table “Dreams Come True” Dinner.
Cost = $40.99

TOTAL = $58.35

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

As you used two table service credits for yesterday’s dinner you only have a quick service and snack credit to use today.

~ Lunch is from Pizzafari
Hot Italian Style Sandwich with Chips - $7.09
Apple Pie - $3.59
Coca-Cola  - $2.39

~ Afternoon snack is from Tamu Tamu Refreshments
Carrot Cake - $3.59

TOTAL = $16.66

Day 3 - Epcot

~ Breakfast is at Animal Kingdom Lodge’s Boma
$16.99

~ Afternoon snack from the Electric Umbrella
French Fries w/cheese sauce - $2.89

~ Dinner is from Liberty Inn
Bacon Double Cheeseburger - $7.59
Mickey’s Crisped Rice Treat - $2.69
Minute Maid Apple Juice - $2.39

TOTAL = $32.55

Day 4 - Blizzard Beach

~ Lunch is from Avalunch
Turkey Club Wrap - $6.69
Itzakadoozie - $2.39
Sprite - $2.09

~ Afternoon snack from The Warming Hut
King Size Chips - $2.39

Then it’s back to the resort to get freshened up for dinner…

~ Dinner is at ‘Ohana at Polynesian Resort
$26.99

TOTAL = $40.55

Day 5 - Disney’s Hollywood Studios

~ mid-morning you get thirsty and grab a drink from Toluca Legs Turkey Co.
Nestea Iced Tea - $2.39

~ Lunch is at Toy Story Pizza Planet
Woody’s Meal Deal - $8.09
Chocolate Chip Cookie - $1.89
Minute Maid Lemonade - $2.39

~ Dinner at 50’s Prime Time Cafe
Golden Fried Chicken - $14.99
S’mores - $4.79
Chocolate Milk - $2.00

TOTAL = $36.54

Day 6 - Magic Kingdom

~ Breakfast is with the characters at Crystal Palace
$18.99

~ Lunch is from El Pirata y el Perico Restaurante
Beef Taco  - $5.99
Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bar - $3.29
Diet Coke - $2.39

~ Afternoon snack is from Aloha Isle
Dole Whip Soft Serve - $2.89

TOTAL = $33.55

Day 7 - Epcot

~ Mid-morning snack is from Kringle Bakeri og Kafe in Norway
Waffle - $2.49  

~ Lunch is at Sommerfest in Germany
Bratwurst - $6.39
Apple Strudel with Vanilla Sauce - $3.59
Dasani Bottled Water - $2.00

~ Dinner is at Rose and Crown Pub & Dining Room in United Kingdom
Bangers and Mash - $15.99
Baileys Irish Coffee Trifle - $5.99
Espresso  - $3.19

TOTAL = $39.64

Is it worth buying the full dining plan?

For this comparison I’ve tried to choose a variety of different menu items, and have also used two table service credits for one character meal at Cinderella’s Royal Table. Two table service credits can also be used to get one private dining meal, or a dinner show, which I haven’t looked at here.

The total for the above 7 day’s worth of meals = $257.84

Disney Dining Plan would have cost = $279.93

So, as you can see you’d be paying $22.09 more for the dining plan than you would have spent on meals, making it better value without the dining plan. Maybe if you used your table service credits differently, and bought the most expensive thing on the menu at every place, you’d come out on top, but I doubt you’ll save a huge amount by purchasing the dining plan, whichever way you look at it.

If you can get the dining plan free on one of the promotions run by Disney, then you’ll be laughing, otherwise I’d recommend not bothering.

(Prices shown for comparison purpose only, and may have changed since data was gathered.)

© 2008 Magicalkingdoms.com

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The Magic Your Way Package plus Quick Service Dining is new for 2009, following on from the success of the standard Dining plan. One question I hear asked a lot is if it’s worth paying extra for the dining plan. That’s what I hope to answer with this article.

What does the Quick Service Dining plan include? 

Per package, per night, each guest is entitled to:

2 Quick Service Meals - 
One entrée OR one complete Combo Meal
One dessert (Lunch or Dinner) or one juice (Breakfast)
One single serving non-alcoholic beverage

2 Snacks -
Choose from:
 - Frozen ice-cream novelty, popsicle or fruit bar
 - Box of popcorn
 - Single serving grab bag of Frito-Lay’s chips
 - One 20oz bottle of Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite or Dansani water
 - Single piece whole fruit
 - Medium fountain soft drink or apple juice

Resort Refillable Drink Mug -
1 per person, per package

The package costs $29.99 extra per person, per night.

For the purpose of this article we’ll imagine you’re on a 4 day visit to Disney World. 

Day 1 - Magic Kingdom

~ Mid-morning snack is a piece of fruit from Liberty Square Market
Green Apples - $1.06

~ Lunch is from Columbia Harbor House
Fried Fish Basket - $7.09
Chocolate Cake - $3.59
Minute Maid Orange Juice - $2.39

~ Mid-afternoon it’s quite warm and you fancy a nice cool Mickey Bar ice cream from one of the ice cream carts
Mickey Bar - $2.50

~ Dinner is at Pinocchio Village Haus
Pizza Combo Meal Pepperoni - $8.09
Strawberry Shortcake - $3.59
Coke - $2.39

TODAY’S TOTAL = $30.70

Day 2 - Animal Kingdom

~ Breakfast is at your hotel, Sassagoula Floatworks at Port Orleans French Quarter
Ham and Cheese Omelet - $6.49
Minute Maid Orange Juice - $2.39
Espresso - $2.69

~ Lunch is from Flame Tree BBQ
Smoked Turkey Breast Sandwich - $7.29
Key Lime Pie - $3.59
Sprite - $2.39

~ Afternoon snacks are from Tamu Tamu Refreshments and Safari Popcorn
Chocolate Milk Shake - $3.69
Popcorn - $2.59

TODAY’S TOTAL = $31.12

Day 3 - Disney’s Hollywood Studios 

~ Mid-morning snack is from Min and Bill’s Dockside Diner
Apple Cinnamon Stuffed Dessert Pretzel - $3.79

~ Lunch is from ABC Commissary
Chicken Curry - $6.49
Chocolate Mousse - $3.59
Fanta - $2.39

~ Afternoon you cool down with one of Peevy’s Frozen Concoctions   
Fanta Blue Raspberry - $3.29

~ Dinner is at Rosie’s All American Cafe
Double Cheeseburger - $7.09
Chocolate Cake - $3.59
Minute Maid Orange Juice - $2.39

TODAY’S TOTAL = $32.62

Day 4 - Epcot

~ Breakfast is at Sunshine Seasons
Adult Breakfast Platter - $6.29
Apple Juice - $2.39
Hot Tea - $1.89

~ Lunch is from the popular Yorkshire County Fish Shop in the UK pavilion
Fish & Chips - $7.99
Shortbread - $1.69
Minute Maid Lemonade - $2.09

~ Mid-afternoon you’re tempted into Kringla Bakeri og Kafe in Norway
Rice Cream - $2.29

~ That makes you thirsty so you get a bottle of water from Cantina de San Angel
Dasani Bottled Water - $2.00

TODAY’S TOTAL = $26.63

Refillable mug - $12.49

So is it worth buying the QS dining plan?

For this comparison I’ve tried to choose a variety of different menu items, not necessarily the most expensive. Everyone’s tastes vary and each person will use their dining plan entitlements differently to the next person.

The total for meals on all 4 days, including the refillable mug = $133.56

QS dining plan for 4 days/nights would have cost = $119.96

So for this example you would come out $13.60 better off.

Obviously if you do your research in advance, plan where to eat to get the best value, and order the most expensive items on the menu, you can really get your money’s worth from the QS plan.

If you’re not a big eater, or prefer to eat at least one meal a day at a table service restaurant, the QS dining plan probably isn’t for you.

If you can get one of the free dining plan packages (one for UK guests has just become available) then it’s even better!

Happy eating!

(Prices shown for comparison purpose only, and may have changed since data was gathered.)

© 2008 Magicalkingdoms.com

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